Harley-Davidson’s 2016 lineup covered roughly 35 models across six families: Sportster, Dyna, Softail, Touring, Street, and CVO. Most coverage from that year repeated the press release. This guide skips that and sorts the lineup the way a used-bike shopper needs it: what each family is, which engine it carries, and who it suits a decade later.
Contents
- The 2016 lineup at a glance
- What was new for 2016
- Sportster
- Dyna
- Softail
- Touring
- Street 500 and 750
- CVO
- Buying a 2016 Harley in 2026
- Summary
The 2016 lineup at a glance
| Family | Key models | Engine | Displacement | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportster | Iron 883, SuperLow, Forty-Eight, Seventy-Two, 1200 Custom, Roadster | Evolution | 883 / 1200 cc | First Harley, city riding |
| Dyna | Street Bob, Low Rider, Low Rider S, Fat Bob, Wide Glide, Switchback | Twin Cam 103 (110 on the S) | 1690 / 1801 cc | Solo riders who want a classic cruiser |
| Softail | Fat Boy, Fat Boy S, Softail Slim, Slim S, Heritage Classic, Deluxe, Breakout | Twin Cam 103 (110 on S models) | 1690 / 1801 cc | Style first, short and mid rides |
| Touring | Road King, Street Glide, Road Glide, Ultra Limited, Electra Glide Ultra Classic | Twin Cam 103 | 1690 cc | Long distance, two-up |
| Street | Street 500, Street 750 | Revolution X (liquid-cooled) | 494 / 749 cc | Beginners, lightweight commuting |
| CVO | CVO Limited, CVO Road Glide Ultra, CVO Street Glide, CVO Pro Street Breakout | Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 | 1801 cc | Collectors, buyers who want the top spec |
The family list is the reliable part. Individual trims shifted from year to year, so confirm a specific bike by its VIN and model code, not by a nickname.
What was new for 2016
Three changes defined the year.
The S Series. The Fat Boy S, Softail Slim S, and Low Rider S carried the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 as a factory engine. Harley sold a 110 as a performance part before. In 2016 it came with a warranty, in a dark, stripped-down package.
More Dark Custom. The blacked-out look spread across Sportster, Dyna, and Softail models: black engines, black wheels, minimal chrome. It is the most recognizable visual theme of the year.
The Roadster. The Sportster Roadster brought a sportier riding position, upgraded suspension, and the 1200 engine to a family that had mostly been about low seats and short travel.
Sportster
The Sportster is the entry point. Both the 883 and the 1200 use the air-cooled Evolution V-twin, and the design dates back decades, which is part of its appeal. Parts are everywhere and every independent shop knows the engine.
- Iron 883. The cheapest way into the brand. Slim, black, easy to handle. Verdict: the best first Harley, but you’ll feel the lack of power on the highway.
- SuperLow. A low seat and a small frame. Verdict: the pick for shorter riders.
- Forty-Eight. The peanut tank and fat front tire give it the strongest look in the family. The tank holds just over two gallons, so the range is short. Verdict: a city bike with attitude.
- Seventy-Two. A chopper-inspired version with a flake finish and a sissy bar. Verdict: for people who want the style more than the ride.
- 1200 Custom and Roadster. The 1200 engine adds real passing power. The Roadster is the better handler. Verdict: the Roadster is the most underrated bike in the lineup.
Dyna
The Dyna was on its way out. Harley retired the platform after the 2017 model year and moved the family to the new Softail frame, which makes 2016 one of the last years to buy one.
The Dyna’s appeal is the Twin Cam 103 in a rubber-mounted frame that handles better than a Softail. The Street Bob is the minimalist’s choice. The Fat Bob has the dual headlights and a tough stance. The Low Rider S, with the 110 engine, is the quickest bike in the family. The Wide Glide and Switchback round out the options, the latter with removable saddlebags and a windshield for light touring.
Verdict: the best handling of the big cruisers, and the family most likely to hold its value because it no longer exists.
Softail
Softails hide the rear shocks under the frame to mimic the look of an old hardtail. The result is a clean silhouette and a stiffer ride than the Dynas.
