Thanks for that...that actually answered what I was looking for. You're absolutely correct, they should have just kept the name and sold it as new, redesigned for 2018 Dyna. Even if it ran the same platform as the new Softie, name recognition is huge.

 

My guess would be that the MoCo didn't feel the the Dyna frame was compatible with the M8 engine & trans. It appears that the '09 FL frame was introduced to eventually accommodate the M8 engine.

What Harley did for 2018 is nowhere near as radical as what BMW did in '95 when they killed the Airheads, eliminated the frame, and basically built the bike off the engine cases.
At least the 2018 Harleys HAVE a frame.

 

I agree. But I am sure that was discussed at length. Maybe killing two lines at the same time was way to risky. Maybe the softail line was just selling better than the Dyna's, who knows.....

 

I rode the 2018 FB also and came out with the exact same thought. The best Harley I have ridden. I can only imagine the Fatbob after it's engine breaks in and a stage1. I really want the gunship colored RG CVO but I may end up with any of the new softails..just depends on the color and after test riding all of them. I already have a good touring bike that I don't want to get rid off.

 

Guess we will have to wait and see how it plays out. But I am sure you are right on the production costs. Save $1,000 per bike in manufacturing and raise the prices (even a little) and it turns into a ton of cash for the shareholders, and of course increased gross margin which is a big mover for the stock price.

 

Sounds like you will be a repeat customer! Nothing wrong with that, so was I. I hope these new bikes do not blow me away......

 

I agree with you to a certain extent. But the Softail line lives on because they still have the look of a Hardtail and they have a shock that's hidden which is what a Softail has always been. Doesn't matter where the Shock is as long as you cant see it.

 

Well, went and checked out the 2018 line. Did not do a demo ride. Bikes look better in person, I like the new Fat Boy, but my wife does not. She likes her 2016 Fat Boy, she thinks her bike is more "old school". Spent about an hour. Not going to buy one this year.... Note that the new Fat Boy has a feature if at idle and roll the throttle forward the rear cylinder will shut off, keeping your legs nice and cool in heavy traffic. Fires back up at 10 mph. Also the new kickstand is a smart move. Less lean angle makes the bike feel light while checking them out in the showroom (smart) but does lock like the current jiffy stand and keeps the bike stable. More moves for HD toward a feature laden bike. Also the bike is smooth as hell (I did start it). No vibe at all. They will sell many of them, just not to me....

 

"3.5 gallon tanks on big twins."

This one gets me though. (LOL) My Forty-Eight with a 2.2 gallon tank and no gauge, can be a pain in the ..., depending on what kind of riding I'm doing. It's now one of the main reasons I want to trade up. So I don't even entertain an M8 with a tank under 5 gallons.

 

I was in the market for a smaller bike, just kinda a backup something smaller than my Road Glide but not too small, the heritage seemed to fit and I was hoping the M8 would be in the 2018 models, sure enough it was and my dealer called and said we got you one Joe, come ride it.
So I get down there and see its all blacked out looks like it was premiered not painted, I guess i am old school after all because I wouldnt even ride it.
I hope Harley does well on the 2018 models but I sure wasn't impressed, only Thing I liked about them was they are harley.
joe