2018 fatboy
2018..Best Fatboy ever!!
I agree with half of this (my wife totally agrees), I thought it was a Breakout when I saw the rear end. I personally think it looks awesome. My wife rides a blacked out 2016 Fatboy S and hates the new look. Personal preference. I am sure HD will sell plenty of 2018 rides, but we will have to wait and see....
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 212
From: Alabama
I think every kind of bike has wrecked on that road. What I liked about my FB was that I could bagger it up for the trip to the tail. Dump the bags and crap in the hotel room, and spend the rest of the time running the tail. Bagger back up for the ride home and done.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10,374
Likes: 518
From: Southern Arizona
i rode this on it and had no problem, and by the time i did it i switched the back tire to a 200.. everyone has their own opinions of what looks good. i didn't like the 240 10 years ago and still don't. bigger isn't always better. will have to wait till these bikes are test ridden by real people.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,705
Likes: 358
From: C-Town
My take...
I like it. But, as I said in another thread, I'd change a few things. And that's not a bad thing. I can't recall any HD that knocked my socks off, wanting me to keep it stock looking.
The new FB reminds of of an Exile Cycles bike, The Fat Bloke.
I like the light, but think it should either match the paint color, or maybe black. The bars... many people change them on their bike, so not liking them is no big deal. The license plate bracket... That is most likely a Fed thing. Many places don't *allow* your plate being sideways. But I'd change it.
Rear fender... Didn't care for it at 1st glance, but now it's already growing on me.
I like the tank dash. And the pipes.. even thou I'd probably swap them out for sound. I like the wheels, and would give serious thought to powdercoating or painting the perimeter and *ribs*.
Overall, I'm looking forward to Saturday when I go see one for myself. The local dealers are already posting pics of their stock online.
I like it. But, as I said in another thread, I'd change a few things. And that's not a bad thing. I can't recall any HD that knocked my socks off, wanting me to keep it stock looking.
The new FB reminds of of an Exile Cycles bike, The Fat Bloke.
I like the light, but think it should either match the paint color, or maybe black. The bars... many people change them on their bike, so not liking them is no big deal. The license plate bracket... That is most likely a Fed thing. Many places don't *allow* your plate being sideways. But I'd change it.
Rear fender... Didn't care for it at 1st glance, but now it's already growing on me.
I like the tank dash. And the pipes.. even thou I'd probably swap them out for sound. I like the wheels, and would give serious thought to powdercoating or painting the perimeter and *ribs*.
Overall, I'm looking forward to Saturday when I go see one for myself. The local dealers are already posting pics of their stock online.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10,374
Likes: 518
From: Southern Arizona
My take...
I like it. But, as I said in another thread, I'd change a few things. And that's not a bad thing. I can't recall any HD that knocked my socks off, wanting me to keep it stock looking.
The new FB reminds of of an Exile Cycles bike, The Fat Bloke.
I like the light, but think it should either match the paint color, or maybe black. The bars... many people change them on their bike, so not liking them is no big deal. The license plate bracket... That is most likely a Fed thing. Many places don't *allow* your plate being sideways. But I'd change it.
Rear fender... Didn't care for it at 1st glance, but now it's already growing on me.
I like the tank dash. And the pipes.. even thou I'd probably swap them out for sound. I like the wheels, and would give serious thought to powdercoating or painting the perimeter and *ribs*.
Overall, I'm looking forward to Saturday when I go see one for myself. The local dealers are already posting pics of their stock online.
I like it. But, as I said in another thread, I'd change a few things. And that's not a bad thing. I can't recall any HD that knocked my socks off, wanting me to keep it stock looking.
The new FB reminds of of an Exile Cycles bike, The Fat Bloke.
I like the light, but think it should either match the paint color, or maybe black. The bars... many people change them on their bike, so not liking them is no big deal. The license plate bracket... That is most likely a Fed thing. Many places don't *allow* your plate being sideways. But I'd change it.
Rear fender... Didn't care for it at 1st glance, but now it's already growing on me.
I like the tank dash. And the pipes.. even thou I'd probably swap them out for sound. I like the wheels, and would give serious thought to powdercoating or painting the perimeter and *ribs*.
