What exactly are the "S Series" softails?
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Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Kentucky
What exactly are the "S Series" softails?
I don't mean this in the, "they're softails with 110's and cruise control" type answers... I mean what are they from a marketing point of view? I just don't get it. Are they another CVO kind of series? Are they gunna stick around forever or are they just here to help boost Harley sales? Any info would be great, I'm just trying to figure out what they are exactly. Not hating on them I think they look great, but who are they for? I've looked around the site and can't find the answers I'm looking for. Thanks in advance!
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 213
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From: Las Vegas
I dont know if this answers your question. But the reason i bought mine was mainly for the look and paint scheme. Buy the time i added up how much it would cost me to de-chrome a regular slim then add ABS and security system i was in the price range of the "S" model.
So for me in the end this bike came from the factory pretty much how i would to build a bike, so for me my decision was easy.
So for me in the end this bike came from the factory pretty much how i would to build a bike, so for me my decision was easy.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
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From: Illinois
That question can only be answered by HD marketing folks.
They seem to be made for the rider that wants a bigger engine stock and does not want to pay the price for a CVO to get it. But I don't know anything. Just ask my wife that is what she would say.
They seem to be made for the rider that wants a bigger engine stock and does not want to pay the price for a CVO to get it. But I don't know anything. Just ask my wife that is what she would say.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 795
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From: Kane County IL
I don't mean this in the, "they're softails with 110's and cruise control" type answers... I mean what are they from a marketing point of view? I just don't get it. Are they another CVO kind of series? Are they gunna stick around forever or are they just here to help boost Harley sales? Any info would be great, I'm just trying to figure out what they are exactly. Not hating on them I think they look great, but who are they for? I've looked around the site and can't find the answers I'm looking for. Thanks in advance!
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 79
I don't mean this in the, "they're softails with 110's and cruise control" type answers... I mean what are they from a marketing point of view? I just don't get it. Are they another CVO kind of series? Are they gunna stick around forever or are they just here to help boost Harley sales? Any info would be great, I'm just trying to figure out what they are exactly. Not hating on them I think they look great, but who are they for? I've looked around the site and can't find the answers I'm looking for. Thanks in advance!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
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From: Michigan
I think they're like the ultra limited before all the tourers came standard with ABS and a 103 engine. So basically it is to give a taste for what is to come to those who are willing to pay the higher price tag. The bigger engine and blackout style is cool and all but I would rather pay a higher price tag for a springer with a 88 ci engine and ABS.
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Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Kentucky
Thanks for the good responses guys! I was just curious, because maybe if I understood a little more as to what they were I may have bought one once I get back from overseas. I think I'll just stick with my Dyna. I wonder if they'll ever make a Dyna S? Now that I would be more interested in!
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Lafayette, Louisiana
It's been said that the S designation is for 75th anniversary of Sturgis. At one point a picture of that badge designation was posted.
Costs more than regular models of the same bikes but less than a CVO. Fewer of them built but not so few as to be a collector's item or higher value due to low production numbers.
More black than the so called dark custom line of bikes.
In my opinion, the Slim S is a lot of money for a very basic stripped down bike. In other words, a premium price for mostly a bigger engine. At the least the army themed one can be justified with unique paint and graphics. On the other hand, I find the regular version of the Slim to be overpriced as well.
The Fat Boy S is what the Fat Boy Lo should have been. I am not a fan of any Lo or Low designated bikes though because less suspension means rougher ride/more bottoming out etc. The Fat Boy Lo and Fat Boy S are the same heights etc and share the same suspension as far as I can tell.
What it comes down to is what a person likes or doesn't like and how wide do they want to open their wallet. Another factor is buying a bike that is already somewhat customized or buying a blank canvas and making it more unique and individual on your own. Then again, how many black Street Glides with big front wheels you see that are supposedly unique. It's been said that at Sturgis there was a lot of confusion because the only way people knew if a bike was theirs or not was if their fob worked.
Just the ramblings of an Evo rider........
Costs more than regular models of the same bikes but less than a CVO. Fewer of them built but not so few as to be a collector's item or higher value due to low production numbers.
More black than the so called dark custom line of bikes.
In my opinion, the Slim S is a lot of money for a very basic stripped down bike. In other words, a premium price for mostly a bigger engine. At the least the army themed one can be justified with unique paint and graphics. On the other hand, I find the regular version of the Slim to be overpriced as well.
The Fat Boy S is what the Fat Boy Lo should have been. I am not a fan of any Lo or Low designated bikes though because less suspension means rougher ride/more bottoming out etc. The Fat Boy Lo and Fat Boy S are the same heights etc and share the same suspension as far as I can tell.
What it comes down to is what a person likes or doesn't like and how wide do they want to open their wallet. Another factor is buying a bike that is already somewhat customized or buying a blank canvas and making it more unique and individual on your own. Then again, how many black Street Glides with big front wheels you see that are supposedly unique. It's been said that at Sturgis there was a lot of confusion because the only way people knew if a bike was theirs or not was if their fob worked.
Just the ramblings of an Evo rider........
I dont know if this answers your question. But the reason i bought mine was mainly for the look and paint scheme. Buy the time i added up how much it would cost me to de-chrome a regular slim then add ABS and security system i was in the price range of the "S" model.
So for me in the end this bike came from the factory pretty much how i would to build a bike, so for me my decision was easy.
So for me in the end this bike came from the factory pretty much how i would to build a bike, so for me my decision was easy.
As for marketing concept.
Maybe the 75th anniversary of Sturgis played a part. Why not? Indian spent a boatload of money to showcase their products there this year. They are also increasing sales year by year.
Personally, I think it was born out competition uptick and the Sturgis thing was just a good mechanism to tag the idea.
Although none of the competitors alone are taking much away from HD, together they are affecting HD sales. It shows in HD's numbers and is even admitted by their management.
Beyond the paint, both S-Series bikes are parts-bin upgrades. None of the added features of the S-Series are new parts. The hydraulic clutch and cruise control came from the touring bikes. The 110 already existed in a slightly different form, but is now available in the same form in the SE catalog. The security module is the same one people pay extra for on other bikes.
But, with all that, it works. The added features are useful; and even designed and work well. The added torque is very noticeable, and the bikes looks really good.
So, I don't think it's marketed toward anyone in particular. It seems to me that it was a successful marketing idea to boost sales, and that it may have kept some wandering customers or attracted some new customers.
