2018 Harley-Davidson Street Bob (FXBB) First Ride and Detailed Review│Milwaukee 8 with the New Frame

Get a detailed "First Look" at the all new 2018 Softail Street Bob. Test Ride and walk around by Matt Laidlaw. This previously known Dyna now has a new frame and engine this year. The 2018 Model year represents the biggest change in Harley-Davidson's cruiser lineup in the history of the motor company.
www.laidlawsharley.com
"Music from Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)"

[@farclebaba]

Nice work. Thanks for all of the in-depth info Matt. You're getting these details out ahead of almost everyone else. Really cool to see these new bikes in a real-world, non-HD marketing context.

[@jcgaliano4126]

Another quality presentation, thanks Matt 👍🏽

[@cameronbales1064]

Thank you for the review. I've been waiting to see a review on this model awesome content.

[@jrat42]

Great review! Best reviews on KZbin. Been studying your videos while trying to figure out which bike I'm going to snag. Thanks!

[@shelll1132]

Just bought the 2019 street bob in the red denim. I have never been a fan of satin finish paint, but this looks so much better in person so I bought the red. Love my bike!!! Great review!

[@baddriver3580]

Thanks Matt, very informative video! One of my favorite dream bikes lol, is time to test ride one. Great job on a nice ride, ride safe !

[@funguseater40]

Great honest review as always. Looking forward to a demo of the new bikes in the UK :)

[@ricko3k]

Best review I’ve seen, with the bike actually being started!

[@MrCyclee]

It was awesome meeting you matt expect to see me back soon I have my eyes on that new Roadster :O

[@Brink1957]

Matt, your reviews are consistently the best available on KZbin. Looking forward to your review of the 2018 heritage

[@MattLaidlaw]

Brink1957 coming soon. Thank you

[@simonfuller7331]

Another great review Matt. Love your stuff

[@aidanvinum]

Bought mine Yesterday. This video definitely helped!

[@evi2083]

Just purchased this bike thanks for the review on it. Helped me make my choice.

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

still loving it?

[@jeremybenson180]

Hey Matt, really like all the videos you’re doing on these new bikes. Ton of good information! I’ll be buying a new street bob pretty soon and your videos helped a lot.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Awesome man! You'll love it man. that bike is Bad!

[@apacheizm23]

SOLD! Industrial grey!! Thank you so so much for the video and review. Very well done Matt.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Good luck on your purchase. Enjoy the bike. The new streetbob is a badass bike.

[@thano40]

Thank you Mat for great reviews,I rode the new range at my local dealership and came away impressed.I can say that i'm going to purchase a new motorcycle for next riding season in '18.Probably the touring chassis for long comfortable rides and my fit.Am following you're video's for news and info, cannot wait for April 2018 when I purchase a new bike and hopefully ride west to visit.

[@mynxl]

Enjoy your reviews. Looking forward to your softail deluxe review. Cant say I like all the black bits on the new bikes. Cheers

[@edwardleniston1076]

A comprehensive review Matt, thanks.

[@iamlegionforwearemany9289]

I just bought one yesterday trared my 09 streetbob. This bike looks a lot better in person. Compared to my 09 streetbob this bike is awesome in power , ride, feel , and maneuvering. The only cons I personally found in my opinion is the mid controls and how quiet. But easily customized at a future date. Who buys a hd and keeps the stock pipes anyway.as for the tank size it is 3.5 gallons not a peanut tank which is smaller. My 09 tank was 4.9 gallons not a huge difference in my opinion. Unless riding cross country in which I suggest get ready to pay more

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Michael Smentkowski congrats man. I agree with your points.

[@KINGKUN10]

Laidlaw with the best harley reviews as always 👌

[@user-gy5sw1kd1e]

Got a test ride a few days back on the the street bob... the best riding experirnce I've ever had in my life!!! getting 1 :)

[@konradczernik6671]

Just bought one and you cleared my doubts! Thanks

[@Jrtowns1]

Thanks for all the information you provided. Especially about the accessories and suspension.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Just_The_Fax thanks

[@marcusquinn8593]

Great review of the new street bob!

