Looks like nothing has changed...

[DK Custom Products]

Looks like nothing much has changed for the 2018 HD Trikes.

The passing lights look different. Not sure what else.

Tomorrow or Thursday I will be looking at all the 18 models I can, taking pics, videos & test riding.

Link to 2018 models on HD site- https://motorcycles.harley-davidson.com/us/en/2018/index.html

No Dyna models at all in the current 2018 line-up!

Kevin

 

[bronxbill]

Not a thing I want to buy! Some of the Softails look like a Honda trying to look like a Harley; do not like the George Jetson turn signals on the Deluxe especially

 

[1dn5up]

I'll stick with my 2012 Tri :clapping: Unless a meteorite falls on it !

 

[Capt.Bob]

Common Frame

Kevin, From a description of the frame changes on the Softails to accommodate the 107's, I think Harley likely developed a common frame? There was no mention of a frame change in the 2018 Tri Glides. It does appear that the 2018 Tri Glide are not as droopy in the rear end as the previous models when I look at where the rear fender rides over the rear tires. I wonder what the MOCO may have done to change the ride angle?

 

[TnTrike]

Looks like nothing has changed

From the pictures nothing has changed for Tri-glide or Freewheeler. Some changed to Softtail lineup. I would think the changes are focused on attracting younger buyers, which I am not one of.

I will give local dealers a couple of weeks to get a couple of Tri-glides and Freewheelers in stock then do a look over.

Not in the market currently.

 

[GARYD]

I love my '14 TG. Not interested in any 2018 model. I will only consider for my next bike a CVO TriGlide.

 

[Jack Klarich]

Looks like the Softys get the oil tank under the frame, dunno I like the chesie side cover that took its place

In the Hog map book it states the NEW Roadking for 17 got new and improved suspension, I doubt any of the Touring bikes will see a change in frame this year

I would bet ( seems the MOCO goes in 5-10 year cycles No Pun Intended) before making frame changes to the Baggers, cept upgrades to suspension and brakes

What about the Sporties their killin us LOL JMO

 

[Rev J]

Not impressed with that lineup. I will be keeping the 2014 triglide.

 

[rhino 2]

I'll stick with my 2012 Tri :clapping: Unless a meteorite falls on it !

Remember the History Channel always say's;

Its Not if it hits....But when it hits...:laugh:

 

[graygoat]

Nothing there to temp me. Looks like a basic black and a metal flake black in the TGU. I see that blue from the 17s is gone, I liked that one (like my blue flame metalic F150). Maybe I will do another thing or to to my 16, I am happy with it.

 

[HarleyPap57]

Not impressed at all, no big engine, no 7 gallon or more fuel tank or the option of an auxiliary tank, no independent suspension. Keeping my 2014 and going for 100,000 miles on it. :clapping:

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

Looks like my 2 year retirement date is safe,no Road Glide trike.The Fat Boy headlight has to go yuck!

 

[Casper]

Softail low rider? That's new...took the place of the Dyna? The SGS and RGS all blacked out...not for me, I like chrome...and I don't like the new Hertiage at all! The nastalgia bags are gone, these look like Leather Like bags....that was the last of the old school look motorcycles.....shame....

 

[Wheeler]

I don't care for the most of 2018 Harley's. The colors don't appeal to me and What's up with the brown exhaust on the Fat Bob model ? Maybe they look better in person.

 

[Peter A.]

'18s

Not impressed at all, no big engine, no 7 gallon or more fuel tank or the option of an auxiliary tank, no independent suspension. Keeping my 2014 and going for 100,000 miles on it. :clapping:

I totally agree......I'll keep my 2010 and catch that 100 thou. (turned 84 thou. in July),

LOVE MY TRIKE

 

[justwannaride]

What? No changes to the Trikes?

Maybe the website viewing of the new trikes doesn't do the actual cycle any justice....at least I am hoping. I am ready to trade in my '14TG for the new 107, but there has to be some modifications to the '18s before I bite.

