Harley-Davidson’s Softail revolution

What better way to celebrate 115 years of Harley-Davidson than by redesigning its popular Softail line-up…

Well, that’s what Harley has done (and they’ve copped plenty of flak for it online), with eight new Softails coming our way in 2018, the new models will merge Dyna performance with the Softail’s iconic looks.

Paul James, product portfolio spokesperson for HD, said the new bikes focus on a “total rider experience” of authenticity, heritage and modern technology.

The new bikes will feature a stiffer and lighter frame, built to cope with the increased torque of the dual-counterbalanced Milwaukee-Eight 107 and 114 engines.

There’s suspension updates to both ends, with the Dyna twin-shock set-up losing a spring and somewhat more importantly, opting for the hidden, Softail look.

The front forks are set to receive dual-bending valve forks which Harley used on its Touring line in 2017.

Brad Richards, Harley’s VP of styling and design said “we look at every nut and bolt on the bike.”

“Its design speaks to the teamwork that our styling and engineering processes demand.”

The 2018 Softail line-up will consist of the Fat Boy, Heritage Classic, Low Rider, Softail Slim, Deluxe, Breakout, Fat Bob and Street Bob motorcycles.

2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy

Only the Wide Glide has been dropped from the former Dyna range.

Riders can expect the new-era Softails to handle better, the new chassis is claimed to provide increased lean angles, sharper turn-in and quicker acceleration.

Harley has designed two new swingarms for narrow and wide rear tyre sizes, both are lighter which will improve unsprung weight.

All-up the bikes are claimed to weigh up to 17kg less than previous models.

Some models will receive new tyres specifically designed to work with the Softail chassis too.

The Milwaukee-Eight engine was first seen on Harley-Davidson’s 2017 Touring line-up, an eight-valve motor which retained the iconic 45-degree V-Twin configuration.

Milwaukee-Eight engines for the Softail will also be smoother –  a dual internal counter-balancing system reduces engine vibration while maintaining the familiar Harley-Davidson feel, so the Harley-Davidson ‘potato’ note comes through with less vibration and noise.

2018 Harley-Davidson Breakout

But that’s not all…

Harley has also unveiled five tourers, three of which are Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) specials.

The direction Harley is taking with the 2018 Street Glide and Road Glide making one standard with chrome, and a blacked-out ‘Special’

2018 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special

Both Specials are powered by Milwaukee-Eight 107 engines.

But if you want your Glide with more power, and more special, the CVO machines are where it’s at.

The 2018 Road Street Glide and Road Glide CVOs will be powered by the 117-inch Milwaukee-eight variant, there’s extra speakers in the saddlebags and lower-fairing, and CVO paint schemes.

The CVO Road Glide will get a 21-inch front wheel and custom wheels.

Harley will also produce a CVO Limited – the king and queen tourer based on the Ultra.

The two-up seat is suspended and heated with a custom seat cover, insert and stitching is unique to the CVO.

The CVO Limited is topped off with a power-locking key fob and two colour options.

2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide

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