Nice work. Thanks for all of the in-depth info Matt. You're getting these details out ahead of almost everyone else. Really cool to see these new bikes in a real-world, non-HD marketing context.
Just bought the 2019 street bob in the red denim. I have never been a fan of satin finish paint, but this looks so much better in person so I bought the red. Love my bike!!! Great review!
I just bought one yesterday trared my 09 streetbob. This bike looks a lot better in person. Compared to my 09 streetbob this bike is awesome in power , ride, feel , and maneuvering. The only cons I personally found in my opinion is the mid controls and how quiet. But easily customized at a future date. Who buys a hd and keeps the stock pipes anyway.as for the tank size it is 3.5 gallons not a peanut tank which is smaller. My 09 tank was 4.9 gallons not a huge difference in my opinion. Unless riding cross country in which I suggest get ready to pay more
Overall I'm loving what HD did with all the recent changes. If you don't like all the new stuff on the bike, pick up a P&A catalog and get some parts. Who really buys a HD and loves everything stock?
Thank you Mat for great reviews,I rode the new range at my local dealership and came away impressed.I can say that i'm going to purchase a new motorcycle for next riding season in '18.Probably the touring chassis for long comfortable rides and my fit.Am following you're video's for news and info, cannot wait for April 2018 when I purchase a new bike and hopefully ride west to visit.
another great, honest review with lots of perspective that most of us can never have because we haven't ridden every version of Harley-Davidson and I can see a lot of hipsters choosing this ride
Last week i bought this HD Street Bob after test riding it and you either love this bike or hate it. Me personaly love this bike and the way it rides 🤙🏻 thanks for the awesome / honest reviews you’re putting out there Matt !
I personally love the Street Bob, as someone who's potentially in the market for a big twin in 2018 I think I'm tipping towards the Street Bob over the Fat Bob. I love that Grey Denim! Great video Matt, I've been eagerly anticipating your review of the 2018 Street Bob ever since the new bikes were released and it did not disappoint. Thanks for taking the time to put these videos together man!
I have to say this bike has grown, first when Harley presented the new Softail line-up I didn't like this particular model at all, but two weeks later I placed an order at my local Harley dealer.
Been riding Harley's since 65 I thought this was a Yamaha Star motorcycle when I first saw it at the beginning of the vid and wondered what was going on. Times have changed I guess. The new engine is cool I got to ride one and liked the power.
The new designs are disappointing the older HD fans, at the same time, HD never took the time to groom new generations of riders and ignored them so they bought metric bikes. Now the new Harley's share metric qualities but they can't compete in price. It's a hard situation for HD. They need to drastically drop prices and/or bring back models like the VRod and Dyna Low Rider S. I don't see how the executive team continues to keep their jobs? Double digit loses for most companies usually involves firing the top dogs.
Hi Matt, great job on your videos. I test rode the 2018 slim and street bob today. Fell in love with the street bob. I originally was going to purchase a slim and glad I did the test rides. The bob just felt right. I'm 5'6" and it fits perfect. Endless power. The slim just didn't feel right to me. I'm buying the Street Bob this month. Great job!
Hey Matt, really like all the videos you’re doing on these new bikes. Ton of good information! I’ll be buying a new street bob pretty soon and your videos helped a lot.
@matt laidlaw you should touch on the fact that a lot of newer Harley's are throttle by wire rather than throttle by cable. I just bought a new 2019 street bob and I noticed the acceleration curve is WAY different for the fly by wire vs fly by cable in the DYNA. it tends to jerk straight into a fast speed rather than ease into it with the cable style throttle. do you know how to adjust the computer or make this change on the engineering level?
i bought by my fxbb also after seeing this video. very instructive. bike is even better than matt says here. plenty of power. tank is big enough - you anyway stop after 100 miles anyway. seat is a bid poor. riding is a fun. nice video
Good review. Would like to have one, but gosh $14,500, yikes? Can you put the taller rear suspension or is it not cost effective? Better to get the Bob or the Heritage instead? What do you think?
Hey Matt, the Street Bob is my favorite bike and the one I would like to buy in a few years. Do yoy think that in the next models Harley Davidson will add the old looking speedometer like on the dyna and a bigger gas tank? Thanks for the videos Ps Do you think Harley will add denim black to tge street bob colors? Thanks
I'm so glad I got my fat bob this year and not next. I like how on the Dyna's there was the gas and fuel gauge on opposite sides and the tank had that trim down the middle below the ignition. That way it looks like the older harley's that had two tanks and stuff. Plus not to mention I love the exposed suspension in the back, hiding it and turning it into a monoshock are the opposite of what makes this bike 'sexy' to me. edit: does this thing have en electronic throttle but still a mechanical clutch? smh... big let down for me
Anthony P the electronic throttle is good, it responds much quicker than cables and i agree i would rather have the tank Speedo and idiot lights with the tach on the center of handle bars. That new tripple clamp speedo cluster looks like it would be hard to see.
Davide Stanisci if you like the analog type speedometer then the low rider is a good choice for you. Yes, I think they will offer black denim next year.
Thank you for this detailed review. I'm planning on purchasing this exact model and colour. Appreciate your time and effort for folks like us who are buying their 1st Harley.
Have to say that at the first time I saw this bike I thought it looked so weird. As it is so stripped down it looked like a Dyna front and a Softtail back, slammed together. But the look on all the bikes has grown on me. This, the Deluxe and the Lowrider are my favorites, both in the past and this years lineup. Great informative vid as usual. You are just upping the game constantly sir!
