Harley-Davidson transforms Heritage Classic into ‘soombria’ bobber

Harley-Davidson has introduced a new Heritage Classic 117 for the 2026 lineup, this time in a version in another all-black custom style called Deadwood. The model abandons the traditional cruiser touring style to adopt a proposal inspired by the classic post-World War II bobbers, with a minimalist look, predominantly black finish and single-seater configuration.

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Initially launched in the United States and Canada, the new Harley-Davidson Deadwood arrives with a suggested price of US$ 17.999 (about R$ 91 thousand in direct conversion, without taxes) and will make its first public appearance during the traditional Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, one of the largest gatherings of motorcyclists in the world.

Despite the aesthetic change, Deadwood shares virtually all of the Heritage Classic’s mechanical foundation. The model uses the Softail platform and the well-known Milwaukee-Eight 117 Classic engine, a 1,923 cm³ V-shaped twin-cylinder, capable of delivering 98 hp of power and 16,6 kgfm of torque.

Harley-Davidson look inspired by early bobbers

The main transformation is in the style. Deadwood eliminates typical Heritage Classic items, such as the side panniers and the pillion seat, reinforcing the proposal of a cleaner and leaner motorcycle.

According to Harley-Davidson, the inspiration came from the first bobbers created by war veterans in the United States, which removed components considered unnecessary to reduce weight and highlight the performance of the bikes.

The finish follows the same philosophy. Tank and fenders receive Black Denim paint (matte black), while several components, such as 2-in-1 exhaust, engine, front suspension, handlebars and controls, adopt a darkened finish. Only a few metallic details remain apparent.

The bike also has black-rimmed spoked wheels, a tank in the traditional “teardrop” format, a lowered and removable windshield and a tuck-and-roll solo seat.

Technology

Although it has a retro appearance, Deadwood brings an updated electronic package. Among the equipment are:

• Tilt-sensitive ABS;
• Traction control in curves;
• Torque control in downshifts (DSCS);
• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS);
• Three riding modes: Road, Sport and Rain;
• Full LED lighting;
• USB-C socket;
• Panel with analog speedometer and multifunctional LCD screen.

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Harley-Davidson also confirms compatibility with accessories from the Screamin’ Eagle line, including engine preparation kits and new intake and exhaust systems.

So far, the manufacturer has not confirmed the arrival of Deadwood in other markets. If he lands in Brazil, the expectation is that this will only happen in 2027. The price is also a mystery, but it should not come for less than R$ 139.950, the value that the Heritage Classic is sold here.