2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Bob Review | MC Commute

It’s another commute with Zack! As usual, please feel free to suggest a bike you want to see featured here. If we get enough comments, we’ll send him home on that one next.
--
It’s no secret we’re always trying to get our staff to work a little harder. Especially the ones that always seem to have too much to say. “Write it down!” we always shout at each other. Zack Courts is a classic case, always arriving to office after his commute with a bunch of opinions about the bike he’s riding. Too much this, not enough that, and occasionally has some decent insights that we thought might help consumers or entertain enthusiasts. So we strapped a camera and microphone to his helmet and told him to turn it on when he leaves his house. A lot of him talking in his helmet is complaining about drivers, yelling at red lights, and wondering why billboards aren’t more expensive. But sometimes he actually talks about the bike, and those are the parts we keep. Got a bike you would like to see discussed? Let us know and we’ll send him home on that one next.
Full story here: www.motorcyclistonline.com/mc...
This bike by the numbers:
Base Price: $16,999
Displacement: 1753cc (107ci)
Measured Wet Weight: 675 lbs. (306 kg)
Fuel Capacity: 3.6 gal. (13.6 liters)
Seat Height: 28 in. (711 mm)
Measured Power: 72 @ 4620 rpm
Measured Torque: 100 lb.-ft. @ 2200 rpm
For a full rundown on the 2018 Softail models, check out: www.cycleworld.com/harley-dav...
For a video of the dyno run and a graph of power, go to: www.cycleworld.com/2018-harle...
Subscribe: kzbin.info...
Motorcyclist Shirts: teespring.com/stores/motorcyc...
Shop Products We Use: www.amazon.com/shop/motorcycl...
See more from us: www.motorcyclistonline.com/

[@kartiktraj]

To be honest, it's not a bad bike, it just shouldn't cost that much.

[@smokingbeetles5793]

12k is max imo. 17k no thanks

[@yemos_]

How much is it?

[@TheBigkal201]

Exactly

[@suburbanhobbyist2752]

Why? There are premium finishes and materials used all over this bike. Most of what you find on this Harley will be a metal of some type when those same features are usually plastic on the bikes you are referring to. It's true that you aren't getting traction control and an upgraded display/electronics like cruise control and rider modes (and that is literally all you could be talking about) but you are getting metal...everywhere. All about what is important to you I guess. I could really care less if I have the ability to switch between "urban" and "sport" and if my speed limit is digitally presented. Who cares as long as I can see how fast I'm going. However, when I touch my bike it's nice for it to not feel like a toy. I get it though, people are used to items being throw away quality. Nobody expects anything to last any significant amount of time these days. Most of our goods are produced as cheap as possible (although they look great at first) and then consumers just toss them when done.

[@arjorn9121]

@@suburbanhobbyist2752 All the things you have listed also apply for other bikes like the Indian cruisers or the "Harley stile" bikes from Japanese manufacturers. But they are all Cheaper. At least here in Germany Harleys are more expensive Because they are Harleys not because they are bedder than comparable Bikes.

[@petterin1]

A great bike! Just love it. Thanks for the vlog!

[@leward]

“Look out society, I’m riding a Harley Davidson” 😂 Great review.

[@RobertMacCready]

Glad to see a fair and honest opinion of the bike according to you the rider. Appreciate your insight.

[@arfonia]

It’s a Great bike. I Love mine. I’ve been lucky to have owned quite a few Harley’s over the years, loved them all and still do. But this one does it for me I love it soooo much. Well done Harley this is the all in one Harley Davidson, Fun, Fast, Looks Ace, Handles Great, So comfy it’s got it all. It’s my every day Harley. Some people don’t like the change but what I say is You love your choice of Harley and I love mine This One. Each to there own. Ride One.

[@Eidrian111]

FAST?????

[@danielney6]

How is it for long range trips? Wind? Gas mileage? Seating?

[@ExploratoryBehaviour]

Hey Zack!!! You rock brother... Give Got me addicted to MC Commute... I admire your style of crazy, funny, intelligent rant... All the best guys!!!

[@kilodurox]

Torque is what you feel when you accelerate. The pull... Horse power is the product of torque and RPM, mechanical work. So 100 for torque is just a massive feel of power, no matter the gear or speed -considering legal speed limits. Thanks for the review.

[@ryvoltz]

Whenever I see a rev counter on a chopper/custom/cruiser bike, especially Harleys, I think "Wow! They've gone modern!". Excellent video, guys!