[@lazarevic95]

Anyone have any experience or say on touring with this bike? I plan on getting one but I plan on do state and cross country runs. So any advice would be appreciated.

[@mattfuller7467]

@matt laidlaw you should touch on the fact that a lot of newer Harley's are throttle by wire rather than throttle by cable. I just bought a new 2019 street bob and I noticed the acceleration curve is WAY different for the fly by wire vs fly by cable in the DYNA. it tends to jerk straight into a fast speed rather than ease into it with the cable style throttle. do you know how to adjust the computer or make this change on the engineering level?

[@johnsawtelle1328]

Awesome Review.....

[@caapstad]

Thank you for this detailed review. I'm planning on purchasing this exact model and colour. Appreciate your time and effort for folks like us who are buying their 1st Harley.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Shawn Atwell Nice man. It's a great bike and much improved from the old Streetbobs.

[@badbeatking80]

Overall I'm loving what HD did with all the recent changes. If you don't like all the new stuff on the bike, pick up a P&A catalog and get some parts. Who really buys a HD and loves everything stock?

[@dxzebeats]

Harley Davidson is a great company. Congrats for their awsome motorcycles 👍🏼

[@TheJneg]

Hi Matt, great job on your videos. I test rode the 2018 slim and street bob today. Fell in love with the street bob. I originally was going to purchase a slim and glad I did the test rides. The bob just felt right. I'm 5'6" and it fits perfect. Endless power. The slim just didn't feel right to me. I'm buying the Street Bob this month. Great job!

[@jonc4939]

Hey dude, I'm in a position where I'm either looking at a 2018-19 Street Bob, or a 2016-17 Low Rider S. Is the new Softail frame good enough to go for the street Bob over the S?

[@StanfordC95120]

another great, honest review with lots of perspective that most of us can never have because we haven't ridden every version of Harley-Davidson and I can see a lot of hipsters choosing this ride

[@anthonyaguila5685]

sir, how high is the handlebar??? If I were to put on a different handlebar 9 1/2 inches riser/handle, do I still be able to use the OEM cables????

[@juergenripper2222]

Great vid with lots of information. Thank you! In the 2018 parts catalogue is no forward control kit. Do u think HD will bring these? ...and if yes, when?? Thx

[@quezvisions7538]

107 is sick, I'm glad I got the last ones in line. My 2017 Dyna, I love her!

[@waylonjennings8297]

Matt great channel wish u best of luck mate!

[@jonathankennedy3487]

I personally love the Street Bob, as someone who's potentially in the market for a big twin in 2018 I think I'm tipping towards the Street Bob over the Fat Bob. I love that Grey Denim! Great video Matt, I've been eagerly anticipating your review of the 2018 Street Bob ever since the new bikes were released and it did not disappoint. Thanks for taking the time to put these videos together man!

[@peterfalconer2143]

Cool video Matt and a pretty honest appraisal too. We're still waiting for them here in Australia but while l like the blacked out Street Bob look, l'll probably go for a Lowrider for the bigger fuel tank.

[@luizhmax]

Matt, thanks for the awesome review. Could you please clarify one question? Is it possible to put Forward Controls in this bike? Someone told me it's not for the 2018 street bob.

[@riteshmathur23]

Hey Matt, a completely unrelated question which I need ur experienced advice for. I have a 2010 ultra limited CVO and was wondering if anything can be done to upgrade the sound system. Basics I need is Bluetooth and USB connectivity and wow factor would be getting everything. Also looking to up the volume so any advice on amp speakers would also be highly appreciated. Have a lot of attachment to the vehicle so not thinking of upgrading right now. I am in india and the dealership here is clueless as it was a special import.

[@sbreslin41]

Great review. Looking forward to you reviewing the new Slim!

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Well Made Things It's coming. Probably a few weeks though.

[@Magnus0311]

Thanks for your reviews Matt. Really good stuff. I think the Street Bob is probably my favorite out of the new softail models. Almost tempted to trade my 2017 Slim S “army bike” for one.

[@bmoore6424]

Excellent review. The new "Dynatails" look great and it sounds like they are much better performers. Looking forward to the lowrider review. Thanks for all the info.

