new Softail- the "Blackline"
I checked one out today....Didn't like the handlebars or the narrow rear tire and fender. Doesn't look like they left any room for modifying to a wider rear either. Really liked the tank and paint though.
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
From: Shropshire, England
Harley seem to follow what ever's going on in the custom world and I think what ever people are doing to their bikes on here as well, there has been a load of custom bikes coming out with skinny 21" and 23" wheels front and back so Harley come back with their old 140 rear wheel they have relocated the coil on the Blackline where the horn used to be, going by this 2013 release we will properly see the bones with a new name the 240 rear wheel from the rocker with a rear fender set up like the Shadetree
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 1
From: Katy, TX
Saw one at the dealer yesterday. Don't care for the skinny rear tire. It is pretty low to the ground not going to be good for the taller riders. It wasn't too bad my friend is torn between that and a Fatboy Lo but I think he is going to go with the Fatboy Lo.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,725
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles
I just saw it in person today at Simi Valley Harley...As I posted earlier, I thought the bike had potential the more I looked at it online.
Well, I changed my mind again and don't like it at all after I sat on it. Like someone that already posted on here before said, it honestly looks like Harley had left over parts and just threw them together. The satin finish on the trees, fender struts, and frame just didn't flow with the gloss black primary cover, oil tank, tranny cover, etc...just didn't like it. Looked cheesy and confused.
I also didn't like the skinny rear tire. It looked too fat up front and way to skinny in the rear. I would prefer the 200 rear.
The handlebars are a disaster...its gonna be a PIA to find bars that will compliment the front and circumvent the speedo (although I did like the speedo).
I also liked the tank and the riding stance. Felt good to sit on it as I like low bikes, but would never pay for it.
BTW, the bike with ABS, etc...$18,600 OTD at Simi....hahahaha
I'll take a Nightrain ANYDAY over it.
Well, I changed my mind again and don't like it at all after I sat on it. Like someone that already posted on here before said, it honestly looks like Harley had left over parts and just threw them together. The satin finish on the trees, fender struts, and frame just didn't flow with the gloss black primary cover, oil tank, tranny cover, etc...just didn't like it. Looked cheesy and confused.
I also didn't like the skinny rear tire. It looked too fat up front and way to skinny in the rear. I would prefer the 200 rear.
The handlebars are a disaster...its gonna be a PIA to find bars that will compliment the front and circumvent the speedo (although I did like the speedo).
I also liked the tank and the riding stance. Felt good to sit on it as I like low bikes, but would never pay for it.
BTW, the bike with ABS, etc...$18,600 OTD at Simi....hahahaha
I'll take a Nightrain ANYDAY over it.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,047
Likes: 72
From: Northwest Louisiana
I saw an orange one at the dealer this weekend with black V&H Big Radius pipes. Overall I think it's a great looking bike, though I'd prefer a 180 or 200 tire. But if I hadn't just bought my Wide Glide last year I'd give the Blackline serious consideration.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 3
From: Chattanooga, TN
Greetings,
I've seen the Blackline in person at my local dealer right before they sold it (it lasted a day). It's a decent platform to start with, but here's what I'd have to do: Remove the speedo setup and get a Crossbones black cat-eye console speedo setup and mount it on the tank. Then, it's 2 inch risers and 16" apes along with a belt guard side-mount license plate frame with LED license plate light bolts. Then, it'd be something I want. I think I'll stick to my Night Train...LOL
I've seen the Blackline in person at my local dealer right before they sold it (it lasted a day). It's a decent platform to start with, but here's what I'd have to do: Remove the speedo setup and get a Crossbones black cat-eye console speedo setup and mount it on the tank. Then, it's 2 inch risers and 16" apes along with a belt guard side-mount license plate frame with LED license plate light bolts. Then, it'd be something I want. I think I'll stick to my Night Train...LOL