The open road is calling, and Harley-Davidson is answering with a thunderous roar. For 2025, the Motor Company has decided to stop messing around and put the big guns in the hands of the cruiser crowd. That’s right, the new cruiser lineup has been injected with a full dose of the potent Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine, alongside a suite of technological upgrades that would make a cyborg jealous.
The Engine: A Heart Transplant for the Hogs
This is more than just a tweak; it is a full-blown revolution. The 2025 Cruiser models—including the Fat Boy, Breakout, Heritage Classic, Street Bob, and the performance-focused Low Rider S and ST—are now powered by the muscular Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine. This engine is no one-trick pony; it arrives in three different flavors: “Classic,” “Custom,” and “High Output.” The Classic tune, found in the Street Bob and Heritage Classic, delivers a healthy boost of torque for an easy-going ride. The Custom version, powering the Breakout and Fat Boy, gives a serious kick for those moments when you feel the need to accelerate with gusto. And for those who truly love to let it all hang out, the Low Rider twins get the High Output version, a fire-breathing beast borrowed from Harley’s CVO lineup. It rewards aggressive riding and provides a thrilling, high-revving experience that rewards a rider’s adventurous side.
Tech That Throws a Curveball (in a good way)
But the fun does not end with the engine. The 2025 cruisers now come with a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which sounds like something from a space mission and, for a motorcycle, essentially is. This little brain works behind the scenes to enhance Cornering ABS and Traction Control, making a rider’s moves feel more confident on the asphalt. Riders also get three selectable ride modes—Rain, Road, and Sport—which adjust throttle response and safety parameters to match the conditions or your mood. Additionally, new features like cruise control, a USB-C charging port, and an updated LCD display nestled within the speedometer make these bikes feel wonderfully modern without losing their old-school soul. It is a harmonious blend of classic charm and contemporary convenience.
The Market Rumble: Harley Versus the World
In the fiercely competitive cruiser market, Harley-Davidson continues to play its own game. While rivals like Indian Motorcycle and Japanese manufacturers such as Honda and Yamaha offer strong, compelling alternatives, Harley’s marketing strategy is about more than just a motorcycle. It is about a lifestyle. The brand has a masterclass in community building, most notably through the Harley Owners Group (HOG), which transforms customers into a passionate family of ambassadors. While some may criticize the brand’s premium price point, this approach has cemented Harley-Davidson as a premium, aspirational brand. It is not just a purchase; it is an initiation into a club with a long and storied history, a club that has a loyal following that will never leave. This focus on building a community around the brand is a key differentiator in a crowded market and a huge reason for the company’s continued success.
Likes and Dislikes from the Road
Riders who have put these bikes through their paces have a lot to say. On the “likes” side, the overwhelming sentiment is that the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine is a game changer. The increase in power and torque gives every model a punchy, responsive feel that was previously reserved for the more expensive CVO models. The new ride modes are also a welcome addition, providing an extra layer of confidence and control.
However, a few “dislikes” have emerged. Some reviews note that on models with a super-wide rear tire, such as the Breakout and Fat Boy, the handling can still be a bit of a handful in tight corners, a stylistic choice that prioritizes form over absolute function. Similarly, while the technology upgrades are celebrated, some riders feel the riding position on certain models, like the Street Bob with its mid-mount footpegs, might feel cramped for taller individuals. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise celebrated update that delivers big on power and technology.
Sources
- 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Cruisers Review – Rider Magazine
- How the Milwaukee-Eight 117 Engine Powers the 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Models – Sound Harley-Davidson
- 2025 Harley-Davidson Cruiser Range Review – First Ride – Motorcycle.com
- 2025 Harley-Davidson Cruiser lineup first ride – RevZilla
- Marketing Mix Of Harley Davidson (7Ps) – 2025 – IIDE
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