Great review! I hope your Softail Slim review is coming soon! It would've been cool to see that new LCD screen on the Slim. Did some test rides myself and can honestly say I dig um! Sadly though, there wasn't any of the smaller Softails in.
I took one of these on a test drive today; same color and all. This bike runs absolutely great! I’m itching to trade my 16 R1 for either this bike or a Fat Bob 107. Any suggestions?
I rode a 2018 streetbob 107ci. It was nice but didn't appeal to me. However I rode 2018 Heritage Softail with the 114ci and bought it immediately. It's a matter of preference. The Heritage did it for me. This is my fourth Harley, with the previous one FLHTC I had almost 30 years. M8 engine rocks!
Hello Matt. I have the same exact bike. Quick question at your earliest convenience if possible. Will I damage my bike if I remove the stock baffles and ride it that way? Definitely want to have that distinctive Harley sound but don’t want to damage bike/motor. Or am I better off saving $ and buying a exhaust system. Thank you sir! Your videos are definitely the best!
Matt can you describe how the ignition system works, if it is radioactive, also if it's optional or it's with the standar version of the bike and if you can tell me the models that have it. And if it isn't at the standard version tell me the price.
γιώργος αντωνίου it's standard on all the 2018 softails. You have a fob that is a proximity sensor. If you are near the bike all you need to do is hit the run switch and the ignition comes on. Then just hit the starter switch and you're good to go
First time viewer, now subscribed. Enjoy the way you present the bikes. Bought my first Harley last year, a Street Glide and not getting used to the balance and weight at all. I sure like these and think they'd be a lot easier to ride/handle.
The torque at the rear wheel is gear dependent. That chart is showing you the torque calculated at the crank based on the power measured at the rear wheel.
Hey dude, I'm in a position where I'm either looking at a 2018-19 Street Bob, or a 2016-17 Low Rider S. Is the new Softail frame good enough to go for the street Bob over the S?
Thanks for your reviews Matt. Really good stuff. I think the Street Bob is probably my favorite out of the new softail models. Almost tempted to trade my 2017 Slim S “army bike” for one.
Hi Matt question. Now that you've taken the bike apart with the custom street bob build, is it possible to have the softail slim tank and battery cover added at the dealer to the street bob? I most of the styling cues of the new street bob but prefer the reflective battery cover and tank mounted gauge. Due to the bikes being all on the same frame will this be a relatively inexpensive swap? Thank you, keep up the work.
Looked pretty planted on the highway section. I know it's not a touring chassis, but are these new softails pretty stable at highway speeds? On my Honda Shadow 1100 I feel like I'm floating and not in a good way. Keeps me on back roads more often than not.
I have never been a HD guy or a bobber guy but I really like this bike and could see myself owning one. That said, several of the new softails I could see myself owning, or one of the tourer baggers, all with the M8.
Cool video Matt and a pretty honest appraisal too. We're still waiting for them here in Australia but while l like the blacked out Street Bob look, l'll probably go for a Lowrider for the bigger fuel tank.
Matt, thanks for the awesome review. Could you please clarify one question? Is it possible to put Forward Controls in this bike? Someone told me it's not for the 2018 street bob.
Great vid with lots of information. Thank you! In the 2018 parts catalogue is no forward control kit. Do u think HD will bring these? ...and if yes, when?? Thx
Wonderful video Matt, watched it the whole way through. One thing about the whole West Coast Dyna Nation is that this whole Bob set up, being new, is just lacking people to make additions for it. Give it a few years, and I'm sure there'll be many aftermarket type T bars, seats, and pipes and the like for all consumers. I hope I'm not wrong, here.
+Matt Laidlaw - The reason people are judging is that they made massive changes all at once....If Harley just updated the softail line and left the dyne alone for a year or so, they may have been better off. They have alienated a huge chunk of their fan base doing it this way. Just my two cents.... Also, by the way, your videos are awesome, keep it up!
Hi Matt,Hi from Istanbul,Turkey, Thank you for the video, I would like to ask you , I have recently learnt to drive motorcycles, Can I start with Streetbob as my first bike or should I buy a smaller engine one as my first bike?
I have been riding harleys since 1998. The 2017, 2018 model are proof that HD has been lagging behind the competition listening to old riders who only buy a bike once every 10 years. Harley has to stay current in their design, engine and technology and not have harley riders look at competition for upgrades they have to pay extra for.
Hey Matt, great review as usual! Honestly I think you do the best, most complete reviews out there for H-D. I personally dream about a 18' Street Bob, in few years, maybe, I'll proudly own one. Soon, SOON. Keep up the good work, I'm eager to watch the '18 Breakout and Softail Slim reviews as well ;)
Hi matt great source of info as always. The new models have not arrived to istanbul yet. Things i wonder are, will there be a black denim model? And will we able customize them club style? Q Fairings high rise t bars and such?
Bargu Erpi we are working on a club style streetbob. I'll release a video on it in about a month. No black denim this year. I bet next year they will have it.
Matt Laidlaw great to hear that. Looking forward to seeing it. S bob is the best big twin bike especially in heavy traffic while riding in between cars. And with the high rise bars you don't get close to side mirrors and increase your handling. Mid controls also help handling in traffic
+George Michael without looking at actual measurement stats I feel like the dimensions are the same. It weighs about 33 lbs less though which is absolutely noticeable.
