Could be, emissions will eventually kill aircooled engines.

 

They're not for me but I hope many others like them and will buy them. That means the moco will stay in business and continue to be here for me and my kids (and future grandchildren). I don't like what I see, so I'm choosing not to buy. As for accessories if I don't like the price I'll look at aftermarket, skip it or plunk down the cash at a discount dealer.

In 2017 Harley made something I liked so I bought it. Took 16 years for me to do that. Might be another 16 years, it's impossible to say. But while I love my Street Glide some probably look at it and say 'NOPE' and that's what makes things cool. We are individuals and allowed to be as such

 

Probably won't buy another HD for 15 or 20 years. That's about my interval.
Bought my most recent HD in 2015. Before that was 1995, before that was 1985. Before that, I wasn't interested in anything HD offered. But yes, I still rode during the 70's, just not HD's. (Well, I rode 1. Arremachi trail bike around 1972 or 3.) Tried a friend's bike. It could climb any hill. I think it was a 175cc or 250cc.

 

I've been considering a new bike for a while, but decided to wait until I saw what the 2018's had to offer.

At this point I think most people understand and accept that Harley has to change in order to survive. That said, the plain truth is that Harley has very little experience designing new bikes. What the company has been doing for years is tweaking existing models and gradually making technical improvements, which slowly change the characteristics of the bikes after successive iterations. It's not a quick process, though.

Because Harley starts out with a look and then attempts to shoehorn existing models with a few tweaks into that vision, the company is simply not very good at making radical changes and/or designing new bikes from the ground up. The designers are trying to incorporate enough new technology and features to attract new customers, while also keeping the traditional look. And it isn't really working...

Honestly, if you're going to have a ride-by-wire bike with a liquid cooled motor, ABS, and EURO 4-compliant exhaust, then there are far better performing and handling bikes which are also better looking already on the market.

The "new" Fat Bob is a prime example. It's the old Fat Bob with some technical improvements here and there. But because the designers are still trying to make it look more or less the same instead of just designing a performance bike from the ground up, the end product looks like Kawasaki made a Harley knock-off.

The new Fat Bob and the Ducati XDiavel are now fairly similar in price and overall concept. But I'll bet the vast majority of young guys will say the XDiavel absolutely chews the Fat Bob to pieces.

 

I can't say I'm a fan at all of the much of the softail redesign, but hopefully the new frame truly is better than the old dyna.

I was holding out that an improved touring frame with REAL front and rear suspension was coming. I'm sure it is eventually, but it will still be years behind. I will forever keep my 03 RKC, but my 15 RGS (which is a great bike compared to the 03) will likely not be replaced by another touring HD. Probably be looking at a BMW. I value ride/capabilities too much nowadays to be happy with what is being put out by the MoCo. Still 1950s suspension.

 

Yes, Very Seriously, Dude!

 

Simplifying line-up is a good move for all the right reasons: economy of scale, quality build, showroom space, etc. Also, can't recall seeing a Dyna at any of the HD meets I go to. Touring and Softails with a smattering of Sporties.

 

I have a 17 Limited so am familiar with the M8. Wanted to trade my 12 Heritage on a M8 Heritage. That wont be happening now. It is butt ugly. So for now HD lost at least one sale from me.

 

I'm gonna keep my miserable ol' twinkie dyna paintshaker. Maybe someday a Street Glide, but for now I still like hanging in the wind and bars that move to the beat.

 

I won't be buying a new bike. I don't hate the new ones, it's just what I have I like & still does what I need it to do & they're paid for.