2018 Harley DynaSofts

[Kev m]

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

I really should have taken a photo of myself sitting on it.

The placement is even less forward than the Scout.

It's possibly less forward than the controls on all the touring models (FLH and FLST) with floorboards.

It's not that radical



Ahh, here's someone from the XL forum:

[twowheeladdict]

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

That is the only comfortable way to ride a low slung cruiser unless you have short legs.  It is very comfortable for those of us with 32 inch or longer inseams.  The only scary part is if the rear tire ever slides out in a turn.  You better have strong legs to grip the tank if that happens.

[LowRyter]

I'm interested in the motor company's new line of wallet chains.   And handlebar tassels, don't forget the tassels.

 

[Chuck in Indiana]

I really should have taken a photo of myself sitting on it.

The placement is even less forward than the Scout.

It's possibly less forward than the controls on all the touring models (FLH and FLST) with floorboards.

It's not that radical

The Mayor didn't say radical, Kev.. he said ridiculous. I agree, and am sticking with it. 
I know you are a foot forward kind of guy, but I'd never even *look* at a bike like that. I'd really like to like the Scout, but there's no way I'd even consider riding something like that. No offence intended to the Scout riders that love em.. 

[Kev m]

The Mayor didn't say radical, Kev.. he said ridiculous. I agree, and am sticking with it. 
I know you are a foot forward kind of guy, but I'd never even *look* at a bike like that. I'd really like to like the Scout, but there's no way I'd even consider riding something like that. No offence intended to the Scout riders that love em.. 

I guess I always wonder why someone would think it was ridiculous or radical.

The funny thing is that I HATE FORWARD CONTROLS.

But in MY world, forward controls mean your toes point UP and you're leaned back. That's not what happens on a bike like this, or say anything with floorboards.

In my world there are 3 seating positions:

* Rear Sets, feet below or behind you, toes pointing down or maybe straight ahead, slight or radical body lean forward
* Mid mounts, feet in front of you, but either below the knees or a little forward, legs bent, toes point straight ahead, body upright
* Forwards, feet way out in front of you, legs pretty much straight, toes pointed up, body slouched back

Now obviously there's gray area between the two not only in bike design, but it could potentially change the definition depending on the size of the person. So it's all this gray area that leaves people wondering.

For me I just can't equate the upright comfortable (sitting in a chair) position of a typical "touring" bike (like a Cali or RK) with the "gyn exam" position of a "cruiser". I think many on this board who are more used to what I'd define as rear sets can't tell the difference and to me the difference is huge both from a comfort and handling point of view.

Not that it matters past a point of discussion.

[Bonaventure]

What is a new motorcycle doing in a clothing store in the mall? 

[LowRyter]

nice wallet chain

[oldbike54]

 Just spoke with my nephew , he says there is a limited addition screeching iggle anniversary model that each dealer will get one of that is priced at $53,500.00 

 Dusty

[Darren Williams]

Peg Position, I guess everyone has a different definition.  To me rear sets are pegs that are behind your butt, standard position are directly under or slightly forward like on a dirt bike (easy to stand up on the pegs), mid controls are more out in front where your knees are bent about 90 degrees, and forward controls are where your knees are bent less than 90 degrees.

Bottom line for me is if I can't stand up on the peg easily (without pulling up on the handle bars), then I can't get comfortable on it. I recently had an XL1200R with mid-controls and just couldn't adapt to that riding position with my knees only bent 90 degrees.

I also always set in a chair with my feet under the seat, not out in front.

I rode a New Indian Scout Bobber a week ago Saturday, and can honestly say that was the most uncomfortable bike I have ever at a dealer. After about 5 miles I was begging to get off it. Way forward foot controls, a low seat and short little straight bars. Bent over at the waist with feet and hands forward. Talk about style over function or comfort.  I did like the Scout motor, but that is about it.

[mtwillyman]

I rode the 114 cubic inch Heritage Softail on Saturday. I'm 5foot 7 inches tall with 29 inch inseam and the bike was comfy for me. The brakes and suspension were very good. I only rode 5 miles so the engine never got to run. I liked it a lot, YMMV.

[Kev m]

Peg Position, I guess everyone has a different definition.  To me rear sets are pegs that are behind your butt, standard position are directly under or slightly forward like on a dirt bike (easy to stand up on the pegs), mid controls are more out in front where your knees are bent about 90 degrees, and forward controls are where your knees are bent less than 90 degrees.

Bottom line for me is if I can't stand up on the peg easily (without pulling up on the handle bars), then I can't get comfortable on it. I recently had an XL1200R with mid-controls and just couldn't adapt to that riding position with my knees only bent 90 degrees.

