2018 Softails
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
2018 Softails
Yeah, I know this is Touring but this is the only place on here I go to. Anyway, was at the Springfield Mile on Sunday and H-D had their display along with several of the new Softails. They look like a cross between a Dyna and Softail, but with a horrible looking rear swingarm. They changed the angle of the lower strut to horizontal, instead of angled downward like the classic hardtail frame like they had been using on the Softail. Also the headlight treatment on a couple of them looked like something you would see on a Honda or something. They even have a somewhat narrow glide type front end on one model that is obviously the "Super Glide" of the Softail line.
Overall I did not like them and they appear too foreign looking to me. However, the frames were well designed with a mono shock mounted up top and definitely made stiff and of course they all have the Milwaukee 8 engine. You can tell the lack of ***** G's design and creative inputs.
Overall I did not like them and they appear too foreign looking to me. However, the frames were well designed with a mono shock mounted up top and definitely made stiff and of course they all have the Milwaukee 8 engine. You can tell the lack of ***** G's design and creative inputs.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
Yeah, I know this is Touring but this is the only place on here I go to. Anyway, was at the Springfield Mile on Sunday and H-D had their display along with several of the new Softails. They look like a cross between a Dyna and Softail, but with a horrible looking rear swingarm. They changed the angle of the lower strut to horizontal, instead of angled downward like the classic hardtail frame like they had been using on the Softail. Also the headlight treatment on a couple of them looked like something you would see on a Honda or something. They even have a somewhat narrow glide type front end on one model that is obviously the "Super Glide" of the Softail line.
Overall I did not like them and they appear too foreign looking to me. However, the frames were well designed with a mono shock mounted up top and definitely made stiff and of course they all have the Milwaukee 8 engine. You can tell the lack of ***** G's design and creative inputs.
Overall I did not like them and they appear too foreign looking to me. However, the frames were well designed with a mono shock mounted up top and definitely made stiff and of course they all have the Milwaukee 8 engine. You can tell the lack of ***** G's design and creative inputs.
If they don't have a radiator on them, it's STILL Willie G's design influence. LOL!
Banned
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 607
Likes: 107
From: Dark Side of the Moon
I agree, some will like the Softail changes and others not so much. And what's up with the turn signals on the Deluxe? The odd-ball of the line with everything else having the bullet-style.
New frame and combining the Dynas with the Softails was inevitable. I don't like the bags, but at least the Heritage comes in a 114 motor.
New frame and combining the Dynas with the Softails was inevitable. I don't like the bags, but at least the Heritage comes in a 114 motor.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 610
Likes: 82
From: Indiana
Agreed. Not sure what I think exactly yet. Do like some of the changes, but not all. The new fatboy in black with a 114 looks a little intriguing. I do hope someone comes up with a decent cover for the plastic suspension adjustment ****... Perhaps someone already has. Also not too wild about the oil cooler mounted in the front of the frame. Not real obvious, but looks a bit like a metric radiator.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,228
Likes: 11,351
From: San Diego, CA
I understand the need for the changes, I think that the technical aspects are pretty good.... but...
It's neither softail or dyna. It's a new design with a triangular, overhead mono shock swingarm... I think it's wrong to call it a softail...
That said, nothing about them would make me get rid of my '03 Heritage and buy one....
It's neither softail or dyna. It's a new design with a triangular, overhead mono shock swingarm... I think it's wrong to call it a softail...
That said, nothing about them would make me get rid of my '03 Heritage and buy one....
Trending Topics
GUNTOTER---That is progress for you, the new SofTail family will grow
on you, keep an open mind. A lot of Forum members like the redesign.
John
on you, keep an open mind. A lot of Forum members like the redesign.
John
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,674
Likes: 314
From: Ohio
IMO the new HD has gotten to much like the metric bikes of years ago. The changes on some models are drastic but are up to date. I like some of the changes and hate some. I love the new fatboy but hate the headlight and the price. IMO they did to much for the old HD faithful but they have to keep up with the other manufactures.