Harley 2016: Softails get grunt

Harley-Davidson is injecting a dose of High Output grunt into the Softail range for 2016, but the Fat Boy and Slim are going a step further by getting the 110ci CVO powerplant for propulsion.

At the same time, the Sportster range is being updated with improved suspension and other tweaks.

The 103ci High Output air-cooled engine currently fitted to some of the Touring lineup is being shoehorned into the Softail range to boost performance.

However, the new S-series versions of the Fat Boy and Softail Slim come in for special treatment; they’re the first models outside the Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) stream to be fitted with Harley’s Screamin’ Eagle 110ci hot-rod engine, ramping up torque to 148Nm.

Among the highlights of the styling changes coming to several Softails, the Slim will be offered in an olive green military scheme reminiscent of WWII WLA models, complete with large white star on the tank.

Cruise control will be a standard feature on the Heritage, Deluxe, Fat Boy S and Slim S.

Harley has upgraded suspension at both ends through the entire Sportster range, as well as fitting more comfortable seats that use new materials as well as new shapes. The new nitrogen-filled shocks have 36mm pistons for greater damping control and preload-adjustable springs. The forks are now a cartridge design with triple-rate springs.

The 883 Iron has tougher styling to enhance its retro-bobber look, and it benefits from lighter alloy wheels too.

And the 500 Street is up for its first modification, in the form of improved brakes at both ends.

The CVO department has presented up-spec versions of three Tourers for 2016: the Limited, Road Glide Ultra and Street Glide, all of which feature premium inclusions for both practicality and style.

The full details of Harley-Davidson’s 2016 model range and changes are available on the H-D website.