Feedback on the new 2018 Harley-Davidson models
- Daymaker
- Digital speedometer
- Frame, spring element
- The 114ci and 117ci Milwaukee-Eight engines
- Discontinuation of the V-Rod
- Bluetooth
Now a few days have passed and opinions vary. Dyna fans are somewhat disappointed about the discontinuation of the Dyna series, but they don't really know the new models yet, so it's certainly possible to see things in a different light.
Harley-Davidson has to bring change to the roads; it can't just rest on its old traditions. The market is highly competitive, and the knives are sharpened for the next season with innovative new models.
Harley-Davidson dealers are an important indicator of sentiment; they want to sell motorcycles and know best what is in demand and what is not. In this case, forums are not as important as personal customer contact.
The customer says what they like, and this sentiment is often passed on to Milwaukee. And the mood is good; the general consensus is that it's finally something fundamentally new that can be discussed with customers.
DAYMAKER – LED reflector
The most striking will be the Daymakers, which we will increasingly encounter on the roads next year with their sharp looks.
They illuminate the road very well and offer a considerable degree of additional safety. „See and be seen“. They have proven themselves in large touring bikes, and the light is incredibly good, especially on the Road Glide.
Now the Daymaker has finally found its way into the Softail series as standard equipment. Some have retrofitted the Daymaker to their bikes, which makes sense, but that is no longer necessary.
The new LED headlights are particularly striking on the Fat Bob and Heritage models, making them visible from a distance. You can be sure that the design will allow you to tell whether a Fat Bob, Street Bob, Heritage, or Fat Boy is coming your way.
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DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER – USB – Keyless ignition
New digital displays have now been introduced in the Street Bob and Breakout models. They feature a minimalist design, provide comprehensive information, and have a modern look.
They have been available on the accessories market for years, and are now available directly from the factory.
Finally, a USB port and keyless ignition catapult them into the new Harley era.
CENTRAL SHOCK ABSORBER ON SOFTAIL MODELS
The idea isn't new; it was already present in the old EVOs. The central shock absorber saves up to 15 kilograms in weight.
The weight savings will be noticeable in handling. As a comparison, you could say that it makes the same difference as whether you have a full tank of fuel or not; a full tank makes the weight difference more noticeable than a shock absorber. A big advantage is that it is now possible to adjust the suspension settings without any fiddling around.
This allows you to quickly adjust to the situation at hand. You'll quickly figure out the best settings with or without a passenger, or if you're going on a long trip, you can react quickly if the settings aren't right.
THE 114 MILWAUKEE-EIGHT ENGINES IN THE SOFTAIL SERIES
Harley-Davidson is now introducing the 114 Milwaukee-Eight engines as an option in the Softail series. The new frames have the necessary rigidity to cope with this powerful engine; even the 110 engines, for example in the Slim S was just cool and did the Slim S made extremely attractive.
The high torque of 155 Nm will give the new 2018 model with the 114 ci engine a powerful boost when performance is required. The exact power delivery in relation to the transmission ratio will become apparent when they arrive at dealerships in September.
If you want to, you can., That's perfect, because you don't have to, as the 107 engine isn't underpowered, but the fact is that there will be plenty of people who want to ride the 114, especially on the Fat Bob, where it will be a real road rocket. It has the foundation for a real beast, and we can look forward to the modifications we'll see in the coming years.
Data from the Fat Bob 114ci (Manufacturer's information):
Engine displacement 1,868 cc
Power: 94 hp at 5020 rpm
Torque: 155Nm
Weight, ready to drive: 306 kg
Fuel capacity: 13.6L
THE NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON MILWAUKEE-EIGHT 117 CVO ENGINE
Many people didn't even notice that the Milwaukee-Eight 117ci engine, rather than the Milwaukee-Eight 114cui engine, has been installed in the large touring models, the Street Glide CVO, Road Glide CVO, and Ultra Limited CVO.
This is the most powerful Harley-Davidson V2 engine in the range, and its technical specifications speak for themselves: it has an incredible 166 Nm of torque, compared to the 107 engine in the Road Glide Ultra, which has 153 Nm of torque, and you don't get the impression that this engine lacks power.
So we can assume that the CVOs can really put the pressure on with the 117 when they're driven down the highway with their 105 hp.
To maintain the gap between the 114ci engines in the Softail series, Harley-Davidson has now installed the 117ci Milwaukee-Eight in the exclusive 2018 Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) models.
Not everyone is happy about this. Those who bought the 2017 CVO model have the 114ci engine. In terms of price, they are the same, and there is not a world of difference between them in terms of performance. Basically, this is one of the most beautiful Harley-Davidson models you can buy. (Technical data according to manufacturer)
Discontinuation of the V-Rod / Muscle models
Now they are finally out of the program, as the engines do not meet the new Euro 4 standard.
There are rumors that something really exciting is coming out in this area next year.
They didn't have it easy. In the past, they were ostracized, the price for used ones was rock bottom, and then suddenly that changed. Some customizers specialized in the model, and prices gradually crept up.
The latest Night Rods are highly sought after
The last Night Rods were suddenly in high demand, and some with temporary registration from 2016 are still available.
The history of V-Rods has really been a rollercoaster ride, but at least it has a history.
Even Roberto Geissini didn't miss the opportunity to collaborate with NLC Customs to offer a converted V-Rod. The story is certainly not over yet, so let's wait until spring 2018 to see if anything else comes up.
BLUETOOTH COMMUNICATION
It's not always easy, but with the BoomBox II, you're already well equipped for long tours.
Not all of them had the socket for the cable headset, and the Bluetooth headset didn't work because of the Bluetooth protocol. Third-party manufacturers couldn't be paired (one of them should be able to, but which one?). Somehow, none of it worked.
The phone paired, but it's annoying when you can't make calls using a headset.
Harley-Davidson has now launched its own Bluetooth headset.
However, Harley-Davidson now has its own solution, which is something at least. Communication between riders is actually popular, which makes it all the more questionable that Harley-Davidson did not have this at the top of its list, but also did not want to leave the field to a third-party provider.
The BoomBox II is available here, and the CVO, Ultra, and Limited models feature a jack and phone functionality, allowing you to make calls or transmit announcements and music with perfect sound quality.
Now Harley-Davidson has followed suit and presented its own Bluetooth headset that can also communicate with third-party providers. The Boom! Audio SPH10 headset and the Boom! Audio 20S are now the sought-after components of the BoomBox II communication center.
Communication with other riders is now also possible, with versions now available for full-face and open-face helmets.
Conclusion
Some people think that the Fat Bob could also be a Yamaha in terms of appearance, but that is a matter of personal opinion. The explanation for this is probably that Harley-Davidson wants to appeal more to younger customers with greater purchasing power.
Perhaps not the very young customers, for whom the Iron 883 may be a more interesting entry into the Sportster class, but those in their mid-twenties may feel attracted to it, and there's no upper limit anyway.
Harley-Davidson managed to keep the new bikes a secret until the very last moment. There were hardly any photos to be seen, even though they are already in production. It was really very Apple-like.
Even the hot Harley wires were all cold!
That won't be all, though—things will get exciting again in the spring!
On the European Bike Week at Lake Faak we will see them live at the latest, to what extent the new models will influence them at the „Harley on Tour“ We'll have to wait and see if they'll be available in Faak, but chances are good that they'll be at the dealership by the open house in September at the latest.
And now, let's not demonize everything new. Let's just wait and see what happens. First up is European Bike Week at Lake Faaker See, and next year we'll be celebrating what we hope will be one of many anniversary parties in Prague and Milwaukee.