[@Neocleese]

Thanks Matt for the great review of The Street Bob. Looking forward to your review of The Fat Boy., Thanks again.

[@soranrix]

thanks for the fast responce asked yesterday if you would ride the street bob and voila superb

[@MattLaidlaw]

Søren Petersen haha. Just for you.

[@JoeRothuizen004]

Last week i bought this HD Street Bob after test riding it and you either love this bike or hate it. Me personaly love this bike and the way it rides 🤙🏻 thanks for the awesome / honest reviews you’re putting out there Matt !

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks man. Congrats on the bike 👍🏻

[@JoeRothuizen004]

Matt Laidlaw thanks ! Appreciate it

[@tylermains9533]

Can you say how you fit on the bike being 6’5”? I’m 6’3” and looking into getting this bike but not sure if I’m to big to be comfortable on it

[@h1ker1]

Hey Matt your video here helped make a very educated decision. Thanks for all the info

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks. Enjoy your new bike.

[@frostsnowman7450]

Hi Matt question. Now that you've taken the bike apart with the custom street bob build, is it possible to have the softail slim tank and battery cover added at the dealer to the street bob? I most of the styling cues of the new street bob but prefer the reflective battery cover and tank mounted gauge. Due to the bikes being all on the same frame will this be a relatively inexpensive swap? Thank you, keep up the work.

[@angron666]

Nice review. Can't wait to see the 2018 Breakout review.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+angron666 coming!

[@Sr.D]

I hope they just add next year the low rider gas tank and get rid of the digital speedometer

[@eddecastro5927]

Great review on new Street Bob, thanks for putting together!!

[@Agonarch50]

Hey I noticed when you down shift you don’t release the clutch. I thought when you down shift you release the clutch for each gear?

[@ed3tun]

whats with cooling fins on the engine? Lower half thin and black and the upper half thick and polished tips.

[@MrBlack1272]

Great review! I hope your Softail Slim review is coming soon! It would've been cool to see that new LCD screen on the Slim. Did some test rides myself and can honestly say I dig um! Sadly though, there wasn't any of the smaller Softails in.

[@tsav6952]

Digging these denim paints Matt. Sure is a great looking bike, I'm sure a hoot to ride too. Thanks!

[@paulsmale5436]

Whats the new streetbob like for a lanky bloke like yourself with the forward control kit. Am 6ft 2 and dealers are like "wont suit you sir" until I mention the forward controls.

[@user-ze8fb7od6d]

Great review and the bike.

[@asumelisadesteli5520]

Hi Matt,Hi from Istanbul,Turkey, Thank you for the video, I would like to ask you , I have recently learnt to drive motorcycles, Can I start with Streetbob as my first bike or should I buy a smaller engine one as my first bike?

[@kakhidzeoto]

Is it possible to remove those rubber spring tubes from forks? are they for visual side only or have some practical function?

[@jarekgazik]

I would like to know this myself!! Matt, can You reply?!!

[@ausoff-road7795]

Can the taller fatbob shock be fitted to the streetbob? Or at least a taller option for the streetbob?

[@BobSmith-sl9sm]

I heard that you couldn't put fore ward controls on this new Street Bob, is that true? relocating them can't be that difficult can it?

[@BryanMoreno_]

Love that color. They have one at my local dealer that's calling my name 😂😂😂

[@davidestanisci3324]

Hey Matt, the Street Bob is my favorite bike and the one I would like to buy in a few years. Do yoy think that in the next models Harley Davidson will add the old looking speedometer like on the dyna and a bigger gas tank? Thanks for the videos Ps Do you think Harley will add denim black to tge street bob colors? Thanks

[@ratman543]

Now I'm not Matt but I will say I will also get a street bob and I have lots of the same questions

[@davidestanisci3324]

The Real Adolf Hitler yep, also if on the next models there will be a normal engine and not 100% blacked out

[@LJM2stepspain]

I'm so glad I got my fat bob this year and not next. I like how on the Dyna's there was the gas and fuel gauge on opposite sides and the tank had that trim down the middle below the ignition. That way it looks like the older harley's that had two tanks and stuff. Plus not to mention I love the exposed suspension in the back, hiding it and turning it into a monoshock are the opposite of what makes this bike 'sexy' to me. edit: does this thing have en electronic throttle but still a mechanical clutch? smh... big let down for me

[@fredgfysmith6171]

Anthony P the electronic throttle is good, it responds much quicker than cables and i agree i would rather have the tank Speedo and idiot lights with the tach on the center of handle bars. That new tripple clamp speedo cluster looks like it would be hard to see.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Davide Stanisci if you like the analog type speedometer then the low rider is a good choice for you. Yes, I think they will offer black denim next year.

