2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Chassis Revealed│H-D Engineers Give us a Walk-Through│All the Details 

Hey Guys thanks for watching and supporting my channel. I always try to answer all comments and questions but sometimes that's impossible. Please checkout my Patreon Page to Support my Harley-Davidson content Creation and become part of that community where I can answer all questions. www.patreon.com/mattlaidlaw

As a master technician, I definitely appreciate the engineering of everything. Like the anti backlash spring loaded gear drive for the counterbalancers. A lot of hate out there because the Dyna is gone. Some people hate change. But sometimes change is what you need to pull in new riders to the brand. Case in point; the V-Rod had the traditional bar and shield diehards saying they wouldn't be caught dead on one while outsiders said that is the only Harley they would ever consider buying.

Great video to trigger a mindset change. You are truly my one source on HD.

4 minutes in, I love your work buddy, I´m still not sure about the looks, I think it looks odd at least on the low rider but all the technical info makes a big difference, this is the video the HD community needed to see to calm the hate waters jumping on your throats. Seeing it bare bones and hearing its all brand new engineering really gives a different perspective. I think I´m not going to hate these new version once the video is done, thanks Matt, you are the coolest and best informed Harley guy on youtube, glad to see your channel growing like a morning wood.

Hey guys in my introduction I totally forgot to mention the DELUXE! So you have 5 previous Softail models. Heritage Classic, Slim, Fatboy, Deluxe, Breakout. Then 3 Previous Dyna Models. Fatbob, Low Rider, Streetbob.

Hey Matt, just returned from the local dealership... ordered a 2018 softail classic anniversary 114... I am convinced Harley did the right thing. It's a huge step forward, i love those new softails.

Wanted to say Thank You Matt !! for all you do for us.Viewers

I purchased a 2018 Softail Heritage Classic back in Dec. I absolutely love this bike. The videos were extremely informative and exactly what us gearheads like. The info on the suspension and engine were awesome. I have been riding this bike a hell of lot more than my old bikes.It's that much fun!

Matt, this is great. Thank you for bringing this to your channel. There's been so much speculation about the new chassis (not to mention a tsunami of complaints and hate), but this gives us the skinny straight from the source. Excellent. This is really the best coverage I've seen a week out from the announcement.

Watching this makes me so proud of my ‘21 softail!! 👀

Thank you for saying the date. It really does help.

Another great video Matt, the engineers were awesome!

Thanks for taking the time to go in to all this detail Matt.

I was a bit skeptical at first but after watching some ride reviews I am so exited! I can't wait to try one!

I got the 2019 low rider I'm in love the ride is just incredible

Great vid. I like the line up..........and I still have my FXR

Hey Matt, great work as always. Very informative video, especially cut out view and explained new features of bikes was awesome👍🏼 See you soon at your dealership for demo ride.

Love the video! The info is superb, and it's obvious the bikes are as well! Can't wait to see the riding videos. Thanks!

Matt! Thank you for letting us hear from you and the engineers on this new lineup. I spent the afternoon volunteering at the H-D demo truck with the 2018 lineup! They're amazing. Harley-Davidson has really delivered this time! I got to move a few and helped get a lot of people take a demo ride. There will be another truck coming through in a few weeks and I'm gonna ride em.

Excellent and very informative Softail review. Thanks Matt! OG

Great job Matt, answered a lot of my questions.

Great video Matt. Lots of great info. These bikes will be a hit! I'm looking forward to checking out the bikes and Laidlaw's Harley-Davidson while I'm down in L.A in October.

It was nice to hear the engineer still rides with spring cam tensioners. Now I know I am not alone. Changed the originals at 49,000 miles and have 32,000 on the second set. Neither failed, just kept an eye on them.

Matt...thanks for taking the time to interview the engineers that could explain the new softail frame and redesigned M8 engine. I haven't seen that anywhere else. Good job as always.

Awesome, Informative, educational and diggin the new 2018 Softaill Chassis.

