2018 Harley Davidson Softail Range – First Look

 

Harley Davidson have recently released their new line-up of Softail motorcycles, merging the old Dyna and Softail models into the one model name.

 

 

The new bikes get a completely redesigned frame, new hidden underseat single shock, along with a brand new Milwaukee-Eight V-twin engine in 107ci displacement or, in select models, 114ci. The motors will be all solid mounted, going away from the rubber engine mounts of the Dyna from previous generations.

 

 

The new frame is part of a designed weight reduction, up to 35 pounds (‘Murica!) down from previous bikes, while improving ride quality and handling. Three different steering head angles are available: 28, 30, or 34 degrees of rake, along with two different ride heights, and a wide or narrow swing-arm, depending on the model of bike.

 

 

If you know your Harleys, you’ll recognise the now common model “names”. Redeveloped are: the Softail Heritage with it’s big screen and pannier bags, the Softail Deluxe (no bags or screen), and the slightly more stripped down Softail Slim with shorter fenders. The Softail Low Rider has a bigger seat for your pillion, the Softail Street Bob has the taller handle bars.

 

 

The newer styling packages in the Softail Fat Boy and Fat Boy 114 feature solid wheels, with the wide swingarm to fit the nice wide rear wheel, and cool enclosed headlight mouldings. And the Softail Fat Bob and Fat Bob 114 follow the theme with their big front tire and “overgrown” bobber look.

 

 

My pick of the bunch would have to be the Softail Breakout or Breakout 114, with it’s long front end, big front wheel look. Low handlebars, and the big rear wheel make it look aggressive, but the lines still look smooth and well designed. It’s low, sleek, and long. What a real “cruiser” should be, in my opinion.

 

 

Basically, customization is going to be unlimited, as all of the different variations feature “parts commonality”, meaning between eight new models (twelve if you count the four new 114 c.i. models) you can pick and choose your styling to create a bike unlike any other.

 

 

Going into the full details of each new variation would take up way too much space here: hit up your local Harley dealership to check out what they look like up close. We saw a few of the new goodies at the recent NZ Motorcycle Show, and they are a very impressive looking machine. Let us know your thoughts below…!

 

 

– Scott

 

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