So I understand why Harley Davidson makes Softail family of motorcycles. Old school hardtail looks with modern suspension.

But with introducing radically newer looking Softail motorcycles like Fatbob, and generally modernizing the looks of the Softail family, seems counter intuitive. Isn't the entire point of the Softtail is to have old school looks? But they're modernizing the looks. I don't know seems like poor planning to me.

 

Ditto

 

Yes, all of that, everything, exactly.

 

While I'm sure its cost-prohibitive, and "cost" is one of the reasons they consolidated down to the single softail frame (and eliminating the Dynas), I would have loved to have seen them keep a "retro" model like the previous line and create a "Softail V2" or something like that which are the 2018s. Do it for a few years and see which one sells better...

 

I agree, but guess is up to the marketplace. This next year will tell. I do like the 114 option and the mono shock, as well as the improved cooling. LED headlights are great.

The styling kills me though. I know some don't like studs, that's usually an option on a lot of my accessories.

You would really need to compare to see what they did to the older models , made me appreciate mine more. Running lights on the fender tips and chrome accents, backrest with wide passenger seat, etc. Not parting with mine for along time, it's old school and I like it that way. Style over power in the engine department any day.

 

Arent the Heritage & the Low Rider classic enough styles?
Fat Bob & Breakout are more modern.
Seems to me like they have something for everyone, that would be good planning no?

 

I think that Harley certainly dropped the ball here.
Apparently their market researchers think that the design is the reason sales is sagging.

For example; they have totally taken away the classic from the look of the Heritage Classic.
I assume they did this because some don't like all the studs and the bike is being used more by some for over the road travel.

However for under a $1000 you could always put non-studded bags and a non-studded seat on and for $500 you can upgrade the suspension. (that is if that's what you want)

My thought is the price is what is driving buyers away.
IMO it's totally insane unless you're a former Hospital worker from Mass. to spend $20,000+ for a motorcycle.

I see people posting that they couldn't resist and bought a 2018.
I'm glad the bikes are selling that way the new buyers will put on $5000 in add-ons, ride the bike for 3 years and then sell it to me for $10,000 less than what they have in it.
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Here’s the new lineup, by category: The Foundational Standards—Heritage Classic, Deluxe, and Slim. The Modern Classics—Low Rider, Street Bob, and Breakout. Revolutionary DNA—Fat Boy and Fat Bob.

There are three categories of design language.

 

Softail sales have been extremely soft for years. My local dealer, a large one, was lucky to sell 10 Heritage Classic's a year. Even fewer fatboys. Sure not knocking the 17 back softail but it's time to change. Those that prefer the previous generation ( 1984 to 2017 ) will have many clean low mileage Candidate's to choose from. Those of us that prefer the new generation will buy the new one. Personally, I am thrilled with the new bikes. I owned a brand new 90 Fatboy, the first one, back in the day and loved it. The new 18 is a deserving addition. A far superior ride.

 

No, the entire point of the Softail is to have clean lines AND good suspension. Hiding the eyesore of a rear shock accomplishes that. Modern or old school have nothing to do with it.