The new Harleys are freaking awesome!

Screw the haters Matt. This video is super informative. It also makes a lot of valid points. For those of us who remember when Harley first came out with the Evo, and what, rubbermounting(?), this is the Moco returning to it's roots. They've taken the best things about all of the bikes they've ever made, and combined them into a package that not only looks killer, but it very promising in it's delivery. Give it a little time. People will be flocking to buy them. By 2020, you'll see most of the people riding them. Same thing happened when the TC came out. At first everyone said, no way, but by 2001, most everyone I knew was on one. Great video. Your vids always explain leagues more than anyone else does. Thanks.

Harley Davidson finally entered the XXI century.Great informative video! Thanks!

Looks like a sensational new lineup from HD. Can't wait until these new models arrive here in Australia.

I gotta say...I'm kinda excited about looking getting my hands on a new softail!

another good video nice explanation of the new frame. i love my 2017 low rider but i gotta take a ride on one of these soft tails now.

Awesome Video Matt.. Thanks

Glad to see Harley wised up and started nutting the flywheels back together!!

Great new bikes from HARLEY-DAVIDSON !!

Thanks Matt very informative, job well done.

Matt, your videos and exceptional efforts are to be commended, , I operate a small used harley shop in ontario canada and rely heavily on your videos to improve my knowledge, keep up the good work man.

Thanks Matt. Another awesome video. Can't wait to ride one of the new Softails.

Great video (again). Bought a sport glide in 2018, got 66.000 km on the display, so…I’m very glad. Wrote a letter to Harley to get more info about the process of designing. No answer at all. So thank you filling that gap!

Great video and very informative! Thank Matt👍

Thank you so much for such a deep info

Some great information, thanks for posting.

Thank you so much Matt xoxox

Great videos from the convention Matt, thanks for taking the trouble to do it, super informative.

Thanks Matt for another excellent video.

Superb work on your video as always Matt, thanks for sharing it!! Greetings from Mexico City Man!!

Great video. I appreciate the fact Harley took a chance and updated their lineup. Now I'm waiting to see if it's aftermarket friendly or if it's going to harder to modify like newer cars.

Great informative video Matt. It is a treat to listen to the engineers/subject matter experts who brainstormed and made the concepts into products. I'm sure people who are narrow-minded will criticize while watching 5 minutes of the video. These guys know what they are doing. They are evolving the bike while still keeping the soul of Harley Davidson. Thanks for the presentation and keep up what you're doing. You're informing the world with HD, which I think harley isn't giving much attention to. Cheers !!

Great Video ! Thanks

Awesomeness Matt....got me sold....will be my first bike

Can't wait for the reviews on each one! It's like the only reason I even open the RU-vid app anymore. 99% of the reason. Long Live Harley Davidson!

Matt , I'm picking up my New 17 CVO Limited this weekend ! Getting the detach tourpack installed First. Thanks for all your helpful INFO . This video was Great, got a good feel for all the new changes. It does make me wonder if the Limited is set for huge changes TOO. I can't wait forever to upgrade ! Bob

Great video! Your vids are the best on RU-vid. I had the opportunity to ride the 2018 Heritage twice this weekend. WOW! For me, this is the best and most fun Harley I have ever ridden. Suspension was everything I hoped it would be, the 114 is incredible and the breaks are fantastic! I will be an owner soon. Too much fun!

Very detailed video. Thanks, I felt like I was there too. Looking forward to viewing your video of you riding the CVO Street Glide Special (Gunship Gray) ~Deuces

Great video as always Matt thanks. I'll keep my 2017 low rider s tho 😀!

Great video Matt, very informative. Looking forward to seeing your reviews of the Street Bob and Fat Bob!

Fantastic video as usual. Just one doubt: on the bikes that do not have the external knob to tune the rear suspension, is it necessary to take the seat off or something else in order to adjust the pre-load of the shock ?

Love the Street Bob, saving my lunch money to pick one up as soon as I can.