Looks like the model designation acronyms have changed. Gotta relearn them now. Haha. Is it possible to order a Milwaukee 8 without the counterbalancers? When I test rode a bike with that motor I missed the shake at idle immediately. Keep up the great work!
Ryan's V-Twin Vlogs unfortunately no, the touring bikes have only the one counter balancer that leaves more vibration at an idle than the Softail version.
Hey Matt, thanks for this review. I was heart set on a Lowrider S but the new chassis has stomped on that idea. Due to aesthetics the only 'softail' I want is the Lowrider, I can't handle the exhausts on the Fatbob and I just hate the headlight and nacelle on the fatboy as well as those huge tyres putting me off too, plus that satin chrome look is not for me, not shiny enough for the chrome brigade and to old hat for the blacked out brigade. So I'm back to the Lowrider. So my questions: I know you can't get the Lowrider with the 114 as standard but can it be upgraded to the 114? Is there any after market upgrade or even better an HD one? I'm flat scared of a 107 (let alone 114) Lowrider with single front disc, could you fit a second disc to the lowrider without having to have totally new front forks? It's all back to the Harley tax, I want a Harley, I want the Lowrider, but how much am I going to have to spend to get what I want? A 114 engine, twin disc front brakes, stepped exhausts at full volume.
+John McDowall So the brakes on the news bikes stop just as good as the dual disc brakes on the old bikes. Yes, you can upgrade a low Rider to a 114 CI build. It's a stage 3 kit. With labor and everything it will probably set you back 3,500 approximately. Exhaust at this point is limited but it's out there. We will see more aftermarket companies making exhaust for the new softails soon.
Great review, as usual. what I don't like visually on this bike are those rubber springs on forks, I think previous model looked better. don't get why HD changed that front end design. I am ok with lcd and slimmer tank though. my fav bike from new lineup is low rider and I'm waiting for your opinion about it. need to choose between LR and Slim.
Great review. This video was the one I watched a few times before I bought this bike. I would love if there were more aftermarket parts for this scoot (FXBB). LIKE A better back fender...one that flows nicer...ducktale style maybe. The stock back fender looks like it doesn’t belong on this bike. But...the Wafflehead is the best looking bike that Harley has out at the moment. Live free or die trying!
Great review as always Matt. I do agree with your point that the older generation Street Bob does have more heart & soul of a Harley Davidson as it does feel more like an old-school mechanical (living) machine. This is why I love mine so much. I like to see the engine shaking in the frame, I like the analog speed & fuel gauges and I like seeing the shocks. You did hurt my feelings a bit when you said that you'd never ride one unless it was the last choice for financial reasons etc. I'll always love & respect Harley Davidson and their strive for progress. I like this bike very much too, but unless something catastrophic were to happen to my 2016 Street Bob, it'll be with me forever. Thanks again for another great review, I always respect and take to heart your opinions. Have a great weekend. :)
Bobber16 Yea, maybe that comment was harsh. Let me put it this way - I wouldn't buy anything other than the new frame on a streetbob at this point. I still love and respect all older Harley's. That's one of the great things about HD is the history and longevity of the machines. The new frames are just so much better for daily use and riding hard.
Excellent review. The new "Dynatails" look great and it sounds like they are much better performers. Looking forward to the lowrider review. Thanks for all the info.
The lack of customization is what would stop me from buying a new one. Maybe if that changes, I might consider. I still dont know about the soft tail look though.
There are some things now stock on the 2018 model that I quickly swapped out on my 2017 and probably wouldn't have done so if these were on the 2017. It's cool that they made the bars and turn signals black, rather than chrome, the daymaker headlight is awesome and a bigger engine is always welcome and the ugly chrome cowbell horn cover is not missed; but overall, it's not a "Street Bob" and it doesn't look as good as the Street Bob.
Hi Matt thanks for the review all the way from Australia. I'm looking for a new harley which I will be riding to work almost everyday and to do the occasional 2up riding (30mins-1hr)with the wife or daughter. Would you recommend this bike for this type of riding
Hey Matt, once again great review video. I was gonna come to your dealership to do demo ride but I had to work yesterday. Do you have future demo ride schedule ??
I've not ridden the 2018 models so I can't say anything about the bikes except the looks and for me they are worse than before. I really really love the 2017 model of Street Bob with the exposed shocks, fuel tank gauges and overall more streamlined look when compared to the more "round" look of the 2018 model. They only good thing the 2018 model has in terms of looks are the cafe racer type front shock covers but that's hardly a bonus because you can easily get them for the older models as well. Good thing is I can't afford neither the 2017 nor the 2018 street bob so my opinion doesn't really matter that much :)
TzeiEm......I think they destroyed the Heritage and Fatboy! I hate what they've done to both. The headlight on the Fatboy looks terrible IMO and those rims are horrendous. Also, the chopped rear fender? WTF? I think HD is in for a rude awakening this year. Just my opinion but I don't really like ANY of the changes.
Jerimy McCray......But, a bike like the HERITAGE SOFTAIL CLASSIC is named as such for a reason. It is SUPPOSED to look old school 1950's Hydraglide style. There are other bikes like the Breakout and Vrod that are designed to look newer. There was no reason to change the headlight on the Fatboy and chop the fenders.
Matt so my first motorcycle will be a 2018 Street Bob. I wanted to ask for Your most honest opinion, how do you feel about riding a brand new 0 mile HARLEY all the way from CA to Fort Bragg NC? By the way your videos/reviews have been very informative and helpful.
