2018 Harley DynaSofts

[Kev m]

But, that still make classic looking bikes, AND, the new styled ones like the Fat Bob.   Yeah, that Fat Bob isn't my think, I don't need to buy it.    The Deluxe is definitely more my style.   I think it is a good thing that the model line has some diversity that they aren't just all cookie-cutters of the same basic bike with just different sized wheels and tires, etc.    I'll bet the new styled ones sell well, because they don't look like anything Harley has been selling for the last 20 years.    For those that want the traditional style, they make those too.

That's funny I'd have guessed the Fat Bob would so be your thing, more so than the Deluxe.

I mean the Deluxe is better than ever but it's still a pretty sedate ride, lean angles have INCREASED to like 28° each side, that's up as much as 3° per side! And it's low and long.

The Fat Bob is more nimble, sits higher, has more lean angle etc. It's a hoot. Really got me thinking bad things....

[redrider90]

My first bike & first Harley was a 62 Pan head nearly identical to the one below minus the lights on the fenders. It sure looks a lot like the new Harley Deluxe. 55 years later the style is remarkably similar.

[Kev m]

My first bike & first Harley was a 62 Pan head nearly identical to the one below minus the lights on the fenders. It sure looks a lot like the new Harley Deluxe. 55 years later the style is remarkably similar.

Sure, and that's part of the charm. You can have a bike that largely looks like that, BUT has feedback EFI making over 100 ft lbs of torque (and near 100 hp), with LED lights, ABS, etc. Basically a reliable modern version of the original that needs nothing more than fuel and oil changes.

[Ncdan]

They're pretty different, almost as different as two Harleys with the same name could be.

His bike is the first generation TC88B motor. As such it's got the fatal flaw spring loaded timing chain tensioners that wear out prematurely and could take the whole motor with it if not caught in time. The most popular solution other than inspection and replacement (which should happen by 20k but they could last as long as 50k) is to upgrade to the new hydraulic tensioner assembly. This means new oil pump, camshafts, timing chain and tensioners.

I'm not even sure if those early TC88 motors used closed loop injection yet.

And it's the "old" Softail chassis which means it's heavier, has more limited cornering, less capable brakes, lower quality suspension etc. than this new motor and chassis. It's for the twin shocks hidden under the frame and the primary purpose of putting them there was just to hide them. The new monoshock chassis puts a much higher quality single shock at the top rear of the frame where it functions better (especially with the stiffer an lighter chassis).

If he likes it, I'd not suggest he ride a new one yet. I would not think I'm exaggerating to say the new ones are better in every way.

That said there's plenty of people who loved the old ones too and the weight and lean angle differences aren't like the difference between a Ducati and a Chopper or anything like that, it's a few pounds and a few degrees lean on each side.

So hope he enjoys!

Thanks Kev, I had an 03 electric glide and had to do the cam chain shoes, I had forgot about that. The bike was owned by a 74 year old guy and only has 10k on her so I guess it will be a while before I need to worry about the cam tentioners. I replaced mine around 40k and they had a few miles left but differently showed deep groves and some chipping had occurred. Great info thanks.
PS, that Calvin beside it gives it a run for the money around the end of a ramp:)

[redrider90]

Sure, and that's part of the charm. You can have a bike that largely looks like that, BUT has feedback EFI making over 100 ft lbs of torque (and near 100 hp), with LED lights, ABS, etc. Basically a reliable modern version of the original that needs nothing more than fuel and oil changes.

You forgot to mention the electric starter upgrade.  Took me weeks to master starting that pan head with the retarded spark.

[jas67]

That's funny I'd have guessed the Fat Bob would so be your thing, more so than the Deluxe.

I mean the Deluxe is better than ever but it's still a pretty sedate ride, lean angles have INCREASED to like 28� each side, that's up as much as 3� per side! And it's low and long.

The Fat Bob is more nimble, sits higher, has more lean angle etc. It's a hoot. Really got me thinking bad things....

I'd have to ride them to know which I like riding better, but, the matte paint and weird headlight take some getting used too.    It's not a bad looking bike, but, I guess I'm more traditional.   