[@rjnixon1061]

Hey Zack, horsepower is nothing more than an equation of torque and distance (distance in a motor is rpm). This is why a bike like a Harley doesn't produce high horsepower numbers, they just don't turn the revs. Great videos! Love every one!!

[@srhintz]

The reason the gauge is on the tank is so you can run any bar, fairing, even front end you want.

[@GIGABACHI]

YEEEEEEEEESSSS, I'M saving this one for Saturday breakfast, it's gonna be fun.

[@jamesmegill]

The best bike is the bike that puts a smile on your face. Biggest smile is the winner. It's pretty simple. Thanks for the review😁

[@I_am_Thursday]

Go and wash your mouth out with soap for talking sense on a social media platform. What are you thinking Man!

[@chrisnormans]

Love the turn signal buttons on my HD's One of my favourite features coming off an Aprilia.

[@carlito3624]

So true about the signals !!! Great video.

[@SuperSnallygaster]

Ha! I love the HD blinker system. Love the look of the Fat Bob too, demo'd a 114 and thought it was pretty sweet.

[@ryansande80]

Im glad to see this review from you

[@dereklindberg7577]

Harely Davidson, the only company that people will watch a 14 minute video on. Simply to write hate comments about 😂😂.

[@janrehak852]

Same with 🍏

[@antonbonin5003]

Is it really a surprise that everyone hates pretentious douche-bags? We need to make sure they know they aren't welcome in society because they're stupid and suck.

[@sgearhart69]

I love MC Commute- always very entertaining and informative. Even (especially) with bikes I'm not interested in.

[@blip98]

I did the fatbob thing for 25,000 miles it was fun to a point on flowing sections of road i would ride with my feet on the rear foot pegs to improve my center of gravity it helped a lot it served me well but had many flaws once it was out of warranty i moved on . The decision was made very easy by the poor after sales service i got from my dealer. I think a lot of viewers would might like to see some entry level bikes on the commute. I am patiently waiting waiting for the Z900RS to hit town.

[@GunzGonda]

I agree on the blinker comment. I always turn my blinkers back on after they’ve auto-cancelled 🤣

[@sportglidejim9001]

The blinkers are great! 10,000 on mine and very happy with it.

[@christianmouraux7269]

Regarding turn lights switches, I think H-D does the best ones ever, especially the autocancelling that works perfectly. Great bike overall 👍 Thanks for your video

[@peterbrophy9442]

Blinkers: Will Shut Off automatically even in straight line after short time, so you simply never have to worry about them and keep on looking at the trafic. Having started with this type of system it was the opposite for me having to get used to remembering to SHUT them off on my then new 2016 Africa Twin and having to look down to be sure I did not forget them! Eventually you get used to either method - simply muscle memory in action eh! Good honest review by the way +1 on louder pipes :)

[@sstroh08]

Peter Brophy True, great point. I'd still prefer a bike with the normal left thumb control that cancel on their own though. My Vmax will cancel them after so many feet or something like that, but doesn't have the weird controls haha.

[@AudriusN]

first time i've test rode a Harley i've found them very intuitive and easy to operate. Second best was BMW but with stupid canceling button.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I love the bars. Totally flat like my MT-01. A bit flat tracker-esque. Indicators: I prefer a switch on each end. Reminds me of my R1100GS. Works well. I like this bike apart from the excessive weight and feet-forward stance. My MT-01 weighhs 265 kg wet and tanked up. It produces 89 bhp and 110 ft/lb at 3,750 rpm (crank figures). It will see any sports bike off at the lights. Excellent video.

[@Little.R]

When looking at HP/TQ numbers a good rule of thumb is the closer the two numbers are the harder the engine is working to turn the crank. When the HP is lower than torque (like some diesel motors) the motor is "working really hard".

[@geckolux99]

New H-D marketing slogan at 11:23 : "The Fat Bob: It Beats Walking."

[@BillyJoe1305]

Gecko Lux does it though?

[@GETUPANDGO]

Nice and chunky, rugged-looking bike, I like it

[@FXR_neto]

Backing it in is my favorite part of your ride to work.

[@maxschuelke782]

I recently got a Sportster and I fully agree with the blinker spiel. I'm used to the separate controls by now, but half the time I'm still turning the signals back on when I try to cancel. It's a pain in the ass to check every time you make a turn, but it's what you gotta do.