+Junior Nuñez i think on a streetbob you will get tired of riding after about the 2nd or 3 rd day. It isn’t really a optimum distance bike. No wind deflection, small fuel tank. Not the best seat.
i heard the breaking on this bike is not that great, this can be fixed with after market? Because i´ve started to look into HD bikes recently, and saw that the low rider has beter handling and breaking power than the street bob, can some one tell me in terms of acceleration? All the videos i saw was that people really enjoy the pull on these street bobs
Thanks for sharing Matt and always a great and deeply professional review by the way. Just a question a personal to you, looking your comparission chart, if you were going to get a motorcycle between this Street Bob and the Roadster one, overall what would you choose? Thank you and all my recognize to you for your superb videoblog, you are always honest and that´s for sure I´m thankful. Greetings from Mexico City man!!
I think there are a lot of positives with the new bikes but IMO Harley made some changes that are too radical for me. For instance, I just can't get past the digital speedo on the clamp. It's not so much it being a digital speedo. It's the size and placement. And the obvious issue with being able to mod the bars to the one you want--this won't work for some mods. I don't understand this one but obviously Harley thinks its going to attract interest. Maybe it will. I don't know. But this would be a deal-breaker for me. Luckily there are lots of bikes to choose from in the lineup. And putting a 3 gallon tank on the Breakout? That totally killed the lines of the bike. IMO that bike is about style.
Great review ! Sorry for offtopic but could you do 1200 Custom 2018 ? There are no good quality reviews of that bike and i'm planning to buy that one or Fat Bob 2018 depends on the size, I heard that new one is shorter? didn't see it live yet ( im 6ft1 210 but i find dynas just too long for every day use and i live in europe -narrow roads-twisties-no highways)
Hey Matt, a completely unrelated question which I need ur experienced advice for. I have a 2010 ultra limited CVO and was wondering if anything can be done to upgrade the sound system. Basics I need is Bluetooth and USB connectivity and wow factor would be getting everything. Also looking to up the volume so any advice on amp speakers would also be highly appreciated. Have a lot of attachment to the vehicle so not thinking of upgrading right now. I am in india and the dealership here is clueless as it was a special import.
Nice work. Thanks for all of the in-depth info Matt. You're getting these details out ahead of almost everyone else. Really cool to see these new bikes in a real-world, non-HD marketing context.
Just bought the 2019 street bob in the red denim. I have never been a fan of satin finish paint, but this looks so much better in person so I bought the red. Love my bike!!! Great review!
I just bought one yesterday trared my 09 streetbob. This bike looks a lot better in person. Compared to my 09 streetbob this bike is awesome in power , ride, feel , and maneuvering. The only cons I personally found in my opinion is the mid controls and how quiet. But easily customized at a future date. Who buys a hd and keeps the stock pipes anyway.as for the tank size it is 3.5 gallons not a peanut tank which is smaller. My 09 tank was 4.9 gallons not a huge difference in my opinion. Unless riding cross country in which I suggest get ready to pay more
+Michael Smentkowski congrats man. I agree with your points.
Overall I'm loving what HD did with all the recent changes. If you don't like all the new stuff on the bike, pick up a P&A catalog and get some parts. Who really buys a HD and loves everything stock?
Matt, your reviews are consistently the best available on RUclips. Looking forward to your review of the 2018 heritage
Brink1957 coming soon. Thank you
Just purchased this bike thanks for the review on it. Helped me make my choice.
still loving it?
Got a test ride a few days back on the the street bob... the best riding experirnce I've ever had in my life!!! getting 1 :)
SOLD! Industrial grey!! Thank you so so much for the video and review. Very well done Matt.
Good luck on your purchase. Enjoy the bike. The new streetbob is a badass bike.
Thank you Mat for great reviews,I rode the new range at my local dealership and came away impressed.I can say that i'm going to purchase a new motorcycle for next riding season in '18.Probably the touring chassis for long comfortable rides and my fit.Am following you're video's for news and info, cannot wait for April 2018 when I purchase a new bike and hopefully ride west to visit.
another great, honest review with lots of perspective that most of us can never have because we haven't ridden every version of Harley-Davidson and I can see a lot of hipsters choosing this ride
Another quality presentation, thanks Matt 👍🏽
Last week i bought this HD Street Bob after test riding it and you either love this bike or hate it. Me personaly love this bike and the way it rides 🤙🏻 thanks for the awesome / honest reviews you’re putting out there Matt !
Thanks man. Congrats on the bike 👍🏻
Matt Laidlaw thanks ! Appreciate it
I personally love the Street Bob, as someone who's potentially in the market for a big twin in 2018 I think I'm tipping towards the Street Bob over the Fat Bob. I love that Grey Denim! Great video Matt, I've been eagerly anticipating your review of the 2018 Street Bob ever since the new bikes were released and it did not disappoint. Thanks for taking the time to put these videos together man!
I have to say this bike has grown, first when Harley presented the new Softail line-up I didn't like this particular model at all, but two weeks later I placed an order at my local Harley dealer.
Been riding Harley's since 65 I thought this was a Yamaha Star motorcycle when I first saw it at the beginning of the vid and wondered what was going on. Times have changed I guess. The new engine is cool I got to ride one and liked the power.
Since 1965 ?