I went through the gauntlet of "building" an '18 TG and noted there is no option in the build program for heated grips, or much selection for slip ons, or other things I want. Even the tour pack racks weren't offered. I had to go to the "parts" side of the sight and select and total the amount on a piece of paper to add to the build sheet. The total of stuff that I have on my current trike added to the '18 comes in at $40K.

The Motor Company may be missing a sales opportunity by not upgrading the trike series. I don't have to upgrade if they don't offer enough upgrades from the '14s. $40K is a lot of jack for just the newer engine.

 

[Bigiron]

Asked wife if she had seen pix of 2018 Triglide. "No", and "no to your next question".

But I didn't ask about trading........."Still NO." Short conversation.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Kevin, From a description of the frame changes on the Softails to accommodate the 107's, I think Harley likely developed a common frame? There was no mention of a frame change in the 2018 Tri Glides. It does appear that the 2018 Tri Glide are not as droopy in the rear end as the previous models when I look at where the rear fender rides over the rear tires. I wonder what the MOCO may have done to change the ride angle?

A few thoughts-

Yeah, the one pic is not drooping the tail end...but when you look at some of the others, it is drooping. Just a matter of how much the shocks are pumped up probably....or they may have finally fixed the droopy rear with some different shock brackets. We will know soon.

Also, some of the pics have the different passing lamps and some don't. I think it is a difference of European models and USA models.

Whether the new Softail Frame is the beginning of the rumored "Common Core" frame, or just a stand alone upgrade to the Softail frame, remains to be seen.

It would not surprise me for the Dyna line to come back in the next 6 - 18 months...utilizing some aspects of this new Softail Frame (making it a Common Core frame).

It would also surprise me if the Touring Models (including the trikes) were not using some variation of the new Softail frame in the next 12-24 months.

If HD did both of the above, it would be following a similar pattern that they have in the past...introducing a new thing in one model line and then spreading it to the other models in subsequent years.

It would also make sense for cost savings in manufacturing.

Time will tell.

As it is, I still have not gotten my mitts on an '18 yet. I was told I could test ride one on Wednesday, they changed that to Thursday, and now they are saying it will be tomorrow.

Kevin

 

[Capt.Bob]

2017 vs 2018

Kevin, Given the lack of apparent upgrades, will you be wheeling and dealing on a 2017 to replace your 2014 as opposed to considering a 2018 Tri Glide?

 

[DK Custom Products]

Kevin, Given the lack of apparent upgrades, will you be wheeling and dealing on a 2017 to replace your 2014 as opposed to considering a 2018 Tri Glide?

That's a very good question.

I am completely happy with my '14 TG...and we have done enough work with '17 TG's and Freewheelers that we do not need one for product development.

After I spend some time with the '18 Softails (hopefully later today) I will see how many of our parts still fit the new frame/how much we may need to do some new product development for the new frame.

It is all together possible that we may need to get one of them ('18 Softail) for product development...or, I hope, there is nothing changed enough to make that necessary.

I don't need two Softails...and I am keeping my much customized Heritage.

Then, on top of all of that... is what's going to happen in the next 6-18 months on the possible reintro of the Dyna, and the possible spreading of the new frame to the Touring/Trike family.

Step at a time, today, or tomorrow at the latest, I will be seeing what needs to be done regarding the 18's, then go from there.

From what little I have seen...IF I were going to get a new TG, I don't see any reason not to get a good deal on a 17.

Kevin

 

[520fd]

Maybe the website viewing of the new trikes doesn't do the actual cycle any justice....at least I am hoping. I am ready to trade in my '14TG for the new 107, but there has to be some modifications to the '18s before I bite.

I went through the gauntlet of "building" an '18 TG and noted there is no option in the build program for heated grips, or much selection for slip ons, or other things I want. Even the tour pack racks weren't offered. I had to go to the "parts" side of the sight and select and total the amount on a piece of paper to add to the build sheet. The total of stuff that I have on my current trike added to the '18 comes in at $40K.

The Motor Company may be missing a sales opportunity by not upgrading the trike series. I don't have to upgrade if they don't offer enough upgrades from the '14s. $40K is a lot of jack for just the newer engine.

