I loved this road test ... your obvious enjoyment of bike is so much fun to watch. HD really have hit a home run with the new softail platform, it really offers a lot. Your expressed concerns about control location and tires is fortunately an easy fix and to be honest, a very short list of cons. I'm still trying to work out whether I go for this bike or the Slim .... they both represent outstanding value, performance and looks. This was my third video of yours and I'm happy to say that I'm now a new sub. Your genuine love of bikes is obvious and contagious and that comes through on every test you do. I look forward to many more ... cheers!
I'd either trade up to this bike or to the softail slim Matt Laidlaw just did a review of the softail slim and now my favorite bloke is reviewing the Street Bob what a life!!!!
Mako Vette The slim has a big air filter right at your right knee, let me know if that bothered you. We don't get the 2018's for another couple months.
I was ready to buy a Sportster 48 special, but as you said for the extra £2K, Milwaukee 8 engine, sold it for me, I mean an LED headlight is a couple of hundred quid alone. Deposit paid today for a Street Bob. I can understand some prefer traditional analogue gauges but I think the minimalist digital display suits this bike, its a lot more clearer in real life. Thanks for the review .
FINALLY no rain on a 18 review!! :) Love the video. I felt the same way when I rode this bike. It's just too small.... I believe (with no specs for facts) that the new frame is shorter than the older Dyna and Softails. They all seemed short and cramped to me.
As a Floridian rider, I'd love to have an engine that doesn't cook my inner thighs. The Milwaukee 8 feels nice on the road bikes, I can only imagine the streetbob response. Great review as always, cheers
I have a 2015 low rider with the scorcher tires. I think you said you have a low rider s. What tires are good as far as sticking to the road? Especially in the rain. Also, I have a bad back and the low rider jolts my back pretty good. Is there a big difference with the new monoshock? Is there a noticeable difference to getting a good pounding to your back? I thought about changing to the H.D premium suspension, but I don't know for sure if it would be that much of a difference. Your low rider s comes with the premium suspension I'm talking about, so if it's a big difference from your bike to the new monoshock, then I might just have a 2015 low rider for sale. Under 3k mikes if anybody interested. I have likes and dislikes about the 2018 line-up, but I need to go where the comfort is unfortunately. Well, just like another guy in comments, I watch you and Matt Laidlaw. Both of you do a good job reviewing bikes, and I would sure appreciate some feedback to my questions I have asked. Thanks a lot. I can't stand having messed my back up bc it hinders my riding. I've got to figure this out. I'm glad there are people like you and Matt reviewing these bikes and giving your thoughts about them. Again, I'll thank you in advance for any feedback and be waiting for the next review. Stay between the ditches and let the good times roll.
Hey Nice video ! You re first one I've ever seen in videos who noticed/pointed the difference between Michelin Sorcher tires and Dunlops. This shows that you are very picky like me :) I totally agree with you. Sorcher tires are less confident in leaning. I changed mine to Dunlop D401 . Lot of improvement in leaning angle and confidence.
Great review. I am not a fan of the digital display, prefere the old clock on the tank set-up. Pick-up my brand new 48 on Wednesday in the Hard Candy Black/gold flake, just a bit excited! Or at least i was until you mentioned the extra 2k and you could have a SB, dam you man! Thanks Sir.
Hi! I've a sportster 48 and i'm thinking buy a bigger HD for longer rides and wife be more comfortable. Between this new HD Softail Street Bob and the Low Rider S, which one you would pick? Thks
That's a very sweet looking Bike. It has a lot of "Old School" Style; I like... But, I totally agree, it needs forward controls. And, I rather have bars with a "Gloss Black" or "Chromed" finish. That "Wrinkle Black" finish turns me off... So, I'd have to change the Bars, Pipes & Air Cleaner, and I would go from Mid's to Forward's on the Controls. Other than that, I love it! Sweet Bike. It's definitely a "Keeper!"