I also always set in a chair with my feet under the seat, not out in front.

I rode a New Indian Scout Bobber a week ago Saturday, and can honestly say that was the most uncomfortable bike I have ever at a dealer. After about 5 miles I was begging to get off it. Way forward foot controls, a low seat and short little straight bars. Bent over at the waist with feet and hands forward. Talk about style over function or comfort.  I did like the Scout motor, but that is about it.

Yeah I understand that, bottom line we're built differently and have different preferences.

That said even my RK with the Police seat has a much different riding position than a standard RK. Except when I'm actively shifting or braking my feet are almost in the same position as my XL or my old Jackal. And when I'm shifting they're not that far forward. But with the standard RK seat they'd be bent more and THAT might be a problem. The bend on my V7 or especially the Duc is enough to cramp pretty quickly. My old Breva 1100 was even worse.

[Kev m]

Just spoke with my nephew , he says there is a limited addition screeching iggle anniversary model that each dealer will get one of that is priced at $53,500.00 

 Dusty

See my earlier post about the guy looking to trade a CVO for another CVO.

[twowheeladdict]

Just spoke with my nephew , he says there is a limited addition screeching iggle anniversary model that each dealer will get one of that is priced at $53,500.00 

 Dusty

That won't be enough for all the professional athletes and actors to buy one.  Never mind all the musicians.    You act like that is crazy, but how many cars are there that are over $100,000.

[keener]

i like the blue one

[Chuck in Indiana]

i like the blue one

  Good point.

[Yeahoo Whoyah]

Today I rode my Ambo to the local H-D dealer. I wanted to see the new models, pick up a sales brochure, and say hello to my friend who's a tech there.  It's amusing to me there's an additional charge for the primer looking paint.  Gloss black is standard, and looks much better IMO.  Softail high position shock with battery underneath.  So many bikes, so little time & $

[redrider90]

Wow what a color and cheap looking primer finish.  And that godawful  plastic looking shinny clutch  cover shinny contrasting against the dull paint job and those bag. The lines on that bike just clash and do not work.

[Jim Rich]

I just spent a week riding a new HD full dresser with a 107 CI 8V water cooled engine that I rented in Salt Lake City.  I was very impressed with the bike.  The motor was great, had power to spare and would pull easily to 90 or 100 2 up with loaded bags.  It had a great intake howl and would pass slower traffic with ease.  It is the first HD that made me laugh in my helmet.  Shifting, braking & fuel injection were excellent.  We put 1,500 miles on it in the Idaho mountains in 7 days and really enjoyed it.  I recommend riding one if you get the chance.

[Zoom Zoom]

Well, look a little closer. <snip>

* Went to a new more rigid frame. The new frame is lighter and all of the models lost weight. Maybe not a lot, only 20-35#

Now Kev, you gave me he** when I mentioned the Agos shed 28 pounds from the 1400............... .. IIRC, something to the effect of "Insignificant in the grand scheme of things."  Yep, being the devils advocate. 

Anyway, back to your regular scheduled program. 

John Henry

[Kev m]

Now Kev, you gave me he** when I mentioned the Agos shed 28 pounds from the 1400............... .. IIRC, something to the effect of "Insignificant in the grand scheme of things."  Yep, being the devils advocate. 

Anyway, back to your regular scheduled program. 

John Henry

The difference is small no doubt.

But the difference in circumstances is that might be the first time in decades (maybe even history) that a Harley LOST WEIGHT. [emoji23]

I wish I was joking.

So the difference is significant.

More importantly it's the sum of the parts.

Many have complained for years about brakes, suspension, power, handling, etc. They seem to be listening and have made some real improvements across the board. The result is pleasantly surprising.

[oldbike54]

 Has anyone actually weighed one of these new slightly less porcine critters ? Maybe road hugging weight doesn't mean what it did 

 Dusty

[Zoom Zoom]

You're right of course Kev. Just couldn't help myself. After all, you did open the door.

ZZ

[Kev m]

You're right of course Kev. Just couldn't help myself. After all, you did open the door.

ZZ

Touche my friend, you are of course correct as well.

[Kev m]

John, was that the same conversation when I was shocked to learn the Audace really did shed some weight over say the Cali Custom or T?

Here's some interesting data for us to chew on new Softails vs Cali.

Reported Wet Weights:

Cali T 753#

Cali Eldo 738#
Heritage Softail 723# (107 motor)
Cali C 701#
Fat Boy 699#
Deluxe 697#
Fat Bob 673# (107 motor)
Breakout 672#
Slim 671#
Low Rider 661#
Audace 659#

Street Bob 653#

Cali wheelbases - ~66-67" / overall lengths ~96"
Softails wheelbases - ~64-67" / overall lengths ~92-95"

They're pretty comparable in a number of gross dimensions, considering there's a 100# spread top-to-bottom.

