American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 219 October 2017 | Page 8

designs that strongly differentiate them from their predecessors and each other,” stating that the “new base of style, comfort and performance [of the] next generation of factory custom cruisers are ready for riders to take them even higher with their own personalization,” which sounds like a tacit admission that they know they could and should have done better. “The authenticity of Harley-Davidson design comes by sweating the details from start to finish, ‘hard to do and hard to copy.’ Harley-Davidson motorcycles are not a commodity; they are handed down from generation to generation,” said Brad Richards, Vice President of Styling and Design, Harley-Davidson. “We look at every nut and bolt on the bike, all the finishes, and every small detail. The new Softail frame is like a piece of art, and the more you take off the bike, the more beautiful it becomes. Its design speaks to the teamwork that our styling and engineering processes demand.” HERITAGE CLASSIC “Design cues evoke the blacked-out styling of vintage ‘50s Harley-Davidson models updated with a modern edge.” • new detachable windscreen • new rigid, lockable, sealed, water-resistant saddlebags • taller suspension with increased passenger and cargo capacity • 32-pound weight reduction • ABS as standard • Cruise control as standard • 114” M-8 option LOW RIDER “Inspired by the individualism of the ‘70s custom chopper era that birthed the original, the new Low Rider model is lighter and faster with corner- carving handling unimaginable back in the day.” • Throwback-style dual tank-mount speedo and tach gauges, headlight visor and fuel tank graphics • 19-inch front and 16-inch rear ‘Radiate’ cast wheels • 2-into-2 Shotgun exhaust SOFTAIL SLIM “Stripped to its essential elements, the Softail Slim model pays homage to post-war custom bobbers with a narrow rear end, trimmed front fender, solo seat and minimal chrome.” • Dark finishes “adorn the laced wheels, Hollywood handlebar, and all-new front- end design” • Low-slung tuck and roll seat • “Bold and smooth new front nacelle and fork cover styling” • 35-pound weight reduction 8 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER - OCTOBER 2017 www.AMDchampionship.com