Overall, I'm looking forward to Saturday when I go see one for myself. The local dealers are already posting pics of their stock online.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 26
From: Colorado
Originally Posted by G'day
Us old farts are running out in numbers. For Harley to survive, they had to evolve to appeal to the younger crowd. That's what the extensive survey told Harley. Twenty-something and even 30-something didn't want to ride old man bikes. So here we are.
Is it possible that older members amongst us are more resistant to change and younger minds (irrespective of our physical age) are more accepting of the new direction?
I am glad Harley decided to put themselves out of their comfort zone. Some will love 2018 models and some will hate them but at least 2018 Softail models are not exactly the same as 2017 models with M8 and new paint. That would have been disappointing. Let's see what the sales figures say next year.
I totally agree, HD has to figure out some way to get the younger folks to buy so they can stay in business to service and support what may be my last bike!! Provided it doesn't just blow up.......it is a first year M8 and they have sooooooo many problems, lol
Us old farts are running out in numbers. For Harley to survive, they had to evolve to appeal to the younger crowd. That's what the extensive survey told Harley. Twenty-something and even 30-something didn't want to ride old man bikes. So here we are.
Is it possible that older members amongst us are more resistant to change and younger minds (irrespective of our physical age) are more accepting of the new direction?
I am glad Harley decided to put themselves out of their comfort zone. Some will love 2018 models and some will hate them but at least 2018 Softail models are not exactly the same as 2017 models with M8 and new paint. That would have been disappointing. Let's see what the sales figures say next year.
Yes I agree with you. I'm mid 50's. Worked very hard for what I have in life. Pretty bold change HD went with. I just find it a little insulting to leave the word "Classic" in the "Heritage Softail" name. Maybe it will become the new "Classic" 30 years down the road. Who knows. Who really cares. But... and this is only my opinion from what I see out there. We.... the what I want to say the 40-60 year olds and most, not all, tend to like the "Classic" look and sound of a Harley Davidson motorcycle. And we, not all, have the $$$ for our toys. I think to target the youngers at this time with a full line of "new" in the Softail family leaves "me" to keep what I have. And I'm good with that. I just don't think the youngers have the $$$ for these expensive toys and have the $$$ to keep lights and water on. I hope I'm wrong and only my opinion. I hope they all sell. tMy next one will be a touring model.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10,374
Likes: 518
From: Southern Arizona
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 26
From: Colorado
That is exactly right, single vehicle motorcycle accidents (not including animals that jump out at you) are a lack of experience. Full dressers can be taken on the twisties (lots here in Colorado) but you have to know how and you can't ride it like a Ninja.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 669
From: The Rust Belt!
Originally Posted by G'day
Us old farts are running out in numbers. For Harley to survive, they had to evolve to appeal to the younger crowd. That's what the extensive survey told Harley. Twenty-something and even 30-something didn't want to ride old man bikes. So here we are.
Is it possible that older members amongst us are more resistant to change and younger minds (irrespective of our physical age) are more accepting of the new direction?
I am glad Harley decided to put themselves out of their comfort zone. Some will love 2018 models and some will hate them but at least 2018 Softail models are not exactly the same as 2017 models with M8 and new paint. That would have been disappointing. Let's see what the sales figures say next year.
I totally agree, HD has to figure out some way to get the younger folks to buy so they can stay in business to service and support what may be my last bike!! Provided it doesn't just blow up.......it is a first year M8 and they have sooooooo many problems, lol
Us old farts are running out in numbers. For Harley to survive, they had to evolve to appeal to the younger crowd. That's what the extensive survey told Harley. Twenty-something and even 30-something didn't want to ride old man bikes. So here we are.
Is it possible that older members amongst us are more resistant to change and younger minds (irrespective of our physical age) are more accepting of the new direction?
I am glad Harley decided to put themselves out of their comfort zone. Some will love 2018 models and some will hate them but at least 2018 Softail models are not exactly the same as 2017 models with M8 and new paint. That would have been disappointing. Let's see what the sales figures say next year.
I totally agree, HD has to figure out some way to get the younger folks to buy so they can stay in business to service and support what may be my last bike!! Provided it doesn't just blow up.......it is a first year M8 and they have sooooooo many problems, lol
I will say they definitely murdered the Street Bod. That bike is now dead! Lol.