From your description here, it sounds like I'd like the Fat Bob better, as far as how it rides.

Taking another look at it, the Fat Bob does have a sporty look to it.

I guess I should check to see when any of my local dealers are having a demo event.



Raise that seat about 4 inches and replace the forward controls wth some mid-mount controls, and I'm interested.

[jas67]

My first bike & first Harley was a 62 Pan head nearly identical to the one below minus the lights on the fenders. It sure looks a lot like the new Harley Deluxe. 55 years later the style is remarkably similar.

Looking at those pics, one marked difference is the seat height.    I'd be much happier with the seat height of the panhead.

I wonder if a police RK seat can be adapted to the Deluxe.    I rode Kev M's police Road King with the police solo seat, and really like the ergos of it, as the police seat is a good bit higher than the regular civilian seat.   I wouldn't be nearly as happy with the civilian seat..

[Tom H]

My first bike & first Harley was a 62 Pan head nearly identical to the one below minus the lights on the fenders. It sure looks a lot like the new Harley Deluxe. 55 years later the style is remarkably similar.

I like the looks of the Deluxe. Just would need to be fitted out like the Pan. The seat would be the only question??

Tom

[Kev m]

I'm sure the police seat wouldn't fit the Softail chassis, too many things would have to be the same.

That said I'm equally sure someone will make a spring seat for the new Softail (if Harley doesn't already have one available).


Red, ha ha excellent point on the starter. [emoji28]

[Kev m]

I'd have to ride them to know which I like riding better, but, the matte paint and weird headlight take some getting used too.    It's not a bad looking bike, but, I guess I'm more traditional.   

From your description here, it sounds like I'd like the Fat Bob better, as far as how it rides.

Taking another look at it, the Fat Bob does have a sporty look to it.

I guess I should check to see when any of my local dealers are having a demo event.



Raise that seat about 4 inches and replace the forward controls wth some mid-mount controls, and I'm interested.

I can't emphasize enough how good it looks in person, though maybe I'm coloring my perceptions from the ride.

Ya know how a girl gets better looking the more you fall for her.

Worse case we could always hit the York Open House this year and ride a few. I could check the dates but it's usually the last weekend in September if memory serves.

It wouldn't be hard for me to zip out on the RK.

[leafman60]

Saturday morning I visiting a local H-D dealer with our Saturday morning group.  I turned down a test ride on the new 114 Fat Bob but I'll go back soon to do that.

I expect to see some evolvement of this new line over the next few years but something not being stressed enough is that these are not the old Softail models.  The old Softails had very limited suspension travel and their ride quality suffered.  That's one reason they weren't labeled "Touring."

These new bikes are totally redesigned and they are H-D's take on a single shock suspension. Gone are the rubber drive train mounts that characterized the older Dynas and created flex issues that had to be dealt with by serious sporty riders. The new pivoting rear subframe has similarities to the Guzzi V11 series. 

The rear swing arm pivots from fixed, rigid points wide to each side of the main frame. The new single shock resides under the seat. 

More importantly-

The 4.4 inch rear travel of the new Soft Glide is significantly more than the 3.1 stock travel on the former Super Glide Custom. 

The 5.1 inch front travel is the same as the former 49mm forks of the Super Glide.

These new bikes could well be a major improvement for performance-minded riders. They are not the old Softails.

In fact, the suspension of the new Soft Glides is even better than the Touring line. Front travel on most of the Touring line-up range from 3.85 to 4.6 inches. Rear suspension is only 2.1 to 3 inches. The better numbers are from the Premium Ride H-D suspension package.

The new Soft Glide models offer better front travel than the latest Premium Ride Touring models, 5.1 vs 4.6 inches, and much better rear travel, 4.4 inches vs 3, for the Premium suspension option. The standard Touring suspension provides only 2.1 inches of travel.

I am not fond of fat front tires and semi-forward foot controls as well as a few other styling cues but the Fat Bob didn't look or feel too mad to me. I didn't see the new Low Rider.  That may have potential.

