Traded a 2016 Road Glide for 114 Heritage. Keeping all my touring parts, tour pac, seat, and so on in case I go back to touring bike. Traded for what I thought was to good to pass up, 3K OTD. It's been sitting in the garage since December, can't wait to get out just need this winter weather to end.

 

Came from a Honda and a BMW sportbike and am new to Harley. Fell in love with the new FatBob. Put a 1000 miles on it first 3 weeks.

Seth
'18 FatBob 114

 

I sold a BMW R1200 GS Adventure to get the Heritage 114.

Because of a fubar’d back I’m not riding dirt anymore and swinging my leg over the seat of that bike was a bit painful. It was significantly reducing my desire to ride.

I looked at a few other brands and the Fat Bob as well, but I figured the new Heritage would suit me best over the next few years.

I am really enjoying it. Just had a stage II done with the torque cam. Close to perfect.

Bmw’s And Ducati’s are great bikes. And the GSA in particular is a do-almost-anything bike.

I am really enjoying my commute on the Heritage. Much better than riding in a cage. And I’m looking forward to some longer rides this year

 

 

Just put a set of Rinhart slip-on's on Cherry, my '18 Heritage 107 after a Stage 1 upgrade and tune. Now it sounds like a Harley and not a scooter. Not exteramly loud (my preference anyway) but a real nice deep throaty sound.

Keeping the OEM pipes just in case it had to back to the shop for any major (W) work. it's is only a few bolts to make the change.

 

Just put a set of Rinhart slip-on's on Cherry, my '18 Heritage 107 after a Stage 1 upgrade and tune. Now it sounds like a Harley and not a scooter. Not exteramly loud (my preference anyway) but a real nice deep throaty sound.

Keeping the OEM pipes just in case it had to back to the shop for any major (W) work. it's is only a few bolts to make the change.

 

I believe what Harley is doing works in attracting new customers. My cousin and I have just bought into the new models, him a 2018 FatBob and me a 2018 FatBoy 114 engine both. I had a BM K1300R, beautiful bike, powerful and agile, but I am looking at longer rides and mostly weekends outings and the new FatBoy just called my name.

I guess the strategy is working !

 

I rode an 07 Street Glide with 96k miles which had several upgrades over the years. Racetech fork internals w progressive stock height springs with a custom fork brace (the brace helped stability significantly), Ohlin's 13.25" rear shock from motorcycle metal and a bagger brace to tie in the rear suspension. I was a bagger guy all the way. My wife rides a 17 Street 750. I told her if Harley made a bigger version of that bike, I'd be all over it. I rode the 18 114 Fat Bob and was amazed at how well it rode and handled. I rode the 114 Heritage and was shocked at how close the handling performance was to the Fat Bob. That rode test haunted me. Was I willing to give up on the touring platform with the greater cargo capacity and the loss of my stereo? What about the protection of the batwing fairing? The answer to both was an emphatic yes! The bike is lighter, it performs better in every aspect. If I need more cargo capacity, the T-bag on the rack and backrest'll do it. I have a blue tooth headset in my helmet for the tunes and the windshield does a fine job for wind protection. On the highway, it's a great cruise with its very effective cruise control. In the twisties, it's no contest. It's far more stable and the cornering capabilities for this cruiser/light touring bike is damned impressive. Any buyers remorse or longing for the ride I traded in? Not in the slightest. If you don't want one of these new softails, I have a word of advice, DON'T RIDE ONE. That's what caused my downfall.

 

In keeping with the OP's question -- I'm sort of a brand-switcher because of the '18 Softail, but not exactly like most folks.

I had always had Hondas before, an intermittent Yamaha or Suzuki but generally Hondas. After an extended break from riding, I got back into it about three years ago. Was dead-set on getting a Honda NC700X, but found a ridiculously smoking deal on a new 2015 Street 750 ($4499). Couldn't pass that up. But I outgrew it quickly and was ready to get rid of it after a year; held onto it for two. Was absolutely guaranteed certain I was going to get a big touring bike, either the new BMW K1600B or the revamped Honda Gold Wing. Not a doubt in my mind.

Until I saw the '18 Fat Bob. That thing won me over in a heartbeat, and I made an offer on it that very night.

So, if it wasn't for the '18 Softail, I would have switched brands again. The Fat Bob kept me from switching away.