To celebrate Harley-Davidson’s 115th Anniversary year, the Motor Company is launching a custom revolution: Eight all-new Softail® models that merge the hard-riding performance of the Dyna® line with the unparalleled custom look of the Softail line. It is Harley’s largest-ever product development in company history. The new bikes compared to prior year models feature a stiffer and significantly lighter frame built to harness the pulse-quickening torque of the new dual-counterbalanced Milwaukee-Eight® 107 and 114 engines. With high-performance dual-bending valve front suspension and an easily adjustable hidden rear mono-shock, the aggressively styled 2018 Softail models are faster, lighter and better handling than any of their Big Twin cruiser predecessors.
“The new Softail models are the result of the most extensive research and development program in the company’s history,” said Paul James, manager of product portfolio, Harley-Davidson. “Thousands of hours of research and testing were put into the complete ground-up design of these new cruisers. We focused on taking the total rider experience to a higher level, where authenticity, heritage and soul meet the modern edge of technology for a ride that must be felt to believe.”
New Chassis. The handling of a Softail motorcycle enters a new era with a lighter, more rigid frame that elevates form and function to a higher plane, while maintaining the classic look of a hard tail and delivers a thoroughly modern ride. Benefits of the new chassis include increased lean angles, sharper turn-in response, quicker acceleration, nimble flick-ability, lighter weight, and easier side-stand liftoff than predecessor Softail and Dyna models. The steel foundation of the next generation of custom Harley-Davidson motorcycles has been forged.
Frame/Swingarm. A new high stiffness carbon steel tubular frame forms the core of the 2018 Softail chassis. The completely redesigned frame and swingarm significantly increase the rigidity of the new chassis. The frame itself is 65 percent stiffer than the 2017 Softail frame, which leads to a 34 percent increase in overall chassis stiffness. The frame design achieves reduced complexity with a 50 percent reduction in component parts and a 22 percent reduction in welds. There are two unique swingarms, one for narrow and one for wide rear tires. The wide chassis is 15 percent lighter (13 pounds) and the narrow chassis is 20 percent (18 pounds) lighter than the 2017 Softail frame. The swingarm transfers rear wheel movement to the under-seat mono-shock while maintaining the pure, classic lines of a hard tail frame.
High Performance Suspension. All-new front and rear suspension components are calibrated to match the dynamics of the new chassis, wheels and tires to enhance the comfort, control and performance of the 2018 Softail® motorcycles. The new high-performance dual-bending valve front suspension, which was first introduced on 2017 Touring models, delivers damping performance that is similar to a cartridge fork but with improved, more responsive damping characteristics. The suspension is optimized for both comfortable cruising and spirited riding with 130 mm of bump-devouring travel. Retuned and optimized rake and trail also enhance the motorcycles’ handling performance.
The new mono-shock rear suspension preserves the classic hard tail look while revamped geometry improves ride quality, traction and control. The new easily adjustable mono-shock enables a 240 pound range of payload capacity for increased passenger comfort and enhanced dynamic handling compared to 2017 Softail models.
The all-new Softail models are up to 35 pounds* lighter than 2017 models, delivering an improved power-to-weight ratio that provides quicker acceleration, better braking and enhanced dynamic cornering capability combined with increased lean angles. Some models feature new tires specifically designed to work with the new Softail chassis and feature optimized constructions and improved compounds for a confident, long-wearing ride in all riding conditions. New seat designs and materials provide an improved fit for a wider range of riders and greater comfort for cruising. Bar none, the 2018 Softail models are the best handling cruisers Harley-Davidson has ever produced.
New Powertrain. All 2018 Softail models get a new heartbeat from the most powerful engines ever offered in Harley-Davidson® Big Twin cruisers, the new Milwaukee-Eight® 107 and 114 V-Twins.
Look. Milwaukee-Eight engines retain the iconic 45-degree V-Twin cylinder angle with a broad-shouldered top end accentuated by a single camshaft design that tapers to a slim bottom end for a muscular contour. The new Softail frame’s rigid engine mounting is engineered to tightly package the engine and reinforce the chassis stiffness.
