H
arley-Davidson's iconic Twin Cam is
no more. With the introduction of
the rigid-mounted version of the Mil-
waukee-Eight, H-D's 1990s powerplant
fades into the sunset. Last years' intro-
duction of the Eight on Harley's 2017
Touring models was, in many ways,
less of a generational change. With the
touring models recently reintroduced
in Harley's Rushmore Project, it really
was just spooning 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
Motor Company.
Don't focus on the fact that Harley-
Davidson took their more popular line
(thanks to generational trends and
Sons of Anarchy, that would be the
2018 HARLEY-DAVIDSON SOFTAILS First Test
We sample the new
Softails (all of them!)
from Harley-Davidson
BY BILLY BARTELS
PHOTOS BY KEVIN WING, TOM RILES
ONE NEW
Motorcycle,
EIGHT NEW
Models
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