The Motor Company surprised us again during the launch of the new 2018 models in Los Angeles, combining the Softail and Dyna models on a single platform.
Goodbye to the Dyna family... and the V-Rod
From now on, the Softail and Dyna models will share a single frame and be powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 107-cylinder engine or, on select models, a 114-cylinder. Welcome to the new Softail Fat Bob, Softail Street Bob, and Softail Low Rider.
On the other hand, the V-Rod models have completely disappeared from the new 2018 range, although it's possible that their Revolution engine is being reworked for future incorporation into new models. Will we ever see a Touring car with this engine?
New M8 engine
On a technical level, the main difference between the Milwaukee Eight engine that will power the Softail family for 2018 is that it features a double countershaft. This is necessary because the engine is now mounted directly to the frame, without silentblocks, and therefore needs to better filter vibrations.
New chassis
The idea at HD was to combine the performance of the Dyna chassis with the hardtail look of the Softail chassis. The new 2018 Harley-Davidson Softail frame reduces weight by up to 35 pounds and improves handling. Its construction has been significantly simplified, now featuring fewer welded joints and therefore more precise workmanship.
The steering is offered in 28, 30, and 34 degrees, with a "standard" and "tall" ride height, and a "wide" or "narrow" swingarm, depending on the model. With parts commonality among eight new models (12 if you count the four 114ci variants), this will mean unprecedented part and component swaps for a new level and ease of customization potential.
The most significant feature of the new 2018 Softail chassis is its suspension, which consists of a single shock absorber located under the rider's seat area, all in order to allow for the installation of the M8 engine crankcase in the new frame (the oil tank is now integrated into the engine block instead of under the seat on Softail models). This compression-type component replaces the old pair of rebound-type shock absorbers located under the transmission.
The new shock absorber features easy adjustment and, combined with the newly improved Showa Dual Bending Valve SDBV front suspension, provides overall dynamic improvements and cleaner road handling.
More news
Harley-Davidson's CEO stated in 2016 that they plan to introduce 50 new models in five years, and it seems they're already on track to meet that goal. That's why we don't rule out a return of the Dyna models at some point, and who knows, maybe this time they'll merge the chassis with that of the charismatic FXR...
2 comments
Busco evo y doy dyna a. Low como parte de entradA
Futurista, espíritu de Harley-Davidson