2018 Harley-Davidson Models. Death Of The Dyna Line-Up Merged Into 8 All-New Softail Models

OFF THE WIRE
Published by Cyril Huze
Published by Cyril Huze August 23rd, 2017 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

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

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