2018 Harley-Davidson Softail range explained

Harley-Davidson has unveiled the new 2018 Softail family of cruisers. The Softail range now consists of eight models, three of which used to be a part of the Dyna range. These bikes feature major updates to the chassis, suspension and powertrain along with the customary updates for paint jobs. Here is a rundown of the updates for each of these models –

Street Bob

The Street Bob used to be part of the Dyna family, although it is now the entry-level model in the 2018 Softail range. A stripped down, bobber-style motorcycle, the Street Bob is seven kilograms lighter than its predecessor. It is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, displacing 1745cc. It features a 13.2-litre fuel tank, black spoke wheels with chopped fenders and a digital instrument console. Prices start from GBP 12,295 (Rs 10.13 lakhs).

Fat Bob

The Fat Bob is a cruiser targeted at urban buyers. It gets a new twin-pipe upswept exhaust, dual disc brakes at the front and 43mm inverted front forks. It also weighs 15 kilograms less than the outgoing model. The Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine is an optional extra. It is priced at GBP 14,295 (Rs 11.78 lakhs).

Low Rider

Inspired by custom chopper motorcycles from the 1970s, the year when the style originally spawned, the new Low Rider is lighter, faster and a better handling motorcycle than it ever was. It gets dual clocks mounted in the tank, a headlamp visor and a new Shotgun exhaust system. It rides on 19-inch front and 16-inch rear cast alloy wheels. Powering the Low Rider is the same Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. Prices start from GBP 13,645 (Rs 11.24 lakhs).

Softail Slim

The Softail Slim pays homage to custom bobbers from post-WW2 era. The narrow rear end, chopped front fender, solo seat and minimal chrome are its characteristic cues. The new Softail Slim is 17 kilograms lighter than the previous model. It is again powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. It retails at GBP 16,045 (Rs 13.22 lakhs).

Deluxe

The Deluxe might look similar to the Softail Slim, but gets a classic look of a traditional Amercian cruiser thanks to the whitewall tyres, massive headlamp assembly, pull-back handlebars and the liberal use of chrome. It also gets LED headlamps and tail lamp to give it a modern touch. The Deluxe is again is 17 kilograms lighter than the previous model, and is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. It has been priced at GBP 17,245 (Rs 14.21 lakhs).

Breakout

The Breakout has been one of the few performance-oriented models in Harley-Davidson range, and the character has been fortified with the new optional Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine. It displaces 1745cc and packs significantly more grunt than the older High Output Twin Cam 103B engine. Also complementing its character is the 17 kilogram weight loss and the new suspension setup - Showa dual-bending valve fork up-front and a new monoshock in the rear. It also gets a 13.2-litre fuel tank, a digital instrument console. The Breakout retails at GBP 17,245 (Rs 14.21 lakhs).

Fat Boy

The Fat Boy is another traditional and muscular American cruiser. Featuring the trademark ‘disc wheel’ at the front shod with a 160 profile tyre and a 240 profile rear, the Fat Boy gets the widest tyres ever fitted on a production Harley-Davidson. The new Fat Boy is 16 kilograms lighter than the previous model, and can be specified with a bigger Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine. Prices start at GBP 17,545 (Rs 14.46 lakhs)

Heritage Classic

With a styling inspired by the Harley-Davidson models from 1950s, the Heritage Classic has been updated to keep up with the modern times. It gets a new detachable windscreen, cruise control, and rigid lockable water-resistant saddlebags. It is 17 kilograms lighter than its predecessor and gets the option of the Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine. It’s yours for just GBP 17,995 (Rs 14.83 lakhs).