2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Models launching on October 12

The Heritage Classic, Fat Bob and Street Bob will be coming first. The Fat Boy will come next year

Harley Davidson put on quite a show last month, launching eight new models and a few 114 specials as part of its 2018 International Softail range. The new range included the Heritage Classic, Softail Deluxe, Softail Slim, Low Rider, Street Bob, Breakout, Fat Boy and Fat Bob. The Heritage Classic, Breakout, Fat Boy and Fat Bob also get the bigger 114 engine.

That some of these models would make their way to India was not a matter of if but when. And they’re coming this month, on the 12th.

Harley Davidson will be getting three models here first. They are the Heritage Softail Classic, Fat Bob and Street Bob. Surprisingly, Harley will not be launching the iconic Fat Boy now. They will be getting the Fat Boy Anniversary next year. The 2018 Breakout too will not make it here now thanks to dismal sales of its 2016 model. It is a matter of wait and watch for the Breakout.

Let’s get to know more about the incoming range.

The biggest update to the new Softail range is the all-new frame. The lighter frame is 65 per cent stiffer, has 55 per cent less parts and 22 per cent lesser welds. It has a rear monoshock hidden under the seat, for that hardtail look. The frames come in various configurations: 3 steering head angles of 28, 30 and 34 degrees; wide and narrow frame; and low and high ride heights. These frames work well with the new Milwaukee-Eight engines, with some of the models giving up rubber engine mounts to gain more rigidity (upto 34 per cent) from the chassis. They get Showa Dual Bending Valve forks for controlled ride and handling characteristics. The new models shed massive weight leading to better dynamic performance. Cosmetic updates include LED headlamps in new housings. The India-bound bikes get the Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin that displaces 1745cc and makes 144Nm of torque.

Heritage Classic:
The 2018 model gets a fresher design in the form of new paint schemes and LED lighting. Harley’s Dark Custom design cues can be seen on the bike in the form of blacked-out parts. The new model sheds close to 14.5 kilos, and, with the new 107 Milwaukee Eight engine, is 10 per cent faster to 100kmph. The new frame, suspension and motor makes the new bike faster and handle better as well. The Heritage Classic is expected to retail at around 18 lakh (ex-showroom).

Fat Bob:
The Fat Bob 107 has to be the most aggressive design of the 2018 Softail range. This model too is 15 kilos lighter and 10 per cent faster to 100kmph. The bike gets 43mm upside down forks and a sharp 28-degree rake, making it one of the sharpest handling bikes in the lineup. It gets an external rotary knob at the back for preload adjustment. It also gets a new 2-into-1 performance exhaust and fat 130mm front and 150mm rear wheels mounted on 16-inch alloys. Expected the new Fat Bob to be priced around the Rs 14 lakh (ex-showroom) mark.

Street Bob:
The 2018 Street Bob is lighter by around 8 kilos, with better steering and lean angles. The 107 Milwaukee-Eight motor makes the Street Bob ten per cent faster to 100kmph as well. The bike now weighs 286 kilos. Ride has improved quite a lot, though the new tank is smaller, which might drop the range. The new model features Dark Custom styling cues and the tank-mounted instrument cluster is an analogue cum digital unit. We expect the Street Bob to be priced around the Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom) mark.

We expect more Harley models to trickle to our shores over the coming months. Expect a substantial price hike for the new, lighter, more powerful and dynamically improved bikes.