Harley Davidson 2018 Softail 1st Impressions - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Harley Davidson just announced their 2018 softail lineup. They also announced they will not be making a 2018 Dyna. The Dyna and Softail platforms are essentially merging. In the video I discuss my 1st impressions. I'm excited to try out the new frame and Milwaukee 8 engine, but have some reservations about the trim and suspension on the new models.
I hope to follow up with a Street bob and Fat Boy review as soon as I am able to get my hands on the new models.

[@IveAlreadyWon]

From what I've been hearing, the dyna fans have nothing to worry about as far as the new bikes are concerned. Only the name has changed, but everything else is an upgrade. That said, I'm not a dyna guy, so I could be talking out my ass. Test rode the Heritage yesterday with the 114, and holy shit the power on that thing was fantastic for a Harley, and the suspension will surprise you. Wonderful suspension.

[@user-us1hx2cx3j]

I just had a look at the new bikes in the "flesh"....my overall impression is they are somehow "diminished"...smaller tank...smaller look...like HD is trying to answer a question that no one was asking: namely what is the bike between a Sporster and a full size? I don't like them. Good for anyone selling a second hand Dyna though!

[@emeraldcitycarpenter]

I agree with you on the lights. WTF! #trying2hard

[@boisedynaa]

What are they thinking with those Bar Clamps? And the headlight. No thanks. Getting rid of the Dyna line I think won't last. By 2020 I bet they will bring them back. What do you think? Another dope video. Good to see the channel growing Chainsaw

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Thanks man... Hopefully you're right. They lost the Road glide for a year back in 08... maybe this is the same kind of thing. They'll reintroduce something for us Dyna lovers next year.

[@andylee1035]

nice work mate I am on my second fatbob lol I love the dyna,s!!

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Me too brotha..

[@Annonymous0283745]

If you find yourself in the Albuquerque area my buddy Griz at Thunderbird will get you a test ride on any bike you want.

[@hillkiran]

I am kinda pissed about the gas tank on the new Fatbob. For all y'all that live on the east coast you are inconvenienced by going from gas station to gas station. For those of us that live in Nevada with the vast wastelands of the West coast, it is carry an extra gas tank or die in the desert pushing your ill engineered hung of steel. On the extra terrestrial highway it is 160 miles from gas station to gas station. How many extra gallons of gas is that on the new Fatbob once you have some mods done? Also, the clearance sucks. For those of us that sometimes come off of a curb, (because parking spots are for soccer moms), how long until after market shocks can give us a little more ground clearance ?

[@wooddawg4868]

If a company keeps doing the same old thing competition will over take them. Harley Davidson had to upgrade ALL their bikes from the M8 engine to LED Lighting and smoother riding counter balanced motors.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Yep, I completely agree... can't wait to check out the new powertrain. Still not stoked about the shape of the lights on the fat bob or the digital speedo...

[@HDR20]

I agree the headlights look bad. I rode the new line and it handles,rides and more powerful than previous years. I like the new line but feel cancelling the dyna will be a mistake

[@tap42al]

Big mistake getting rid of the dynas. The looks of all the 18s does nothing for me or anyone I know.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

+tap42al Maybe next year they'll surprise us with a new FXR type model... I'll be holding a bottle of whiskey in the meanwhile, but not my breath.

[@draganm7823]

tap42al its a similar bike with a cleaner look. More power and about 30 lbs lighter. That spells improvememt.

[@tap42al]

U don't get it.

[@HASHEAVEN]

If we wanted more power and lighter we wouldn't be into Harleys The new motor sounds like a kawasaki! and all 2018 Softails look cheaper and uglier than the twincams. Especially the breakout and deluxe.

[@bigpuzz17]

It does plenty for me. Love my new 2018 Slim

[@user-us1hx2cx3j]

The light on the Fat Bob looks like an adapted Scuba diving mask. The digital speedo really sucks too. Looks like those crappy Polaris shares I bought a few years ago might come good yet!

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Scuba Mask... dead on. That's hilarious.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Had to use the Scuba Mask in my new video... that sh!t is still cracking me up.

[@user-us1hx2cx3j]

LOL

[@dirtbeard108]

almost bought a 2017 Street Bob.. held off for the M8. Looks like I'll be shopping for a 2017 after all.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Hey Dirt beard... well hopefully you can pick up a shiny 2017 with 1500 miles on it from another one of these guys that spent 20k on a bike only to decide it's not for him after 3 months. So many good deals out there on Craigslist. Especially in January!

[@FREEMAN....]

Great video and interesting comments. Where did you get the promo videos from?

[@nychan8958]

I don't think the lights look right . I thought Willy gee decided on looks .

[@mohammadkhamees6644]

the vibration plus sound on new models is crap. doesnt feel like a harley at all

[@jtilldad]

so if you want ape hangers you will have to purchase thru harley, if they make them

[@bobscott1809]

You got the ugly part right

[@Nickolas64]

My next one will be a Shovel or pan..screw the new shit

[@gabriel9102BR]

How you going to put the tbar now¿?

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Exactly

[@gabriel9102BR]

Granite City Riders rip that shit off and go without lol

[@breezmyguy]

please bro we need a new video and the fairing video...bless

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Hey Joe... I'm on it. I'll be turning out some new videos over the next couple of weeks. Thanks for watching brotha!

[@Tommy.McLean]

Good riddance Dyna. I was so sick of the fad riders. The T bars, thunderheader, winter fairing etc. My heart brakes for the true Dyna fans but I still have to say good riddance fadders. FYI I agree the progressive 412's for $200 are the best upgrade for a Dyna or bagger. It'll be like the fxr, you'll always have the true hard core fans out there dedicated to it. Shit I still ride a 96 bad boy cause it's all about the Evo baby!!

[@GraniteCityRiders]

96 bad boy... who isn't a sucker for a springer front end, right? I think you're right, the Dyna will become the new FXR. I know I won't be getting rid of mine anytime soon.

[@Tommy.McLean]

hell yeah im a sucker for a late model springer. i have 2 springers. 96 bad boy and a custom build using the front end off a 95 BAd boy

[@christoperbrandon1311]

#pleasesavethedynasmodels