Harley-Davidson, the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer, has unveiled plans for a game-changing entry-level motorcycle, the Sprint, set to launch in 2026 with a starting price below £4,500 ($6,000).
Announced during the company's Q2 2025 earnings call, the Sprint aims to attract younger riders and expand Harley's global reach in the competitive cruiser market.
Chief Executive Officer Jochen Zeitz described the bike as a bold move to make the brand more accessible, reigniting interest in a company long associated with premium, high-cost motorcycles.
As the industry buzzes, the Sprint's low price and heritage-inspired design raise questions about its potential to reshape Harley-Davidson's future.
A New Era for Entry-Level Riders
The Sprint, inspired by Harley-Davidson's 1960s Aermacchi-era Sprint, is a small-displacement cruiser designed for affordability and accessibility.
Zeitz confirmed the bike, alongside another unnamed entry-level cruiser, will debut at Harley's dealer meeting in October 2025, with a likely public reveal at EICMA in November.
'Inspired by our heritage and the spirit of the iconic Harley-Davidson Sprint motorcycle, this new bike embodies boldness, irreverence and fun,' Zeitz said during the earnings call.
Unlike past entry-level attempts like the Street 750 and 500, which Zeitz noted were unprofitable, the Sprint has been in development since 2021 to achieve a profitable margin.
Priced below £4,500 ($6,000), it undercuts Harley's current cheapest model, the Nightster, at £7,500 ($9,945), making it a direct competitor to affordable cruisers like the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Triumph Speed 400.
The Sprint targets younger riders and emerging markets, aiming to rebuild Harley's presence in segments it has struggled to penetrate profitably.
Strategic Shift Amid Market Challenges
Harley-Davidson's move comes as the company faces declining sales, with a 7% drop in global motorcycle sales in 2024 compared to 2023, according to its year-end financial report.
The Sprint is part of a broader strategy to boost accessibility and attract new riders who may eventually trade up to premium models like the £34,500 ($46,000) CVO Street Glide.
Zeitz emphasised, 'We believe that how we've engineered this product, it will be profitable,' highlighting lessons learned from past failures like the Street series, which struggled in the U.S. despite use in rider training.
X posts reflect mixed sentiment: @verybigheartman celebrated, 'Harley-Davidson is re-releasing the Sprint for $6,000 in 2026. This will be the first bike they've made for someone other than Boomer dentists in decades'.
Harley-Davidson is re-releasing the Sprint for $6,000 in 2026. This will be the first bike they’ve made for someone other than Boomer dentists in decades. More importantly though, this was also one of the bikes Bella and Jacob fixed up in New Moon,
— Tin Man (@verybigheartman) July 30, 2025
@rbarrettJS noted, 'Harley-Davidson is introducing a $6,000 bike in 2026.'
The Sprint's production may leverage Harley's manufacturing presence in Thailand, where the Pan America is built, to keep costs low, though the company has not confirmed the manufacturing location.
Can the Sprint Redefine Harley's Future?
The Sprint's success hinges on its ability to balance affordability with the brand's iconic appeal.
Drawing on the original Sprint's legacy, introduced after Harley acquired Aermacchi's motorcycle division in the 1960s, the 2026 model aims to capture the rebellious energy of the brand while appealing to cost-conscious riders.
Industry analysts see parallels with Harley's successful X440 in India, a 440cc cruiser developed with Hero MotoCorp, priced at £1,800 ($2,400).
The Sprint's small-displacement engine, likely under 500cc, positions it against competitors like the Honda Rebel 500 and Hero Mavrick 440.
However, challenges remain: Harley's premium brand image may clash with budget-conscious markets, and past entry-level models failed to resonate in the U.S.
