How to Choose the Right Harley for Your Riding Style

Many riders say each model has its own personality, and the one you ride should match the way you live on the road. Some days, you might find yourself weaving through Asheboro streets, coffee in hand, and some days you might be covering ground on the open highways or exploring scenic, less populated backroads. Your Harley should make every adventure on the road feel effortless, a fun match for your lifestyle. Choosing a Harley isn’t just picking a motorcycle to get you from point ‘A’ to ‘B’. It’s picking a riding partner for the most enjoyable journey.

At Cox’s Harley-Davidson of Asheboro, we help riders of every level of experience find the right Motorcycle that meets their needs. The following Harley model guide is designed to give you a clear roadmap for matching your riding needs with the Harley that best suits them.

Start With How You Ride

The first step in choosing a Harley Motorcycle is to ask yourself how you ride most often. The way you plan to use your Motorcycle will influence everything from the seat height to the storage options you need:

City Riding – Quick stops, tight corners, and traffic can be a challenge. A Harley for city riding needs to be nimble and predictable, so it feels natural when you’re making split-second moves.
Weekend Cruising – Maybe you like longer, relaxed rides through the countryside or along scenic routes. You’ll want comfort.
Touring – Planning trips that stretch across North Carolina, or beyond, means your Harley should have wind protection, luggage, and tech that makes long rides comfortable.

Harley for City Riding

If you spend most of your time around Asheboro, errands, or quick trips on local roads, a Harley for city riding should feel light, responsive, and intuitive.

Street Models – Perfect for city streets, these Motorcycles are easy to maneuver and feel approachable for riders of all levels. They’re small enough to handle stop-and-go traffic but still have that unmistakable Harley character.
Softail Series – The Softail blends classic Harley looks with modern comfort and handling. The Softail Standard is a great choice if you want a stylish Motorcycle that doesn't intimidate in tight spaces.
Sportster Line – A more compact and sporty option, Sportsters are lively and easy to handle in urban environments. Quick acceleration and tight turning make everyday rides more enjoyable.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to pay attention to seat height and how the Motorcycle handles at lower speeds. A Harley that feels like an extension of your body makes city riding far less stressful, especially when navigating denser traffic and numerous four-way stops.

Cruisers & Everyday Riders

If you’re not strictly a city commuter but want a motorcycle built for confidence and style on both short and longer rides, cruiser and softail models step in:

Fat Bob – The Fat Bob delivers bold styling and a commanding presence with enough torque and handling to tackle city roads and scenic byways.
Low Rider S – A more performance-oriented cruiser, the Low Rider S blends sportier suspension and powerful acceleration with cruiser comfort. It’s great for riders who want spirited rides around Asheboro or quick trips to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Heritage Classic – If you love a nostalgic Harley look with modern ride comfort, the Heritage Classic fits beautifully for riders who cruise city streets and want classic bagger vibes

Best Harley for Touring

Long-distance riding demands comfort, stability, and storage for gear and gadgets. When the road stretches beyond Asheboro, touring Motorcycles become the obvious choice. Here are some of the best options:

Road Glide Limited – Offers frame-mounted fairing, advanced rider tech, and plenty of storage. This Motorcycle is built to make miles feel effortless.
Street Glide ST – Combines sleek styling with touring comfort. It handles curvy roads with confidence while keeping longer rides comfortable.
Ultra Limited – Plush seating, heated grips, and premium infotainment turn long rides into a near-luxury experience.

Other popular options include the Electra Glide and Road King. These Motorcycles are made for those who spend hours on the highway and want a Harley that works as hard as they do.

Tip for touring: Comfort isn’t just about the seat. Consider ergonomics, handlebar reach, and luggage accessibility. Small details make long rides exponentially more enjoyable.

Experience, Comfort, and Budget

No guide is complete without talking about:

Experience – First-time riders or those new to heavy Harleys should start with lighter models. You’ll build confidence faster, and riding becomes more about enjoying the road than fighting the Motorcycle.
Comfort – Test rides are essential. Pay attention to how the motorcycle feels when you’re stopped, at low speeds, and cruising. Handlebar reach, foot placement, and seat height all affect your confidence and enjoyment.
Budget – Factor in accessories like luggage, windshields, and tech. They enhance the ride but can add cost. Focus on what matters most for your style of riding.

Test Ride at Cox’s Harley‑Davidson® of Asheboro

The best way to choose a Harley motorcycle is to experience it. At Cox’s Harley‑Davidson® of Asheboro, we walk riders through the Harley model guide, comparing features and helping them find a motorcycle that matches their style. Test rides give you a genuine sense of the motorcycle. Stop by Cox’s Harley‑Davidson® of Asheboro and explore the lineup. The road is waiting, and your perfect Harley is ready to meet it.