I’m 5’9” and with a 30” inseam when I sat on this bike I felt completely at home on it, I own a 2018 sportster iron 1200 but I’ll be trading up to one of these pretty soon
My first bike (new rider over 50)....thought about the Sportster, but decided to pony up a few more for the FXBB. Thoroughly happy, would have been trading in a Sportster for the bigger. Bought it before I got my license so never rode the Sporty. Embarrass yourself going slow for a while, it will work out better, you will get to go faster....later.
I run a 48 and I'm still Chopin and changing it to make it mine. I think I'll upgrade eventually and it will be to a street bob but I like the dyna version the best.
I was looking forward to this review, specifically, and you did not disappoint dear sir. With the gauge cluster being connected to the bars, is it even possible to make it T Bar Club Style?
Great reviews of the 2018 models, I am booked in to test the Street Bob, Sport Glide and Fat Bob next Saturday, coming from a naked middleweight bike, which do you think would give me the most confidence when cornering? I have never scraped a peg on my bikes before, but do like a spirited ride around the lanes, my friend has a 2016 Softail Slim S, and is always scraping his footboards which scares the s*** out of me when I am following him, hoping not to do the same!
This is the most inexpensive of the new Softails! I'd daily this in Madison WI (part of the US that has an ice age 4 months out of the year). First thing to do along with exhaust, is get rid of those front shocks, the rubbery casing to be more specific.
Great review! I agree on the mid controls and I'm only 5 foot 6. The forward controls on a 2018 feel great to me and I wish they would have put them on the street bob. Will you do the 2018 Softail Slim next?
I've had a Slim S and a few other Harley's over the years inc 4 Dyna's now own an FXBB with forward controls in my opinion the FXBB is the best handling one ever the only down side is the fuel tank , too small and looks a bit lost could do with the old Dyna tank …..Shaw Harley now Sykes HD great people had a few bikes from them over the years
OK, first of all, you mention your legs are bunched up. That is relative to how tall you are which would be nice to know for comparison. As far as the bars, couldn't they be pulled back an inch or two to make it more comfortable? Lastly, from my understanding, the controls are somewhat between mid and forward. Again though, it all depends on the height of the rider. Either way, that's what they are, no different than any other bike that has mid controls. Just taking note. Looking at this to replace my BMW so just a bit curious on your opinion.
Dunno man, that 3.5 gallon tank is a deal breaker. Figure forward controls and a seat that won't kill your butt after an hour and putting on tires that don't suck and you're up to $1500 easily, bars look cheap to my eye too, so this one for me at least is a pass. I'll check out the Slim tomorrow, that's a much better sorted machine for $1500 more than the Street Bob. Thanks for the vid, love your enthusiasm :)
So, I've just ordered one of these! Agree with your pros and cons, as a fellow Surrey/Sussex rider and making a few changes. What Dunlops or Michelins would you fit? I like the Michelin Pilot 4s I have on my BMW R1200 GS? Work on this Harley too you think? Great channel by the way....good luck with the custom work on the new Street Bob project.
I can't agree with you about the mids from a ground clearance viewpoint. Forward mounts leave my feet feeling too exposed. I've seen a Cafe Racer single single seat. The bike has a lot of good points and is customisable, so it could grow with you. I like the idea of a tour pack 1 over sidebars.
The Street Bob, a blank canvas to start off on. But aren´t them all? That "nice twisty knob", yeah... Isn´t it time to give it a proper name? "The revolver knob" would do nice, don´t you think, mate? It reassembles a revolver cylinder in my eyes. Great review.
Love the way you share what you feel riding this beauty.... Thanks for this nice time ! 😉 we europeans feel those bikes very diffrently from american guys who tends to be Harley fanboys just because it's made in USA.
I am 5'10" and I felt a bit too tall for it. The seat was either too low or the mid controls were too high, because my knees were really high when riding. The seat itself also was horrible. I was sliding back all the time and had to really hang on for my life when accelerating. I definitely feel that the dyna street bob was better in those regards.
