Current Softails vs Last gen?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,874
From: Upstate New York
As Ive said before, though maybe not in any one post, I cant fault the performance of the new Softail. I just wish it looked and felt like a real Harley-Davidson instead of a generic Japanese cruiser.
For years people in this forum have been saying that Harley-Davidson needs to build the same bikes the competition builds and apparently theyve listened, for better or worse.
For years people in this forum have been saying that Harley-Davidson needs to build the same bikes the competition builds and apparently theyve listened, for better or worse.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
I think that's the best explanation of the M8s that I've seen.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 565
From: TX
Can someone point out where on the bike this is? Or what's being referenced? I've looked before but just don't see it. I've seen some people say it's the frame but again that's confusing to me. Unless it's just bc it's a monoshock
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
It must really suck to be Harley-Davidson.
People on this forum complain about how the bikes never change, ad nauseum. Then Harley-Davidson overhauls one of it's platforms and delivers a bike line-up that performs very well, but looks different from the outgoing models. And then people complain that it looks "Japanese".
I can't wait to see the reactions here when Harley-Davidson finally overhauls the Touring platform.
People on this forum complain about how the bikes never change, ad nauseum. Then Harley-Davidson overhauls one of it's platforms and delivers a bike line-up that performs very well, but looks different from the outgoing models. And then people complain that it looks "Japanese".
I can't wait to see the reactions here when Harley-Davidson finally overhauls the Touring platform.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 933
From: Long Island
I always see this thrown around, looks to Japanese.
Can someone point out where on the bike this is? Or what's being referenced? I've looked before but just don't see it. I've seen some people say it's the frame but again that's confusing to me. Unless it's just bc it's a monoshock
Can someone point out where on the bike this is? Or what's being referenced? I've looked before but just don't see it. I've seen some people say it's the frame but again that's confusing to me. Unless it's just bc it's a monoshock
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 1,188
As Ive said before, though maybe not in any one post, I cant fault the performance of the new Softail. I just wish it looked and felt like a real Harley-Davidson instead of a generic Japanese cruiser.
For years people in this forum have been saying that Harley-Davidson needs to build the same bikes the competition builds and apparently theyve listened, for better or worse.
For years people in this forum have been saying that Harley-Davidson needs to build the same bikes the competition builds and apparently theyve listened, for better or worse.
After the design change, you had to read the name on the bike to be sure it was a Heritage. Kind of like Ford having to put a horse on the new electric Mustang so you'd know that's what it was.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 565
From: TX
I'm well aware what bike that is. You might wanna take a closer look at the guys comments.
Also might wanna take a second look at my user name. Again, I'm well aware what bike that is.
Also might wanna take a second look at my user name. Again, I'm well aware what bike that is.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 815
From: Middle America
This is a vastly subjective question. All I will say is that I owned a 17 Slim and an 18 Deluxe at the same time, and I sold the Deluxe after 2 full riding seasons. Beautiful bike, but the M8 (which had a full OEM Stage 1) didnt impress me (the full Stage 1 on my TC 103 totally smoked it), and overall, the bike had a very generic feel to it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,976
Likes: 1,880
From: SF Bay Area
As a new Harley owner and new to Harley in general, here is my two cents. The new M8 114 and the improvements to the chassis are a game changer for guys like me who would have never bought a Harley had they not made the improvements. The cruiser market is very diverse with Indian stepping up their game and even BMW entering. The Japanese cruisers are plastic junk to me (but run great).
I get where you guys are coming from that the newer models look . . .. well newer than some of the vintage looking bikes. With all the aftermarket and cross model fitting, I would buy the new tech (motor and frame) and outfit it with custom bags, seats, bars, etc to get the best of both Worlds.
Coming off Adventure bikes primarily, and my 2020 Fat Bob being my first Harley, I can say from this customer's standpoint, Harley hit a home run!
Being a Mustang guy, these same comments come up on the Mustang forums about the previous Generation GT500 and the new 2020 GT500. Some guys like the older version being more of a "Raw" experience, to the new generation being more refined.
I get where you guys are coming from that the newer models look . . .. well newer than some of the vintage looking bikes. With all the aftermarket and cross model fitting, I would buy the new tech (motor and frame) and outfit it with custom bags, seats, bars, etc to get the best of both Worlds.
Coming off Adventure bikes primarily, and my 2020 Fat Bob being my first Harley, I can say from this customer's standpoint, Harley hit a home run!
Being a Mustang guy, these same comments come up on the Mustang forums about the previous Generation GT500 and the new 2020 GT500. Some guys like the older version being more of a "Raw" experience, to the new generation being more refined.
Last edited by Calif Fat Bob; Dec 27, 2021 at 12:44 PM.
