A stripped-down Heritage Classic2026 harley davidson deadwood first lookHarley-Davidson revealed a new Softail model inspired by stripped-down custom models popularized by post-World War II riders. Named after the community in the Black Hills near Sturgis, SD, the 2026 Harley-Davidson Deadwood will only be available in the U.S. and Canada, with a starting price of US$17,999. Fittingly, it will make its first public appearance on August 7 at the 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.The Deadwood joins the recently launched Super Glide as a mid-year addition, and in years past, we would expect them both to be limited edition variants on models with a premium price. Under new Chief Executive Officer Artie Starrs and his "Back to the Bricks" plan, Harley-Davidson is taking a slightly different approach to the formula.Read More:2026 Harley-Davidson Super Glide Review – First RideHarley-Davidson Announces "Back to the Bricks" Business PlanAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Super Glide is essentially a Street Bob with a larger fuel tank and a few other modifications, but with its $15,999 starting price, it's a modest $1,000 price increase over Harley-Davidson's least expensive Softail model. The Deadwood is, at its heart, a modified Heritage Classic, but instead of upgrading the FLHC with a number of accessories, it's a stripped down variant, and priced to match, with an MSRP that is $2,000 lower.Interestingly, both the Super Glide or the Deadwood fit the formula of Harley-Davidson's Icon collection: a variant model that draws inspiration from past motorcycles or influential sub-cultures from the company's history. And yet, Harley-Davidson is making a clear effort to not brand these as Icon models, distancing itself from a collection that was one of the signature programs introduced by the previous CEO, Jochen Zeitz. At this point, it's safe to assume that the Icon program is no more, replaced by a new collection of limited run models at a more achievable price point.2026 harley davidson deadwood first lookStarting with the Heritage Classic as a base, Harley-Davidson removed all the ornamental chrome details, replacing them with blacked out components. The Deadwood's powertrain, rear fender struts, handlebar and riser, hand and foot controls, fork covers and headlights are all finished in a deep black, with just the lower rocker cover and pushrod tubes left chrome plated to highlight the Milwaukee-Eight engine's signature V-shape.The 5.0-gallon fuel tank is finished in Denim Black, and topped with a black console with a 5-inch analog gauge.The 5.0-gallon fuel tank is finished in Denim Black, and topped with a black console with a 5-inch analog gauge.AdvertisementAdvertisementHarley-Davidson removed the Heritage Classic's luggage, leaving the Deadwood's rear exposed. Up front, the detachable smoked windshield is significantly shorter than the Heritage Classic's shield; combined with its lowered suspension, the Deadwood offers a slammed profile, with its tuck-and-roll solo seat positioned just 26.5 inches from the ground compared to the Heritage Classic's 27.2-inch unladen seat height.2026 harley davidson deadwood first lookApart from the blacked-out finish, the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine is the same as the Heritage Classic, with Harley-Davidson claiming the same performance numbers of 98 hp and 120 lb-ft.The Deadwood comes equipped with Harley-Davidson's modern electronics package, including lean-sensitive anti-lock brakes, cornering traction control, cornering drag torque slip control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The ride-by-wire throttle offers three modes: Road, Sport, and Rain.2026 harley davidson deadwood first lookUp front, the Deadwood is equipped with the same 49mm telescopic fork as the Heritage Classic, offering 5.1 inches of travel. For the rear, the preload-adjustable hidden Softail monoshock offers just 3.4 inches of travel, an inch less than the Heritage Classic's rear shock.2026 harley davidson deadwood first lookThe braking system is unchanged from the Heritage Classic, with a single four-piston caliper and 300 mm disc up front, and a two-piston caliper and 292mm disc for the rear wheel.AdvertisementAdvertisementOther standard features include all-LED lighting (including auxiliary fog lights), a USB-C charging port, and tubeless Dunlop tires.2026 Harley-Davidson Deadwood FLHD SpecificationsMSRP$17,999Engine TypeMilwaukee-Eight 117 Classic, air/oil-cooled 45° V-Twin, pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; four valves per cylinderCapacity1,923ccBore x Stroke103.5 mm x 114.3 mmCompression Ratio10.3:1Horsepower98 hp at 4,600 rpm (claimed)Torque120 lb-ft. at 2,500 rpm (claimed)Engine ControlElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)ClutchMechanical, 10 plate wet, assist & conventionalTransmission6-SpeedPrimary DriveChain, 34/46 ratioFinal DriveBelt, 32/66 ratioLightingAll LEDFrameMild steel, tubular frame; rectangular section backbone; stamped, cast, and forged junctions; MIG welded; aluminum forged fender supportsSwingarmMild steel, tubular sections, stamped x-member, forged axle junctions; MIG welded; removable belt spacerFront SuspensionDual-bending valve 49 mm telescopic with aluminum fork triple clamps; dual rate spring; "beer can" covers. 5.1 inches of travel.Rear SuspensionHidden, free piston, coil-over monoshock; 43mm stroke; hydraulic preload adjustment. 3.4 inches of travel.Front Brake4-piston fixed front caliper, 300mm discRear Brake2-piston floating rear caliper, 292mm discABSC-ABSFront Wheel3.0 x 16" Black Tubeless Laced w/ 36 Bright SpokesRear Wheel3.0 x 16" Black Tubeless Laced w/ 36 Bright SpokesFront TireDunlop Harley-Davidson Series, bias blackwall D401FFront Tire Size130/90B16 73H BWRear TireDunlop Harley-Davidson Series, bias blackwall D401TRear Tire Size150/80B16 77H BWRake / Trail30°/5.8 inchesWheelbase64.2 inchesLength94.9 inchesWidth36.6 inchesSeat Height26.5 inchesCurb Weight686 pounds (claimed)Fuel Capacity5.0 gallons2027 Harley-Davidson Deadwood First Look Gallery2026 Harley-Davidson Deadwood First Look GalleryView Gallery35 photosCredit: Photos by Harley-DavidsonBecome a Motorcycle.com insider. 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