Joe Strother anyone over 6 feet tall might consider it a bit cramped. I'm 5'9" having sat on the bike it fits me well with similar ergos to the Yamaha bolt
I think HD made the ergos of this and the Low Rider suck intentionally. That's why they sell them at a lower price point, because they know they'll sell a forward controls, a better seat, and probably lower handlebars to everyone that buys one. Suddenly, the $15k SB is as much as the Breakout or Fatbob that are comfortable out of the box.
A couple notes on physics: 1) Bikes are steered with our arms, not our feet. Placing them closer to the body has nothing to do with how easily they change direction. Skinnier wheels,. small rake angles, and short wheel bases are how that's accomplished. 2) Width of a handlebar provides leverage. Height does nothing besides drain the blood from our extremities. I don't mind the closeness of the controls IF they would have made the seat sufficiently tall. As it is, even with my stubby legs, my knees are riding above my hips...no bueno. I get that sitting on a torture rack is part of the whole "badass" dress code, but I say, make the bike right outta the crate and let the badasses screw them up on their own dime.
Agreed. I also think they made these for little guys. Which sucks cuase I'm 6feet tall. I think there are tons of mexicans and asians in the USA that buy these so they are trying to win over new riders but too bad for bigger riders...
Most bikes are made for bigger guys, or if your tall your have a lot more choice of motorcycles than us smaller blokes so its nice to get something big that suites small.
Man, I hated the Fatboy, though I loved all of the others. This one looks a lot like my Blackline ater I put apes on it. Didn´t like the digital spedo though. I can´t decide for one, even the Deluxe I~m loving.
I've owned my 2011 Streetbob from new . It's a simple matter to loosen the bar clamps and drop the the bars back , then loosen lever clamps and reposition levers . Forward controls on this bike are stupid , changing the seat to raise the seat height and keeping the mid pegs is better than forward controls which are dangerous on decent twisty roads . I've worn out four sets of pegs . A seat like this is the way to go www.endscuoio.com/product/middle-police/ there a gel option . I tested the softail Streetbob model and was not impressed - feedback from the tyres is inferior to my bike which I run on Scorchers -I tried pilots and was back at the dealers after the first roundabout -if that new S/bob does not inspire confidence on Scorchers then some thing is wrong -the bike I tested was on Dunlops . Scorchers were specifically designed for the Dyna Streetbob if they don't work on the softail , that chassis is duff.
I loved this road test ... your obvious enjoyment of bike is so much fun to watch. HD really have hit a home run with the new softail platform, it really offers a lot. Your expressed concerns about control location and tires is fortunately an easy fix and to be honest, a very short list of cons. I'm still trying to work out whether I go for this bike or the Slim .... they both represent outstanding value, performance and looks.
This was my third video of yours and I'm happy to say that I'm now a new sub. Your genuine love of bikes is obvious and contagious and that comes through on every test you do. I look forward to many more ... cheers!
I hope they have, I just bought a 2020 Street Bob.
I'd either trade up to this bike or to the softail slim Matt Laidlaw just did a review of the softail slim and now my favorite bloke is reviewing the Street Bob what a life!!!!
Slim would get my vote, going to test ride one tomorrow if the stealership has one available just because...
Mako Vette The slim has a big air filter right at your right knee, let me know if that bothered you. We don't get the 2018's for another couple months.
Laidlaw has really cool bikes
I'm new to your channel and I absolutely love your videos!! I plan on getting a Street Bob for my first bike and your video was very helpful!!
I was ready to buy a Sportster 48 special, but as you said for the extra £2K, Milwaukee 8 engine, sold it for me, I mean an LED headlight is a couple of hundred quid alone. Deposit paid today for a Street Bob. I can understand some prefer traditional analogue gauges but I think the minimalist digital display suits this bike, its a lot more clearer in real life. Thanks for the review .
FINALLY no rain on a 18 review!! :) Love the video. I felt the same way when I rode this bike. It's just too small.... I believe (with no specs for facts) that the new frame is shorter than the older Dyna and Softails. They all seemed short and cramped to me.
