2018 Softails
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,481
Likes: 630
From: NorCal Rocklin
I was able to test ride the models at Modesto and I am not convince with these motors. They exhibit a high frequency buzz from the bars and foot pegs. Some models exhibit the buzz and some dont. The fatboy didnt have that much of a buzz because it had the floorboards and the transmission felt a little stiffer than the Street bob and low rider. The transmission felt more slick while the fatboy was more solid. Coming from a touring model, I am probably too used to the floorboards that I can feel more vibrations with just pegs.
The touring models are smooth as silk because of the rubber mount. Ill keep my road king for now. Im highly sensitive to vibrations and riding a bike that numbs my hands within the first 30 mins is a deal breaker to me. Especially how much they are selling these for.
The touring models are smooth as silk because of the rubber mount. Ill keep my road king for now. Im highly sensitive to vibrations and riding a bike that numbs my hands within the first 30 mins is a deal breaker to me. Especially how much they are selling these for.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 276
Likes: 147
From: Alabama
I was one of the first people bitchin' about the 18 Softails.
I HATED the way they looked in the pics I saw.
However, after seeing them in person and after my first test ride of a 114 Heritage I changed my mind......quickly!
I still hate Red Iron Denim, but the 18 Heritage in Twisted Cherry, Vivid Black, and Silver Fortune looks fantastic.
The 18 Low Rider looks great too. Hell, I think it's one of the best looking bikes for the 18 model year.
Having said that, yesterday afternoon we traded in our 17 Slim on a new 17 Heritage Classic in Bonneville Blue/Fathom Blue. It was the last 17 they had and my wife fell in love with that bike in about 2 seconds.
I love the 18 models, but they made us an offer on that 17 we could not pass up.
A 114 Heritage will be our next bike, but for the next few years I'll enjoy polishing all that chrome on our new 17!
I HATED the way they looked in the pics I saw.
However, after seeing them in person and after my first test ride of a 114 Heritage I changed my mind......quickly!
I still hate Red Iron Denim, but the 18 Heritage in Twisted Cherry, Vivid Black, and Silver Fortune looks fantastic.
The 18 Low Rider looks great too. Hell, I think it's one of the best looking bikes for the 18 model year.
Having said that, yesterday afternoon we traded in our 17 Slim on a new 17 Heritage Classic in Bonneville Blue/Fathom Blue. It was the last 17 they had and my wife fell in love with that bike in about 2 seconds.
I love the 18 models, but they made us an offer on that 17 we could not pass up.
A 114 Heritage will be our next bike, but for the next few years I'll enjoy polishing all that chrome on our new 17!
Last edited by Timbo64; Dec 4, 2017 at 03:59 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
The low rider has been one of the most complained about models due to it switching from a dyna to a softail BUT what I don't get is why. Look up the older anniversary model in white... it looks SOOO similar to mine minus wire wheels and the shocks. I don't like wire wheels (never have, ugly and annoying) and also don't like the look of the shocks, they also restrict bag options a lot. I guess the battery box under the seat is different but that wasn't a "Harley thing" it was a ton of older bikes. I prefer the new curved parts under the seat that make it look more seamless. I will be getting them chromed or buying chrome ones if Harley ends up making them.
Change is a good thing. Anytime a company becomes stagnant you should worry. It either means they can't afford change, don't care or their time is coming to an end. I don't like all the new paint colors (but my color taste are different than yours, so not going to blast you for it) but the rest of the lineup I really love! I was between the fat boy and the lowrider. Price played a SMALL part, and the wanting to add more chrome was another key factor. Plus I just thought the windshield looked funky o the fat boy due to the headlight (which I really like otherwise).
Change is a good thing. Anytime a company becomes stagnant you should worry. It either means they can't afford change, don't care or their time is coming to an end. I don't like all the new paint colors (but my color taste are different than yours, so not going to blast you for it) but the rest of the lineup I really love! I was between the fat boy and the lowrider. Price played a SMALL part, and the wanting to add more chrome was another key factor. Plus I just thought the windshield looked funky o the fat boy due to the headlight (which I really like otherwise).
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 574
Likes: 263
From: Spokane, WA
I agree how the new Low Rider is one of the best, I couldn't resist. My other ride is a 51 Pan I've had since 1990. Before that I was a Sportster Rider, XLX61 for many years. This bike is as much a Harley as any thing they made after the shovel, in my opinion. It feels solid and mechanical.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 965
From: Eastern NC
I agree how the new Low Rider is one of the best, I couldn't resist. My other ride is a 51 Pan I've had since 1990. Before that I was a Sportster Rider, XLX61 for many years. This bike is as much a Harley as any thing they made after the shovel, in my opinion. It feels solid and mechanical.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,098
Likes: 474
From: Location location.
I'm after a Sport Glide pipe for mine ,anybody ?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 918
From: coast to coast
Not a bad idea. I'd like it for my Heritage if it stayed lower for bigger bag clearance. Good looking factory pipe with a little perf boost otherwise.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,098
Likes: 474
From: Location location.
Yep you got it .