- Fat Boy and Fat Boy S. Solid disc wheels and a heavy stance. The S adds the 110 engine and a darker finish. Verdict: the iconic one. Heavy, but the 110 makes it worth it.
- Softail Slim and Slim S. A throwback, with a thin front end and a skinny tank. Verdict: the best looking of the Softails, and the S is the one to hold out for.
- Heritage Classic. Windshield, leather bags, and whitewall tires. Verdict: the best Softail for longer rides.
- Deluxe. Whitewalls and chrome, in a more elegant package than the Heritage. Verdict: for people who want vintage style with few compromises.
- Breakout. Stretched out and low, with a fat rear tire. Verdict: for looks, not for corners.
Touring
The touring family is where Harley makes most of its money. Every bike here uses the Twin Cam 103 and a frame built for long days. Cruise control was standard across the range for 2016, according to Harley’s own launch information.
- Road King. A classic, with a windshield you can unclip and no fairing. Verdict: the pure choice for riders who want an open ride.
- Street Glide and Street Glide Special. The batwing fairing is fixed to the frame, which keeps it steady in crosswinds. Verdict: the bike most people picture when they hear “Harley”.
- Road Glide and Road Glide Special. The shark-nose fairing is mounted to the frame, so the bars move without the fairing. Verdict: the stable highway option.
- Electra Glide Ultra Classic and Ultra Limited. Tall windshield, a trunk, and the full infotainment suite on the Limited. Verdict: the best for two-up touring, and the heaviest to push around the garage.
- Freewheeler and Tri Glide. Three-wheeled versions. Verdict: a different buyer entirely, often riders with physical limits.
Street 500 and 750
Harley’s liquid-cooled entry bikes used the Revolution X engine. The Street 750 makes the most of its 749 cc, with easy handling and a light feel. The Street 500 is smaller and slower, and it is the one most buyers outgrow within a season.
Verdict: the Street 750 is a fair beginner bike, but the used-market discounts are modest because a Sportster 883 costs about the same and holds more resale appeal for some buyers. For tight-city riding, the 750 is better.
CVO
The Custom Vehicle Operations bikes are factory customs built in small numbers, with the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110, special paint, upgraded audio, and unique wheels. The 2016 CVO line included the Limited, the Road Glide Ultra, the Street Glide, and the Pro Street Breakout.
Verdict: these are the models to buy if you want the rarest and best-equipped 2016s. Expect to pay far more than for the standard version, and check that the paint and electronics are in good shape, since those are what you’re paying for.
Buying a 2016 Harley in 2026
At ten years old, a 2016 Harley is in the sweet spot where most of the depreciation has already happened and the parts supply is still deep. A few practical points.
Prices. Rough used ranges depend heavily on mileage, condition, and region: Sportsters and Street models often sit lowest, Dynas and Softails in the middle, Touring bikes higher, and CVOs highest. Check current listings and a recent sold-price source before negotiating.
Known weak spots. The Twin Cam engines used on Dynas, Softails, and Touring bikes had a reputation for cam chain tensioner wear, so ask for service records and listen for a rattle at idle. On Touring models, check the infotainment system and the clutch. On Sportsters, look for oil seepage around the primary cover.
Recalls. Look up the VIN in the NHTSA recall database to confirm that every open recall was handled.
ABS. If you ride in the rain a lot, an ABS-equipped bike is worth the premium. The IIHS motorcycle research covers how much that safety feature matters, and ABS availability varied by model in 2016.
Inspection. Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop, not the seller’s.
Summary
The 2016 Harley-Davidson lineup is a good snapshot of the company in its last air-cooled-heavy years, and the right bike depends on how you ride:
- First bike, low budget: Iron 883 or Street 750.
- City style: Forty-Eight or Softail Slim S.
- Best handling cruiser: Dyna Low Rider S, before the family disappears from the used market.
- Long distance: Street Glide, Road Glide, or Ultra Limited.
- Collector’s pick: any CVO model in clean condition.
Whichever 2016 Harley-Davidson model you choose, buy the service history first and the bike second.
Sarah Thornton
More from Sarah ThorntonHow we reviewed this article
This article was researched against manufacturer records and editorially reviewed before publishing. We accept no payment for coverage. Some guides contain affiliate links; see our affiliate disclosure.