The new designs are disappointing the older HD fans, at the same time, HD never took the time to groom new generations of riders and ignored them so they bought metric bikes. Now the new Harley's share metric qualities but they can't compete in price. It's a hard situation for HD. They need to drastically drop prices and/or bring back models like the VRod and Dyna Low Rider S. I don't see how the executive team continues to keep their jobs? Double digit loses for most companies usually involves firing the top dogs.
Harley Davidson is a great company. Congrats for their awsome motorcycles 👍🏼
107 is sick, I'm glad I got the last ones in line. My 2017 Dyna, I love her!
Hi Matt, great job on your videos. I test rode the 2018 slim and street bob today. Fell in love with the street bob. I originally was going to purchase a slim and glad I did the test rides. The bob just felt right. I'm 5'6" and it fits perfect. Endless power. The slim just didn't feel right to me. I'm buying the Street Bob this month. Great job!
Great review! Best reviews on RUclips. Been studying your videos while trying to figure out which bike I'm going to snag. Thanks!
Enjoy your reviews. Looking forward to your softail deluxe review. Cant say I like all the black bits on the new bikes. Cheers
Bought mine Yesterday. This video definitely helped!
Hey Matt, really like all the videos you’re doing on these new bikes. Ton of good information! I’ll be buying a new street bob pretty soon and your videos helped a lot.
Awesome man! You'll love it man. that bike is Bad!
@matt laidlaw you should touch on the fact that a lot of newer Harley's are throttle by wire rather than throttle by cable. I just bought a new 2019 street bob and I noticed the acceleration curve is WAY different for the fly by wire vs fly by cable in the DYNA. it tends to jerk straight into a fast speed rather than ease into it with the cable style throttle. do you know how to adjust the computer or make this change on the engineering level?
Best review I’ve seen, with the bike actually being started!
i bought by my fxbb also after seeing this video. very instructive. bike is even better than matt says here. plenty of power. tank is big enough - you anyway stop after 100 miles anyway. seat is a bid poor. riding is a fun. nice video
Good review. Would like to have one, but gosh $14,500, yikes? Can you put the taller rear suspension or is it not cost effective? Better to get the Bob or the Heritage instead? What do you think?
Hey Matt, the Street Bob is my favorite bike and the one I would like to buy in a few years. Do yoy think that in the next models Harley Davidson will add the old looking speedometer like on the dyna and a bigger gas tank? Thanks for the videos Ps Do you think Harley will add denim black to tge street bob colors? Thanks
Now I'm not Matt but I will say I will also get a street bob and I have lots of the same questions
The Real Adolf Hitler yep, also if on the next models there will be a normal engine and not 100% blacked out
I'm so glad I got my fat bob this year and not next. I like how on the Dyna's there was the gas and fuel gauge on opposite sides and the tank had that trim down the middle below the ignition. That way it looks like the older harley's that had two tanks and stuff.
Plus not to mention I love the exposed suspension in the back, hiding it and turning it into a monoshock are the opposite of what makes this bike 'sexy' to me.
edit: does this thing have en electronic throttle but still a mechanical clutch? smh... big let down for me
Anthony P the electronic throttle is good, it responds much quicker than cables and i agree i would rather have the tank Speedo and idiot lights with the tach on the center of handle bars. That new tripple clamp speedo cluster looks like it would be hard to see.
Davide Stanisci if you like the analog type speedometer then the low rider is a good choice for you. Yes, I think they will offer black denim next year.
Thank you for this detailed review. I'm planning on purchasing this exact model and colour. Appreciate your time and effort for folks like us who are buying their 1st Harley.
+Shawn Atwell Nice man. It's a great bike and much improved from the old Streetbobs.
Have to say that at the first time I saw this bike I thought it looked so weird. As it is so stripped down it looked like a Dyna front and a Softtail back, slammed together. But the look on all the bikes has grown on me. This, the Deluxe and the Lowrider are my favorites, both in the past and this years lineup.
Great informative vid as usual. You are just upping the game constantly sir!
Great review! I hope your Softail Slim review is coming soon! It would've been cool to see that new LCD screen on the Slim. Did some test rides myself and can honestly say I dig um! Sadly though, there wasn't any of the smaller Softails in.
I took one of these on a test drive today; same color and all.
This bike runs absolutely great!
I’m itching to trade my 16 R1 for either this bike or a Fat Bob 107.
Any suggestions?
I rode a 2018 streetbob 107ci. It was nice but didn't appeal to me. However I rode 2018 Heritage Softail with the 114ci and bought it immediately. It's a matter of preference. The Heritage did it for me. This is my fourth Harley, with the previous one FLHTC I had almost 30 years. M8 engine rocks!
Hello Matt. I have the same exact bike. Quick question at your earliest convenience if possible. Will I damage my bike if I remove the stock baffles and ride it that way? Definitely want to have that distinctive Harley sound but don’t want to damage bike/motor. Or am I better off saving $ and buying a exhaust system. Thank you sir! Your videos are definitely the best!
I currently ride a Road King, but I wanna add this bike. Just waiting on Forward controls. This will be a fun bike with Cam/pipe and intake!
Matt can you describe how the ignition system works, if it is radioactive, also if it's optional or it's with the standar version of the bike and if you can tell me the models that have it. And if it isn't at the standard version tell me the price.
γιώργος αντωνίου it's standard on all the 2018 softails. You have a fob that is a proximity sensor. If you are near the bike all you need to do is hit the run switch and the ignition comes on. Then just hit the starter switch and you're good to go
γιώργος αντωνίου Radioactive means a completely different thing than what you're thinking of. LOL.
