American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 219 October 2017 | Page 6

While improved suspension and
power certainly are a “thing”
where Softails are concerned, it
is yet another case of
“evolution rather than
revolution” where the new
Harleys are concerned.
With the share price barely
twitching either way in
response to the unveil, it is
already hoped that this has
been “half an announcement”
where the demise of the Dyna is
concerned, and that the rumors
of an FXR comeback (possibly as
early as November) are true.
As an exercise in investor,
employee, dealer and enthusiast
reassurance that we are not
seeing the “end of days” where
the Bar ‘n Shield is concerned,
what we know of MY2018 so far
is less than convincing.
As an exercise in trying to reach
“New Gen” riders it singularly
fails – unless Harley has
discovered an entire lost world
of twenty-somethings for who
$20k is a sweet spot.
As a contribution to the much
vaulted 50 new models in 5
years (or 100 new models in 10
years – take your pick of
quotes), the MY2018
announcement represents
positive house-keeping at best,
leaving an awful lot of distance
still to be run in the next four
years in terms of the promised
new platforms.
In the following pages AMD
presents a canter through the
2018 models and the hyperbole
surrounding them; for more
analysis see Comment on page
four of this, and in all
probability, several more
editions to come!
New standard features on all
Softail models include:
• ‘Daymaker’ LED headlamps
• Improved electrical system
charging (more than doubled
at idle speeds)
• Adjustable rear shock
pre-load settings (method
varies by model)
• Steering head mounted USB
charge port
• New instrumentation
• Keyless ignition and security
system standard
• New fuel tanks
‘Dyna-Softs’ headline Harley’s MY2018 offer
<<< Continued from cover
“The new monoshock rear suspension
preserves the classic hard tail look while
revamped geometry improves ride
quality, traction and control. The new,
easily adjustable monoshock enables a
240-pound range of payload capacity
for increased passenger comfort and
enhanced dynamic handling compared
to 2017 Softail models.”
Depending on the model, the new
Softails are up to 35 pounds lighter than
the 2017s, “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.”
The standard 107”/1746cc M-8 has 100
mm bore and 4.375-inch stroke with
10.0:1 compression ratio and is said to
deliver 10 percent quicker 0-60 mph
acceleration than the High Output Twin
Cam 103 with 16 percent faster
acceleration in the 60-80 mph/5th gear.
6
An option for the Fat Bob, Fat Boy,
Breakout and Heritage Classic, the
114”/1868cc M-8 has 102 mm bore and
4.5-inch stroke with 10.5:1 compression
ratio, ventilator intake with 114 graphics
and badging and ABS as standard with
0-60 mph acceleration quoted as being
nine percent faster than the 107 incher
and 60-80 mph/5th gear acceleration 13
percent faster.
FAT BOY
Harley says: “The legendary Fat Boy motorcycle that defined
contemporary custom style for decades has outdone itself,”
describing “ripped and refined satin-chrome finishes” as delivering
“a bold, muscular styling statement, showing off its powerful engine
and new and improved ride and handling” with an “aggressive,
steamroller stance and front end design” and “modern day
interpretation of the classic headlight nacelle.”
AMERICAN MOTO