The quintessential American motorcycle company radically remodeled their Softail line recently, and shoehorned the Dyna line into it, introducing 8 all-new models. This, after debuting the brand new Milwaukee Eight 107ci last year in their touring line. With a new stiffer chassis, a monoshock suspension under the seat, and some models getting the bumped-up 114ci powerplant, fans of both the old Dynas and Softails should find much to love.
Harley-Davidson unveiled the new line Tuesday, August 22, and by Saturday, August 26, I was straddling one, blasting off into the central Alabama foothills, courtesy of our friends at Mt. Cheaha Harley-Davidson in Oxford. For comparison, I was also loaned a 2018 Road King, which had been among the models to receive the Milwaukee Eight 107 for 2017. It promised to be an abundantly fun day.
In the midst of Mt. Cheaha's 3rd Annual Rumble on the Loop, I first took off on the Road King, to sample the 107ci mill. Immediately, I was enthralled with this bike. Instant, head-snapping acceleration at the wrist-twist; thrilling, brutal power on tap up through each cog of the 6-speed gearbox. Granted, I ride a little more aggressively than some, being a sport as well as cruiser rider, so was a little heavy with the roll-on. But this bike delivers! Up through the hill country, the Road King dives into curves easily, brakes extremely well, shifts up/down solidly, and of course, that throttle! The bike felt like a comfortable touring cruiser with the heart of power cruiser.
Next, I took a spin on the newly remodeled Heritage, which actually wears the new 114ci motor. Thinking this bike would ride similar to the Road King, but with a power bump, I lit out hard like I had on the King. The Heritage quickly settled my raucous energy. Roll-on is more measured, spread out, and smoother. The 114 is clearly tuned for a more relaxed, laid-back ride, as I discovered while motoring along the same roads I had traversed on the Road King. Don't get me wrong- I completely enjoyed the new Heritage, once I synched with her vibe. Smooth, even power delivery, a solid yet compliant suspension, and gentle flickability through mountain curves, the Heritage was a dream to ride.
My one issue with the Softail- at every stop, I could not click into neutral, from 1st or 2nd. No positive neutral finder? Of course, the bike only had 3 mi on the ODO when I pulled out, so it's still early in the break-in period, which may sort the situation.
Harley-D has done a phenomenal job with these new 2018 models, and the Milwaukee Eight is another giant leap forward. I strongly encourage sampling these bikes. They do not disappoint.
