In the last few days I've been to several dealerships basically looking at Tri-Glides, mostly out of curiousity.

I must be (no, I am) getting older but I could not help being somewhat disappointed in some of the bikes they're now marketing, but especially the Heritage Softail model(s).
Some of the things that made the Heritage one of their top selling bikes was it's nostalgic appearance and especially the amount of chrome they put on it.

I've bought a '92, a '95 Heritage, and a '98 Heritage Springer 95th Anniversary Edition bike and my wife has bought a '99 Heritage and she still has her '08 Heritage and even she was disappointed with the new models.

I guess (and support) MOCO's attempt at marketing and selling bikes for the younger crowd so I guess "we" will be forced to find models that we find attractive too.

Has anyone seen the "117" Ultra yet?
The salesman said i was NOT a S/E but it sure looked like one to me and he said that only ONE will be allocated to each dealership and that the price will be "astronomical'!
Didn't have too much time to inspect it as the wife was with me and got anxious to go.

 

All 2018 CVO models have the 117

Bikes with the 117 are high priced because they are CVO's. CVO's have always been expensive.

Any talk of limited availability or you better buy this now because it's the only one we will get is a bullshit sales tactic.

The 115 anniversary models are being produced in smaller numbers than the rest. They are mostly just paint and badging, not mechanically different. Not a larger engine or anything like that. They are a few thousand higher than regular models, but still nowhere near the price of the CVO's.

Put some bags and windshield on a deluxe and you have a chrome approximation of a Heritage.

There are also chrome parts availability to swap out for black parts on the Heritage.

If you think the salesman is your friend, you better think again.

 

What they did to the new Heritage is a disgrace. They have no buisness calling it a Heritage anymore.

 

You know, there was a time when Harley’s had more black trim than chrome. The new Heritage is still a Heritage, just more 40’s heritage than 60’s.

 

Plan on riding my '07 Street Glide for quite a few years yet. New Harley prices are getting astronomical. Don't see anything worth giving my bike and mega $$$$ to own.

 

I agree with this. They just went farther back.

I rode one and if I were to buy any Softail, that would be it. Moved out very well and handled great. Very nice bike, but just a little too small for me.

 

When the M8 came out I told myself don't even take one for a test ride unless I was in a position to buy. I am impulsive and bought my 17 RGS on a whim last year. Took the wife for a test ride on a RGU about a month before so kind of knew she would be okay with me just (showing up) at home with a new bike.

Of course I at least look at the other bikes but but only being interested in owning touring bikes the others are just a passing interest. Can't say I have even lifted the price tag on any of the other models. My one regret is not getting a CVO as this will probably be my last new bike.

So in closing, I dare ya to take an M8 for a test ride!!!

 

I find they are about 90% of the size of previous. A little less rake. A little shorter wheel base. A little higher floorboards. Stuff like that.

It's like that with all the Softails comparing 2017 to 2018. The 2017 breakout is a lot longer and bigger than the 2018.

We don't need number one million and one 2018 Softail bashing / Dyna crying thread though.

Everybody likes different things. Some people like the latest new thing and others prefer things that some consider obsolete *cough cough*

 

You don’t want to take a 117” CVO for a test ride, ever. Ask me how I know...

 

I actually did take a few out at the HD plant on Pilgrim Rd when they had a demo during a rally. Rode a CVO Limited, a Roadglide, and a few others. I went with a neighbor and we drag raced the CVO against the RG 107. Ran neck and neck up to 80 MPH. I did like the linear torque that was immediately apparent and different from my 103 that I rode there. It was especially apparent when I rode my bike home from the event. It felt like I had to crack the throttle harder to get the same effect. But honestly, my bike runs pretty well. Between that and my unwillingness to spend that much on a bike again I guess I'll have to be content with what I have for a couple more years.

But yes, the M8 runs out well.