[@pmdinaz]

"As usual, please feel free to suggest a bike you want to see featured here." Anything Zach is riding is worth a watch! Thanks Zach, like the commentary, love your skills. You should do a ride to work with Ari!!! Ride to work together, with your editing chops, I'm sure it could be top notch!!! Keep up the great work Motorcyclist! Thank you. Thank you. Kind of like the Indian/Harley's in Vegas, Eclipse hunting! But do the split video style, cut to whom is speaking while coming to the office!

[@victorhawkins3461]

Zack -- I've taken to watching your older stuff 'cause I've missed ya', bro'!

[@BuffShamansplz]

Wow so many people don't understand torque curves and powerbands, or the main difference between sport bikes & cruisers. Maybe you should just try riding the bike than picking and choosing from a spec sheet that you don't even understand. Two different riding styles for two different goals.

[@RedboRF]

and what is the torque goal? not trolling really interesting btw

[@felixarbable]

RedboRF you need to google the difference to understand what they both are

[@tomjohnson5597]

RedboRF torque is the actual rotation force produced by the engine measured at the crank or rear wheel. Horsepower is a figure calculated by multiplying the measured torque by the rpm the torque was measure at, then dividing that number by 5252. Engine design and power bands are basically determined by how the motorcycle is to be ridden. High torque low in the rev range for cruisers at one end, and high horsepower high in the rev range for sport bikes at the other with a bunch of options in between. That isn't set in stone, but should get you going in the right direction to figure the rest out.

[@RaghunandanReddyC]

Yeah, but this is the only cruiser that puts that low amount of power with that big of an engine. Triumph and Indian produce more power with much smaller engines and they have torque too.

[@mr.b3168]

@@RaghunandanReddyC not as much torque. Trust me. I have the scout and a 103 twin cam street bob. The indian produces a lot of power up at higher speeds/rpms But the harley can pass cars like nothing at regular traffic speeds. My indian cant do that unless im in at like 4000rpm. Basically riding in 1st gear with the engine screaming.

[@mtguz23]

The way to use the right blinker on a Harley is to reach over with your left hand and use the left thumb - that way you can continue throttling with your right hand without interruption, and your left hand has something to do. It’s like when you play the piano and cross over with the left hand to play notes to the right of the right hand. This has to do with the musical nature of Harley engines.

[@JEKYLLandHYDE69]

I expected some Harley bashing before I began reading these comments. As far as the review of the turn signals, HD’s turn signals work great. They’re self cancelling, unlike on my sportbike. Never had issues with them on my Harley so I’m not sure what the dude in the video was complaining about. Anyone who compares a Harley or any other cruiser with a big v-twin to a bike built on a sport-bike platform doesn’t know much about bikes. An apples to apples comparison would be cruisers made by Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Indian and Triumph. Harley is right on par in performance when compared to those bikes....especially the new Harley’s with the new chassis and M-8 motor. Also, this myth about Harley’s unreliabilty goes back to the AMF days. Harley’s since then have been as reliable, and in some cases more reliable than their competition. My Harley has 35k miles, zero issues! I know people who have over 100k on their Harley’s with no issues other than having to replace some minor parts that have worn out over the years. Over the past 36 years and many different kinds of motorcycles my Harley’s have held up just as well, if not better, than my metrics. Most problem bikes that I’ve had experience with were BMW and Triumph. Truth is though that in todays world all mass manufactured bikes are basically reliable, while at the same time have their own quirks and lack in performance in one area or another. Whatever bike you have, maintain it properly and you’ll get good life out of it. And if you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, it’ll serve you best to keep your mouth shut because you sound like a moron if you don’t.

[@Sportybob]

The hole M8 NEWLINE up is AMAZING HARLEY WILL LIVE on for ALONG time to come

[@corrocket]

The blinker auto cancels at a certain degree of lean. If you're changing lanes then you would have to cancel the blinker on your own. If you make a right turn or left turn then the blinker auto cancels. FYI

[@robedmunds7163]

Had my Sportster 17 years and love the engine. But never get used to the indicators and they self cancel at the wrong time quite often. It has been a very reliable bike though, perhaps I got a good one :-)

[@mopar21]

Rob Edmunds evo was always a solid motor.

[@scottdewar6188]

Good review. After an adjustment period I got used to the blinkers. I always cancel them before they auto cancel. You get used to it and I after awhile I never look down to see if it cancelled anymore as it does. Personal preference but you do get used to it.

