Harley Davidson’s New Technology on Softail Models
When the new 2011 Harleys came out a few changes were made. Some changes are noticeable and others are not. Whether visible or hidden, these changes were made to increase the Softail’s safety and functionality.
The noticeable changes are:
1) Elimination of the trip reset button which leaves a clean console with nothing protruding from the sides.
2) Changing the existing Horn and Start switches to rocker switches that now include the Trip (Horn) and Hazard (Start) functions. This change allows all functions to be performed with your hands never leaving the handlebar grips.
3) Adding a digital Tachometer to the Speedo gauge. Having a tach assists in new bike break-ins by being able to monitor the engine revs.
The changes that are hidden (and more important) are:
1) The availability of adding (as an option) Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) on all models except Cross Bones (FLSTSB). H-D Security System is coupled with ABS in this factory option.
2) HDLAN (Harley-Davidson Local Area Network) wiring which is a 2-wire system that has many benefits. This system reduces wiring harness sizes, eliminates most fuses and relays, has smaller wire gauge and reduces the wires needed. Thus eliminating many potential electrical problems. This new technology condenses several modules to one Body Control Module (BCM). This allows the use of LED turn signals without adding extra modules and gives the Techs numerous diagnostics to find and fix issues.
Hopefully this new technology will leak into the other Harley Davidson models in the years to come. Providing everyone a safer and more reliable ride!
RIDE SAFE!!!
Rick H.
