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Harley-Davidson Softail Standard review

The 2020 Harley-Davison FXST Softail Standard is not only an entry model for their 107-cube Milwaukee Eight big twin, but also the perfect donor bike or “blank canvas” for customising.

It comes with a solo seat, mini-ape bars, shotgun exhausts, 19-inch chromed steel rims with classic spokes and not much else.

At $A21,495 ($NZ22,750) ride away you can set aside some cash for custom parts and factory accessories.

Most will probably start with forward controls for a more relaxed riding position as well as better cornering clearance. Shorter folk will probably leave it as it is with its ultra-low 680mm seat.

Standard raisedHarley-Davidson FXST Softail Standard

The Softail Standard makes a welcome return to the stable as it was one of the Milwaukee’s company’s best-selling bikes in Australia for many years.

Obviously, there are a lot of riders like me who enjoy the simplicity of the bike and the scope for customisation.

However, the 2020 Softail Standard is a long way from the 1984 Evo original or the last model in 2007, thanks to the last major overhaul in 2017.

The main change is the more powerful air-cooled 107 (1746cc) Milwaukee Eight V-twin engine.Harley-Davidson FXST Softail Standard

It’s also a more refined unit which you will notice the moment you hit the ignition switch. There is no longer an awkward jolt, but a delicious thump of big-twin vibe.

Harley doesn’t discuss or reveal power output figures, but the Milwaukee Eight has 149Nm of arm-wrenching torque and with that much grunt, there is little need to work the gears.

If you do, those familiar with Harleys will be pleasantly surprised by the slicker, positive and quieter gearshift. And you can find neutral relatively easily!

Handling and rideHarley-Davidson FXST Softail Standard

The other big update in 2017 was the improved ride and handling, thanks to shedding about 17kg in weight, a 17% stiffer frame, emulsion rear shock and Showa dual-bending-valve forks.

It now feels more solid, rides smoother over the bumps, holds its line better through corners and provides confidence in cornering.

The Showa forks not only provide positive steering, but also delete that jackhammer effect through the grips, although I did find the thick rubber grips hurt my arthritic hands after a couple of hours of riding.

I don’t mind the mini ape hanger bars that bring my fists up to chest height. They provide some hand-eye co-ordination which helps with tight manoeuvres, but can be uncomfortable on long highway stints where your body forms a windsock position against the wind blast.

However, the Softail Standard isn’t a highway tourer. It’s a cruiser designed for blasts through the hills.

Yet the solo seat is extremely comfortable with no complaints by the time the fuel light came on after about 200km.Harley-Davidson FXST Softail Standard

Despite the single 300m disc brake up front, I am impressed with its ability to bring 297kg of heft to a prompt stop with minimal fork dive even though the rear brake feels lifeless.

Styling

While Harley has gone for a traditional style, there are some mod-cons such as digital instruments and an LED headlight with a good spread of even light.

Those minimalist instruments are an absolute delight.

The main screen is discretely incorporated into the handlebar with a smaller screen tucked underneath. Nothing to spoil the look of the front end.Harley-Davidson FXST Softail Standard

Despite being small and minimal, they are easy to see in all light conditions and include quite a bit of information.

The main screen displays the fuel gauge, speedometer and gear position all the time and you can toggle through the clock, fuel range, odometer, two trip meters and rev counter via a handy toggle switch on the left switchblock.

The bottom screen displays the warning lights and indicators.

While some Softail Standard owners will enjoy slicing and dicing this blank canvas into their dream bike, Harley has also made it easier with a choice of four accessory packages:

  • Day Tripper Custom Package: Pillion seat and a 21-inch detachable sissy bar with pad, passenger foot pegs and mounts, forward foot controls and a black leather Single-Sided Swingarm Bag.
  • Coast Custom Package: Softail Quarter Fairing, black anodised aluminium Moto Bar handlebar and 5.5-inch riser, a Bevel two-up seat and passenger foot pegs, and BMX-style foot pegs from the 80GRIT Collection.
  • Touring Custom Package: Sundowner two-up seat and passenger foot pegs, a 14-inch-high light smoke quick-release windshield, classic black detachable saddlebags and a 14.5-inch detachable sissy bar and backrest pad.
  • Performance Custom Package: Throttle response and mid-range acceleration is improved with a Screamin’ Eagle Stage II Torque kit for the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, Screamin’ Eagle Pro Street Tuner, Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather Performance Air Cleaner and Screamin’ Eagle Street Cannon mufflers. This factory-engineered performance upgrade retains the original equipment factory warranty when installed by an authorised Harley-Davidson dealer.

2020 Harley-Davison FXST Softail Standard tech specsHarley-Davidson FXST Softail Standard

Price

$A21,495 ($NZ22,750) ride away

Engine

1746cc, 45-degree Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin; 4 valves/cyl.

Bore x Stroke

99 x 111mm

Compression

10:01

Transmission

6-speed, belt drive

Torque

149Nm @ 3000rpm

Suspension (front)

49mm telescopic fork w/ dual bending valve; 38mm travel

Suspension (rear)

Coilover monoshock, adjustable for preload; 86mm travel

Brakes (front)

4-piston fixed caliper, 300mm disc

Brake (rear)

2-piston floating caliper, 292mm disc

Wheels (front/rear)

Chrome, steel-laced; 19 x 2.5 in / 16 x 3.0 in.