GrowMasterGeneral maybe he wants his bike from Fukushima.
I hope they just add next year the low rider gas tank and get rid of the digital speedometer
A little vibration keeps the blood flowing and heat from the engine both help a lot in the winter.
I thought I saw you riding a couple days ago. That me at 30:16 haha.
Gabriel Almendariz are you the one who snubbed me on the biker wave?
Matt Laidlaw Yea. Haha. I tried to give you a piece sign while grabbing the clutch lever. Haha
First time viewer, now subscribed. Enjoy the way you present the bikes. Bought my first Harley last year, a Street Glide and not getting used to the balance and weight at all. I sure like these and think they'd be a lot easier to ride/handle.
The torque at the rear wheel is gear dependent. That chart is showing you the torque calculated at the crank based on the power measured at the rear wheel.
Thanks Matt, very informative video! One of my favorite dream bikes lol, is time to test ride one. Great job on a nice ride, ride safe !
Hey dude, I'm in a position where I'm either looking at a 2018-19 Street Bob, or a 2016-17 Low Rider S. Is the new Softail frame good enough to go for the street Bob over the S?
Thanks for your reviews Matt. Really good stuff. I think the Street Bob is probably my favorite out of the new softail models. Almost tempted to trade my 2017 Slim S “army bike” for one.
Just bought one and you cleared my doubts! Thanks
It was awesome meeting you matt expect to see me back soon I have my eyes on that new Roadster :O
Hi Matt question. Now that you've taken the bike apart with the custom street bob build, is it possible to have the softail slim tank and battery cover added at the dealer to the street bob?
I most of the styling cues of the new street bob but prefer the reflective battery cover and tank mounted gauge.
Due to the bikes being all on the same frame will this be a relatively inexpensive swap?
Thank you, keep up the work.
Looked pretty planted on the highway section. I know it's not a touring chassis, but are these new softails pretty stable at highway speeds? On my Honda Shadow 1100 I feel like I'm floating and not in a good way. Keeps me on back roads more often than not.
Eric Knight it should be. I have a softail Blackline that is so grounded, it is great!!
Eric Knight YES! a lot more planted and a more controlled suspension feel at higher speeds.
I have never been a HD guy or a bobber guy but I really like this bike and could see myself owning one. That said, several of the new softails I could see myself owning, or one of the tourer baggers, all with the M8.
Yeah. That's my next bike for sure. I'll come and buy at Laidlaws since Huntington Beach HD decided to disrespect me
Cool video Matt and a pretty honest appraisal too. We're still waiting for them here in Australia but while l like the blacked out Street Bob look, l'll probably go for a Lowrider for the bigger fuel tank.
Matt, thanks for the awesome review. Could you please clarify one question? Is it possible to put Forward Controls in this bike? Someone told me it's not for the 2018 street bob.
Great vid with lots of information. Thank you!
In the 2018 parts catalogue is no forward control kit.
Do u think HD will bring these? ...and if yes, when?? Thx
Wonderful video Matt, watched it the whole way through. One thing about the whole West Coast Dyna Nation is that this whole Bob set up, being new, is just lacking people to make additions for it. Give it a few years, and I'm sure there'll be many aftermarket type T bars, seats, and pipes and the like for all consumers. I hope I'm not wrong, here.
andrew dreyer for sure man. Everyone is scrambling right now to make parts. We will have plenty of "Dyna" parts for this platform.
Great honest review as always. Looking forward to a demo of the new bikes in the UK :)
Matt I got to test ride a 2018 Heritage Softail with a 114 cu. in. engine. Just one word AWESOME. Can't wait to see your review on it.
+Andrew Trapani Its amazing to see people judging them without riding them. They are just great bikes.
+Matt Laidlaw - The reason people are judging is that they made massive changes all at once....If Harley just updated the softail line and left the dyne alone for a year or so, they may have been better off. They have alienated a huge chunk of their fan base doing it this way. Just my two cents....
Also, by the way, your videos are awesome, keep it up!
Hi Matt,Hi from Istanbul,Turkey, Thank you for the video, I would like to ask you , I have recently learnt to drive motorcycles, Can I start with Streetbob as my first bike or should I buy a smaller engine one as my first bike?
Thank you for the review. I've been waiting to see a review on this model awesome content.
Which did you like to ride better..this or the low rider?
I have been riding harleys since 1998. The 2017, 2018 model are proof that HD has been lagging behind the competition listening to old riders who only buy a bike once every 10 years.
Harley has to stay current in their design, engine and technology and not have harley riders look at competition for upgrades they have to pay extra for.
Love that color. They have one at my local dealer that's calling my name 😂😂😂
Hey Matt, great review as usual!
Honestly I think you do the best, most complete reviews out there for H-D.
I personally dream about a 18' Street Bob, in few years, maybe, I'll proudly own one.
Soon, SOON.
Keep up the good work, I'm eager to watch the '18 Breakout and Softail Slim reviews as well ;)
+willysandu Thank you! I will be doing a full review on all the 2018 Softails.
Hey I noticed when you down shift you don’t release the clutch. I thought when you down shift you release the clutch for each gear?
Hi matt great source of info as always. The new models have not arrived to istanbul yet. Things i wonder are, will there be a black denim model? And will we able customize them club style? Q Fairings high rise t bars and such?