Smoother Running & Purer Sound. Milwaukee-Eight engines for Softail models feature a refined dual internally counter-balanced system that reduces engine vibration while maintaining the familiar Harley-Davidson feel. Harley-Davidson’s trademark “potato-potato-potato” sound comes through strong with less intake and mechanical noise.
Two Engine Displacement Options.
Milwaukee-Eight 107 Engine
(107 CID; 1746cc) Standard on all models
• 100 mm bore and 4.375 inch stroke with 10.0:1 compression ratio
• 0-60 mph – 10 percent quicker acceleration than the High Output Twin Cam 103
• 60-80 mph/5th gear – 16 percent faster acceleration than the High Output Twin Cam 103
Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine
(114 CID; 1868cc) Optional
• Available on four models: Fat Bob® 114, Fat Boy® 114, Breakout® 114, Heritage Classic 114
• 102 mm bore and 4.5 inch stroke with 10.5:1 compression ratio
• Ventilator Intake with 114 graphics and badging
• Standard ABS
• 0-60 mph – Nine percent faster acceleration than the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine
• 60-80 mph/5th gear -13 percent faster acceleration than the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine
Modern Styling & Design. Interpreting Harley-Davidson’s history, authenticity and styling DNA through a modern lens, the eight new Softail models feature all-new designs that strongly differentiate them from their predecessors and each other.
Eight New Softail Model Key Features.
FAT BOY. The legendary Fat Boy motorcycle that defined contemporary custom style for decades has outdone itself. Ripped and refined satin-chrome finishes deliver a bold, muscular styling statement showing off its powerful engine and new and improved ride and handling.
• Aggressive, steamroller stance and front end design
– Modern-day interpretation of the classic headlight nacelle
– 160 mm front tire, the widest-ever on a Harley-Davidson production model, wraps the solid Lakester front wheel
• 31-pound weight reduction to previous model
• Standard ABS
• 240 mm rear tire with solid Lakester rear wheel
• Optional: Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine
HERITAGE CLASSIC. Design cues evoke the blacked-out styling of vintage ‘50s Harley-Davidson models updated with a modern edge.
• New detachable windscreen
• New rigid, lockable, sealed, water-resistant saddlebags
• Taller suspension with increased passenger and cargo payload capacity
• 32-pound weight reduction to previous model
• Optional: Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine
• Standard cruise control and ABS
LOW RIDER®
Inspired by the individualism of the ‘70s custom chopper era that birthed the original, the new Low Rider model is lighter and faster with corner-carving handling unimaginable back in the day.
• Throwback-style dual tank-mount speedo and tach gauges, headlight visor and fuel tank graphics
• 19-inch front and 16-inch rear Radiate cast wheels
• 2-into-2 Shotgun exhaust
SOFTAIL SLIM®. Stripped to its essential elements, the Softail Slim model pays homage to post-war custom bobbers with a narrow rear end, trimmed front fender, solo seat and minimal chrome.
• Dark finishes adorn the laced wheels, Hollywood handlebar, and all-new front-end design
• Low-slung tuck and roll seat
• Bold and smooth new front nacelle and fork cover styling
• 35-pound weight reduction to previous model
DELUXE A classic hi-line showstopper that stands out on any boulevard, the Deluxe glistens with bright chrome while delivering the ride of a seriously modern machine.
• Signature all-LED lighting from front to back: headlight, running lights, Tombstone taillight and blade-like turn signals
• Signature pull-back handlebar
• 33-pound weight reduction to previous model
• Standard ABS
BREAKOUT® With more lean angle and agility than ever imagined in a bike carrying so much dragster attitude and style, the all-new Breakout model takes long, lean muscle to a modern edge.
• New smooth-top 3.5-gallon fuel tank
• Long and wide with low-slung raked out 49 mm front forks
• 18-inch rear (240 mm tire) and 21-inch front (130 mm tire) Gasser-style gloss-black powder coated cast aluminum wheels
• Distinctive Daymaker™ Signature LED headlamp
• Low-profile, riser-mounted digital instrument screen
• 35-pound weight reduction to previous model
• Standard ABS
• Optional: Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine
FAT BOB® Asphalt-eating traction, pothole-devouring suspension, agile cornering, and a blacked-out take-no-prisoners look make the Fat Bob® model a groundbreaking motorcycle that could only come from Harley-Davidson.