[@willhurt3446]

What’s the height in stock bars on FXBB and the throw back inches on it ?

[@bobber1656]

Great review as always Matt. I do agree with your point that the older generation Street Bob does have more heart & soul of a Harley Davidson as it does feel more like an old-school mechanical (living) machine. This is why I love mine so much. I like to see the engine shaking in the frame, I like the analog speed & fuel gauges and I like seeing the shocks. You did hurt my feelings a bit when you said that you'd never ride one unless it was the last choice for financial reasons etc. I'll always love & respect Harley Davidson and their strive for progress. I like this bike very much too, but unless something catastrophic were to happen to my 2016 Street Bob, it'll be with me forever. Thanks again for another great review, I always respect and take to heart your opinions. Have a great weekend. :)

[@MattLaidlaw]

Bobber16 Yea, maybe that comment was harsh. Let me put it this way - I wouldn't buy anything other than the new frame on a streetbob at this point. I still love and respect all older Harley's. That's one of the great things about HD is the history and longevity of the machines. The new frames are just so much better for daily use and riding hard.

[@JonathanPagan83]

Hey Matt I'm 6'2 215 lbs is this bike a good fit for my overall height and weight?

[@kakhidzeoto]

Great review, as usual. what I don't like visually on this bike are those rubber springs on forks, I think previous model looked better. don't get why HD changed that front end design. I am ok with lcd and slimmer tank though. my fav bike from new lineup is low rider and I'm waiting for your opinion about it. need to choose between LR and Slim.

[@rompan5678]

Thank you! Very good video!

[@PeterDad60]

A little vibration keeps the blood flowing and heat from the engine both help a lot in the winter.

[@evi2083]

What is the max RPM for this bike? I can't find anything on it besides 110 lbs torque 3000 rpm.

[@cmz1588]

I took one of these on a test drive today; same color and all. This bike runs absolutely great! I’m itching to trade my 16 R1 for either this bike or a Fat Bob 107. Any suggestions?

[@anthonyfxbb9040]

Hello Matt. I have the same exact bike. Quick question at your earliest convenience if possible. Will I damage my bike if I remove the stock baffles and ride it that way? Definitely want to have that distinctive Harley sound but don’t want to damage bike/motor. Or am I better off saving $ and buying a exhaust system. Thank you sir! Your videos are definitely the best!

[@txman951]

First time viewer, now subscribed. Enjoy the way you present the bikes. Bought my first Harley last year, a Street Glide and not getting used to the balance and weight at all. I sure like these and think they'd be a lot easier to ride/handle.

[@henriksev4246]

i heard the breaking on this bike is not that great, this can be fixed with after market? Because i´ve started to look into HD bikes recently, and saw that the low rider has beter handling and breaking power than the street bob, can some one tell me in terms of acceleration? All the videos i saw was that people really enjoy the pull on these street bobs

[@user-eq2ed7io6h]

Matt can you describe how the ignition system works, if it is radioactive, also if it's optional or it's with the standar version of the bike and if you can tell me the models that have it. And if it isn't at the standard version tell me the price.

[@MattLaidlaw]

γιώργος αντωνίου it's standard on all the 2018 softails. You have a fob that is a proximity sensor. If you are near the bike all you need to do is hit the run switch and the ignition comes on. Then just hit the starter switch and you're good to go

[@GrowMasterGeneral]

γιώργος αντωνίου Radioactive means a completely different thing than what you're thinking of. LOL.

[@TrangDB9]

GrowMasterGeneral maybe he wants his bike from Fukushima.

[@rebel_ltz]

Quality video, thanks!

