2018+ Softails—HD’s big overhaul
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,513
Likes: 443
From: South Florida
HD's big overhaul has been on the books since the 1980s. They had a 4 valve ready to go then, but opted for the Evo. HD's customers vote with their wallets, and, in this economy, the fact that people are buying bikes at all is a testament to their ability to produce bikes that the customer wants. The new tech is all about safety. The new frame was being developed back when Eric and the Elves were having at it and the V-Rod was in it's infancy. The fact that they were able to incorporate all of this into the new bikes and keep them traditional is cool. Even with water cooling, the old XL was pretty much maxed out, and due for an upgrade. They combined the best of all worlds into the new Softail line. I don't think we could ask for much more.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 320
Likes: 178
From: Socal
The M8 engine and new frame made them smoother and sharper, but purists still debate the loss of the old-school rigid look. The Heritage Classic kept its nostalgic style but rides way better. The Fat Boy got meaner with that 240 front tire, though some miss the old bullet holes. Street Bob fans love the lighter weight and improved handling, but that solo seat gets old fast. And the Low Rider S? Killer power, but good luck keeping the front end down.
What’s your experience? Worth the upgrade, or too much change? Let’s hear it.
What’s your experience? Worth the upgrade, or too much change? Let’s hear it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
It's faster, smoother and handles better, but I still miss my Evo Heritage. It's a better motorcycle by measurable parameters, but I question whether it's a better Harley-Davidson. When it comes to motorcycles, "tech" and complexity aren't the experience I seek. I used to be able to do most of the work on my Evo, but on this bike, I have to disassemble the entire front end to grease the head bearings or pull the gas tank to change the freaking spark plugs. It took me 45 minutes to remove the battery the first time. Nothing on this bike is designed to be serviced by the owner. That's the sort of thing I expect from foreign bikes.
I call it a "Harley-Davidson rice burner."
I call it a "Harley-Davidson rice burner."
Last edited by Uncle G.; May 24, 2025 at 04:59 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 511
From: Colorado
It's faster, smoother and handles better, but I still miss my Evo Heritage. It's a better motorcycle by measurable parameters, but I question whether it's a better Harley-Davidson. When it comes to motorcycles, "tech" and complexity aren't the experience I seek. I used to be able to do most of the work on my Evo, but on this bike, I have to disassemble the entire front end to grease the head bearings or pull the gas tank to change the freaking spark plugs. It took me 45 minutes to remove the battery the first time. Nothing on this bike is designed to be serviced by the owner. That's the sort of thing I expect from foreign bikes.
I call it a "Harley-Davidson rice burner."
I call it a "Harley-Davidson rice burner."
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 567
Likes: 556
From: Northern plains
It's faster, smoother and handles better... It's a better motorcycle by measurable parameters, but I question whether it's a better Harley-Davidson. When it comes to motorcycles, "tech" and complexity aren't the experience I seek...
I call it a "Harley-Davidson rice burner."
I call it a "Harley-Davidson rice burner."
We'd talk about how advanced our tech was, and laugh at all the oil leaks, suspicious dependability, and weird idle lope... but we all gathered around and gave grudging admiration to a Harley, because it was "GGenuinely American" and harkened back to a bygone era.
Now, these new generation of Harley owners tout all of the same old argument we metric guys would say about our Japanese or European bikes.
The "Unique Harley Character" or the "Harley Mistique" every Harley owner used to talk about is absent. Because Harley's just another bike now. Computerized, a generic sounding idle, a "Nintendo" screen on the dash, Apple IPhone integrated, GPS, hill assist, and antilock brakes. Great new technology, but nothing to make you feel like your riding, "Something special".
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 425
From: Pennsylvania
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 511
From: Colorado
There is a solution to crappy modern Harleys... Stop buying them. I don't understand how anyone graduated from pencil and paper to complain about them on an internet forum.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,321
Likes: 1,884
It's faster, smoother and handles better, but I still miss my Evo Heritage. It's a better motorcycle by measurable parameters, but I question whether it's a better Harley-Davidson. When it comes to motorcycles, "tech" and complexity aren't the experience I seek. I used to be able to do most of the work on my Evo, but on this bike, I have to disassemble the entire front end to grease the head bearings or pull the gas tank to change the freaking spark plugs. It took me 45 minutes to remove the battery the first time. Nothing on this bike is designed to be serviced by the owner. That's the sort of thing I expect from foreign bikes.
I call it a "Harley-Davidson rice burner."
I call it a "Harley-Davidson rice burner."
You get my point. It's the same point all the Harley guys used to say, whenever we compared a '89 Goldwing, Yamaha Venture, BMW, or Voyager to a '89 Electra Glide.
We'd talk about how advanced our tech was, and laugh at all the oil leaks, suspicious dependability, and weird idle lope... but we all gathered around and gave grudging admiration to a Harley, because it was "GGenuinely American" and harkened back to a bygone era.
Now, these new generation of Harley owners tout all of the same old argument we metric guys would say about our Japanese or European bikes.
The "Unique Harley Character" or the "Harley Mistique" every Harley owner used to talk about is absent. Because Harley's just another bike now. Computerized, a generic sounding idle, a "Nintendo" screen on the dash, Apple IPhone integrated, GPS, hill assist, and antilock brakes. Great new technology, but nothing to make you feel like you’re riding, "Something special".
We'd talk about how advanced our tech was, and laugh at all the oil leaks, suspicious dependability, and weird idle lope... but we all gathered around and gave grudging admiration to a Harley, because it was "GGenuinely American" and harkened back to a bygone era.
Now, these new generation of Harley owners tout all of the same old argument we metric guys would say about our Japanese or European bikes.
The "Unique Harley Character" or the "Harley Mistique" every Harley owner used to talk about is absent. Because Harley's just another bike now. Computerized, a generic sounding idle, a "Nintendo" screen on the dash, Apple IPhone integrated, GPS, hill assist, and antilock brakes. Great new technology, but nothing to make you feel like you’re riding, "Something special".
My m8 softail with a stage 2 puts me right were I want to be. Better than ever. I do carry a quart of oil with me to pour under the bike when I park it to give me that old school feeling!
Last edited by Durham man; May 25, 2025 at 06:07 AM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 425
From: Pennsylvania
