New Softails are Better than Dyna in Many Ways
#21
09-06-2017 | 07:48 PM
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 1,811
From: NY, Land of Taxes
Where's all the plastic? The ones I have seen in the flesh have very, very little plastic. Even the side covers, which I thought were plastic are made of metal and finished nicely.
And they'll ride more than a tad better. The new frame and suspension is a big deal. Add a 114 motor and they are game changing for Harleys.
May not float your boat, but they are well made, high quality and well specified bikes.
I have a 114" Fat Bob on order and the only plastic piece I can see that needs changing is the external rear shock preload adjuster. That will need replaced with a billet part for my piece of mind. In fact, less plastic than on my 2014 Dyna Fat Bob as that had a plastic cover over the ABS module that I never liked. On this one, the ABS is hidden behind the metal right hand side cover.
And they'll ride more than a tad better. The new frame and suspension is a big deal. Add a 114 motor and they are game changing for Harleys.
May not float your boat, but they are well made, high quality and well specified bikes.
I have a 114" Fat Bob on order and the only plastic piece I can see that needs changing is the external rear shock preload adjuster. That will need replaced with a billet part for my piece of mind. In fact, less plastic than on my 2014 Dyna Fat Bob as that had a plastic cover over the ABS module that I never liked. On this one, the ABS is hidden behind the metal right hand side cover.
#22
09-06-2017 | 08:56 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 231
Likes: 23
From: Rochester NY
Where's all the plastic? The ones I have seen in the flesh have very, very little plastic. Even the side covers, which I thought were plastic are made of metal and finished nicely.
And they'll ride more than a tad better. The new frame and suspension is a big deal. Add a 114 motor and they are game changing for Harleys.
May not float your boat, but they are well made, high quality and well specified bikes.
I have a 114" Fat Bob on order and the only plastic piece I can see that needs changing is the external rear shock preload adjuster. That will need replaced with a billet part for my piece of mind. In fact, less plastic than on my 2014 Dyna Fat Bob as that had a plastic cover over the ABS module that I never liked. On this one, the ABS is hidden behind the metal right hand side cover.
And they'll ride more than a tad better. The new frame and suspension is a big deal. Add a 114 motor and they are game changing for Harleys.
May not float your boat, but they are well made, high quality and well specified bikes.
I have a 114" Fat Bob on order and the only plastic piece I can see that needs changing is the external rear shock preload adjuster. That will need replaced with a billet part for my piece of mind. In fact, less plastic than on my 2014 Dyna Fat Bob as that had a plastic cover over the ABS module that I never liked. On this one, the ABS is hidden behind the metal right hand side cover.
In the end I wanted to like it and trade mine in.
In the end I'll just do a Hillside or S&S upgrade when the time comes and keep my 14.
#23
09-06-2017 | 09:11 PM
I have a 14 FB, there are many things I like better about the 18. Performance, stronger frame, power, all yes. The two deal breakers for me were the 3.6 gallon tank,that's a Sportster tank. I have 5 gal now and almost wish I had 6. Also the "look", it lost the Harley look.
In the end I wanted to like it and trade mine in.
In the end I'll just do a Hillside or S&S upgrade when the time comes and keep my 14.
In the end I wanted to like it and trade mine in.
In the end I'll just do a Hillside or S&S upgrade when the time comes and keep my 14.
#24
09-06-2017 | 09:26 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 231
Likes: 23
From: Rochester NY
I haven't read enough about fitment with the drag bars and any other variables.
I just am leery of a 114 ci motor with 3.6 gal.
I know my 103 with 5 is good for about 170 miles,
so let's call it 35 mpg around town.
That 114 gets what 120-140 a tank?
#25
09-06-2017 | 09:30 PM
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,291
From: NW Ohio
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cvaria (09-06-2017)
#26
09-06-2017 | 09:46 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 231
Likes: 23
From: Rochester NY
Mileage being my primary concern.
There are those who would fill up daily if used as a commuter.
Time will tell for sure, if a year from now the aftermarket industry comes up with a few refinements, that's excellent for not only them, but the HD brand itself.
That will mean there is consumer desire, and HD did in fact make the right decision in which direction to head.
The next few years sales will be critical to the brand.
#27
09-06-2017 | 10:07 PM
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,291
From: NW Ohio
My response wasn't directed specifically at you, Rollcage. I've just seen dozens of irrational (IMO) opinions about how the new bikes suck in mostly superficial ways. I just have to roll my eyes because most of the people here have thousands of dollars worth of largely cosmetic modifications. Myself included. I bet half of us who bought new had new parts fitted before delivery, for cripes sake.
I can't see myself ever getting a 2018, but it's certainly not because the seat or headlight or tins don't suit me.
I can't see myself ever getting a 2018, but it's certainly not because the seat or headlight or tins don't suit me.
#28
09-06-2017 | 11:27 PM
Originally Posted by cggorman
I can't see myself ever getting a 2018, but it's certainly not because the seat or headlight or tins don't suit me.
The thing about the '18s I specifically don't like is that they're all counterbalanced. That's probably pretty hard to change.
#29
09-07-2017 | 12:26 AM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 118
Likes: 3
From: Perth Australia
The frame and motor are probably better but the tank is too small on most models, for some strange reason the rear rims on some models have dropped from 17" to 16" and with narrower tires and one of the discs has fallen off the Low Rider.
The Fat Bob 114 looks alright other than it needs and exhaust upgrade and some decent wheels.
Cheers,
Surly
The Fat Bob 114 looks alright other than it needs and exhaust upgrade and some decent wheels.
Cheers,
Surly
Last edited by Surly; 09-07-2017 at 12:26 AM. Reason: typo
#30
09-07-2017 | 12:31 AM
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,291
From: NW Ohio
I agree. Although admittedly I wouldn't be considering a new bike no matter what they came up with cause I'm emotionally as well as financially committed to my current bike.
The thing about the '18s I specifically don't like is that they're all counterbalanced. That's probably pretty hard to change.
The thing about the '18s I specifically don't like is that they're all counterbalanced. That's probably pretty hard to change.