Wisconsin winters are brutal. Here are the used Harleys that handle cold weather, salt, and rough roads – and which ones to avoid.
What Makes a Harley Winter-Proof?
For Wisconsin winters, you need:
- Wind protection – Fairings or windshields to block cold air
- Heated grips – Keep your hands warm
- Reliable engine – Starts in cold weather
- Good handling – Stable on cold, wet roads
- Storage – Saddlebags for extra gear
Not all Harleys are created equal for winter riding. Here are the best ones for Wisconsin.
Best Winter Harley: Road Glide
The Road Glide is the best winter Harley because of its frame-mounted fairing. Used models go for $20,000-$24,000. You get:
- Superior wind protection – Frame-mounted fairing blocks more wind
- Better stability – Less affected by crosswinds
- Heated grips available – Keep your hands warm
- Hard saddlebags – Store extra gear
- Reliable engine – Milwaukee-Eight starts in cold weather
Road Glides are perfect for Wisconsin winters. The frame-mounted fairing provides excellent wind protection, and the bike handles well in cold, windy conditions. A used 2020 Road Glide with heated grips at $21,500 is a great winter bike.
Best Winter Harley: Street Glide
The Street Glide is almost as good as the Road Glide for winter. Used models go for $20,000-$24,000. You get:
- Batwing fairing – Good wind protection
- Heated grips available – Essential for cold weather
- Hard saddlebags – Store extra gear
- Reliable engine – Milwaukee-Eight handles cold weather
- Comfortable seat – Better for longer cold rides
Street Glides are excellent for winter riding. The batwing fairing provides good wind protection, and the bike is comfortable for longer rides. A used 2020 Street Glide with heated grips at $21,000 is a great winter bike.
Good Winter Harley: Heritage Classic
The Heritage Classic works for winter because of its detachable windshield. Used models go for $18,000-$20,000. You get:
- Detachable windshield – Add wind protection when you need it
- Hard saddlebags – Store extra gear
- Reliable engine – Milwaukee-Eight handles cold weather
- Comfortable seat – Better for longer rides
Heritage Classics are good for winter if you add a windshield. The detachable windshield lets you add wind protection when you need it. A used 2020 Heritage Classic with windshield at $19,000 is a solid winter bike.
Good Winter Harley: Road King
The Road King works for winter because of its versatility. Used models go for $19,000-$21,000. You get:
- Detachable windshield – Add wind protection when needed
- Hard saddlebags – Real storage capacity
- Reliable engine – Milwaukee-Eight handles cold weather
- Full touring capability – Ready for longer rides
Road Kings are good for winter if you add a windshield. The detachable windshield provides wind protection when you need it. A used 2020 Road King with windshield at $20,000 is a solid winter bike.
Winter Riding Tips for Wisconsin
When you're riding in Wisconsin winters:
- Layer up – Multiple thin layers beat one thick layer
- Heated gear – Heated grips, heated vest, heated gloves
- Watch for salt – Salt damages bikes, clean regularly
- Check tires – Cold tires have less grip
- Take it easy – Cold roads are slippery
Bikes to Avoid in Winter
Don't ride these in Wisconsin winters:
- Sportster – No wind protection, too cold
- Breakout – No wind protection, aggressive stance
- Fat Boy – No wind protection, better for summer
These bikes are great, but they're not for winter riding. Save them for spring, summer, and fall.
The Bottom Line
For Wisconsin winters, you want a touring bike with wind protection. Road Glide and Street Glide are the best choices. Heritage Classic and Road King work if you add windshields. Avoid bikes without wind protection – you'll freeze.
Looking for a winter-ready Harley? Browse my inventory or text me at 414-439-6211 to see what I've got. I'll help you find the right bike for Wisconsin winters and get it shipped to your door for $499.