[@dbest1aVlogs]

Well , I figure you made some good points.

[@BolverkAtlasia]

I've rode this bike and the Softail Slim recently and they were the first Harley-Davidsons that I actually truly wholly enjoyed. You can poke fun at the numbers, but the Milwaukee Eight is certainly an engine that screams "I am finally moving forward with the times." And that's really what Harley-Davidson is trying to do with this year's models. Their demographic is *dying* and they need to cater to a younger market. I think they're taking a step in the right direction. I know everyone in their arm chairs gives HD all of the crap in the world, but seriously, go try one of these bikes. I'm not gonna say they're the best thing since sliced bread and they're maybe not a $16,000 kind of nice, but they are most positively very interesting and pleasant motorcycles to ride.

[@komalley35]

Never been an HD guy but I won a used Heritage Softail Classic and kept it about a year. The exhaust was embarrassingly loud. Otherwise I really enjoyed the ride and it was the only bike I could get my wife on.

[@brianaustin1328]

“...Harley Davidson...beats walking...”

[@stevek8829]

Says a walker

[@flipalot24]

This video sums up the thoughts of most 25-30 year old's thoughts. I am 29, I owned a hd once..when I was much younger, went back to more sport bikes. I now am over that, looking for more of a cruiser again, but every time I think about getting a hd again, the low HP, high cost, and many options always make me look else ware. Probably the reason why hd is struggling. The people my age the COULD afford the cost of a new bike, end up buying something else..

[@Gunner76770]

Have to ask did you get one

[@Keith_Mikell]

Im with you on the blinkers. I rode my buddy's harley and every time i have to check to see if its off or on by cupping the blinker so i can see it blink. Im also huge on canceling the signal. I just finished riding scooters for many years. My recent scoot had a loud audible click relay. Man was that nice!

[@sharagan]

"watching the Toyota Highlanders go by" .....I had to laugh out loud :)

[@Tuesdaysgonewtw]

I'll race you any day for pink slips-------BOZO.

[@kuhndj67]

Solid bike for people who like low end grunt - and decent looking. I was not a big fan of the cruiser riding position (mainly because it gets uncomfortable over 65 or so unless you have a lot of air control) but I do enjoy the off the line grunt of big cruisers. You have to watch them off the line or they'll walk away from you (up to 30-40 or so).

[@iruledearea8511]

Yay 😊 finally the new 2018 Harley Davidson Fat Bob

[@mattzobian]

HD engines are excellent. They don't generate a lot of horsepower, by design. They're designed to produce lots of torque, over a wide but low RPM band. That "power shape" is great for cruising. You guys are used to peaky crotch rocket engines that spin up to 10K, a completely different "power shape" that is great for racing.

[@adamgaines5922]

I love Harley’s blinker controls

[@-the-great-awakening]

I test rode the 114 Fxfb yesterday and I thought it was really fun! Big clunky noisy experience

[@ErikMartijn]

I like the old BMW indicators which had the buttons on either side of te handlebars but had the separate cancel button on the right side.

[@BadBandar59]

Bike looks cool!

[@petersouthernboy6327]

It's got 13 ft-lbs more torque at peak than the 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 S for those idiots complaining about HP vs displacement. Big cruisers require torque.

[@stormbytes]

Good review!

[@sageavery4469]

Harley Davidsons are not built for speed or for power. Harley davidson is all about the ride, the cruise, enjoying every single minute on this comfortable, orgasmic sounding machine. If you want speed get a super bike, you want power get a super bike. You don't want to pay so much, get a Honda NC. Harley is not for everyone obviously, but don't compare it to things that it's obviously not made to compete with.

[@rob_9876]

I like the look with the new headlight. Does the stock headlight work well at night -- both far enough ahead and wide enough for cornering?

[@Fredmullegun]

Oh great another MC Commute! Oh weird it's a Harley.... I wonder how the comments are? Oh.... cancer.

[@JesseLee]

Agreed on the indicator control. Hate the fact you also have to sometimes loosen right hand grip to reach the button.. just ruins the throttle control.

[@StormAutoAdventures]

Well, after doing my research on Harley's with the 103, 107, 110 & the 114... I was looking for a good handling for what it is, powerful... Especially torque, with slightly less vibration that has newer tech like available cruise control, ABS, digital readouts in the instrument cluster, full LED lighting, and great looks... I have decided to buy a low mile 2019-2021 H-D Fat Bob 114 for next spring. I wouldn't mind a 107 either, but the 114 doesn't cost much more, so that's my choice. I'm glad that's over with lol... It look me like two weeks to decide...