Bargu Erpi we are working on a club style streetbob. I'll release a video on it in about a month. No black denim this year. I bet next year they will have it.
Matt Laidlaw great to hear that. Looking forward to seeing it. S bob is the best big twin bike especially in heavy traffic while riding in between cars. And with the high rise bars you don't get close to side mirrors and increase your handling. Mid controls also help handling in traffic
Awesome review Matt, how does it compare with the 2017 sizewise, is it smaller?
+George Michael without looking at actual measurement stats I feel like the dimensions are the same. It weighs about 33 lbs less though which is absolutely noticeable.
Matt Laidlaw Thanks for the reply, I took a look at the specs for both of them and the new one is 3 inches shorter in length.
I love your work for the 2017 models, but I just do not like the 2018 models. I have faith HD will get it right down the road. Good luck!!!
They did
Looks like the model designation acronyms have changed. Gotta relearn them now. Haha. Is it possible to order a Milwaukee 8 without the counterbalancers? When I test rode a bike with that motor I missed the shake at idle immediately. Keep up the great work!
Ryan's V-Twin Vlogs unfortunately no, the touring bikes have only the one counter balancer that leaves more vibration at an idle than the Softail version.
I love that gauge cluster! I'm not sold on the frame....... Doesn't mean I won't ever be, need to ride it first.
Hey Matt, thanks for this review. I was heart set on a Lowrider S but the new chassis has stomped on that idea. Due to aesthetics the only 'softail' I want is the Lowrider, I can't handle the exhausts on the Fatbob and I just hate the headlight and nacelle on the fatboy as well as those huge tyres putting me off too, plus that satin chrome look is not for me, not shiny enough for the chrome brigade and to old hat for the blacked out brigade. So I'm back to the Lowrider. So my questions:
I know you can't get the Lowrider with the 114 as standard but can it be upgraded to the 114? Is there any after market upgrade or even better an HD one?
I'm flat scared of a 107 (let alone 114) Lowrider with single front disc, could you fit a second disc to the lowrider without having to have totally new front forks?
It's all back to the Harley tax, I want a Harley, I want the Lowrider, but how much am I going to have to spend to get what I want? A 114 engine, twin disc front brakes, stepped exhausts at full volume.
+John McDowall So the brakes on the news bikes stop just as good as the dual disc brakes on the old bikes. Yes, you can upgrade a low Rider to a 114 CI build. It's a stage 3 kit. With labor and everything it will probably set you back 3,500 approximately. Exhaust at this point is limited but it's out there. We will see more aftermarket companies making exhaust for the new softails soon.
Great review, as usual. what I don't like visually on this bike are those rubber springs on forks, I think previous model looked better. don't get why HD changed that front end design. I am ok with lcd and slimmer tank though.
my fav bike from new lineup is low rider and I'm waiting for your opinion about it. need to choose between LR and Slim.
Awesome Review.....
Great review. This video was the one I watched a few times before I bought this bike. I would love if there were more aftermarket parts for this scoot (FXBB). LIKE A better back fender...one that flows nicer...ducktale style maybe. The stock back fender looks like it doesn’t belong on this bike. But...the Wafflehead is the best looking bike that Harley has out at the moment. Live free or die trying!
A comprehensive review Matt, thanks.
Hey Matt, what jacket are you wearing? Just wondering.
Great review as always Matt. I do agree with your point that the older generation Street Bob does have more heart & soul of a Harley Davidson as it does feel more like an old-school mechanical (living) machine. This is why I love mine so much. I like to see the engine shaking in the frame, I like the analog speed & fuel gauges and I like seeing the shocks. You did hurt my feelings a bit when you said that you'd never ride one unless it was the last choice for financial reasons etc. I'll always love & respect Harley Davidson and their strive for progress. I like this bike very much too, but unless something catastrophic were to happen to my 2016 Street Bob, it'll be with me forever. Thanks again for another great review, I always respect and take to heart your opinions. Have a great weekend. :)
Bobber16 Yea, maybe that comment was harsh. Let me put it this way - I wouldn't buy anything other than the new frame on a streetbob at this point. I still love and respect all older Harley's. That's one of the great things about HD is the history and longevity of the machines. The new frames are just so much better for daily use and riding hard.
Excellent review. The new "Dynatails" look great and it sounds like they are much better performers. Looking forward to the lowrider review. Thanks for all the info.
The lack of customization is what would stop me from buying a new one. Maybe if that changes, I might consider. I still dont know about the soft tail look though.
There are some things now stock on the 2018 model that I quickly swapped out on my 2017 and probably wouldn't have done so if these were on the 2017. It's cool that they made the bars and turn signals black, rather than chrome, the daymaker headlight is awesome and a bigger engine is always welcome and the ugly chrome cowbell horn cover is not missed; but overall, it's not a "Street Bob" and it doesn't look as good as the Street Bob.
I'm very impressed with the stock exhaust sound. Not bad.
Hi Matt thanks for the review all the way from Australia. I'm looking for a new harley which I will be riding to work almost everyday and to do the occasional 2up riding (30mins-1hr)with the wife or daughter. Would you recommend this bike for this type of riding
jarrod brown No, get the Heritage or a touring bike like a Streetglide.
I heard that you couldn't put fore ward controls on this new Street Bob, is that true? relocating them can't be that difficult can it?
Hey Matt, once again great review video. I was gonna come to your dealership to do demo ride but I had to work yesterday.
