Harley-Davidson has revealed 8 all-new 2018 Softail motorcycles. Harley has merged the
Dyna line with the Softail range under the 2018 series. The new Softail range
now includes Fat Boy, Heritage Classic, Low Rider, Softail Slim, Deluxe,
Breakout, Fat Bob and Street Bob. All the bikes get ‘Daymaker’ signature LED
Headlamps, an integrated USB charging port, improved electrical system
charging, new instrumentation and fuel tanks.
Harley claims the Softail bikes are up to 15.8 kg
lighter than the previous generation models. The new chassis is 34 percent
lighter and the bikes employ Milwaukee 8 engines which offer 10 percent quicker
acceleration from 0-60 mph. They also come with a
counterbalancing system for a refined ride.
There are two engines under the Milwaukee-Eight Big
Twin range – Milwaukee-Eight 107 and Milwaukee-Eight 114. The former is a 1,753
cc V-twin which churns out 147.7 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. The latter is a
1,868 cc V-twin motor which generates a massive 161.3 Nm of torque at 3,000
rpm.
All the bikes come with the 107 engine. However, the
Heritage Classic, Fat Bob, Fat Boy and Breakout get the Milwaukee-Eight 114
engine as an option. The engine mates with a 6-speed transmission.
The bikes get a classic hardtail
look, with the frame line going from the steering head all the way to the rear
axle. The monoshock is hidden beneath the seat and is adjustable. The front end
gets improved forks from Showa. Prices start from US$ 14,499 for the 2018
Street Bob. Expect Harley Davidson to make an announcement regarding the new
line-up’s India launch in the coming months.
