KIWI RIDER OCTOBER 2017 VOL.1 | Page 18

All-New Harley models announced for 2018
Harley Davidson’s engineering teams have clearly
been busy. Between them they’ve cooked up eight
new Softail models for 2018. Powered by the new
Milwaukee-Eight 107 and 114 V-twin engines, the
new machines get lighter but stiffer steel frames
and swingarms along with premium suspension.
Timed to celebrate Harley-Davidson’s 115th anniversary,
the bikes include brand new Fat Boy, Heritage Classic,
Low Rider, Softail Slim, Deluxe, Breakout, Fat Bob and
Street Bob models. Harley’s press info says the new frames
significantly improve handling on all of the models because
they’re 65% stiffer and the bikes are up to 17kg lighter than
the outgoing models – depending on which model you’re
looking at. Benefits also include more cornering ground
clearance and easier side-stand lift off. The engines are
rigidly mounted in the frames to further stiffen the chassis.
The Milwaukee-Eight engine is a single cam unit
with a dual counter-balance system to reduce engine
vibration. Both the 107 and 114 motors provide better
acceleration than before. The 107 (1745cc) is standard
on all models and is 16% faster accelerating than the
High Output Twin Cam 103 it replaces. The 114 (1868cc)
motor is available on the Fat Bob, Fat Boy, Breakout
and Heritage Classic. This unit is claimed to be 13%
quicker accelerating than the Milwaukee-Eight 107.
BREAKOUT
DELUXE
FAT BOB
HERITAGE CLASSIC
SOFTAIL SLIM
FAT BOY
LOW RIDER
Check out your local Harley Davidson dealer for more info or visit
http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/h-d/en_AU/home.html for more on the new models.
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