[@nicodemus7784]

I would be curious to see the dyno after pipes and a tune. and again after the HP cam.

[@DJMotoVlogs]

The VROD, that's the cruiser for us sport bike guys.

[@toddmichaels42]

The FXR was pretty good, I hear.

[@Miata822]

I rode pretty much the full line of new Milwaukee * bikes at a corporate Harley event at a local dealership. the engines are definitely fun but I couldn't get over the awful transmissions. Add to that the wooden brakes and mushy lifeless suspensions on all but a couple of them and I can see why they have a hard time attracting new riders. I sowed up ready to add a cruiser to the (almost full) garage but couldn't find one that wasn't embarrassingly under-engineered. Yamaha's cruisers are a massive improvement over Harleys but I want to ride the big Moto Guzzi before I decide. Hey Zack! Get a big Guzzi 1400 one day for your commute :)

[@mopar21]

Alberto Knox should've rode the FXDLS, unfortunately they discontinued it :-(

[@mopar21]

Though they seem rough, Harley-Davidson transmissions are bullet proof...

[@shreksexy6879]

Pipes!!! Yes, pipes are a must!!! Should come with Screaming Eagle or Vance & Hines option.

[@eyezlikeydrums]

I really dig your vids, thanks!! Have you guys ever done a ride review of a recent year Yamaha Vmax? Like 2012 and newer? Curious of your thoughts.

[@stevek8829]

You CAN cancel a right blinker with your left thumb, two quick touches with your left thumb. Plenty of other bikes besides Harley have self canceling blinks

[@callmewes5121]

Test road this one back in Sep and loved it. But I ride a Drz400sm sooo 2 completely different bikes. Still leaning towards the Fj09 or even the Yamaha Striker

[@noctivagance_imagery]

yeah but tbh with a top speed of 110..you can comfortably cruise at 90 on this np. that's really all that matters. if you can cruise at highway speeds quickly and comfortably, the horse power doesn't matter. the torque more than makes up for it

[@disekjoumoer]

Love your little comments, man "Lost a little bit of fat, the Bob" :D:D

[@siemens198195]

Question for the next MC Garage: 70 hp from 1800cc? Are they using cigarette lighters for sparkplugs and a wooden crankshaft or something?

[@ChrisJohn_444]

Lars van de Velde 2 large rats.

[@JpOcDenver]

Seriously. I know they're 'torquey' but my Tuono has a HUNDRED more hp and only 10% less torque. Weighs 200 lbs less. Has Top-spec brakes and suspension. Abs, tcs, corner abs, wheelie control, cruise control, tft display... the list goes on. FOR THE SAME PRICE. I don't 'hate' this Harley. But it needs to be $10-11k

[@ChrisJohn_444]

RoadRunner Tuono's an awesome bike.

[@BillyJoe1305]

The worst part is they actually can make less crappy engines. Their 750 is by no means show stopping, but it isn't this bad. Actually only has 2 less horsies.

[@siemens198195]

BillyJoe1305 it's always been an American thing, compare muscle cars to European cars from the same era, same power outputs, but much smaller engines in Europe...

[@derp195]

The thing about Harleys is that if anything is particularly good, it’s only “good for a Harley” and making something that’s just acceptably good costs WAY more than it does from anyone else.

[@radianman]

I really enjoy your commute videos, but I have to be a little critical of the majority of bikes you choose to review, which are mostly large capacity, premium machines. This 675lb, 1,700cc behemoth is not what would be typically considered an ideal commuter bike (unless I suppose you have a huge budget and no environmental concerns). I have been using motorcycles as my primary transportation for more than 30 years, 12 months a year, and when I buy a bike for commuting I select it according to very specific criteria: 1) fuel economy 2) low insurance premiums 3) manouverability and agility 4) reliability 5) practical and durable finish (how well they stand up to everything the weather and roads throws at them is more important than beauty, especially here in Vancouver where the vast majority of my daily commutes are in rain). 6) enough performance to out accelerate most cars on the highway over short distances. 7) low purchase prices (this comes back to point 5; i.e., if you only ride on weekends in sunny weather then a Fat Bob, MV Agusta or Ducati Panigale may make sense, but they would not be sensible commuters). Granted, you live in sunny California and I realise that you commute on the bikes the manufacturers make available to you for long term testing, but for those viewers who are interested in purchasing commuter bikes it would be beneficial to see you test more of these machines and to talk more about the pros and cons of the different options (i.e., I would have expected to see you review all of the growing variety of 300cc sport and naked bikes, plus mid-sized twins like the FZ07 and SV650, single cylinder super motards and small and single cylinders trail bikes. These machines are not as glamorous or exciting as your usual fare, but would probably be relevant and beneficial to viewers who are interested in buying a commuter.