As a Floridian rider, I'd love to have an engine that doesn't cook my inner thighs. The Milwaukee 8 feels nice on the road bikes, I can only imagine the streetbob response. Great review as always, cheers
I have a 2015 low rider with the scorcher tires. I think you said you have a low rider s. What tires are good as far as sticking to the road? Especially in the rain. Also, I have a bad back and the low rider jolts my back pretty good. Is there a big difference with the new monoshock? Is there a noticeable difference to getting a good pounding to your back? I thought about changing to the H.D premium suspension, but I don't know for sure if it would be that much of a difference. Your low rider s comes with the premium suspension I'm talking about, so if it's a big difference from your bike to the new monoshock, then I might just have a 2015 low rider for sale. Under 3k mikes if anybody interested. I have likes and dislikes about the 2018 line-up, but I need to go where the comfort is unfortunately. Well, just like another guy in comments, I watch you and Matt Laidlaw. Both of you do a good job reviewing bikes, and I would sure appreciate some feedback to my questions I have asked. Thanks a lot. I can't stand having messed my back up bc it hinders my riding. I've got to figure this out. I'm glad there are people like you and Matt reviewing these bikes and giving your thoughts about them. Again, I'll thank you in advance for any feedback and be waiting for the next review. Stay between the ditches and let the good times roll.
Hey Nice video ! You re first one I've ever seen in videos who noticed/pointed the difference between Michelin Sorcher tires and Dunlops. This shows that you are very picky like me :) I totally agree with you. Sorcher tires are less confident in leaning. I changed mine to Dunlop D401 . Lot of improvement in leaning angle and confidence.
Great review. I am not a fan of the digital display, prefere the old clock on the tank set-up. Pick-up my brand new 48 on Wednesday in the Hard Candy Black/gold flake, just a bit excited! Or at least i was until you mentioned the extra 2k and you could have a SB, dam you man! Thanks Sir.
Hi! I've a sportster 48 and i'm thinking buy a bigger HD for longer rides and wife be more comfortable. Between this new HD Softail Street Bob and the Low Rider S, which one you would pick? Thks
That's a very sweet looking Bike. It has a lot of "Old School" Style; I like... But, I totally agree, it needs forward controls. And, I rather have bars with a "Gloss Black" or "Chromed" finish. That "Wrinkle Black" finish turns me off... So, I'd have to change the Bars, Pipes & Air Cleaner, and I would go from Mid's to Forward's on the Controls. Other than that, I love it! Sweet Bike. It's definitely a "Keeper!"
I’m 5’9” and with a 30” inseam when I sat on this bike I felt completely at home on it, I own a 2018 sportster iron 1200 but I’ll be trading up to one of these pretty soon
Im trading up from the same bike jim jitsu
I Like your vlogs. You give a nice perspective of the bikes you try. Cheers from Mauritius
This is a great review Mark ! I was thinking about getting the new S T Slim, however, finding now this is more interesting to me !
@motonewbriber Wich would you prefer, youre 48 Sportster or the Streetbob??
So nice to see a Harley-Davidson review with the rider driving in the left carriageway.
I've never rode a harley before. But should I buy this for my fist bike? Need help
best thing to do is jump on them all and try them out - the vlogs give a flair but you're the best person to make that decision.
Yes
why not, just taker easy
No
My first bike (new rider over 50)....thought about the Sportster, but decided to pony up a few more for the FXBB. Thoroughly happy, would have been trading in a Sportster for the bigger. Bought it before I got my license so never rode the Sporty. Embarrass yourself going slow for a while, it will work out better, you will get to go faster....later.
I run a 48 and I'm still Chopin and changing it to make it mine. I think I'll upgrade eventually and it will be to a street bob but I like the dyna version the best.
I was looking forward to this review, specifically, and you did not disappoint dear sir. With the gauge cluster being connected to the bars, is it even possible to make it T Bar Club Style?
I see a lot of reviews from Europa .
Are harleys reasonably priced there ?
Shaws Harley, love the roads round there. Good vid mate.
