HARLEY DAVIDSON
New Softail chassis provides basis for Harley’s best-ever rides
Harley have shaken up their range for 2018. The Dyna platform, long seen as the stalwart of the Harley hardcore, has been unexpectedly axed. Dyna models are merged into the new Softail range, with a stiffer and lighter chassis featuring an adjustable monoshock hidden within the frame. Spearheading the platform is an all-new Fat Bob that pushes Harley-davidson further from the chrome-and-tassels stereotype than ever before. They talk of the design conjuring thoughts of apocalypse movie chase sequences. Not sure about all that, but the bobbed rear mudguard, diagonally slashed pipes and a letterbox LED headlight are certainly bold, as are the bronzed downpipes that curve around a choice of 107ci and 114ci engine capacities (1745 and 1868cc for metric types). Either lump spins up the 180/70 with satisfying urgency, and with a cupped seat and flat handlebar you feel like a supreme commander. Harley are pushing performance as well, with a double-disc set-up at the front that stops the Fat’s 307kg with two-finger ease. Sportsbike-like footpegs only grind after 31° lean, too – far enough to impress eyebrows. In fact, the whole show is unlike any Harley built before. There are seven other new Softails. Translated from Dyna are the Low Rider and ape-hangered Street Bob, which coming in at £12,295 is the entrylevel Softail. Updated Softails include the Breakout with its humungous 240-width rear tyre, and the statement Fat Boy with solid 18-inch wheels. At the simplified end of the range lies a boulevard-cruising Deluxe, and the classic bobber form of the Softail Slim. Want your Harley ready to crunch miles? The Heritage Classic is the one carrying the tall screen and panniers.
‘The trend for trad’ and custom bikes plays to Harley’s strengths – and the Fat Bob is spot-on’