Harley-Davidson updates lineup

If you can get past the marketingspeak in this week’s Harley-Davidson press release about lineup updates, there’s some interesting information.

First up: There are no wild new models. They’ve added the Fatboy S and Softail Slim S models, which are basically hot-rodded versions of existing models, with the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 motor; the standard Softail and Dyna models all get the High Output Twin Cam 103 motor, and the Road Glide Ultra model is back in the lineup. Softail models also get cruise control available on all models. Certainly nothing earth-shattering here.

However, it’s interesting to note the MoCo is also announcing models from the Sportster lineup have received “modern design and new suspensions.” Has Harley-Davidson finally listened to all the criticism and installed better suspension on their Sportsters?

Their press release says all 2016 Sportsters have nitrogen-charged gas shocks with cartridge forks up front. It mentions nothing about adjustability for the forks, and it sounds as if the shocks are only adjustable for preload; however, a move towards better suspension is a move in the right direction.

Harley-Davidson’s new Street 500 and Street 750 models have also been updated, with improvements to the front and rear brakes.

Costa’s off riding the 2016 Harley-Davidson range this week, so we ought to get a report on the changes to the lineup soon.

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