The 2018 Harley-Davidson FLDE Softail Deluxe is All Charm

Retro-Cruiser

The 2018 Softail Deluxe is the best of both worlds. It combines old-school charm with a modern touch, a contemporary suspension package and Harley-Davidson's best motor to date. First produced in 2005, the Softail Deluxe got a makeover for 2018, making it the finest retro-cruiser in the Motor Company's lineup. Here is a closer look at this revamped classic. 

Classic Lines

With a sea of chrome parts and whitewall tires, the Deluxe evokes the classic lines of the Hydra-Glide. Detractors will say that the Heritage Special is a better deal, but this is to ignore the nostalgia-steeped beauty of the Deluxe. As a first for Harley-Davidson, the redesigned LED lighting is just one of the styling cues that put the Deluxe in a league of its own.  

>>Join the conversation about the 2018 FLDE Softail Deluxe right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Apex Motor

The Milwaukee-Eight 107 powers the Softail Deluxe. Laying down 109-foot pounds of torque out of the box, the 107 M8 is a powerful, cool-running motor, with crisp throttle response. The counterbalanced and rubber-mounted engine features four valves per cylinder, a single chain-driven cam, and dual spark plugs. Without a doubt, the Milwaukee-Eight series of engines are at the apex of V-Twin motor design. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2018 FLDE Softail Deluxe right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Hidden Spring

Moving back from the motor reveals the Deluxe's clean lines. The Softail chassis got a major overhaul in 2018, which marked the biggest frame change since 1984. The new chassis is lighter and stiffer, which translates to better handling, especially when cornering. Similar to earlier Softails, the new generation retains the hidden suspension, but as a single coil-over mono-shock with an adjustable 240-pound range preload spring. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2018 FLDE Softail Deluxe right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Old is New

Swinging around the full-valence rear fender reveals a unique take on an old theme. The Deluxe's LED tombstone taillight and turn signals are a blend of contemporary function and vintage styling. Looking very similar to the FXDR's turn signals, the horizontal indicators bring old and new together with remarkable ease. Chrome bumper trim and sixteen-inch wire wheels with wide whites wrap up the 'back-to-the-future' vibe of this Softail.  

>>Join the conversation about the 2018 FLDE Softail Deluxe right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Vintage Upgrade

LED lights dominate the front of the Deluxe. A long-requested upgrade by riders, the super-bright LED fixtures still have a 1950s FL-look. Visual weight is added to the front with the flat triple tree cover and the iconic 'beer can' fork shrouds. Identical to the rear turn signals, the horizontal turn signal bar is a departure from the traditional bullet turn signals. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2018 FLDE Softail Deluxe right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Real World Test

Lack of dual disc brake up front could be the Deluxe's only flaw. Despite the media reviews, feedback from Deluxe owners in real-world riding has been nothing but praise. HD_fan on the Harley-Davidson Forums writes, “My surprise is how well it handles and the brakes! A true two-finger braking just like my sportbikes. This is from a 700lb bike!” 

>>Join the conversation about the 2018 FLDE Softail Deluxe right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Unfazed Angle

The bars are low and wide with ample pullback. The riding position on this mid-weight cruiser is upright, although 'slouched' would be more appropriate. In keeping with the classic look, floorboards come standard, but this does not negate the lean angle. In a September 2018 test of the Deluxe, Ultimate Motorcycling wrote, “It loves to make time in the canyons. Even on the rough parts of Mulholland Drive...the Deluxe stays unfazed.” 

>>Join the conversation about the 2018 FLDE Softail Deluxe right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Comfy Cruiser

The plush solo saddle seat with a low height of 26.8 inches can accommodate a wide range of riders. Coupled with a five-gallon tank the Deluxe can make some serious miles. While still technically a cruiser, the Deluxe is still a capable touring machine. However, unlike the Heritage Special, Deluxe owners have to add saddle bags and a windshield to complete their 'touring' package. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2018 FLDE Softail Deluxe right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Deluxe Love

For what the Deluxe lacks in accessories it makes up in looks. This is a sentiment that resounds from riders. HD_fan continues, “I just love this bike!... I think that it is the best-looking bike Harley-Davidson makes.” While the Heritage Special is available with the slightly larger 114 M8, Deluxe owners seem unconcerned. As sumncguy unequivocally states, “Performance: A$$ meter is a ten ..” 

>>Join the conversation about the 2018 FLDE Softail Deluxe right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

For help with service of your bike, check out the how-to section of HDForums.com