Opinions on the new harley softails?

[vstevens]

Anyone ride one, own one? 

I went to a local HD dealership and sat on a few - too rainy for test drives - they feel balanced and light(er) compared to the previous models.  Once the weather allows, I may have to test ride a couple of the softail lineup.  The heritage classic is gorgeous (to me), and the street bob feels good too from the saddle... of course that may all change once I have them on the road.

[Kev m]

I've ridden most of them already, a few multiple times. I'm very VERY happy with them. I always HATED the Harley Softails, but I can see owning one of these eventually.

Especially the Heritage or Sport Glide.

[vstevens]

I've ridden most of them already, a few multiple times. I'm very VERY happy with them. I always HATED the Harley Softails, but I can see owning one of these eventually.

Especially the Heritage or Sport Glide.

Kev I didn't see the sport glide but will check one out when I can.  I was shocked at how easily I could move around the heritage.  I also sat on the road king for comparison- it is VERY noticeably heavier, I love the RK but it's just too heavy for me.  I wasnt thinking Harley might be my next (perhaps my last) bike.  But I might be willing to go into debt for a softail heritage.

[Kev m]

Yeah, I really love my RK but it is BIG, even moreso with the 31" seat height on my Police model. That plus 800# wet can be a handful when stopped or pushing around the garage.

The Heritage sits lower, turns pretty well, moves pretty quick all things considered. But it feels even more than the 100# lighter it is than the RK.

And that M8 motor is sweet.

I would either want a Heritage with sealed tubeless wheels or a Sport Glide plus floor boards.

[LowRyter]

The new Softail line replaced the old ST and the Dyna series.  It's supposed to be much sportier while retaining the ST appearance.

I haven't ridden one but it seems to make sense. 

[Ncdan]

Last year I bought an 07soft tail deluxe for my son, who is very challenged,  height wise. With its 28" seat height it fits him perfectly. That bike is a pleasure to ride, even if it is a Harley. I can imagine how a new one would be.

[Kev m]

Last year I bought an 07soft tail deluxe for my son, who is very challenged,  height wise. With its 28" seat height it fits him perfectly. That bike is a pleasure to ride, even if it is a Harley. I can imagine how a new one would be.

Dan,

There's really very little in common between the pre-18 and the new Softail, other than the names of some models and some looks.

The new chassis is tighter, lighter, better sprung. The new powertrain is more powerful, slicker, and by all measures improved.

It's a leap forward that changed everything for me with regards to the whole platform.

I can't overstate this...

[Ncdan]

Dan,

There's really very little in common between the pre-18 and the new Softail, other than the names of some models and some looks.

The new chassis is tighter, lighter, better sprung. The new powertrain is more powerful, slicker, and by all measures improved.

It's a leap forward that changed everything for me with regards to the whole platform.

I can overstate this...

Yea I've heard the new bikes are a totally new creature. If they are that much better than the 07 we have it must be a killer mechine!!

[rudyr]

Bought a 2018, Heritage last Aug. put front crash bars, saddle bag guards and a seat with a backrest.  I really like it.  but I only have 4500 miles on it.  but if you ride a Littel aggressive in the mounton’s you will ware the rub guard off on the floor boards.  That’s the only negative I got.  When you drop it (when stopped) get you a 2 ft. Pice of cord to put on saddle bag crash bar to lift the bike, when you put your back into it and grab the handle bar with one hand then nothing to grab with the other hand to lift the bike.  One thing the Dealer told me 3500 rpm and up don’t lug the engine, with so much power you will want to run 2000 rpm.rudyr

[LowRyter]

Oh Heck,  I'm a liar.

I rode Rudy's bike around the parking lot at Dusty's Talimena Rally.

Thanks Rudy. 

[kingoffleece]

kev is spot on

[kballowe]

We've owned a couple of Heritage Softail bikes and currently have a 2017 model and have been happy with all of them.

By all accounts, this new crop is even better in terms of performance and handling as compared to the previous year models.

Take an extended test ride - or (better yet) rent one for a day - but don't forget to come back and tell us what you found out.
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[JJ]

kev is spot on

Agree 100%   Many people poo-poo Harley's, but anyone that has ever owned / ridden a modern one will tell you otherwise. 

I have 250,000+ miles on four Big Twin HD's - 2 Electra Glide Sports (FLH-S) and 2 Road Kings (FLHR)- and they are excellent open highway, long distance, touring bikes.   ...and forget all that poser HD scene / images - the bikes themselves are fine. Best of all - dealers / parts / service EVERYWHERE...

[s1120]

Agree 100%   Many people poo-poo Harley's, but anyone that has ever owned / ridden a modern one will tell you otherwise. 

I have 250,000+ miles on four Big Twin HD's - 2 Electra Glide Sports (FLH-S) and 2 Road Kings (FLHR)- and they are excellent open highway, long distance, touring bikes.   ...and forget all that poser HD scene / images - the bikes themselves are fine. Best of all - dealers / parts / service EVERYWHERE...

I have not ridden a new HD in many years, but know many who have them..  Really the last 10-20 years they have built a real nice bike. Most of the flack came from the 70's and most was well deserved. The big twins are not really my thing, but really I wouldnt mind building up a sporty one day.. 