[@MattLaidlaw]

+tom rebel Thank you!

[@Eknight21992]

Looked pretty planted on the highway section. I know it's not a touring chassis, but are these new softails pretty stable at highway speeds? On my Honda Shadow 1100 I feel like I'm floating and not in a good way. Keeps me on back roads more often than not.

[@fabiors10]

Eric Knight it should be. I have a softail Blackline that is so grounded, it is great!!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Eric Knight YES! a lot more planted and a more controlled suspension feel at higher speeds.

[@wooddawg4868]

I have been riding harleys since 1998. The 2017, 2018 model are proof that HD has been lagging behind the competition listening to old riders who only buy a bike once every 10 years. Harley has to stay current in their design, engine and technology and not have harley riders look at competition for upgrades they have to pay extra for.

[@willysandu]

Hey Matt, great review as usual! Honestly I think you do the best, most complete reviews out there for H-D. I personally dream about a 18' Street Bob, in few years, maybe, I'll proudly own one. Soon, SOON. Keep up the good work, I'm eager to watch the '18 Breakout and Softail Slim reviews as well ;)

[@MattLaidlaw]

+willysandu Thank you! I will be doing a full review on all the 2018 Softails.

[@jazza7982]

Hi Matt thanks for the review all the way from Australia. I'm looking for a new harley which I will be riding to work almost everyday and to do the occasional 2up riding (30mins-1hr)with the wife or daughter. Would you recommend this bike for this type of riding

[@MattLaidlaw]

jarrod brown No, get the Heritage or a touring bike like a Streetglide.

[@Nebulax123]

Been riding Harley's since 65 I thought this was a Yamaha Star motorcycle when I first saw it at the beginning of the vid and wondered what was going on. Times have changed I guess. The new engine is cool I got to ride one and liked the power.

[@jfkreallywasablackhataclos3767]

Since 1965 ?

[@Bredaxe]

The new designs are disappointing the older HD fans, at the same time, HD never took the time to groom new generations of riders and ignored them so they bought metric bikes. Now the new Harley's share metric qualities but they can't compete in price. It's a hard situation for HD. They need to drastically drop prices and/or bring back models like the VRod and Dyna Low Rider S. I don't see how the executive team continues to keep their jobs? Double digit loses for most companies usually involves firing the top dogs.

[@JonathanPagan83]

Hey MATT any suggestions on height for riders in the new Softail line up??? I’m at a crossroad between the Street Bob and The Fat Bob and I’m 6’2??? I really am looking for comfort on one of these 2????

[@MattLaidlaw]

+JonathanPagan83 there is a tall boy seat for these new softails. I haven’t tried one yet. I think this with bars could make the bike fit okay.

[@dry509]

Good review. Would like to have one, but gosh $14,500, yikes? Can you put the taller rear suspension or is it not cost effective? Better to get the Bob or the Heritage instead? What do you think?

[@aidanvinum]

Great review. This video was the one I watched a few times before I bought this bike. I would love if there were more aftermarket parts for this scoot (FXBB). LIKE A better back fender...one that flows nicer...ducktale style maybe. The stock back fender looks like it doesn’t belong on this bike. But...the Wafflehead is the best looking bike that Harley has out at the moment. Live free or die trying!

[@eddietheloggie]

Hey Matt, thanks for this review. I was heart set on a Lowrider S but the new chassis has stomped on that idea. Due to aesthetics the only 'softail' I want is the Lowrider, I can't handle the exhausts on the Fatbob and I just hate the headlight and nacelle on the fatboy as well as those huge tyres putting me off too, plus that satin chrome look is not for me, not shiny enough for the chrome brigade and to old hat for the blacked out brigade. So I'm back to the Lowrider. So my questions: I know you can't get the Lowrider with the 114 as standard but can it be upgraded to the 114? Is there any after market upgrade or even better an HD one? I'm flat scared of a 107 (let alone 114) Lowrider with single front disc, could you fit a second disc to the lowrider without having to have totally new front forks? It's all back to the Harley tax, I want a Harley, I want the Lowrider, but how much am I going to have to spend to get what I want? A 114 engine, twin disc front brakes, stepped exhausts at full volume.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+John McDowall So the brakes on the news bikes stop just as good as the dual disc brakes on the old bikes. Yes, you can upgrade a low Rider to a 114 CI build. It's a stage 3 kit. With labor and everything it will probably set you back 3,500 approximately. Exhaust at this point is limited but it's out there. We will see more aftermarket companies making exhaust for the new softails soon.