Thanks for this video, Matt. Being an engineer myself I appreciate hearing from the designers of these great new bikes. Thanks also for all the softail reviews. I'm pretty sure I'll be picking up either a Heritidge Classic or Sport Glide this summer, just need to test ride them once we thaw out here in Indy!

Matt, dude, you have the best and most comprehensive videos. I really appreciate the time, effort and your patient educational approach. I just bought a 2020 Heritage and your content helped make my decision and informed one. I’m loving this bike so much more thank my 09 Road King. Thank you and ride on!

GREAT video, Matt. Really. I appreciate that Harley is starting to think about weight reduction. However, no disrespect meant, 30 pounds on a 316kg softail heritage is like putting makeup on your 90-year old grandma and say "see? She's a hottie now!". There is much more to be done, especially with the powertrain. Anyways it's a start, and I think ALL customers will appreciate that. Putting aside the rethoric "steel is better", noone prefers a heavier bike over a lighter one.

Hello Matt, Thank you so much for bringing us in to the dealer show and giving your viewers a inside view. Being a precision machinists and have worked with mechanical engineers I was especially interested listening to both engineers as they walked us through. After viewing your live dealer show and seeing the direction Harley is moving in performance frame geometry and suspension systems...my gut feeling is Harley Davidson will begin to redesign a high performance frame and platform for the touring models next! Lighter, more rigid, faster, better performance in terms of handling... thus safer for everyone riding one.. Great to see Harley is moving to performance oriented chassis designs. Thank you Matt.

Awesome as usual. Time to trade in the FXR. Thanks Matt!

Thank-you Matt! We all have to take a step back at times. It's going to be alright. People were real verbal when we uncrated the first AMF bikes.... but we made it through and are still here! The engineers have done an amazing job! Hard to imagine the scope and breadth of work that has gone into this re-design! They have given us lighter and stronger, better handling, and more powerful motorcycles. Every rider should consider ownership of a real motorcycle now! Going down my Dealership now on the awesome M8! So excited for all! Market these bad boys and sell, sell, sell!

thanks for the vid matt, love the changes they have made and cant wait to test ride one

Way to start the 2018 season Matt! This group of videos from the Dealers Assn. Show was awesome - and meeting Scott was very cool too! I'll be visiting my ATL dealer soon to see 'em in person. Thanks for another of your always informative and entertaining videos - your videos are the BEST

Great video!

Matt, thanks for adding some sanity to the hysteria!

I'm so glad i waited for the new 2018 models,i'm kinda sad they did nothing with Road King but i was thinking about the Fat boy for my next bike,this video just sold me on it. Ty for the detailed information Matt.

thanks for this upload it explain alot and answered some questions i had.. when i get back to the states i will buy a new bike.. Thanks Matt

Thanks. Good video. Watching your videos is a nice way to shop for a bike.

Hey thanks awesome video

The more I learn about these 2018 model softails, the more impressed I am. I just can't make up my mind on which one I want!

I owned a 99 FXDX and a 06 Softail Night train for many years. I just bought a 20 Fat Bob. This new chassis is superior in everyway period! Furthermore, the M8 motor is more powerful, smooth and refined. HD nailed it with this new platform!

Excellent video, great commentary and camera work.

Great video Matt. Looking forward to your reviews of the 2018 bikes. Any chance a comparison between the 2017 Lowrider and the 2018 Lowrider?

Wow great changes and they listened good to their customers... all the weak spots are gone now with the softails, super ! Can't wait to see them when they roll them in to Europe ! Thx Matt for the nice & detailed info on the new softails ;)

Very well explained the new frame and chassis, a lot of time experience and development gone into these new bikes. I personally love the new Fat Boy, going to view them soon here in the UK.

Another great video. Thanks so much for doing this. Very much looking forward to demo day. I bought the 2017 flhr last October. I have a little over 12000 miles on the new bike and very happy so I expect the 107 and 114 softtail bikes will be a ton of fun to ride.