When I bought my 2017 Tri-Glide in Rapid City SD. They had several TriGlides with added accessories. Little chrome, different foot pads, grips, pipes, etc. The price on these jewels climbed up to $51000.00. None of them appealed to me, someone must like them, because they were selling. For the extra cash, I could make it the way I want it for a whole lot less.

 

[mnmn926]

Looks like my 2 year retirement date is safe,no Road Glide trike.The Fat Boy headlight has to go yuck!

Agree, was kind of hoping to see a Road Glide Version. Personally I don't see Harley changing the trikes much until Indian releases a Roadmaster Version, then the MoCo will be running to catch up.

I test rode a Roadmaster in Sturgis 3 years ago and was very impressed.

 

[HarleyPap57]

I love my '14 TG. Not interested in any 2018 model. I will only consider for my next bike a CVO TriGlide.

Yep, CVO Ultra with a Roadsmith Trike kit since Harley can't seem to get their head out of the sand to build us what we want / need. That way I can have the 117 engine, extra 3 gallons of gas and independent suspension along with a few other goodies.

 

[Fozworth]

I was really excited to have the 2018's get introduced. I somehow had myself all hyped up thinking this would be an interesting time for new Harleys.

I also thought the Tri-Glide would take another step or two with some changes.

Big let down.

Oh well.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Well, I did not get to do any test riding until yesterday. None of the Dealerships in our are had any '18's til then.

No one had any Tri-Glides or Freewheelers yet.

I did get to test ride the 114 Cubic Inch Fat Boy. Spent a bit of time with the 114 Heritage too.

As soon as I can get my butt on a 2018 Tri-Glide or Freewheeler, I will do it and report here.

In the meantime, here's a video report on the Fat Boy.



Click HERE for a written Report on the Fat Boy, and a bit of info on the Heritage.

Kevin

 

[520fd]

Looks like Willey G couldn't keep his fingers off the color choices and designs again. Horrible. Glad I bought 2017.

 

[tx freebird]

I don't care for the most of 2018 Harley's. The colors don't appeal to me and What's up with the brown exhaust on the Fat Bob model ? Maybe they look better in person.

It does look better in person and the ride is definitely better. However 114 ci engine and 3.4 gallon fuel tank is less than ideal for my location.

 

[tx freebird]

Real Bluetooth, finally

The one change I do like for MY2018 is that the Infotainment system is now blue tooth compatible. There is a $50 or so wiring harness addition, I believe in the fairing, that will allow all 2014-2017 Infotainment systems to be bluetooth compatible. The Motor Company literature says this retrofit will work with H-D head sets, but it is unclear as to whether or not it will work with all Sena headsets

I hope to get one installed next week on my (new to me) 2017 TriGlide. I traded the FreeWheeler so that my wife has more room, comfort, etc when riding two-up.

Kevin, will your adjustable tourpak bracket work with 2017s? Will I need to extend the wiring for a lighted tourpak rack?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Trampas]

I was at one of my dealers the other day, quite a few mad touring and trike owners, they had hoped for a bigger motor in them, didn't happen, they put them in the softail, go figure. The touring bike and trike models need the bigger motor, not the softails, the 107 would be good for the softail line, harley screwed up again IMHO. As for colors, they suck, only black is the good color my way of thinking.

All for now Trampas

 

[Capt.Bob]

Is that a Yamaha???

I hate to be critical but having owned an early 90's Fat Boy that was a true vibrating machine where my right boot would literally vibrate half off the platform, I am not overly impressed with Harley's 2018 offering. Doesn't seem like they have made a whole lot of gains in the intervening 15 years except for maybe the vibes? It also does not bode well that there are leaking jug gaskets on a new bike. The look and sound is more like a Yamaha to me? It might just be me but I think the headlight nacelle is butt ugly. Oh, and why would the MOCO add parts that are not backward compatible with some of their own parts? Maybe some young marketing puke thought he was really clever adding a few thousand bucks to Harley's annual coffers while the puke watches his stock values tank. I am afraid that I am holding my nose on this one. :annoyed: