by Harley-Davidson is preparing a budget motorcycle for $6 thousand
Global demand for motorcycles has fallen by 15%, and Harley-Davidson is feeling it more than others. CEO Jochen Zeitz reported an 18% decrease in registrations in 2025, but the new budget motorcycle could change the situation.
The company has long been working on more affordable models – the cheapest Harley motorcycle in the US costs about $10 thousand, which deters young buyers. The first budget model will be introduced in 2026, and its price will be “lower than $6 thousand”.
New model with an old name
The motorcycle has been named Sprint – the same name was used for budget models in the 1960s, created to compete with Honda. Dealers will be shown it in October, and a cruiser on the same platform will be added next year. Technical details are not yet disclosed, but the engine displacement will be significantly smaller than current models starting from 975 cc.
“Inspired by our heritage, this motorcycle embodies the boldness and spirit of rebellion that defines Harley-Davidson,” Zeitz stated.
Production of the new model may be established outside the US – a $3 thousand motorcycle is already successfully sold in India, but it is not available on the European and American markets.
LiveWire focuses on compact models
The electric sub-brand LiveWire, which sold only 88 motorcycles in the first half of 2025 (a 68% drop), is preparing two mini-models for production. One is intended for off-road, the other for the city. They reach 85 km/h and have a range of 160 km.
This step is critically important for LiveWire, which recorded losses of $38.4 million in half a year. The brand is trying to find new market niches to survive in difficult conditions.
The launch of budget models could be a turning point for Harley-Davidson, which is losing market share due to the high cost of its products. However, the success of this strategy will depend on whether the brand can preserve its identity while lowering prices. The development of LiveWire looks particularly interesting – if the mini-motorcycles find their buyer, it could open new prospects for the company’s electric direction.
