Why are the new 2018 model softail swing arms made to half the height as of those prior?
It isn't a question on shock placement, more curious on ascetic.
I believe the Swing arm could have been same style ascetically even with new shock placement on top.
Made a diagram in attachment to explain. (shitty diagram but oh well)
There is probably a good explanation like new equipment blocking new range of motion.
It is sort of a shame, the Softail full traditional triangular swing arm from seat to bottom of frame had been a major part in the bikes lines and silhouette for many years. I much prefer the full traditional swing arm.

 

I doubt the change had much to do with aesthetics (absolutely nothing to do with ascetics), and a lot to do with engineering.

Imperceptible from the cam side, the appearance is not distracting to most from the primary side. Saddlebags make it a moot point.

On the other hand, the handling performance of the new frame is greatly improved over the old one. The good news for those that absolutely can't stand the revised swing arm is that there are a blue million of the old style out there to choose from.

 

Might be an improvement in engineering...but not in looks for me. I dislike it immensely.

It ain't a Softail (hardtail lookalike) anymore.

Bring on the dogpile....

 

I rode my first pre-2018 softail earlier this year. How folks ever accepted that design's functionality blows my mind. Maybe it's okay in Florida where it's flat with no twisty roads. Kudos to HD for change!

 

Doesn't bother me at all.

Three months ago, I could never have seen myself owning a Softail (okay - I was fairly close to getting a Softail Slim S). But with the new frame and suspension I have one proudly parked in my garage. Goodbye Dyna, Hello 2018 Softail

If I want something that looks like an old hardtail, I'll buy an old hardtail.

 

+1 on the engineering.

I imagine they could have made look like the pre-2018 BUT it would be extra metal, extra weight and it would have added any functionality to the bike...

 

That’s why the old swing arm bag doesn’t fit right.

 

To illustrate how upsetting the change was to me personally, I previously owned an old style Softail and now a 2018 new style, and until the very moment I read your post, I was completely unaware.....................................

 

I only know because I had to get a bag speciically for the 18... looks fine to me... cars don't look like they did in the 60s either, move on!

 

Uhh less material so a weight savings, better ground clearance is a + also and I like it much better. Probably stronger also.

Liked it so much that I traded my 15 Fat Bob on the 18 Fat Bob S. Goodbye vibrating slow overweight slug of a Dyna. Now smooth as silk, powerful 114 and absolutely beautiful aesthetics.