• 2-1-2 upswept performance exhaust with a custom finish
• Largest aggressively treaded tires from the Motor Company:150 mm front and 180 mm rear
• Dual disc front brakes
• 3.6-gallon fuel tank
• 33-pound weight reduction to previous model
• Inverted 43 mm cartridge style front forks
• Optional: Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine
STREET BOB® A bare-bones bike with go-anywhere DNA, the all-new Street Bob motorcycle has a fists-in-the-wind attitude with nothing extra to weigh it down.
• Smooth-top 3.5-gallon fuel tank
• Black spoke wheels with chopped fenders
• Low-profile, riser-mounted digital instrument screen
• 17-pound weight reduction to previous model
• Lowest MSRP in Softail lineup
NEW TECHNOLOGY FEATURED ON EVERY SOFTAIL MODEL
• Unique Daymaker™ Signature LED Headlamps on all models
• Improved electrical system charging, more than doubled at idle speeds
• Easily adjustable rear shock pre-load settings (method varies by model)
– Under seat spanner wrench: Softail Slim®, Street Bob®, Low Rider®
– External hand adjustment knob: Fat Bob, Fat Boy, Breakout®
– Under seat socket adjustment: Deluxe, Heritage Classic
• Steering head mounted USB charge port
• New instrumentation
• Keyless ignition and security system standard
• New fuel tanks
*Varies by model.
I like that the key Harley details remain, outside of the dyna disappearing, I like the dual shock aesthetic of the dyna low rider s, I think this will be a positive for Harley, can’t wait to ride one.
I wonder why no Springer. Must be a reason.
The MoCo does it again! Rewritten the rules.
FINALLY – a new/proper frame with a MEAN-MOFO of a motor.
I WANT DA FAT BOY!!!!!!
Looks like Harley is picking up where Victory left off. Good stuff.
Not a fan of the look of the frame or the lines so far. Looks like a Yamaha Virago or Bolt frame and I could buy a one of those for alot less. Why not just fix the dyna frame? FXRs handled great so why the silly monoshock? None of it makes sense to me. What about those of us who don’t want a fake hardtail, an 800lbs tourer or a Sporty?
Shock under the seat? Lower weight? More power? Not bad at all.
As a long time Dyna owner and fan, I am super bummed that the Dyna line has come to an end. But I totally get it. Streamlining the model line-up makes much more financial sense for HD, plus a properly executed monoshock frame design is far superior to a dualshock suspension system.
Never a Softtail fan and not sure if I’ll ever want to own one, but HD needed to make some changes other than marketing campaigns, in order to be a more viable company. At least they are trying.
Hd cheaping out as usual
Well…. I had two Shovels, Two Evos and a Twin Cam with twin back shocks…
The Low Rider, Fat Bob and the now non existant Wide Glide all had twin shock frames….
Economicaly the frame change makes sense, but that Fat Bob is just not me… there is nothing there I like.
The whole range seems to be antiseptic or institutional if that makes sense……
Maybe I am out of step…
I don’t get the pricing. The Street Bob went up $650 from 2017 to 2018. OK, new engine, new frame, $650 seems reasonable. But the FatBoy went from $16,900 to $19,000! An increase of $2,100? This puts the FatBoy right up against the touring segment when it should be a mid-priced bike.
The Breakout actually dropped in price from $19,300 to $19,000.
Jonny Speed: The new design is certainly more metric inspired than I was expecting. My buddy that rides a Star joked that people have asked him if it is a Harley. And now new HD owners are going to have to answer the question “Is that a Yamaha?” 😉
Some look decent some don’t better than new paint job equals bike counterbalanced motors don’t lend themselves well to upper rpm range longevity,
Wet sump? I think that is the most Jap like feature of all.
What is that between the down tubes? Is it a “liquid cooling” device for the 4 valve heads? H2O or oil?
Just don’t call it a radiator!
That Fatboy is a really ugly bike… that front end is just awful, rear fender struts too. Just awful.
Well everyone always complains when HD releases a new bike and it’s really just a part bin special, or a new color scheme, so here’s what you’ve been waiting for: a completely new bike. New frame, new suspension, new drivetrain, new everything really.
