Harley-Davidson India has unveiled two new Softail motorcycles. This year the American two wheeler giant enters it’s 115th Anniversary, hence, strengthening the Softail portfolio in the country. Low Rider and Deluxe now get added to the four MY18 Softail models launched in October 2017.

The new motorcycles now feature a stiffer and significantly lighter frame built to harness the high torque output of the new dual-counterbalanced Milwaukee-Eight® 107 engine. With high-performance dual-bending valve front suspension and an easily adjustable hidden rear monoshock, the aggressively styled 2018 Softail models are faster, lighter and better handling than any of their Big Twin cruiser predecessors.

Peter MacKenzie, Managing Director, Harley-Davidson® India and China said, “The Indian market has evolved and customers look forward to innovation in technology and comfort. This is evident from the growth in the leisure riding segment for premium motorcycles. We have received an excellent response to the MY18 Softail® lineup so far and we are excited to introduce these two new models that demonstrate our focus on reinventing products for motorcycle enthusiasts and aspiring riders in the country.”

2018 Harley-Davidson Low Rider. Softail

2018 Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider Features

The new Low Rider model is now lighter and faster with improved handling. It comes with following features:

  • Throwback-style dual tank mount speedo and tach gauges, headlight visor and fuel tank graphics
  • 19-inch front and 16-inch rear Radiate cast wheels
  • 2-into-2 Shotgun exhaust
  • Standard ABS

2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe

2018 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe Features

The Deluxe comes with the following features:

  • Retro-Modern Styled LED lighting from front to back: headlight, running lights, Tombstone tail light and blade-like turn signals
  • Signature pull-back handlebar
  • 33-pound weight reduction to previous model
  • Standard ABS

2018 Haley-Davidson Softail Suspension & Handling

The handling of a Softail is superior now, due to the lighter and more rigid frame. Benefits of the new chassis include increased lean angles for many models, sharper turn-in response, quicker acceleration, nimble flickability, lighter weight and easier side-stand lift off than previous models.

A new high stiffness carbon steel tubular frame forms the core of the 2018 Softail chassis and combined with the swingarm significantly increases the rigidity of the chassis. The frame itself is 65% stiffer than the outgoing Softail design, which leads to a 34% increase in overall chassis stiffness. Its design also achieves reduced complexity with a 50% reduction in component parts and 22% reduction in welds.

There are two unique swingarms, one for narrow and one for wide rear tires. The wide chassis is 5.89kg (15%) lighter, while the narrow chassis shaves 8.16kg (20%). The swingarm transfers rear wheel movement to the under-seat monoshock while maintaining the pure, classic lines of a hardtail frame.

Brand new high-performance dual-bending valve front suspension delivers damping performance that’s similar to a cartridge fork but with improved, more responsive damping characteristics. It’s optimised for both comfortable cruising and spirited riding with 130mm of travel. Revised rake and trail also enhance handling ability.

The new monoshock rear suspension preserves the classic hardtail look while revamped geometry improves ride quality, traction and control. Easily adjustable for spring preload it enables a 217kg range of payload capacity for increased passenger comfort and optimum handling.

The models are up to 17kg lighter than before, delivering an improved power-to-weight ratio that provides quicker acceleration, better braking and dynamic cornering capability combined with increased lean angles for many models. Some models feature new tires specifically designed to work with the new Softail chassis and feature optimised constructions and improved compounds for confident, long-wearing performance in all riding conditions. New seat designs and materials provide an improved fit for a wider range of riders and greater comfort for cruising.

2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Performance

All 2018 Softail models get a engine. This is the new Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin. Milwaukee-Eight engines retain the 45-degree V- Twin cylinder angle with a broad-shouldered top end accentuated by a single camshaft design that tapers to a slim bottom end for a muscular contour.

The new Softail frame’s rigid mounting points are engineered to tightly package the engine and reinforce chassis stiffness. Milwaukee-Eight engines for Softail models also feature a refined, dual internally counter-balanced system that reduces engine vibration while maintaining the familiar Harley-Davidson feel.

Milwaukee-EightTM107

  • 1745cc is standard on all models
  • 100 mm bore and 111.1 mm stroke, with 10.0:1 compression ratio
  • 0-60 mph – 10% quicker acceleration than the High Output Twin Cam 103
  • 60-80 mph/5th gear – 16% faster acceleration than the High Output Twin Cam 103
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