Great reviews of the 2018 models, I am booked in to test the Street Bob, Sport Glide and Fat Bob next Saturday, coming from a naked middleweight bike, which do you think would give me the most confidence when cornering? I have never scraped a peg on my bikes before, but do like a spirited ride around the lanes, my friend has a 2016 Softail Slim S, and is always scraping his footboards which scares the s*** out of me when I am following him, hoping not to do the same!
This is the most inexpensive of the new Softails! I'd daily this in Madison WI (part of the US that has an ice age 4 months out of the year). First thing to do along with exhaust, is get rid of those front shocks, the rubbery casing to be more specific.
Great review! I agree on the mid controls and I'm only 5 foot 6. The forward controls on a 2018 feel great to me and I wish they would have put them on the street bob. Will you do the 2018 Softail Slim next?
I’m watching this for the 3rd time. Lol. You are an entertainer. I’m buying this bike By the way.
How would you compare the new Softail Street Bob to your Dyna S?
I've had a Slim S and a few other Harley's over the years inc 4 Dyna's now own an FXBB with forward controls in my opinion the FXBB is the best handling one ever the only down side is the fuel tank , too small and looks a bit lost could do with the old Dyna tank …..Shaw Harley now Sykes HD great people had a few bikes from them over the years
Your missing the sportster days aren’t you great stuff mate keep it up 👍🏻🇬🇧
OK, first of all, you mention your legs are bunched up. That is relative to how tall you are which would be nice to know for comparison. As far as the bars, couldn't they be pulled back an inch or two to make it more comfortable? Lastly, from my understanding, the controls are somewhat between mid and forward. Again though, it all depends on the height of the rider. Either way, that's what they are, no different than any other bike that has mid controls. Just taking note. Looking at this to replace my BMW so just a bit curious on your opinion.
Dunno man, that 3.5 gallon tank is a deal breaker. Figure forward controls and a seat that won't kill your butt after an hour and putting on tires that don't suck and you're up to $1500 easily, bars look cheap to my eye too, so this one for me at least is a pass. I'll check out the Slim tomorrow, that's a much better sorted machine for $1500 more than the Street Bob.
Thanks for the vid, love your enthusiasm :)
So, I've just ordered one of these! Agree with your pros and cons, as a fellow Surrey/Sussex rider and making a few changes. What Dunlops or Michelins would you fit? I like the Michelin Pilot 4s I have on my BMW R1200 GS? Work on this Harley too you think?
Great channel by the way....good luck with the custom work on the new Street Bob project.
I can't agree with you about the mids from a ground clearance viewpoint. Forward mounts leave my feet feeling too exposed. I've seen a Cafe Racer single single seat. The bike has a lot of good points and is customisable, so it could grow with you. I like the idea of a tour pack 1 over sidebars.
Hey bud. Enjoyed the vid. Looking to get a stsb next spring!
Torn between a street bob and slim. These videos are great for reference.
thanks for posting
Looks similar to the slim as far as the fenders. I like both!
New intro tune! Nice and chill man.
The Street Bob, a blank canvas to start off on. But aren´t them all? That "nice twisty knob", yeah... Isn´t it time to give it a proper name? "The revolver knob" would do nice, don´t you think, mate? It reassembles a revolver cylinder in my eyes.
Great review.
hope it gets a greater tank for the 2020 model!
The older model tank was a nice
Comparing to 2018 Fat Boy, which would you recommend?
How were their maneuverability comparisons?
What's the top speed of this bike?
Love the way you share what you feel riding this beauty.... Thanks for this nice time ! 😉 we europeans feel those bikes very diffrently from american guys who tends to be Harley fanboys just because it's made in USA.
So glad I didn’t go with that exhaust I went with the two brothers 2 into 1 coming of an iron to this pick her up next week!
no warranty though ?
@nutter the screaming eagle mufflers are not loud compared to a lot of other ones but the performance is excellent it's a trade off I think
@nutterit seems on the Milwaukee 8 the right mufflers are more critical for good performance 👍
Is this bike chain driven?