I’m sad to see the Dyna go, and no more twin exposed shock swing arm frame with a big twin after so many decades of having one. The last Dyna Wideglide seemed to be very popular down here in Oz, so I know a lot of fans will be very disappointed to see that dropped from the lineup.
Good on HD for stirring up the pot and going in a new direction. I’ve never like Softails myself but have to admit that new Fatboy looks real tough with the new headlight and those wheels.
Very curious also to know what that is between the down tubes?
@richards, looks way too small to me to be H2O, gotta be an oil cooler. Looks about the same size Vic used and in a similar location, which they did route through the heads to double as a liquid coolant. No idea if the M8 does this too but it seems like a good idea to me.
People that don’t like Softails don’t buy Softails. People that don’t like Softails wont’s buy these fake Dynas.
all the competitors always tried to look like harle, harley throws a curve ball and ends up looking like them….
What ?? I will stick with my FXR ,,,
……. Domino Dave ……….
Horrible line up. What doesnt look like a cheap Japanese knock off looks like a no style generic bland bike. I will stick with my 2015 Street Glide until Harley can start designing some better looking bikes again.
I hate revisiting article – but this is such an occasion that I warrants 2nd thoughts.
This is a STEP CHANGE for HD. It is overdue – hence the reason some are a bit dumb-struck.
HD’s strength has also been its greatest weakness – eg in days of yonder, a change in the tank badge, was deemed a major deviation from a previous year’s model.
Those days are gone. In the era of 3D design, a year’s work can look like five years, as little as ten years ago. Change is now the only constant.
I have not been near any of these bikes, but someone who has (and have ridden the new Slim), said to me that before you say anything – go and ride one.
So CRAZY KIWI (aka James) – just go and ride one.
marcus – I think so much has changed from 2017 – 2018 that many of the direct comparisons have exited via the longdrop. You are likely now having to take the (Softail – that is technically much more than before) Slim as the “mid-priced bike”. Or even the Low Rider (the steal of the new deal).
What I find staggering, is that most people will walk past a 2017 (or some recent vintage)- and 2018 Slim, Deluxe, perhaps even the Heritage, without noticing the difference – but get on the 2018 model and it is a world apart. How many other motorcycle maker can achieve this.
I hate being Negative about the Motor Co but this is the worst line up I can remember !!
Fat Boy looks like a Boulevard !! They are looking for customers that may not exist……………….
I’ll reserve judgement until I ride one. Plenty of flavors here. Add your own toppings and see how they taste.
Odd that HD would kill off the model that is the most popular with younger riders.
IMO this is the least exciting roll out of models I’ve seen altogether. Way too much “blacked out”. HD always seems at least a few years behind trends. Day late dollar short i guess
I see an opportunity for the aftermarket to benefit. New wheels for the Fat Boy. Lighting options etc. All models can benefit. Should be good for the aftermarket. Can’t wait to check them out and test ride.
My opinion differs on the plenty of flavors comments, all vanilla with different colored sprinkles is more like it from my perspective. RIP new dynas. On the upside, will probably reinvigorate the market for used FXs. Signals a further homogenization of an industry despite marketing freedom.
Only problem I see is that swingarm will look hideous with a shorter set of pipes installed.
I think it’s a smart move on Harley’s part. While it will take some getting used to , the look will grow on me. The suspension and motors improvements should get sales going in the right direction. The biggest gripe for me is the choice of colors.
. . . and what’s with the sub 4 gallon tanks?
Geesh… these new models are nasty. New motor is good, but the styling of the bikes is a step backwards.
More of the same. Anemic motors and as usual the entry glides such as The Standards: (softail standard,electra glide, super glide); that you could make any conceivable bike that was yours they won’t bring back. I’ve had 28 and own 2 now that scream thanks to S and S. They are lighter? Not race lighter and thanks to other foreign brand’s getting slightly better. Price for new Harleys are still to much for the” c countries other than”) American brand they are. Like our government you are paying for a lot of dead weight office personnel and family primadonnas and ghosts on their bloated payrolls but lay off talent and dedicated men and women. All about the Benjamin’s for these whores.
