117 High Output: 114 hp, 128 ft lb -- wow, I'd have to spend thousands on my "low output 117" to get those numbers. That's a big increase.

Ride modes: Exciting on 2015 bikes, good on ya Harley.
Black wheels: I get why the bronze don't work with all the colors, but the bronze was a thing that set this bike apart. Also, these 2025 black ones are blah.

Two into one: Cat in headpipe should allow for cheaper slip on. Stock exhaust looks like *** and has no character. However, let's see how this bike sounds with stock cam. If you can just add a muffler and get a great sounding bike...

New controls: clunky looking but good function. I always feel like I'm about to snap my cruise control switch off.

Given the upgrades in power with only a small upgrade in price I predict the used value of my '24 just went doooown lol.

 

I'm not sure if a camshaft similar to the ones used in these High Output engines could achieve the 10 hp difference (I'd go with the 475). We'd also have to see if what you gain at higher RPMs ends up being lost at lower RPMs.

As for the LED turn signals, they’re really cool, especially since they’re integrated into the rear light. They’d be very useful for me because my garage is small, and the current ones stick out too much.

I’ve also noticed that the handlebar seems to be a bit closer to the rider. Maybe it’s not exactly the same handlebar or it’s tilted differently, but it does seem slightly adjusted.

Another interesting detail is the air intake, which now looks higher and closer to the tank, not as far out as in the previous model. I suppose all these features will eventually be available to retrofit onto older models.

What do you guys think?

 

Harley's numbers are measured at the crank. Actuals are about 20% lower. Still, more power than before but you are paying for it.

 

Yeah I'll wait for the Dyno numbers

 

I really dig this bike. The black wheels, little red trim pieces, 117 HO are all solid upgrades. The only thing I hate is the exhaust.

 

The sport mode is the upper limit of where hd can deliver a bike and still make the epa happy for a cost effective ride, while allowing themselves a way to sell upgrades and make more money. Road mode and rain modes are just tuning differences in the ecm. The touring bikes have a custom mode where you can adjust the tune yourself, whether or not the softies have that option remains to be seen. Overall a decent improvement for the softail line. Of course the accessories are full of upgrades that can improve performance and sound for a nominal prices as expected. There is also a lot of misdirection as well. Led lights, well yes that is an improvement, but, it years behind other manufacturers, and it also cuts into their accessory line for upgrades.

 

Slip ons will be cheaper but sucks that you'll need to replace the full system to get a cat free exhaust. I dont care for what if any perfomance gains there could be removing the cat, it's more so the felt heat from them. Especially with it being right by the right foot and under your right leg, I can see that getting uncomfortable and annoying really quick.

With the upgrades to the '25 models I'm surprised the price increase was smaller than I expected.

 

Really? What's a standard 117" rated at?

Zach

 

That is one butt-ugly exhaust.

 

Update with more info. Matt Laidlaw put up a video that goes into detail. So, in addition to the aforementioned the new ones get:

Tire pressure monitoring.
Revamped suspension (straight rate rear shock).
Adjustable front brake lever.
Apparently these are the centre-cooled architecture, but oil cooled. No water system. So, freer flowing heads and intake.

Very good move on Harley's part, and I'm sure it will help them sell bikes. I'm not running to trade in tho.


"I'm not sure if a camshaft similar to the ones used in these High Output engines could achieve the 10 hp difference (I'd go with the 475). We'd also have to see if what you gain at higher RPMs ends up being lost at lower RPMs."

Cam, exhaust and tuner, sure. I've seen 107ish rwhp and low 130s torque on some of the published builds. Still, the buyers of these new bikes will have a lot of fun with the same types of mods. The freer flowing heads and intake will really help.

"Really? What's a standard 117" rated at?"

103 at the crank.

"I dont care for what if any perfomance gains there could be removing the cat, it's more so the felt heat from them."

That's a good point. Right now we can remove the cats with the mufflers.