Why has Harley changed rear swing arm ascetic styling?
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 44
Likes: 2
From: Cherry
Why has Harley changed rear swing arm ascetic styling?
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
.
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
.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,625
Likes: 1,665
From: Blairsville GA
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.
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.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 293
Likes: 58
From: Loganville, PA
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!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,815
Likes: 2,555
From: UK
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.
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.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 314
Likes: 130
From: US
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 armAttachment 576791.
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 armAttachment 576791.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
Likes: 177
From: East Coast
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.....................................
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Illinois
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.
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.
Last edited by lh4x4; Nov 9, 2017 at 06:49 PM.