[Chuck in Indiana]

gross dimensions.

That's pretty gross, all right.. 
I'll get me hat.

[Huzo]

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

Probably wouldn't Wee on one if it was on fire, but that bike is NOT ugly.
It looks strong and purposeful (which it no doubt is). I reckon it looks pretty damn good. Loaded and on tour you could do a lot worse.

[Huzo]

nice wallet chain

They'll get it off you somehow.

[redrider90]

Probably wouldn't Wee on one if it was on fire, but that bike is NOT ugly.
It looks strong and purposeful (which it no doubt is). I reckon it looks pretty damn good. Loaded and on tour you could do a lot worse.

Strong and purposeful does not sound like it is a good looking bike. Functional maybe but the front fender is too small, the paint job sucks and as functional as the headlight maybe be I keep looking at it and thinking it does not have a headlight or did the headlight get smash in a wreck. They could have put a cover over it.   Too cute by a half as they say. I look at some of these new HDs and wonder what in the world are they thinking. Harley's base buyers for decades have been all about chrome and paint and now they have primer tanks and fenders that look like a rat bike and headlights that look like something out of a Mad Max or Alien movie. Cycle World says and I quote "Harley-Davidson used words like Battlestar Galactica and zombie apocalypse to describe the inspiration for the Fat Bob". So don't flame me for my "artistic impression" 
 They cannot decide if this is a cruiser or a bobber so they gave it a bit of both. It comes in at 675# with a much smaller 3.5 gal gas tank than previous years. At $17K starting price you have to add ABS at a cool $800 extra and anything but black is also extra.

[Kev m]

Strong and purposeful does not sound like it is a good looking bike. Functional maybe but the front fender is too small, the paint job sucks and as functional as the headlight maybe be I keep looking at it and thinking it does not have a headlight or did the headlight get smash in a wreck. They could have put a cover over it.   Too cute by a half as they say. I look at some of these new HDs and wonder what in the world are they thinking. Harley's base buyers for decades have been all about chrome and paint and now they have primer tanks and fenders that look like a rat bike and headlights that look like something out of a Mad Max or Alien movie. Cycle World says and I quote "Harley-Davidson used words like Battlestar Galactica and zombie apocalypse to describe the inspiration for the Fat Bob". So don't flame me for my "artistic impression" 
 They cannot decide if this is a cruiser or a bobber so they gave it a bit of both. It comes in at 675# with a much smaller 3.5 gal gas tank than previous years. At $17K starting price you have to add ABS at a cool $800 extra and anything but black is also extra.

As James Dalton (Patrick Swayze) says in Road House - "Opinions Vary"

But just the fact that old grumpy guys (HD "faithful" or not) are bitching about em tells me they're doing the right thing. They're NOT trying to reach the SAME customers or older generations with these products (though I'm encouraged by a number of them that seem to be attracted).

Another funny example is the demin paint thing. All you can say is it "sucks" ok, fine. I think red or black gloss paint SUCKS (I make an exception for Jenn's Duc but that's about it). But I'd rather ride than clean, and guess what, the demin paints are the ultimate ride and forget. They're literally designed to have more character if they start to wear. And they're really growing on me.

But I don't think Harley needs to work THAT hard for my business and I'm under the impression there's nothing they can do to get yours, so really, it's neither or our opinions that matter here.

I still dig it... more and more with each "Hater" - cue Lannis in 3 .... 2 .... 1.... 

[redrider90]

I would love to have seen what Eric Buell would have done with the Fat Bob!
And as for that nice baby blue HD Deluxe it makes my heart sing.
You mistake my criticism of HOG financials  and my criticisms of some of their bikes as well lack of their bikes (300cc-500cc) as being a Harley Basher.
Not so. I'll wait for the reviews on the handling of the Fat Bob and some of the rest.  As for the 3.5 gallon Fat Bob gas tank it is stupid to put it on that bike that offers both the 107 and 144cc motors. And the seat down right sucks. Of course it would suck cause my 6'5" frame would never fit it.
 The soft tail low rider essentially weighs as much as the Fat Bob and it gets a 5 gallon tank and has more ground clearance @ 5.1"  Go figure. Besides it reminds me of the Guzzi Nevada. By the way doesn't the huge Cali 1400 have a full 6.5" of ground clearance. It will be interesting to see the lean angles on the new Harleys.