[JJ]

I have not ridden a new HD in many years, but know many who have them..  Really the last 10-20 years they have built a real nice bike. Most of the flack came from the 70's and most was well deserved. The big twins are not really my thing, but really I wouldnt mind building up a sporty one day..

If I bought another Harley today, I also really like the 2019 Softail Slim picture here at a dealership in Las Vegas.  Very low and retro!  Just add a small touring windscreen and hard bags and off you go to your next adventure!

[Kev m]

If I bought another Harley today, I also really like the 2019 Softail Slim picture here at a dealership in Las Vegas.  Very low and retro!  Just add a small touring windscreen and hard bags and off you go to your next adventure!

I chased one of them down in the Pinelands a month or so ago. I didn't realize that's what it was until I was up close.

Man it really looks like an old bike in both form and size.

I like it more than I should.

[JJ]

I chased one of them down in the Pinelands a month or so ago. I didn't realize that's what it was until I was up close.

Man it really looks like an old bike in both form and size.

I like it more than I should.

It's a good thing I am"retired" now, and on a fixed income, or I would just pull the trigger and get one!!

[Sasquatch Jim]

 Spensive!

[JJ]

Spensive!

Yes...and like most good things in life..."If you want to PLAY...then ya gotta PAY!!" 

[Sykestone8886]

I was at the local HD dealer yesterday just roaming around trying to beat my severe case of cabin fever. If I were to buy a new HD it would be the softail slim. I own three HD's 1985 being the newest. I better stay away I'm getting the itch. Probably wouldn't now how to act on that new technology!!'

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

what makes a softtail a soft tail? the other bikes arent rigid??  I truly to not understand harley's model designations... they all look identical, with slight variations in how much 'bling' they have, but otherwise it's just two motors and the  different bikes are all cosmetic differences? (yes i'm lumping things like different wheel sizes into the 'cosmetic' designation)

[JJ]

what makes a softtail a soft tail? the other bikes arent rigid??  I truly to not understand harley's model designations... they all look identical, with slight variations in how much 'bling' they have, but otherwise it's just two motors and the  different bikes are all cosmetic differences? (yes i'm lumping things like different wheel sizes into the 'cosmetic' designation)

[wittangamo]

I had ridden Harleys before, but never wanted one. Overweight, overpriced, underpowered, etc. That was then!

A few weeks ago I stumbled across a review of the new Softail Sport Glide that said the handling had been transformed by using an upside-down Showa front and preload-adjustable monoshock. I’d already heard the frames on the new models were lighter and stiffer, and the Milwaukee 8 engine vibrated less and produced more power.

On a whim, I stopped at a nearby H-D dealer and sat on one. I was surprised at how low it carried its weight, making it easy to move around. I was offered an extended solo ride to try it on some familiar back roads.

It took me no time at all to feel comfortable and confident. I wound up buying it.

I’m still breaking it in at 800 miles, but it’s definitely a keeper. ABS, cruise control, LED lighting, keyless ignition and security system are standard, and the bags and fairing detach in seconds. Easy to ride, plenty of go, and a very high fun factor.

Here’s a link to my bike porn slideshow.

https://youtu.be/FyF6XNnxfSc

[Kev m]

what makes a softtail a soft tail? the other bikes arent rigid??  I truly to not understand harley's model designations... they all look identical, with slight variations in how much 'bling' they have, but otherwise it's just two motors and the  different bikes are all cosmetic differences? (yes i'm lumping things like different wheel sizes into the 'cosmetic' designation)

Well let me clear up some misconceptions.

The Softail was introduced in the 80's with a hidden suspension to look like factory hard tails of years past.

They now have been redesigned to be a more modern mono-shock chassis that maintains the classic look.

Harley currently has the following platforms:

Touring
Softail
Sportster
Street

Each actually has its own motor.

Touring - rubbermounted, single counterbalanced M8
Softail - solidmount, dual-counterbalanced M8
Sportster - 883 cc and 1200 cc unitized EVO
Street - 500cc and 750cc revolution motors (750cc in two variants)

Models made on those different chassis vary by bars, seats, wheels, bodywork, fairings, controls, etc.

[kballowe]

I want a Softail Slim

[tazio]

Are the Milwaukee 8 engines exhibiting oil pump issues or is what I've read hyperbole?
My pal (life long Harley enthusiast) loved his M-8 Ultra Limited
until he bought a new Indian Chieftain Limited.
I could probably live with either

[wittangamo]

Are the Milwaukee 8 engines exhibiting oil pump issues or is what I've read hyperbole?
My pal (life long Harley enthusiast) loved his M-8 Ultra Limited
until he bought a new Indian Chieftain Limited.
I could probably live with either

The M8 was released first for touring models in 2017, and there were some sumping issues reported. Fixed by 2018, which was when the new softail models were introduced.

[Kev m]

I believe the sumping issues were largely or only on highly modified motors (like Stage 3 or 4 upgrades).

[Rough Edge racing]

 Wow, a dead of winter Harley thread with no hate? Is this the new kinder Wild Guzzi ?

[JJ]

I want a Softail Slim

Me too!!