Harley-Davidson releases 2018 motorcycles

Harley-Davidson is launching eight all-new Softail models and five touring motorcycles as part of its 2018 motorcycle lineup, which includes the Fat Boy, Heritage Classic, Low Rider, Softail Slim, Deluxe, Breakout, Fat Bob, Street Bob, CVO Street Glide, CVO Road Glide, CVO Limited, Street Glide Special and Road Glide Special.

Designed under the largest product development project in company history, the new Softail models, compared to prior years, feature a stiffer and significantly lighter frame built to harness the pulse-quickening torque of the new dual-counterbalanced Milwaukee-Eight 107 and 114 engines. With high-performance dual-bending valve front suspension and an easily adjustable hidden rear mono-shock, the aggressively styled 2018 Softail models are faster, lighter and better handling than any of their Big Twin cruiser predecessors.

2018 Softail family

 

New technology featured on every Softail model:

• Unique Daymaker Signature LED Headlamps on all models
• Improved electrical system charging, more than doubled at idle speeds
• Easily adjustable rear shock pre-load settings (method varies by model)
• Under seat spanner wrench: Softail Slim, Street Bob, Low Rider
• External hand adjustment knob: Fat Bob, Fat Boy, Breakout
• Under seat socket adjustment: Deluxe, Heritage Classic
• Steering head mounted USB charge port
• New instrumentation
• Keyless ignition and security system standard
• New fuel tanks

“The new Softail models are the result of the most extensive research and development program in the company’s history,”said Paul James, manager of product portfolio, Harley-Davidson. “Thousands of hours of research and testing were put into the complete ground-up design of these new cruisers. We focused on taking the total rider experience to a higher level, where authenticity, heritage and soul meet the modern edge of technology for a ride that must be felt to believe.”

Fat Boy

The legendary Fat Boy motorcycle that defined contemporary custom style for decades has outdone itself. Ripped and refined satin-chrome finishes deliver a bold, muscular styling statement showing off its powerful engine and new and improved ride and handling.

• Aggressive, steamroller stance and front end design
  • Modern-day interpretation of the classic headlight nacelle
  • 160 mm front tire, the widest-ever on a Harley-Davidson production model, wraps the solid Lakester front wheel
• 31-pound weight reduction to previous model
• Standard ABS
• 240 mm rear tire with solid Lakester rear wheel
• Optional: Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine

Heritage Classic

Design cues evoke the blacked-out styling of vintage ‘50s Harley-Davidson models updated with a modern edge.

• New detachable windscreen
• New rigid, lockable, sealed, water-resistant saddlebags
• Taller suspension with increased passenger and cargo payload capacity
• 32-pound weight reduction to previous model
• Optional: Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine
• Standard cruise control and ABS

Low Rider

Inspired by the individualism of the ‘70s custom chopper era that birthed the original, the new Low Rider model is lighter and faster with corner-carving handling unimaginable back in the day.

• Throwback-style dual tank-mount speedo and tach gauges, headlight visor and fuel tank graphics
• 19-inch front and 16-inch rear Radiate cast wheels
• 2-into-2 Shotgun exhaust

Softail Slim

Stripped to its essential elements, the Softail Slim model pays homage to post-war custom bobbers with a narrow rear end, trimmed front fender, solo seat and minimal chrome.

• Dark finishes adorn the laced wheels, Hollywood handlebar, and all-new front-end design
• Low-slung tuck and roll seat
• Bold and smooth new front nacelle and fork cover styling
• 35-pound weight reduction to previous model

Deluxe

A classic hi-line showstopper that stands out on any boulevard, the Deluxe glistens with bright chrome while delivering the ride of a seriously modern machine.

• Signature all-LED lighting from front to back: headlight, running lights, Tombstone taillight and blade-like turn signals
• Signature pull-back handlebar
• 33-pound weight reduction to previous model
• Standard ABS

Breakout

With more lean angle and agility than ever imagined in a bike carrying so much dragster attitude and style, the all-new Breakout model takes long, lean muscle to a modern edge.