Looks like mono shock removal for battery change, is this correct Matt?

Good review

Grats on 20k+ subscribers Matt!

Thanks Matt, waiting of the test ride of the new Fat Boy 114

Great info on this video! 👊🏻

Hello Matt, Thanks for the new softails video. My question is, is it possible to upgrade the 2018 softail slim rear tire, with a wider 200 tire, and change the rear fender to bob fender, to get the exact rear look of the 2011 softail cross bones . Thanks

Hi Matt. The frame on the Fatboy and Breakout is wider than the other softails or just the wider swingarm?

Great new bike!!! I really dig the new Fat Bob.

Always awesome videos Matt... Can't wait to see your reviews on the bikes... Yesterday was supposed to be demo day at my local dealer but cancelled due to rain...can't wait to ride some of the new bikes!

Matt I said it once say it again you make the best Harley videos on RU-vid great job and thanks

I got 2019 FatBoy with 114 and I love it. Had it for about 3 months and put about 3k on it. So far so good, all the old dudes at my work got some Suzukis and my bike looks the best and sounds the best. Get compliments on it from all sorts of people. The bike is bad ASS, I really dig the new HD...... oh yes I also got newer 1000RR two different animals but love them both. Would I get another HD in the future, yes because an overall experience was pleasant from selecting the bike, their service and riding it. People who are considering of getting a new bike should give a new HD a chance.

l have a 92 softail custom she is just fine for me evo is the best there is and ever will be!! thanks for the vid

Love your videos! I'm a seasoned sport bike rider now for 11 years. And I'm finally making the transition into Harley and I'm looking at your videos as to which binge would be the best choice for me taking into consideration that I ride 130 miles a day for work and my question is would you recommend the Fat Bob as a good choice for me? I was thinking of the 48 but you said it's only 5 gears and 2.5 gal tank wasn't good for the longer rides even though it has great has mileage.

Very informational video. New frame is cutting edge techno!ogy

Awesome video bro!!

Hola Matt, I’m late to the party but finally living the dream. I love this deep dive mentality, Retired Submarine Warfare and Surface Warfare sailor. We believe in knowing almost as much as the engineer on everything. Four weeks ago I purchased my first Harley, a 2020 Fat Boy with 160 miles on it. I tried to get one from Tokyo H-D in 2000 when I was living there but Japan had restrictions on the size of everything imported. I have tripled the number of miles and just purchased a Scream’n 🦅 HB Elite, Woods 22XE, Two Brothers Turnout 2-into-1, 8” rise, 1.5” T-Bar because the Saddlemen Explorer bumped me up and forward. 6’1 280lbs. I will run that for a few years as I have set a good foundation for a big bore, CNC header, and large throttle body. I will finish my LED Mods with a pulsating brake strip under the finder to complement the 7” Adaptive 2, and the turn signals all around. I am spying a set of two finger triggers as well. Matt you are easy to trust, but it is almost uncanny, your perception and your ability to see where HD is heading before they get there. I don’t need validation for my purchase or modifications, but I must admit It feels good to know my thoughts on the Milwaukee 8 are shared. Yes, after all the issues it is where HD should be going while allowing for more out of every Mod. These cutaways are priceless, giving us an unrestricted peek behind the curtain to what is quite simply a work of art. Thank you kindly. (SS/SW/MTS) USN, Ret. 🦅 of a 🪶

Best video I have seen from the new softail. You almost convinced me. Altough I think I will keep up with my 2000 sportster and 2004 dyna! Old harleys are made to last, these are made for EPA.

Good Job Matt! Thanks for filming this. Do you know if the Heritage frame is the same as the Slim frame? Do they share the same frame?

beautiful bike

Great informative video. I just wish HD would make a bigger bike. They make all their bikes for people somewhere in the 5' to 5'10" range.

Wow great video and info know I need a second bike

Do they still have the standard HD locking side stand? can you still push it forward and back on that stand?