Cycle News

Cycle News Issue 39 October 3, 2017

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/882491

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2018 HARLEY-DAVIDSON SOFTAILS FIRST TEST P94 H arley-Davidson's iconic Twin Cam is no more. With the introduction of the rigid-mounted version of the Milwaukee-Eight, H-D's 1990s powerplant fades into the sunset. Last years' introduction of the Eight on Harley's 2017 Touring models was, in many ways, less of a generational change. With the touring models recently rein- troduced in Harley's Rushmore Project, it really was just spoon- ing the big 107- (or 114-) inch motor into the existing models, modifying what was needed. The rest of H-D's Big Twins required a complete rethinking. Though technically these are all existing models in Harley's lineup, they're all completely remade with a new frame and engine. The basic design intent remains intact, but like a cover version of a popular song, the new bikes are subject to interpretation by H-D's current designers at a post-Willie G Mo- tor Company. Don't focus on the fact that Harley-Davidson took their more We sample the new Softails (all of them!) from Harley-Davidson BY BILLY BARTELS PHOTOS BY KEVIN WING, TOM RILES AND BRIAN J. NELSON ONE NEW MOTORCYCLE, EIGHT NEW MODELS

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