The first of HD’s 2027 ‘Deadwood’ models offers a darker spin on the Heritage Classic – but only for North American buyers
Back in May we revealed Harley-Davidson’s plans to build new 2027 models under the ‘Deadwood’ and ‘Low Bob’ names and the first of those bikes has been given its official unveiling ahead of the Sturgis motorcycle meeting that it celebrates.
The Deadwood, named after a neighbouring town in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, often a destination for ride-outs at the event, is a blacked-out, stripped-down version of the Harley Heritage Classic that’s US$2000 cheaper than its sister model.
It’s powered by the same 98hp, 117ci (1923cc) version of the Milwaukee-Eight engine, and uses the same Softail chassis as the Heritage Classic, but lacks chrome and gets a cut-down, dark tinted screen above the Heritage Classic’s triple headlight setup. The black finish extends to the engine, exhausts and all the bodywork, even onto the wheel rims.
The stripped-back nature of the bike means its 15kg lighter than the Heritage Classic at 311kg, but there’s still plenty of tech including TMPS, ABS, traction control and three riding modes.
Unless you’re in the USA or Canada, though, you can’t have one. Harley is keeping the Deadwood for the North American market, at least for the moment.