Do you have future demo ride schedule ??
+Don Quixote we won't be having the truck again for a long time but I can get you a test ride. Just give us a call.
I've not ridden the 2018 models so I can't say anything about the bikes except the looks and for me they are worse than before. I really really love the 2017 model of Street Bob with the exposed shocks, fuel tank gauges and overall more streamlined look when compared to the more "round" look of the 2018 model. They only good thing the 2018 model has in terms of looks are the cafe racer type front shock covers but that's hardly a bonus because you can easily get them for the older models as well. Good thing is I can't afford neither the 2017 nor the 2018 street bob so my opinion doesn't really matter that much :)
TzeiEm......I think they destroyed the Heritage and Fatboy! I hate what they've done to both. The headlight on the Fatboy looks terrible IMO and those rims are horrendous. Also, the chopped rear fender? WTF? I think HD is in for a rude awakening this year. Just my opinion but I don't really like ANY of the changes.
I wanted to get a heritage once i get some money, but now i dont know what im going to get. the heritage looks like cow manure!
TzeiEm i personally think tnat the old bikes looked so dated
Cafe Racer? You do know that style of fork cover has been around forever, and has been used on every single style of motorcycle.
Jerimy McCray......But, a bike like the HERITAGE SOFTAIL CLASSIC is named as such for a reason. It is SUPPOSED to look old school 1950's Hydraglide style. There are other bikes like the Breakout and Vrod that are designed to look newer. There was no reason to change the headlight on the Fatboy and chop the fenders.
Matt so my first motorcycle will be a 2018 Street Bob. I wanted to ask for Your most honest opinion, how do you feel about riding a brand new 0 mile HARLEY all the way from CA to Fort Bragg NC? By the way your videos/reviews have been very informative and helpful.
+Junior Nuñez i think on a streetbob you will get tired of riding after about the 2nd or 3 rd day. It isn’t really a optimum distance bike. No wind deflection, small fuel tank. Not the best seat.
I am suprised they have the digital on the bars..dont care for the front rubber shocks..but 14,000 isnt a bad price for an M8..nice video as usual
Hey Matt I'm 6'2 215 lbs is this bike a good fit for my overall height and weight?
whats with cooling fins on the engine? Lower half thin and black and the upper half thick and polished tips.
i heard the breaking on this bike is not that great, this can be fixed with after market? Because i´ve started to look into HD bikes recently, and saw that the low rider has beter handling and breaking power than the street bob, can some one tell me in terms of acceleration? All the videos i saw was that people really enjoy the pull on these street bobs
Thanks for sharing Matt and always a great and deeply professional review by the way. Just a question a personal to you, looking your comparission chart, if you were going to get a motorcycle between this Street Bob and the Roadster one, overall what would you choose? Thank you and all my recognize to you for your superb videoblog, you are always honest and that´s for sure I´m thankful. Greetings from Mexico City man!!
eduardo montaño I would get the streetbob. I like the bigger chassis and more torque.
Can you say how you fit on the bike being 6’5”? I’m 6’3” and looking into getting this bike but not sure if I’m to big to be comfortable on it
Would this bike be a good option for a new rider? Or is it too much bike to handle for a beginner ?
no. even for a seasoned rider it is a lot of power. you should start off with an 883
Digging these denim paints Matt. Sure is a great looking bike, I'm sure a hoot to ride too. Thanks!
I'm hoping that a less aggresive balancer can give back a bit of the idle rumble.
Thanks for all the information you provided. Especially about the accessories and suspension.
Just_The_Fax thanks
I think there are a lot of positives with the new bikes but IMO Harley made some changes that are too radical for me. For instance, I just can't get past the digital speedo on the clamp. It's not so much it being a digital speedo. It's the size and placement. And the obvious issue with being able to mod the bars to the one you want--this won't work for some mods. I don't understand this one but obviously Harley thinks its going to attract interest. Maybe it will. I don't know. But this would be a deal-breaker for me. Luckily there are lots of bikes to choose from in the lineup. And putting a 3 gallon tank on the Breakout? That totally killed the lines of the bike. IMO that bike is about style.
Nice video.
How was the Speedo? Fairly easy to see while driving?
Mars 816 yea. It was really easy to glance quickly at. It comes up sharp and easy to view.
Can the taller fatbob shock be fitted to the streetbob? Or at least a taller option for the streetbob?
Is it possible to remove those rubber spring tubes from forks? are they for visual side only or have some practical function?
I would like to know this myself!! Matt, can You reply?!!
Laidlaw with the best harley reviews as always 👌
Great review !
Sorry for offtopic but could you do 1200 Custom 2018 ? There are no good quality reviews of that bike and i'm planning to buy that one or Fat Bob 2018 depends on the size, I heard that new one is shorter? didn't see it live yet ( im 6ft1 210 but i find dynas just too long for every day use and i live in europe -narrow roads-twisties-no highways)
+sportstyle Yea. I definitely plan on reviewing the 1200 C. At your size I would recommend a Fatbob though.
Hey Matt, a completely unrelated question which I need ur experienced advice for. I have a 2010 ultra limited CVO and was wondering if anything can be done to upgrade the sound system. Basics I need is Bluetooth and USB connectivity and wow factor would be getting everything. Also looking to up the volume so any advice on amp speakers would also be highly appreciated. Have a lot of attachment to the vehicle so not thinking of upgrading right now. I am in india and the dealership here is clueless as it was a special import.