I'm willing to bet 2018 softail sales will be down this year. Any takers?

 

My dealer had 12 2018 models on the floor the first day they were available. The only ones left are 2018 Road King Special, 2 Breakouts. They sold out of Fat Bobs, Fat Boys and Heritages the 3rd day.


There is an *** for every seat and I imagine these will sell too.

 

Most of these buyers are people who have to have the newest shiny thing first.

 

They all look like Victorys.. I mean, I liked the Vic's for what they were.. but... wow

 

I'm not one of those folks. I've made my '16 Breakout into exactly what I wanted it to be - sounds good, looks good and I'm happy with what I have. I'm always amazed at how many 1 year old barely ridden used bikes are at my dealer. I can't even imagine the losses these folks took when they traded in their scoot for the latest and greatest.

 

Logically this is a fool's bet. There are no more Dynas. The 2018 Softail line will cover the buyers for both previous lines. If somehow the sales of Softails (which was long overdue for an update) lags, the MoCo will do what every other manufacturer does: they'll have a sale.

 

Didn't victory go under?

Probably end the softail line, if this doesn't increase sales.

 

Do you guys still see alot of 2017s in your local dealers? I do. Lots of Dyna's for sure. A few Heritage Classics. I even saw a new 2016 Sportster 48 in that orange flame hcc paint still on the floor at one dealer.

 

Oh....2016!! You old school biker you!!!!

I'd take this bet in a heartbeat. HD isn't simply trying to sell bikes to the people who already have bikes so much as reach out to new riders. I see these new models, especially the Fatboy and Fatbob, flying off the floor.

 

Oh, c'mon...seriously?!?

They already ended the V-Rod and the entire Dyna line. Do you seriously think they'll kill the Softail line as well?

So, Harley riders/owners/ buyers who aren't interested in a full-size Touring bike are going to be left with a choice between a Street and a Sportster?

You're killin' me.

Like 'em or not, they're the best handling and best performing Softails in the history of the MoCo. (Google "damned by faint praise") No, I don't like them, and I don't want one, because there's nothing there for me, but if you like Softails, or if you like Dynas and don't want a Touring/Sportster/Street, then you're kind of corralled.

Of course, there are other manufacturers out there...