[@SirSpinalColumn]

tldr

[@barguerpi5966]

For blinkers it is not a big problem at all when you use it a few days. In fact autoancel is super. You only push the button once and then forget

[@akaredcrossbow]

Used to ride my 2004 V-Rod from Massachusetts to Naples Florida and back, such a reliable bike. I ended up trading in my V-Rod for a brand new 2010 Fat Bob and could never trust it to go to the store 5 minutes away. Such an unreliable bike!

[@kevinankin]

They only do 71 HP so that you can buy their parts to make it gain more HP. So, you spend 17K on a bike and then spend 3K+ for more power. They are all about marketing and they are masters at it.

[@keithulhul7540]

The thing about the apparent lack of power compared to its competitors is that this engine is stubbornly different than most other bikes. Theyre engines are 45 degrees. I think the only other bike to get close to that is the m109r at 54 degrees. Their engines are torque monsters given their horsepower. The m109 is 100hp and 110ftlbs. The 107 is 70hp and 109 ftlbs. AND 100 percent of that torque is delivered at 2700 rpms. The only other bike that can do that is the rocket III and thats 2300 ccs. Factor in that harleys are still belt driven ( another stubborn feature ) and its really commendable that theyre putting those figures out with essentially outdated technology. Idk. Im not a harley guy, but i could see myself on one of these 2018 steeds.

[@yungothee270]

the diff between smthg like this is that it wont accelerate faster and faster bc it has no hp but it will accelerate harder and harder. a sportbike unless its a liter has nothing down low. these dont rev anywhere near as high but has way more twisting force which is real muscle and flexes from nothing.

[@jonnycando]

If it's Harley you are used to this is a Quantum Leap.....I don't know if that's a backhanded compliment or what...but I'd ride it!

[@Tonybeanfarm]

Low end torque on a bike is nice to ride. It sucks dropping 2 gears to accelerate and pass someone on the highway, I’d rather stay in 5th or 6th and just roll on the throttle. The nice thing about Harley’s is steady power always. Is it the best bike for commuting? No. Do they look cool? Yea. If another company makes a old school looking, cool, v twin with a better motor and suspension I’d get one.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

ZX-14R has pretty good low end torque. www.ivansperformanceproducts.com/zx14%20Stk%20vs%20final.gif

[@Tonybeanfarm]

Lifted_Above yea, but it’s ugly. Same thing with busa’s. Honda goldwings are super torque and probably perfect for long commutes, but they’re just as ugly. If Yamaha made a larger version of the bolt with maybe a 1300 cc motor I’d be all over that.

[@stevek8829]

I guess you are full of shit if you haven't bought an Indian by now. You haven't have you? You don't even ride.

[@papashuk26]

Great to hear a non-fanboy review the new line from a realistic perspective! 75 bhp and that's their "Muscle" model. So sad to see that the only motorcycles our American companies can build to compete with the world are 600# + cruisers. American Muscle cars actual have muscle. Please someone produce a decent American middleweight, tracker, scrambler, adv...something!

[@arjorn9121]

I know this comment is old but the Indian FTR 1200 came and it is the first american bike that really interests me becasue it kinda is like a muscle car.

[@LukeTheDuke93]

You've got to do the Triumph Speed Triple again with better road conditions. Thanks!

[@fao8147]

Thank you for a great perspective. So, looks like everyone tend to compare it to X-Diavel or something, but for me the question would be how it would compare to a Triumph Rocket III. Any thoughts? Thank you. REPLY

[@assikopp123]

Would love one about the new Goldwing!

[@danimal7526]

ok Zack and Ari, this needs to happen. Bob is somehow Benders' uncle...

[@TheMarvelous1310]

You gotta try the Sport Glide! It has wind protection, at least.

[@vishnups3256]

My dream bike😘😘😘😘😘

[@whit3strat]

What size aerostich do you wear, did you have any special tailoring done?