The power of that 114 has got to be awesome.  Also, the build quality, low maintenance and reliability of the Harleys is very attractive.



 .

[Kev m]

Leaf, you probably caught this, but the oil tank was moved under the motor like on the touring models so what looks like a tank is just a sidecover that hides the shock (and gives access to the preload adjustment knob on models that have it).

With regards to suspension it should be noted there are two shock lengths, so there are still some shorter Softail models, though even the shortest (the Slim) still gained cornering clearance.

And yes the frame rigidity increased.

Oh, on touring models, had I seen this new Heritage before buying my new RK I might we'll have been tempted to opt for the Heritage.

I don't love spoked wheels so that might have stopped me, and you still get "more" on the RK. But the styling is right and the biggest difference between the two platforms is the Heritage is almost 100# lighter, just a little heavier than the original RK. That's attractive.

[kingoffleece]

It'll be fun to test the bikes. 
I put 50000 miles on the first year Softtail over 6 years of ownership (4 speed chain drive) and loved everyone of them.  But I was young-and what did I  know then?

Wish I kept that bike.

[timonbik]

Kev,  I.m glad you say the FAT BOB looks better in person because it is some ugly in pictures.  It looks like someone raided an unused parts bin to see what the could cobble together.  It kind of reminds me of a poorly executed Victory Judge.
  It does appear though that the Motor company is going after the millennial market that grew up with Transformers and GI Joe.
Cheers, Tim
 

[Kev m]

So I know it's a small sample, but the couple of hours I spent at the dealer on Saturday I observed something interesting (possibly encouraging).

The older guys were largely riding dressers and CVOs (and I'm talking about arriving on them and demo riding them). Sure a number of the older guys were riding new Softails, and a few of them arrived on imports (like BMWs) or on things like Buells.

Conversely the younger guys were largely riding Streets, Sportsters, and Softails. I don't think I saw anyone over 30 on a Sporty or Street. And again, a number of these guys were on imports, largely from JAPanInc.

Now of course most people were probably there to demo Softails, that is what was NEW etc. but there was a lot of enthusiasm. Comments from the rider next to me mid ride "this might make me a believer" and stuff like that.

I truly think this is a nice effort and shows they are trying to evolve.

Kev,  I.m glad you say the FAT BOB looks better in person because it is some ugly in pictures.  It looks like someone raided an unused parts bin to see what the could cobble together.  It kind of reminds me of a poorly executed Victory Judge.
  It does appear though that the Motor company is going after the millennial market that grew up with Transformers and GI Joe.
Cheers, Tim
 

Ha I don't see the Victory Judge (which is a bike I've demoed and liked, and considered buying) in the Fat Bob AT ALL.

Though not sure if I mentioned it in this thread - I find it funny that I DO see some Victory in some models, just not in one you would call Transformer (and BTW, have you SEEN a bike from JAPanInc. lately, again the Fat Bob doesn't look AT ALL like a Transformer compared to them or maybe a new BMW Jeeeez).

But it seemed obvious to me that the guy who lost his job designing turn signals for Victory was quickly snapped up by the Moco and they put him to work on the oddest choice of models:

[oldbike54]

 Oh , never mind , this is why I will never ever own another HD .

 Dusty

[Kev m]

Oh , never mind , this is why I will never ever own another HD .

 Dusty

LED turn signals? ! ?

[twowheeladdict]

I have a road glide ultra in my garage,  and have demo�d all the other models in the last 5 years.  With the touring line being the exception, Harley puts looks above comfort and agility.  I will demo the new bikes when I get a chance.

[jGuz]

For the OP, maybe one side effect for those who like the older style better is that now there will be 1000's of low mile used bikes to be purchased at bargain prices.

That's my guess.  There are tons of previous-generation Street Bobs around, but unfortunately there are only a few that have ABS.  After a handul of unpleasant encounters with non-ABS bikes, I have to have ABS. 

The new street bob looks alright, but I can't fathom why Harley would build it with a smaller tank than on the previous generation.  I suppose it technically saves weight...but that seems dumb.  Also, I liked having the rear shocks on the outside - easier to replace or adjust.  If the stock shocks are actually good on the 2018, however, that's a moot point.