Tyres (front/rear)

Dunlop bias blackwall 110/90B-19 / 150/80B-16

Rake/Trail

30.0°/157mm

Wheelbase

1630mm

Seat

680mm

Wet weight

297kg

Fuel tank

13.2 litres

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Harley announce 2020 Softail Standard for $21,495 R/A

2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard


Harley-Davidson have announced the new 2020 Softail Standard model, offering an attainable entry-point into Harley Big Twin ownership with the Milwaukee-Eight 107 powerplant, Vivid Black paint and traditional chrome, and available for $21,495 Ride-Away, offering a more traditional alternative to the slightly more expensive, fully blacked-out Street Bob which demands an addition $1000 premium.

Harley Davidson Softail Standard FXST AF

Harley Davidson Softail Standard FXST AF

2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard

The Softail Standard and Street Bob offering the easiest entry point into the Softail family, before moving up to the Low Rider, which is priced at $24,495 Ride-Away.

The Softail Standard features the updated Softail chassis, with an optimised steel frame for stiffness and weight, and the Milwaukee-Eight 107 rigid mounted. Monoshock rear suspension and dual-bending valve front forks are found alongside single front and rear disc brakes, with a four-piston front caliper and dual-piston rear caliper.

Harley Davidson Softail Standard FXST PA Riding

Harley Davidson Softail Standard FXST PA Riding

2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard

Rear preload adjustability can be accessed under the seat, while wheels are classic chromed, steel-laced items, with a 19-inch front and 16-inch rear.

Harley Davidson Softail Standard FXST AF

Harley Davidson Softail Standard FXST AF

Wheels are chromed, steel spoke items, 19 inch front, 16 inch rear

The Milwaukee-Eight 107 runs dual counter-balancers, four-valve heads being where the ‘Eight’ designation stems from, 10:1 compression and includes dual knock sensors, while being ready for Screamin’ Eagle upgrade kits, and delivers in the region of 110 lbs-ft of torque (145 Nm at 3000 rpm) as well as 94 horsepower in standard trim.

Harley Davidson Softail Standard FXST R INT

Harley Davidson Softail Standard FXST R INT

The Milwaukee-Eight 107 produces 110 Nm of torque at 3000 rpm

A chromed two-into-two exhaust is also run, with polished rocker, primary and timer covers, with cylinder head fins left black, along with the round air-cleaner cover.

Mini-ape handlebars on risers help give the Softail Standard some attitude, with mid-controls. The dash is a digital display, with polished riser, top-clamp, triples and chromed headlamp bezel offering contrast to the blacked-out colour scheme.

Harley Davidson Softail Standard FXST L

Harley Davidson Softail Standard FXST L

Mini-ape handlebars join an LCD display and single headlight

The Softail Standard weighs in at 297kg, with a 680mm seat height and offers 28.5 degrees of lean angle both left and right, matching the Street Bob, and likewise only offers a single seat. A small teardrop style tank stores 13.2L of fuel, with Harley suggesting a fuel range in excess of 200km.

Harley Davidson Softail Standard FXST L

Harley Davidson Softail Standard FXST L

The Softail Standard only offers a single-seat, at 680mm

The 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard also looks set to be the ideal canvas for those wishing to customise their bike from the Harley accessory range, with four accessory packages put together featuring a host of possible options.

  • Day Tripper Custom Package – Pillion seat and a 21-inch detachable sissy bar with pad, passenger foot pegs and mounts, forward foot controls, and black leather Single-Sided Swingarm Bag.
  • Coast Custom Package – Softail Quarter Fairing, black anodized aluminum Moto Bar handlebar and matching 5.5-inch tall riser, a Bevel two-up seat and passenger foot pegs, and BMX-style foot pegs from the 80GRIT Collection.
  • Touring Custom Package – Sundowner comfort two-up seat and passenger foot pegs, a 14-inch-high light smoke quick-release windshield, classic black Detachable saddlebags, and a 14.5-inch detachable sissy bar and backrest pad.
  • Performance Custom Package – Screamin’ Eagle Stage II Torque kit and a Screamin’ Eagle Pro Street Tuner. Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather Performance Air Cleaner and Screamin’ Eagle Street Cannon mufflers.

Harley Davidson Softail Standard FXST R INT

Harley Davidson Softail Standard FXST R INT

2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard

The 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard is expected to be available mid-2020, and is priced at $21,495 RRP Ride-Away. See the Harley-Davidson Australia website (link) for more information.

