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New Softail Frame

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU.

No one has rolled more iconic custom motorcycles into the world than Harley-Davidson. We could have left it at that. But that’s not what you do when you have custom motorcycles in your blood. Instead, you do something like this. You’re looking at a totally reinvented Softail® frame built to harness the pulse-quickening torque of the dual-counterbalanced Milwaukee-Eight® 107 and 114 engines designed just for Softail® models. It’s stiffer and significantly lighter than its predecessor. It combines an all-new front suspension and all-new easily adjustable mono-shock rear suspension to give you the most agile, responsive ride ever in a Softail® motorcycle. You get an increased lean angle, quicker turn-in, quicker acceleration and more flickability, all with easierlift-off from the side stand. The look stays true. The steel foundation for our next generation of custom motorcycles has been forged.

1. More agility.

The all-new Softail® models are up to 35 pounds* lighter than last year’s models, and they have a 34% stiffer chassis overall. You get quick and precise response to your inputs, which means riding hard and true never felt easier.

2. The iconic look.

The Milwaukee-Eight® engine retains the iconic 45-degree configuration of the balanced Harley-Davidson® V-Twin engine. Its broad-shouldered top end is accentuated by a single cam design that slims the bottom end for a more muscular contour. The frame is engineered to tightly package the engine, which is more eye-pleasing and reinforces powertrain and chassis stiffness.

3. More torque.

The Milwaukee-Eight® 107 and 114 engines are the most powerful engines we’ve ever put in a Softail® frame. You get 10% quicker acceleration from 0–60, 16% faster acceleration from 60–80 in fifth gear and a wider grin every time you roll on your throttle.

4. Smoother running.

When you’re on a new Softail® motorcycle, you’re in for a smooth ride. The Milwaukee-Eight® engine features a refined counter-balancing system that reduces engine vibration while maintaining the true Harley-Davidson feel.

5. Purer sound.

The world-renowned “potato-potato-potato” Harley-Davidson sound comes through strong in the Milwaukee-Eight® Big Twin engine. You get less intake and mechanical noise for more soul-satisfying rumble.

6. High-performance front suspension.

New Showa® SDBV® suspension technology provides the performance of a racing-style cartridge fork with linear damping characteristics. It gives you 130mm of bump-devouring travel.

7. High-performance rear mono-shock.

All-new easily adjustable mono-shock rear suspension allows for up to 450 pounds of pre-load capacity,* dynamic cornering capability, quicker acceleration and braking while preserving the classic hardtail look.

*All comparisons made are between original equipment 2017 and 2018 models.

Feel the difference for yourself.

On a 2018 Harley-Davidson® Softail® motorcycle, you’ll feel a ride unlike any you’ve felt before. Take a test ride and experience the most powerful, agile  

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