New Engines are Coming to HD Range for 2018

Engines

With an all-new frame, the company is able to fully exploit the benefits of the Milwaukee 8 engine which has been introduced to a variety of models for 2017. The Softail line up will sport the M8 107 replacing the 103 and some models will be released with the 114 engine. As reported by Harley Davidson, the M8 107 vastly outperforms the hi-output 103. The new engines, along with the new frame also resulted in a 30lb weight loss for some of these models. 

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Yesterday To Today

For 2018, Harley-Davidson combined the Softail and Dyna models into a single line up. Like always, the company manages to retain the classic styling that riders come to love and expect while integrating plenty of innovation into these new models. Although some fear this is really the end of the Dyna, I would suspect that it will make a return to showrooms across the country once it is revamped as well. Maybe not next year or two years from now but it is likely that we will see another Dyna in a much-improved state. In the meantime, the Milwaukee 8 platform is giving its competitors something to be concerned about with ample power while the new frames improve the overall performance. From less than 50 cubic inches in 1909 to today's 117cc Milwaukee 8 engine, the company is pushing innovation and technology likely due to stiff competition from Indian and Japanese competitors trying to move into the market. 

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Performance From The Ground Up

Engine innovation is only part of the equation. In order to remain an industry leader Harley-Davidson has also focused on developing the frame and suspension for the 2018 Softail platform. The new models benefit from lighter weight, stiffer frames, and better suspension, all while maintaining the hard-tail look. Brad Richards, VP of styling and design reported that the company produced the new line-up adhering to the development guideline that "form follows function but both report to emotion". HD is focusing on innovation to deliver top-of-the-line customer experience.  

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The Line Up

The 2018 Softail line up includes familiar names such as the Fat Boy, Fat Bob, Street Bob, Heritage Classic, Deluxe, Slim, Low Rider, and the Breakout. New bike platforms have also been released, such as the Sport Glide, making good on the company's goals to put out 100 new models by 2027. 

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First Impressions

While these new models have been released only to a few to sample, the reviews are encouragingly positive. Lighter, more responsive, better engine performance, and agiler while moving them around in a parking lot are all great signs for the 2018 line up. The design pays tribute to the hard-tail look while embracing technology and innovation. Models such as the Fat Boy are starting to experiment with more aggressive styling and although there is a very positive reaction from a younger generation of riders the current target market is still deliberating. 

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The Way Ahead

It is clear that the company is dedicated to staying on top and the Milwaukee 8 engine and new frame design for the Softail line up is not the only evidence. The company is moving towards different target markets and looking to create an entirely new generation of riders - the Street 750, and the aggressive design styling of the Fat Boy are clear testaments of this. Some are even asking; is there a Harley-Davidson Adventure Bike in the future? Who knows, but I sure would like to see that. Perhaps a re-birth of the HD VR-1000 is even on the horizon. 

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