• New smooth-top 3.5-gallon fuel tank
• Long and wide with low-slung raked out 49 mm front forks
• 18-inch rear (240 mm tire) and 21-inch front (130 mm tire) Gasser-style gloss-black powder coated cast aluminum wheels
• Distinctive Daymaker Signature LED headlamp
• 35-pound weight reduction to previous model
• Standard ABS
• Optional: Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine

Fat Bob

Asphalt-eating traction, pothole-devouring suspension, agile cornering, and a blacked-out take-no-prisoners look make the Fat Bob®model a groundbreaking motorcycle that could only come from Harley-Davidson.

• 2-1-2 upswept performance exhaust with a custom finish
• Largest aggressively treaded tires from the Motor Company:150 mm front and 180 mm rear
• Dual disc front brakes
• 3.6-gallon fuel tank
• 33-pound weight reduction to previous model
• Inverted 43 mm cartridge style front forks
• Optional: Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine

Street Bob

A bare-bones bike with go-anywhere DNA, the all-new Street Bob motorcycle has a fists-in-the-wind attitude with nothing extra to weigh it down.

• Smooth-top 3.5-gallon fuel tank
• Black spoke wheels with chopped fenders
• Low-profile, riser-mounted digital instrument screen
• 17-pound weight reduction to previous model
• Lowest MSRP in Softail lineup

CVO Touring Bikes

Three new completely restyled Touring models enter the limited-edition Custom Vehicle Operations family with the largest-ever stock engine from Harley-Davidson, while new Street Glide Special and Road Glide Special models get sinister, blacked-out styling.

“Our new Touring motorcycles will be some of our most sought-after bikes in 2018,” said Harley-Davidson vice president of Product Planning and Portfolio Management, Dave Foley. “For CVO, we’ve rebooted the styling tone of the overall lineup and added some exclusive performance enhancements. And our two new custom baggers are the most aggressive, on-trend Touring bikes in the market. I can’t wait for riders to throw a leg over and experience the new rides for themselves.”

Starting with the largest stock engine displacement ever offered by the Motor Company, and available only in CVO models, all three bikes have upgraded Screamin’ Eagle power and exclusive bragging rights with the Milwaukee-Eight engine in a new 117-cubic-inch displacement, rated at up to 125 ft. lbs. of torque.

CVO models are limited in number and this year’s models feature some of the most distinctively crafted paint offerings the company has ever designed and produced. Also new for all three CVO models is an advanced integrated communication technology that features a wireless headset interface module. Customers can use the included Bluetooth headset to communicate with the motorcycle Infotainment system, their passenger and other riders.

“The level of fit, finish and performance of CVO has never been higher,” added Foley. “CVO owners will appreciate the intricate details like the new color trim on the rocker box lowers that marks the CVO engine’s exclusivity. It features a deep orange finish specially developed for placement on the engine that is unique in the motorcycle industry.”

“The new direction our Styling department took with the design formula on the bikes is truly seismic,” added Harley-Davidson vice president of Styling and Design, Brad Richards. “Take a look at the level of finish on any of the nine CVO paint sets, but especially the Fade on the CVO Limited, the depth of the paint layers and how it glows in the sunlight is just stunning.”

2018 CVO Street Glide

Custom touring loaded up with Harley-Davidson’s most powerful engine and sound system ever offered straight from the factory.

• Powered by the new Milwaukee-Eight 117 (1923cc) engine and given the full-on custom treatment fender to fender with three new premium paint schemes and matching Talon wheels and rotors.
• Top-of-the-line 6.5 BOOM! Box Infotainment System with Stage II speakers provides superior audio performance. To achieve the rich 900 watts of Boom! Audio sound there are three 4-channel amplifiers powering six bi-amped speakers in the fairing, fairing lower and saddlebag lids.

2018 CVO Road Glide

Sinister bagger with swagger that epitomizes CVO’s new look and performance.

