I tend not to buy new anyway. I've only bought one new bike in my life (and it wasn't a HD). Tend to let others do the beta testing of new generations. And, I thank those that take care of the depreciation and get the bikes out of warranty for me.

So, it wouldn't really matter to me what the new line up looks like. I won't be rushing out to buy one new. That said, there are a couple that I would still give a look. Some have mentioned that the new models have a Japanese look about them. I can see that. And to the extent that it can be seen, it's a bit disappointing. I've always been a fan of the Low Rider. Not sure what to make of the new one. Seems to have lost a little in it's distinctive looks and become more generic. The Fat Boy isn't too bad (kind of like it's side profile), but I don't know if I like the look of the new head light nacelle. Those solid rims look good, but I've always read about them having issues with cross winds etc. And square head lights (Fat Bob in particular)? Thought that went out in the '80's. The Road King looks unmolested so there's that (should I decide to get a touring bike some day).

 

only models I like is the wicked red 2018 Ultra Trike and the Road King. I will go look at em at Ragin Bull HD soon but from what I saw last night, I like my old, hot leg makin 09.

 

Harley only makes two bikes now, Touring and Softail
In my opinion, the name Low Rider does not belong on a Softail.



This Dyna is a PROPER Low Rider..

 

Hell, I'm excited......my '03 RK just went up in value big time, although I'm not plannin' on selling it, it will most likely be the last HD I own.


I totally agree....at least my '14 LR had twin disk brakes up front. Other than the engine, it looks like a giant step backwards for what used to be the Dyna line...it's gone.

What a shame...

 

Change will always meet resistance but I see nothing in the current lineup that would inspire me enough to make me beat down the doors to get one.

There are only a couple of things that really give me pause:

The Street Glide Special is now $1K more than an Electra Glide Ultra Classic and $800 less than an Ultra Limited. Road Glide Special is now $2k more. HUH? And if you want one you better like the blacked-out look.

Speaking of which, a good portion of the lineup seems to be moving to this blacked-out look. IMO this is overdoing it a bit. I guess Harley is obviously trying to appeal to the younger millennial crowd but too much of anything can be bad. I just can't get over the look of the new Heritage. Maybe they should call it the Heritage New Age Classic? And maybe the Street Bob should have been named the Flacid Bob?

 

The "Low Rider" is a Softail Standard with cast wheels.

 

You know you're in trouble when the two guys on stage introducing the bikes are in skinny jeans and man buns.

Give me an Evo with plenty of chrome, carb and loud pipes!

 

The 2018 Touring models are okay. But there's something about the new Softail line I don't like. Classic styling has changed. The rear fender on the Fat Boy, for example, looks borrowed from a Jap metric. I can only hope the Softails look better in person.

What I do like it the heim joint shifter linkage. I also like the digital gauge integrated into the top handlebar riser on the Breakout.

 

Me, I see a lot of Yamaha in some of the models. The Low Rider, well it's not a Low Rider any more, it's an FXST. I really liked the model from the last few years, my wife wants one. The Fat Boy!? What's with the headlight? In my opinion the new line is clearly marketed toward the younger generation, that part is good for the future of the MoCo.

 

Yes, I purchased a 2017 1/2 RKS and love everything about it from suspension to motor. I find it interesting everyone wants no updates to our Harleys, I think that is part of the problem. Why would you not want a better motor, frame, suspension, brakes, etc,.? Harley has done a terrific job keeping the style alive all these years. Compare any bike from the 60's or car for that matter to a car of the same name today and let me know how that looks. And yes, I have been ridding for over 30+ years and my first bike was a 69 Sportster and I have had Panheads, Shovels and nothing even comes close to today's Harleys.