[@dadtrap]

Matt I got to test ride a 2018 Heritage Softail with a 114 cu. in. engine. Just one word AWESOME. Can't wait to see your review on it.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Andrew Trapani Its amazing to see people judging them without riding them. They are just great bikes.

[@Nick-mi1lf]

+Matt Laidlaw - The reason people are judging is that they made massive changes all at once....If Harley just updated the softail line and left the dyne alone for a year or so, they may have been better off. They have alienated a huge chunk of their fan base doing it this way. Just my two cents.... Also, by the way, your videos are awesome, keep it up!

[@motomurphie3708]

Hey Matt, what jacket are you wearing? Just wondering.

[@peteroravec5892]

i bought by my fxbb also after seeing this video. very instructive. bike is even better than matt says here. plenty of power. tank is big enough - you anyway stop after 100 miles anyway. seat is a bid poor. riding is a fun. nice video

[@ChristopherdeKlerk]

I'm very impressed with the stock exhaust sound. Not bad.

[@gregoriojuarez1579]

Hello. Will a mid control option be available for the Street Bob? If so, will it cost more?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Half Dog it comes with mid controls already installed.

[@georgemoreno9319]

do I need to adjust the rear shock for a passenger

[@Barnastil]

For the last year before buying my bike I was dead set on buying a Dyna Street Bob. I'm a Harley purist, I wanted the noisy exhaust, I wanted the heat from the engine, and I wanted the taint numbing shake at the stop light because a Harley isn't a bike, it's an experience. Then, they went and did away with the Dyna just before I got my license. I was just as skeptical as most people that have commented on here about the new bikes to the point I was going to a buy used, and then I went and rode one. It still shakes, just enough to not be obnoxious, you still get some heat from the engine, and when you roll on the throttle the car next to you is going to hear it. Matt's analysis was spot on in this video. I think where Harley went wrong here was calling it the Street Bob. Had they given it a different name, I don't think there would have been such a big deal made because it really is a different bike. I drive it around a major city as my daily driver, and today I did a 250 mile day trip on a combination of windy highways and straight freeways with no issues. The only problem I really have with the bike is that it's too "electronic sounding" but that can be fixed with a new exhaust. I was more disappointed that Harley didn't have basic accessories ready for the launch of the bike. At 6`-4" I would love some God damn forward controls and some customizing options. The Harley dealer has a whole catalog of stuff they can't get yet.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Barnastil thanks for the comment. Yes, I wish they had forward controls too

[@barguerpi5966]

Hi matt great source of info as always. The new models have not arrived to istanbul yet. Things i wonder are, will there be a black denim model? And will we able customize them club style? Q Fairings high rise t bars and such?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Bargu Erpi we are working on a club style streetbob. I'll release a video on it in about a month. No black denim this year. I bet next year they will have it.

[@barguerpi5966]

Matt Laidlaw great to hear that. Looking forward to seeing it. S bob is the best big twin bike especially in heavy traffic while riding in between cars. And with the high rise bars you don't get close to side mirrors and increase your handling. Mid controls also help handling in traffic

[@Bobzilla_Iowa]

I currently ride a Road King, but I wanna add this bike. Just waiting on Forward controls. This will be a fun bike with Cam/pipe and intake!

[@turbo311]

I have never been a HD guy or a bobber guy but I really like this bike and could see myself owning one. That said, several of the new softails I could see myself owning, or one of the tourer baggers, all with the M8.

[@jarekgazik]

THX!! Will be mine!!!

[@dry509]

Which did you like to ride better..this or the low rider?

[@donovananderson8091]

Hey Matt.. does the 2018 Street Bob have a gear indicator? Showing 1,2,3,4 etc.?

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Donovan Anderson yea. It’s one of the settings that can be toggled through.