Looks like tonight we’re gonna party like its 1953 !
i think h-d did a pretty good job updating, except the tank. something about it just isn’t right. the 2017 model had better “flow” to it. did the design have to raise the tank a bit to fit the bigger motor?
it’s tricky messing with iconic designs because deep emotions are key to having made them icons over time. just as ford and chevy have done well with updating the camaro and mustang, and breathing so much fire into the latest generation, h-d’s handling of this bike looks good.
The sub 4 gallon tanks was their way of saving weight. A gallon weighs about 6 pounds. Take 1.5 gals away and that’s 9 lbs of weight saved right there.
I love hearing the guys with FXR’s saying they look like Japanese bikes. They weren’t around when the “Hardcore” guys said that about the FXR. lol
Bikes appear to be improved in every measurable way, sorry I can’t find fault in that.
Some look better than others, but I think I’ll reserve any other judgments till after I ride one.
I really hate to see the Dyna line dropped. I do hope with the new suspension changes that the bikes at least handle better. Loosing a few pounds of weight should help as well.
I just rode a 2018 Fat Bob with the 107. It rides and handles better than any Dyna or FXR ever made, by a large margin. You really have to ride one to appreciate what HD has done here. If you’re sad the Dyna is gone, take one of these for a ride before you bitch. So if you want, you have the Dyna or Softail styling with much better performance. Nothing is missing here. Plus, it is the first Harley I ever rode that I said to myself “it doesn’t need any performance upgrades to keep me happy”. But they offer the same bike with a 114…….
If the love of bikes was simply about measurable improvements, BobS would prollybe a happy man and we’d all be riding Vic’s. My love of certain bikes has never been so rational and I doubt the logic behind most MoCo customers could really withstand scrutiny. Dynas and fxrs before that have always spoken to me in a way that a soft tail never could. The 18’s are mutes to me but that’s just my individual perspective. Engineering analysis isn’t enough for HD or any premium cruiser manufacturer to thrive, the product must instill passion in a customer base by mixing the hard parts with aesthetic design, a healthy dose of marketing and finding the mystical intangibles.
In ’90 I was ready to get off my Sportster … I had to have a Softail because they “looked” so cool. During a ride day at a local dealership I rode a Softail …. the owner talked me in to riding an FXR … I have owned a lot of motorcycles since then, but I still have the FXR I bought the day after that test ride…. Not how it looked but what it was…
…………………..Domino Dave……………………..
p.s. I was around back then (mostly hardtails) with 13 years of riding under my belt.
p.s.s. I plan on taking a new softail for a ride … Let you know what I think
Rode them today! Fatbob with the 114″, Fatboy, Breakout, and Heritage. These things handle better in every way compared to the old Softails & Dynas. More lean angle, more power. They look WAY better in person. Agree with some of the tank comments about it being a bit small. LOVED the Fatbob! The Dyna guys do not have to worry about compromising anything. Watch what Rusty Butcher does on YouTube with one. Convinced!
I watched Mat Laidlaws youtube video on the new bikes looked good but the msrp on most of them are going to be hard for most to afford.
Now if they can stop the bikes blowing up as they come off the assembly line!
Those Hondas look pretty good . . . oh wait, they’re Harleys!
I’m a Sportster fan, never thrilled about the big twins. But after seeing this write up I may have to change my opinion. A couple of these are calling out to me…need to get to the dealer quick and check them out.
So metric they now refer to the bore in mm, yet the stroke is in inches. Maybe they are truly halfway metric bikes now. #Poserglides
I’ll take a Fatboy, nice to see harley actually trying
They are what the are, at least they can not be called just a parts bin update. I do question the continued use of old style brake calipers and small single front discs on bikes as heavy as this.
A shop I work with was machining all the Dyna triple trees for HD. They have $1,000,019.00 in inventory that HD ordered and will not pay for, since the Dyna is discontinued. If you need some Dyna triple trees, I can hook you up!
Anton is dead right. That lower swing-arm rail will look terrible once exposed.
wow, can’t believe how much I hate them all, never thought in a millions years I would say that. That Fat Bob, could it get any uglier??
I saw the Fat Boy this weekend, but couldn’t ride it since it wasn’t PDI’ed and it looked great. Underdone in a great way…except those fat tires, which I love.
Those big fat tires are great until you have to pay to replace them! OUCH!!!
More of the same….its one bike, many iterations. I want to see the new t-shirts……..lol