Harley Davidson Softail Standard FXST PA Beauty MAIN

Harley Davidson Softail Standard FXST PA Beauty MAIN

The 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard is due mid-2020

2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard

ENGINE Milwaukee-Eight 107
BORE 100 mm
STROKE 111 mm
DISPLACEMENT 1746 cc
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.0:1
FUEL SYSTEM Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
EXHAUST 2-into-2 shotgun; catalyst in muffler
DIMENSIONS
LENGTH 2320 mm
SEAT HEIGHT, UNLADEN 680 mm
GROUND CLEARANCE 125 mm
RAKE (STEERING HEAD) 30
TRAIL 157 mm
WHEELBASE 1630 mm
TYRES, FRONT 100/90B19,57H,BW
TYRES, REAR 150/80B16,77H,BW
FUEL CAPACITY 13.2 l
OIL CAPACITY (W/FILTER) 4.7 l
WEIGHT, IN RUNNING ORDER 297 kg
PERFORMANCE
ENGINE TORQUE 145 Nm
ENGINE TORQUE (RPM) 3000
LEAN ANGLE, RIGHT 28.5
LEAN ANGLE, LEFT 28.5
FUEL ECONOMY 5.5 l/100 km
WHEELS, FRONT Chrome, Steel Laced
WHEELS, REAR TYPE Chrome, Steel Laced
BRAKES 4-piston fixed front and 2-piston floating rear

Source: MCNews.com.au

Harley-Davidson Softail Standard confirmed

As predicted last week, the Harley-Davidson FXST Softail Standard is confirmed to return mid-year after it was recently listed with the California Air Resources Board.

One of the most popular Harley models ever sold in Australia will arrive at $A21,495 ($NZ22,750), ride away.

This entry-level Softail will come in black only with a solo seat.Softail Standard

It will be a long way from the original 1984 Evo original Softail Standard, now powered by the 107 (1746cc) Milwaukee Eight engine.

In 2017, the Softail range had a major overhaul making them up to 17kg lighter, with better handling thanks to a 17% stiffer frame, emulsion rear shock and Showa dual-bending-valve forks.

The Softail Standard comes with polished highlights, mini-ape bars, a 13.2-litre tank, low-slung 2-into-2 offset shotgun exhausts and 19-inch chromed steel rims with classic spokes.Softail Standard

Its front-end features clear-coated fork sliders, polished triple-clamps, polished top clamp and riser, and chromed headlamp bezel and turn signals.

A compact electronic instrument with digital display is set in the handlebar riser for a clean and uncluttered look.

Softail Standard accessory packages

Softail StandardAccessorise your Softail Standard

Since it’s a blank canvas for customisers there is a choice of four accessory packages.

Day Tripper Custom Package: Pillion seat and a 21-inch detachable sissy bar with pad, passenger foot pegs and mounts, forward foot controls and a black leather Single-Sided Swingarm Bag.

Coast Custom Package: Softail Quarter Fairing, black anodised aluminium Moto Bar handlebar and 5.5-inch riser, a Bevel two-up seat and passenger foot pegs, and BMX-style foot pegs from the 80GRIT Collection.

Touring Custom Package: Sundowner two-up seat and passenger foot pegs, a 14-inch-high light smoke quick-release windshield, classic black detachable saddlebags and a 14.5-inch detachable sissy bar and backrest pad.

Performance Custom Package: Throttle response and mid-range acceleration is improved with a Screamin’ Eagle Stage II Torque kit for the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, Screamin’ Eagle Pro Street Tuner, Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather Performance Air Cleaner and Screamin’ Eagle Street Cannon mufflers. This factory-engineered performance upgrade retains the original equipment factory warranty when installed by an authorised Harley-Davidson dealer.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Harley Softail Standard makes a comeback

Harley-Davidson‘s FXST Softail Standard, one of the most popular Harley models ever sold in Australia, now looks like making a comeback.

The model name and FXST designation has been listed with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) documents which means it could be unveiled as soon as this August as a 2021 model.

2021 Softail Standard

1984 Harley-Davidson FXST Softail Standard 1984 Harley-Davidson FXST Softail Standard

However, a new Softail Standard will be a long way from the 1984 Evo original or the last model in 2007, thanks to the last major overhaul in 2017.

It will be more powerful with a 107 (1746cc) Milwaukee Eight engine, up to 17kg lighter, with better handling thanks to a 17% stiffer frame, emulsion rear shock and Showa dual-bending-valve forks.

The new Softails come with two frames – one wide for bikes such as the Fat Boy and top-selling Breakout – and the rest narrow, which we expect for the Softail Standard.

They also come with mod-cons such as LED headlights, digital instruments and, in some cases, a hand-adjustable rear shock.

Standard styling

But what makes a traditional Softail Standard should still be present.

That includes a raked-out front, tall and skinny front spoked wheel, fat rear tyre on a chunky mag, ducktail rear fender, mini-ape bars, double-banana saddle, dual shotgun pipes, single headlight and tank-mounted instruments.

The Standard was a basic bike, unlike the Custom which had plenty of chrome.Bushfires Harley Softail motorcycle festival

It’s classic Harley which is just what the core fans have been missing in recent years.

Instead, recent Softails have included the confronting FXDR drag-style bike and even incorporated the Dyna line-up into the family.

Harley-Davidon Softail FXDR SEASON your triumphs pricesMBW rides the FXDR Softail in Milwaukee

The return of the base model will probably cost in the mid-$20,000s and be a perfect blank canvas for custom bike builders.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com