I think that electronics is the future. We've seen alarms added as a standard feature. Throttle by wire on more bikes, ABS braking, and that TV screen on newer bikes.

-- I would love to see an enhanced alarm system.
-- Have it so when the bike is locked it engages the calipers/brakes, front and back on both wheels to lock the brakes.
-- Add a proximity sensor so if the bike and your phone separate from a predefined distance the phone is notified and activates a locator.
-- Make LED lighting standard as it is now on newer vehicles.
-- Add a crash prevention where if the tire pressure is sensed by the computer the bike will self apply braking on the opposite wheel to bring the bike to a halt safely.
-- Same braking system can be applied so the bike stops if there is an imminent collision just like on newer cars.
-- Make the clutch a smart clutch where you don't have to use it unless you are switching gears.
-- Electronic Exhaust valving where you can dial in how loud you want your pipes. Exiting your neighborhood? quiet mode, Out in the boondocks? Full open pipes.

 

Harley's decision to use rubber engine mounts means not utilizing the engine as a stressed member, which necessitates a bulkier, heavy frame. To get an idea of just how much weight this design adds we can compare a 2003 Sportster to 2004 when it became rubber mounted, it gained 65 pounds! There were a few other changes such as 150 tire up from 130 which added a bit also so maybe the heavier frame to rubber mount the motor added 60 pounds, that's still a lot. The difference is probably greater on the larger tourers.

Given that the M8 is now counterbalanced and the fact Harley admitted some of the prototypes were actually too smooth, makes one believe the next frame could utilize a smoother version of the M8 as a stressed member. There goes 60-70 pounds. Using aluminum and other weight saving measures Nevada mentions and there goes another 30-40 pounds. Hell if Ford can make their pick up trucks out of aluminum surely Harley can utilize it.

Just thinking about my RK weighing 100 pounds less, with a rigid chassis and top shelf suspension, and the M8 motor, wow.

 

All makes sense^^

100 lbs would be huge.

 

Bring back the Super Glide Custom!!!

 

I am certain that they will still be in business for 2018. Other than that I know nothing. Just ask my wife.

 

Not going to happen due to similarity to the Low Rider

 

I own a new Low Rider, but I actually liked my 2011 Super Glide Custom a lot better.

 

What was it that you liked better?

 

The handlebars, the bigger tank, the switch on the tank instead of down where the horn is supposed to be, the better shocks, the tank badges instead of decals, and believe or not, the SPOKE rims. Just a better looking bike, imho.

 

That's the way they do it now, I believe. The regular RGs are an inch lower than the RG Ultras.