Harley-Davidson Unveils 115th Anniversary Models

MILWAUKEE – Harley-Davidson tonight rolled out its 2018 model lineup that includes nine 115th anniversary models. The company also announced that the 2018 slate includes eight “all-new Softail models” and five new touring models. Among the tourers are three limited-edition CVO models and new blacked-out Street Glide Special and Road Glide Special.

One big change for 2018 is that the Dyna line will be merged with the Softail line into one line of motorcycles under the Softail name.

Founded in 1903, Harley-Davidson will mark its 115 years in business with two-tone Tri-Glide, Ultra Limited, Street Glide, Fat Boy 114 and Heritage Classic 114 models that will feature a blue and black paint scheme and a 115th anniversary multi-metal tank cloissoné. The models will also come with perforated seats that use blue stitching and are embossed with “HDMC.”

Other 115th anniversary models will come painted in blue denim and will feature a tattoo-inspired graphic, plus a perforated blue-stitched seat with embossed “HDMC.” Included are the Street Glide Special, Fat Boy 114, Breakout 114 and Sportster Forty-Eight.

The new three new CVO touring bikes are the CVO Street Glide, CVO Road Glide and CVO Limited. All feature a Milwaukee-Eight 117 (1,923cc) engine. The two other new touring machines – the Road Glide Special and the Street Glide Special – will utilize the Milwaukee Eight 107 (1,746cc) power plant.

Among the new Softail models are the Fat Boy, Heritage Classic, Low Rider, Softail Slim, Deluxe, Breakout, Fat Bob and Street Bob. They will feature “a lighter, more rigid frame” that’s 65 percent stiffer than 2017 models as well as a redesigned swingarm,

The new models are up to 35 pounds lighter than 2017 models and will get a Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine as standard equipment, with the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine an options on the Fat Bob 114, Fat Boy 114, Breakout 114, and Heritage Classic 114.

“The new Softail models are the result of the most extensive research and development program in the company’s history,” said Paul James, manager of product portfolio, Harley-Davidson.

“Thousands of hours of research and testing were put into the complete ground-up design of these new cruisers. We focused on taking the total rider experience to a higher level, where authenticity, heritage and soul meet the modern edge of technology for a ride that must be felt to believe.”

Photos courtesy of Harley-Davidson