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Harley-Davidson Roadster

Harley-Davidson · Motorcycle

Roadster

₹9.70 Lakhex-showroom · last updated 2026

Engine
1,202cc
Weight
259kg
EMI starting from ₹5,000/month · subject to bank approval
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Harley-Davidson Roadster — Overview

The Harley-Davidson Roadster was priced at Rs. 11.08 Lakh ex-showroom before its April 2020 discontinuation - a 1202cc V-twin with USD forks and dual-disc ABS, the sharpest Sportster sold in India.

The Harley-Davidson Roadster was the sportiest, sharpest-handling Sportster Harley ever sold in India - and for four years between 2016 and 2020, it made a strong case for being the most interesting motorcycle you could buy at Rs. 11 Lakh. Under the classic 1202cc air-cooled Evolution V-twin sat proper 43mm inverted USD forks, twin 300mm floating front discs with dual-channel ABS, and revised riding geometry that gave it the tightest cornering angles of any Sportster in the lineup. Owners who ran it on NH44 or toured Mumbai to Goa consistently called it the most rewarding Harley they had ridden under Rs. 15 Lakh. Discontinued in April 2020 as part of Harley's global product shake-up, a well-maintained used Roadster in the Rs. 7-9 Lakh range remains one of the more compelling buys in India's premium used-bike market.

Harley-Davidson Roadster Latest Updates

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  • Harley-Davidson confirmed the return of the air-cooled Sportster 883 as part of its 'Back to Bricks' strategy announced alongside Q1 2026 financial results. The revived model targets under $10,000 USD (approximately Rs. 9.43 Lakh) and is expected to launch globally in 2027, with styling echoing the Iron 883; no India launch timeline has been confirmed.

  • Harley-Davidson discontinued the Roadster (XL1200CX) in India in April 2020 as part of its global Rewire strategy, removing the entire air-cooled Sportster range - including the Iron 883, 1200 Custom, Forty-Eight, and Roadster - from the Indian market. The last ex-showroom price was Rs. 11,08,945 in Delhi.

What We Like

  • Best handler in the Sportster family - 43mm USD forks and revised geometry deliver the sharpest cornering confidence of any Harley-Davidson sold in India at this price
  • Excellent highway stability at 120-140 kmph, backed by twin 300mm front discs with dual-channel ABS that owners consistently praised
  • Iconic blacked-out design with genuine road presence - the muscular stance, drag-style bars, and signature walnut tank attract attention that few bikes at this price can match
  • Authentic 1202cc V-twin character - the torque delivery, exhaust note, and Harley soul deliver an experience unavailable from any Japanese or European alternative in this segment

What Could Be Better

  • Severe engine heat in city traffic - the air-cooled motor radiates uncomfortable, relentless heat onto your legs at every signal; multiple owners called it unbearable in Indian urban conditions
  • Small 12.5L tank combined with 10-12 kmpl city mileage means frequent fuel stops that are particularly frustrating on long tours
  • Post-discontinuation parts availability is a real concern - service can mean 1-2 week waits and expensive bills at authorised Harley centres

Editor's Verdict

Should You Buy the Harley-Davidson Roadster?

The Harley-Davidson Roadster is the best Sportster Harley brought to India - it handles, stops, and looks sharper than any of its siblings, and the 1202cc V-twin gives it character that no competitor at this price can replicate. It was never meant for daily Mumbai commutes, and as a discontinued model, ownership costs require careful thought. Find a clean example with full service history and it will reward you on every highway run.

Frequently Asked Questions

QIs the Harley-Davidson Roadster still available in India?
No, the Harley-Davidson Roadster was discontinued in India in April 2020 as part of Harley's global Rewire strategy. The last ex-showroom price was Rs. 11,08,945 in Delhi. Today it is available only through the used market, where well-maintained 2018-2020 models sell for Rs. 7-10 Lakh.
QWhat was the price of the Harley-Davidson Roadster in India?
The Harley-Davidson Roadster was last priced at Rs. 11,08,945 (ex-showroom Delhi). On-road prices were approximately Rs. 12.51 Lakh in Delhi, Rs. 13.42 Lakh in Mumbai, and Rs. 13.92 Lakh in Bangalore. As a discontinued model, it is now available only in the used market.
QWhat is the mileage of the Harley-Davidson Roadster?
The Harley-Davidson Roadster returns approximately 15 kmpl as per ARAI figures. Real-world mileage in city traffic is 10-12 kmpl due to the stop-go nature of urban riding, while highway riding on open roads yields 16-18 kmpl.
QIs the Harley-Davidson Roadster good for daily use in Indian cities?
The Roadster is not recommended as a daily city commuter. The air-cooled 1202cc engine generates intense heat on the rider's legs in stop-go traffic, the heavy clutch causes wrist fatigue, and the 12.5-litre tank at 10-12 kmpl city mileage means frequent fuel stops. It excels as a weekend and highway motorcycle.
QDoes the Harley-Davidson Roadster have ABS?
Yes, the Harley-Davidson Roadster comes with dual-channel ABS as standard - making it the only Sportster in the India lineup to have this feature. Combined with twin 300mm floating front discs, the braking system is one of the Roadster's genuine strengths, with multiple owners specifically praising stopping confidence at highway speeds.
QWhat is the seat height of the Harley-Davidson Roadster?
The Harley-Davidson Roadster has a seat height of 785mm. This is accessible for most average-height Indian riders (5'5" and above), though shorter riders may find flat-footing challenging. The 259 kg kerb weight means confident low-speed balance is important to master before committing to purchase.
QWhat is the service interval and maintenance cost for the Harley-Davidson Roadster?
Harley-Davidson recommends minor service every 8,000 km and major service every 16,000 km. Service at an authorised centre typically costs Rs. 8,000-15,000 for routine maintenance. As a discontinued model, some Sportster-specific parts may require advance ordering through the Hero MotoCorp Harley service network, which can add to both cost and wait time.
QWhat is the estimated EMI for the Harley-Davidson Roadster?
For a used Roadster priced at Rs. 8 Lakh with a 20% down payment (Rs. 1.6 Lakh) and a 36-month loan at 12% interest, the EMI works out to approximately Rs. 19,800 per month. Total monthly ownership costs including fuel, insurance, and service amortised typically run Rs. 25,000-30,000.