Harley-Davidson Reveals the New Deadwood

• Produces 97bhp and 163Nm from its 2.0L V-twin
• Solo seat, lowered suspension and blacked-out bodywork

Harley-Davidson Deadwood is the new stripped-back cruiser inspired by American motorcycles customised after the Second World War. Priced at $17,999 in the US, the Deadwood will initially be sold only in the United States and Canada. It will make its first public appearance on 7 August 2026 during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Deadwood sits within Harley-Davidson’s Cruiser range and follows the basic factory-bobber formula. Much of the unnecessary bright trim has been removed, while the engine, exhaust, handlebar, fork covers, controls, headlamp casing and fender supports get finished in black. Chrome is used only on selected engine parts to retain some visual contrast.

Denim Black paint covers the fuel tank and both fenders, while orange graphics on the 19-litre teardrop tank offer a splash of colour. The dark treatment extends to the wire-spoke wheels which use black tubeless rims. A tuck-and-roll solo seat exposes more of the rear fender and gives the motorcycle its old-school profile. The laden seat height stands at 25.5 inches making the Deadwood one of the lowest models in Harley-Davidson’s 2026 range. It also receives lowered rear suspension and a short detachable windscreen. Saddlebags have been left out allowing the Softail chassis and its hardtail-inspired shape to be seen.

The 1,923cc Milwaukee-Eight 117 Classic V-twin engine produces 97bhp and peak torque of 163Nm. A two-into-one exhaust system will provide the necessary background music. Riders can choose between Road, Sport and Rain modes, each setting altering power delivery and the level of electronic intervention.

The safety package includes cornering ABS, cornering traction control and drag-torque slip control. A tyre-pressure monitoring system is also standard. Lighting is entirely LED-based and includes a seven-inch headlamp, auxiliary lamps and combined rear lighting. The tank-mounted five-inch instrument console pairs an analogue speedometer with a small digital display showing such as the selected riding mode, gear position, fuel level, trip data and remaining range. A USB-C charging outlet and two connectors for heated riding equipment are also provided.

Suspension is 49mm front forks and a hidden rear monoshock. The rear spring preload can be adjusted hydraulically from beneath the seat. Deadwood rides on a 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheel combination with Harley-Davidson-branded Dunlop tyres.

An Indian launch cannot be ruled out completely because the Deadwood is built around hardware already familiar to the market. Harley-Davidson offers the Heritage Classic in India with the same 1,923cc Milwaukee-Eight 117 Classic engine and Softail construction. Whether they bring it to India, frankly your guess is as god as ours.