Though if Guzzi does something like put the 1200 Engine in a V9 bobber, I would be all over that.



     

[Kev m]

I have a road glide ultra in my garage,  and have demo�d all the other models in the last 5 years.  With the touring line being the exception, Harley puts looks above comfort and agility.  I will demo the new bikes when I get a chance.

No, Harley puts look above comfort and agility ON SOME models for each platform (usually touring included too).

They've often had some models that paid attention to performance:

883R

1200S
1200R
XR1200/XR1200X
CX

FXR
FXRT
FXDX

FXDB (Fat Bob)
Low Rider/Low Rider S

And yes, most touring models, though over the years they've had a number that were lowered.

Honestly the Softails by definition were usually the line that was MOST compromised. The Softail Slim up till last year literally had lean angles that were limited to 24 degress on each side... 24! YIKEs, that's as bad as a SuperLow (the Sportster designed for super short people).

So it's nice to see them modernize the Softail line and give them better lean, suspension, brakes, etc.

[Kev m]

That's my guess.  There are tons of previous-generation Street Bobs around, but unfortunately there are only a few that have ABS.  After a handul of unpleasant encounters with non-ABS bikes, I have to have ABS. 

The new street bob looks alright, but I can't fathom why Harley would build it with a smaller tank than on the previous generation.  I suppose it technically saves weight...but that seems dumb.  Also, I liked having the rear shocks on the outside - easier to replace or adjust.  If the stock shocks are actually good on the 2018, however, that's a moot point.

Though if Guzzi does something like put the 1200 Engine in a V9 bobber, I would be all over that.
 

I'm with you on the tank. That's a huge mistake for form over function in my book. I mean crap, that's smaller than the tank on my SPORTSTER! But on a motor that's nearly 550cc bigger!!!! Ugh.

I also think it's a mistake to offer the 114 motor on models like the Heritage WITH A SINGLE DISC BRAKE! Come on man WTF.

I guess the only good news on the Bobber is that you can probably swap on the larger tank pretty easily since it's the same frame. So give it a couple of years and tanks will be available cheaper than new. Or bite the bullet and buy and swap.

A number of guys on Sportsters swap out the 2.2 g for a 3.25 g or the 4.5g. And a few swap the 3.25 for the 4.5g.

[oldbike54]

LED turn signals? ! ?

 Nah , I can't keep up with what's what . Asked my nephew about the different models , he said they went to school to learn the new models and he is still confused .

 Dusty

[Kev m]

Nah , I can't keep up with what's what . Asked my nephew about the different models , he said they went to school to learn the new models and he is still confused .

 Dusty

So that apple didn't fall far from the family tree....





































    OK, ok, I'll stop, I need to get back to work anyway....

[oldbike54]

So that apple didn't fall far from the family tree....


 Yeah , except the apple didn't hit me on the head 

 Dusty





































    OK, ok, I'll stop, I need to get back to work anyway....

[jas67]

Worse case we could always hit the York Open House this year and ride a few. I could check the dates but it's usually the last weekend in September if memory serves.

It wouldn't be hard for me to zip out on the RK.

I'm in!

[Kev m]

Yeah , except the apple didn't hit me on the head 

 Dusty

How can you tell ?   

[Kev m]

I'm in!

Looks like Sept 28 - 30th.

I can go Thu or Fri (28 or 29), can't go Saturday (Jenn's on call) but I wouldn't recommend the weekend anyway, it can get a bit crowded.

[jas67]

Looks like Sept 28 - 30th.

I can go Thu or Fri (28 or 29), can't go Saturday (Jenn's on call) but I wouldn't recommend the weekend anyway, it can get a bit crowded.

Let's do Friday the 29th, as I'll be on a much tighter time table on Thursday.

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

I take your word that it looks better in person, but this bike is ugly.

I can't look twice at any bike with that f*&$# ridiculous peg placement, how are you supposed to ride like that

[bacongrease]

 Saw somewhere the FXR has a 45 degree lean angle.
  I will not be testing that.