• Powered by the new Milwaukee-Eight 117 (1923cc) engine, with aggressive shark-nose fairing, three premium paint options, custom wheels and a new sleek front fender.
• Features the first factory-installed new 21-inch Knockout front wheel for Touring models from Harley-Davidson. Engineered to deliver optimal performance, handling, and ride quality without compromising fitment of accessories.
• High output audio from the BOOM! Box 6.5GT Infotainment System features Stage II speakers in saddlebag lids and fairing for 600 watts of pure audio bliss.

2018 CVO Limited

A premium touring machine loaded with best-in-class power, infotainment, show-winning paint and premium rider and passenger comfort.

• Powered by the all-new Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight117 (1923cc) engine, dual bending valve front suspension and emulsion rear suspension with hand-adjustable pre-load, the ride across country will be smooth, comfortable and brisk.
• The two-up seat is suspended and heated with a custom seat cover, insert and stitching unique to CVO models and not available anywhere else, also it comes with matching adjustable rider and passenger backrests.
• For added safety and convenience, top it off with a power-locking key fob, Reflex linked Brembo brakes with ABS and the Harley-Davidson Smart Security System.
• Two luxurious color options are Burgundy Cherry Sunglo Fade and Black Earth Fade. See them in person to confirm the paint depth through its layers and how front-to-back the execution is seamless.

New Street Glide Special and Road Glide Special Models

 

“Our custom bagger owners love to roll up to their favorite hangouts and show off their bikes,”said Harley-Davidson manager of Product Portfolio, Paul James. “But we know it’s also important for them to be able to hit the open road in comfort and style. These new hot rod baggers are the epitome of capable touring bikes that look cool, and ride better than ever.”

Features

Style:

• Dark finishes stretch from headlight to exhaust with new 19-inch (483 mm) front and 18-inch (457 mm) rear Talon wheels.
• Dripping in black are the engine guard, front forks, handlebars and hand controls, mirrors, turn signals, tank console, engine covers, air cleaner cover, mufflers and exhaust shields.
• Custom touches that create an aggressive, modern look include the stretched saddlebags that accentuate the bikes’ long, low profile and painted inner fairings.

Performance:

• Hand-adjustable emulsion-technology rear shock absorbers offer 15 percent more pre-load adjustment than previous low-profile touring shocks.
• Front suspension features dual-bending valve suspension technology that delivers the damping performance of a racing-style cartridge fork with linear damping characteristics and reduced weight.
• Reflex linked Brembo brakes with ABS and the Harley-Davidson Smart Security System are standard equipment.

Power:

• The all-black Milwaukee-Eight 107 (1746 cc) engine offers quicker throttle response, more passing power, purer sound, a smoother ride and more of the feeling riders want from a Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle engine.
• Each Milwaukee-Eight engine produces 10 percent more torque. The Milwaukee-Eight 107 accelerates 11 percent quicker from 0-60 mph, equal to a two-to-three bike length improvement, and 11 percent quicker from 60-80 mph in top gear, equal to a one-to-two bike length improvement.* The Milwaukee-Eight engine offers improved rider and passenger thermal comfort due to reduced heat absorption, increased heat rejection and a redesigned exhaust system.
• For improved fit, a new, slimmer primary drive cover and the low-profile shape of the air cleaner cover provide improved rider legroom around the engine and an easier reach to the ground for many riders.
• All Milwaukee-Eight powered models are fitted with an assist and slip clutch with improved hydraulic actuation and 7 percent less clutch lever effort.

Audio:

• Standard BOOM! Box 6.5GT Touchscreen Infotainment System features upgraded Stage I BOOM! speakers for deep bass and balanced sound.

Colors:

• Road Glide Special: Vivid Black, Wicked Red, Bonneville Salt Pearl and Hot Rod Red Flake Hard Candy Custom paint.
• Street Glide Special: Vivid Black, Twisted Cherry, Bonneville Salt Denim and Hot Rod Red Flake Hard Candy Custom paint.