Belt ✅
My next bike... 👍❗️
Are you 4 feet tall or are you 8 feet tall?? Saying the riders triangle is too compact, close, and tight doesn't mean anything on it's own.
I am 5'10" and I felt a bit too tall for it. The seat was either too low or the mid controls were too high, because my knees were really high when riding. The seat itself also was horrible. I was sliding back all the time and had to really hang on for my life when accelerating. I definitely feel that the dyna street bob was better in those regards.
Joe Strother anyone over 6 feet tall might consider it a bit cramped. I'm 5'9" having sat on the bike it fits me well with similar ergos to the Yamaha bolt
I took one for a spin im 5'7" and i felt cramped i agree forward controls would make it much better. I own an 18 fat bob. Great bike.
Beautiful bike and video is well done. :)
I think HD made the ergos of this and the Low Rider suck intentionally. That's why they sell them at a lower price point, because they know they'll sell a forward controls, a better seat, and probably lower handlebars to everyone that buys one. Suddenly, the $15k SB is as much as the Breakout or Fatbob that are comfortable out of the box.
A couple notes on physics:
1) Bikes are steered with our arms, not our feet. Placing them closer to the body has nothing to do with how easily they change direction. Skinnier wheels,. small rake angles, and short wheel bases are how that's accomplished.
2) Width of a handlebar provides leverage. Height does nothing besides drain the blood from our extremities.
I don't mind the closeness of the controls IF they would have made the seat sufficiently tall. As it is, even with my stubby legs, my knees are riding above my hips...no bueno.
I get that sitting on a torture rack is part of the whole "badass" dress code, but I say, make the bike right outta the crate and let the badasses screw them up on their own dime.
Agreed. I also think they made these for little guys. Which sucks cuase I'm 6feet tall. I think there are tons of mexicans and asians in the USA that buy these so they are trying to win over new riders but too bad for bigger riders...
Most bikes are made for bigger guys, or if your tall your have a lot more choice of motorcycles than us smaller blokes so its nice to get something big that suites small.
you should have forward control with apes. Why is the bike with apes and standard controls. You need apes with forward controls. There's ya problem
I got a bunt king crash bar, gives you another place to put your feet, also when you get good, you can change gears with your heal!
Would not work for me because my wife rides with me and it seems it is not the right bike for two up. Great review though.
Cute and easy to ride
Man, I hated the Fatboy, though I loved all of the others. This one looks a lot like my Blackline ater I put apes on it. Didn´t like the digital spedo though. I can´t decide for one, even the Deluxe I~m loving.
no test brake
Awesome vid
I've owned my 2011 Streetbob from new . It's a simple matter to loosen the bar clamps and drop the the bars back , then loosen lever clamps and reposition levers .
Forward controls on this bike are stupid , changing the seat to raise the seat height and keeping the mid pegs is better than forward controls which are dangerous on decent twisty roads . I've worn out four sets of pegs . A seat like this is the way to go www.endscuoio.com/product/middle-police/ there a gel option .
I tested the softail Streetbob model and was not impressed - feedback from the tyres is inferior to my bike which I run on Scorchers -I tried pilots and was back at the dealers after the first roundabout -if that new S/bob does not inspire confidence on Scorchers then some thing is wrong -the bike I tested was on Dunlops . Scorchers were specifically designed for the Dyna Streetbob if they don't work on the softail , that chassis is duff.
led gauge they buy in china for a few cents..... I want real stuff for the price they asking
This video didn’t give it enough beans IMHO.
Ha, a Street Bob is 20k now.
For the rest of Europe, your video needs to be reflected. Otherwise, it feels a bit dizzy
Saludos desde España!
I'm giving you a thumbs down! Ergonomics and you don't even tell us your height?
USB port??.. Maybe they should put more horsepower in it than that shit??..
Slooow bike 😁.. Harley really need to get Some HP in their bikes
They're cruiser bikes not sports bikes they're fine as they are
Gracias a ti sé dónde va el USB 😅😂😂😅
A lot of whistle(phoof..phoof) in audio when u speak
Harley Riders shouldn't have to listen to that kind of music