Next step will be self-driving motorcycles, or more likely the end of motorcycling. The auto industry is betting the farm on autonomous vehicles and leaning on the government to force their adoption. When that happens you'll own the car, make the payments, wash and wax it, maintain it. You just won't be allowed to drive it.

I figure when that day comes, motorcycles will have no place in the autonomous transportation system being envisioned.

The older i get, the more I understand my father. I'm beginning to feel like I was either born too late or have lived too long. I never thought I'd live to see half the crazy stuff I've seen.

 

I'd like to see a return of the NightTrain, an "S" model,with gloss black engine covers and CHEESE & RICE don't F up the rear fender with that stupid bobbed crap like they do with half their lineup. Put on a REAL ducktail. They couldn't keep 'em on the floor.
But that ain't gonna happen. OH; not the NightTrain; I'm talking about not ruining the rear fender like they love to do.

 

Reverse gear as an option for the touring rigs. Several aftermarkets are available and the company knows there is a market. Old guys. Short guys. Women. Look for it on the Low something.

 

Reverse Gear would be nice.

 

Drop the 883 in an effort to push buyers to the "Street" or to spend more $$ on the 1200. If they do this, I believe the end result will be to push some buyers to Yamaha, Ducati, Triumph , Honda, etc.

 

Well, we know they eliminated the V-Rod. But they still had a patent on the water formed frames that the V-Rod had, and probably have the equipment to do it. Maybe they will redesign a frame made the way the V-Rod frame was. Lighter and stronger than before.

Personally, I think the Dyna may be history. With the new motor counterbalanced, it may be easier to rigid mount them like they used to back in the old days. The same type of bike, but no more wobble.

I am also guessing that there will be changes to the Sportster line. Maybe full on water cooling in those?

 

I got to see the 2018 color book and there are some good looking colors next year

 

I think you're right on with this thought. HD is trying to appeal to new riders with the Street; Hotrod and the likes; but they know that their bread & butter is to keep the Baby Boomers riding til the grave. I know a lot of guys have said "I won't ride anymore once I can't hold a bike up" but I call bullchit to that. Polaris with their Slingshot; CanAm with their Spider and HD with an assortment of 3 wheelers are all vying for the same market share- the retired and semi retired boomer with expendable income and the itch to ride!

 

Personally I am sad to see that there isn't a sportster that just has the classic lines of a sportster anymore. There is no 1200 standard. I am likely the only one that would like to see it return and truthfully that is out of nostalgia as I am sure the market isn't there.


What I think they will do, practically have to do, is put ABS throughout and start adding some things like traction control through ride modes.

 

One of the managers at one of the local dealers told me this past weekend that he is hearing rumors of a touring Dyna. I am not sure I believe it with the Switchback being eliminated.