How to Decode the Many Harley Davidson Acronyms, Models, Codes, & Styles

Harley Davidson has A LOT of models, acronyms, and different style bikes which can lead to plenty of confusion. We lay it all out here to help clarify some of the perplexity surrounding Harley's Model abbreviations and aid you in better understanding some of HD's frequently used names, acronyms and styles.

In the world of two-wheel moto vehicles, a Harley is not simply just a "Harley".  The world's most dominant motorcycle brand identifies five general categories - Softail, V-Rod, Dyna, Touring, and Sportster. Each category has a set of features that makes them unique. Once inside each category, however, there's plenty of variety!

It is worth noting where you might find them on your specific bike. Depending on whether or not your bike has any aftermarket Harley parts on it, you can usually find the name on the breather, however some Touring & Softail Models may have the name on the front fender as well.

As a general rule when it comes to Harley abbreviations the following three standards apply:

1st Letter signifies the engine series.

G = Servicar three wheeler, 1937 to 1972
E = Overhead valve 61 cubic inch "big twin" (Engine and trans separated)

F = Overhead valve "Big Twin"

K = Side valve 45 and 55 cubic inch sports bike that replaced the WL in 1953 and was replaced by the Sportster® in 1957.

U = Side valve "big twin"

V - Side valve 74 cubic inch 1930-36

W - Side valve 45 cubic inch made 1937 to 1952
X = Sports and Special Construction
V = Revolution Motor

2nd Letter: Identifies the front end size
*This excludes the Sportster & V-Rod Models

L = Wide front tire and Hydra-Glide style front forks
X = Narrow Tire and Sport Forks

3rd Letter: Designates the frame style.
*This is where you can differentiate between a Touring, Softail, or Dyna Model

H/T = Highway/Touring Frame
ST = Softail Frame
D = Dyna Frame

Any additional letter indicates features that may accompany that particular bike family. This is usually where the confusion occurs since Harley tends to use the same letter to designate different features of a bike.

Touring Models

Starting at the top, the Touring models are the largest model bike Harley offers.  Considered the modern day Granddaddy of the Harley Family, Touring Models generally feature saddlebags, larger storing capacity, as well as extra room to accommodate those long road trips. They are also great for riders who plan to travel two-up (with a passenger) with regularity and need a bit of extra room for their passenger. This family includes the Road King, Electra Glide and the Street Glide, etc.

Softail Models

Next in line, the Softail Models. Harley's Softail lineup offers the traditional hard-tail look with the benefits of a more forgiving, yet hidden suspension system. For riders who prioritize comfort or who simply need a bike that will have more 'give' over bumps in the road, the Softail is an excellent choice. This is also a great choice for riders who like to ride solo or two-up.

2018-Up Softail Models

For 2018 Harley-Davidson introduced the brand-new Softail platform. Based on a Mono-shock design, the new Softail is Harley's new platform.

Dyna/FX Models

The Dyna Model was first introduced in the early 1990's and offers a big-twin engine with trademark Harley style. While the suspension is hidden on the Softail models, the Dyna is easily distinguished by its traditional exposed coil suspension. Compared to the Sportster Models, the Dyna is distinguishable by virtue of its larger engine and (in some cases) slightly larger gas tanks.

Sportster Models

The Harley Sportster Models are a smaller size bike in the Harley family and offer great versatility for either solo or two-up riding. Sportsters are offered with two motor size options - either 883cc or 1200cc.

V-Rod Models

Perhaps the most unique model in Harley's lineup, the V-Rod's feature a distinct engine that was developed jointly with Porsche. The V-Rod Models are power packed with a Revolution Engine that utilizes overhead cams and liquid cooling.

Other Models

Harley rounds out their lineup with trikes and their new Street Bike series as they continue to expand into new markets - offering a bike or trike for just about anyone on the road.

and there you have it, you are now able to decipher the many Harley acronyms and have now graduated to become a Harley Davidson expert!  Safe Travels!