[@TheTripleDubya]

WOW my 2011 103 Road King Classic was 75hp with just a big sucker kit and a couple of Screaming Eagle slip ons ! I did the motor ages ago with Screaming Eagle tuner, flowed heads, 255 cams and a 58mm throttle body etc etc, much much better, must get it dynoed again ! I got used to the blinkers, it's all good, in fact I prefer it. First thing I did when I bought my Road King was ditch the screen, it ain't a Corolla after all. Must admit that I'd be more tempted to buy the Ducati xDiavel over the softail bikes. Still like the Touring Harleys but that Multistrada is a damn fine bike too . . . and Harley is pricing themselves out of relevance. As for looks, the new Fat Bob looks ok but the new Fat Boy is hideous, so sad.

[@andrewdreyer7765]

Nice video, Zack. Why not try out the cheaper stripped down street bob? I wonder how you'd like the character of that.

[@crjmoto]

I'd choose the Indian Scout over any Harley. Fun to ride and reasonably priced.

[@crjmoto]

I'm a bit biased due to customer service. I looked at a Scout and they said "here (key), go take a spin!", I've looked at a couple Sportsters and never had a salesman even talk to me. The last time my wife and I went to a Harley dealer we walked out thinking WTF??? Awkward...

[@crjmoto]

Well I'll always support the cool-factor of Harley's and if the right time/ place/ deal came up, I'd ride one with pride. But after having issues with vehicles and understanding how important customer service is when issues arise, I want to know a manufacturer will be there to have my back. If they won't say hi to me when I walk in the door, I wonder how they will react if I bring my new motorcycle back in the back of my truck. I'll continue to keep an open mind though!

[@crjmoto]

188 miles for me (Denver). I did a test ride in Denver and Tucson. All were great.

[@mopar21]

They are pretty cool though I would take the roadster with the inverted showa front end, not to mention way more aftermarket offerings. And who knows if Indian will make it. They haven't made it yet...

[@mopar21]

crj moto depends on the store. Some allow people to browse, others pounce on customers. Two different schools of thought. Have seen both in practice at metric and Harley-Davidson dealerships.

[@AkaAndyKnuckles]

I got motion sickness watching this time. Had a few good laughs though.

[@ClutchFirst]

The headlight is my least favorite part of that motorcycle. However, I do agree that it does look like Bender Bending Rodriguez. :D

[@EatsleepPlayRepeat555]

How would a 5’7” flare in this? Would u recommend?

[@rotraven]

Did they fix the ignition keys being put next to the engine on Harleys yet?

[@alexwotherspoon5630]

Top vid 👍 A bike like that at that price shouldn't sound like a sewing machine 😏

[@Siper2]

#blinkerrant :-) I like the new Fat Bobs, they sure do look nice but I agree, I wouldn't choose it over other options. Zack I'd love to see a Commute on the new Honda CB650F!

[@MotoM1234]

Traded 2012 street glide in for a 2018 wing. The wing is better in so many ways but the HD was a more enjoyable experience.

[@b.smitty5273]

How do they even do that... 70hp from an almost 1800cc engine... 'Murica I guess

[@Jajeweet]

ikr

[@threethrushes]

Lol. It takes a special kind of engineering philosophy to produce so little from so much.

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

can engines of that cc have about 140 horsepower and about the same torque.

[@Teatimeted]

Its tuned for torque, as all Harleys are. If you watch the video, Zack actually explains that this engine makes a lot of torque. A high torque bike for the street is brilliant, because it feels fast from down low in the rev range. High BHP bikes usually make peak power high in the rev range, so you usually dont feel the full power of these bikes on the street... As a great man once said, Torque for the street, BHP for the track.

[@ChrisJohn_444]

B. Smitty Pitiful, really. People buy them for the sound and look, but they are slow af.

[@MDHenry4]

How are you achieving this great sound quality and helmet mounted action cam?

[@neelakan678]

I rode it and my left hip was aching. Power was good but it was nothing special after two years with a VFR. Vibration once you get up in the revs to move along out of a stop or on the highway. Easy to ride. Fun but not quite as exciting as I was hoping for the money. If I wasn't in my 50s I would ride one to be cool. The CB1100 was more beautiful, if that matters.

[@davidrosa4156]

You live in California which is the state with the most restrictive exhaust regulations in the world. So I’m surprised that you are surprised at how quiet it is.