Harley Softail Standard tested
Harley’s Softail Standard blends simplicity with the lowest price in the firm’s UK line-up
‘The gearing is so tall that sixth feels more like an overdrive’
Aquick recap for those unfamiliar with the affordable end of HarleyDavidson’s range: Since
2014 the first step on their ladder has been the Street
750: a friendly, smooth, water-cooled, Indian-built cruiser costing six grand.
The next rung up has been the iconic Sportster: more traditional, air-cooled, USmade and offered in 883 and 1200 flavours. But, in the UK at least, all that’s changed for 2021. The axe fell on the Streets when Harley announced they were pulling out of India. The Sportsters weren’t updated to meet Euro5. That leaves this, the new-for-2020 Softail Standard, as the most affordable bike in Harley-Davidson’s UK range.
So, what does your £12,995 get? One Henry Ford-approved colourscheme, for starters. Beneath the Vivid Black paint, the bike itself isn’t too far removed from H-D’s existing Street Bob. But while the Bob is powered by a Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine (1868cc), the Softail Standard comes with a smaller 107 (1745cc) version.
All the burps and rumbles
On tickover the motor chugs, burps and rumbles with all the grizzled, guttural gravitas Harley’s 45° V-twins are legendary for. But pull in the clutch and the lever’s lighter than expected. Push down on the gear pedal to find first and there’s no echoing clunk. There’s even more pleasing refinement on the move. While there’s masses of throbby character, all the agricultural harshness from ye olde Harleys is long gone. Mirrors stay clear, and there’s no stabs of numbing vibration through the bars, seat or pegs. Gearing’s very tall, mind. Trundle along in sixth gear at 60mph and the revs are so low (just 2200rpm) it feels like an overdrive. Despite having 1.7 litres of V-twin between your ankles, you still have to shift down two gears to overtake cleanly and quickly. The Softail Standard’s riding position (identical to the firm’s Street Bob) feels alien at first, combining a low seat height with mid-set footpegs and mini ape-hanger bars. Legs are packed in tight between seat and pegs – taller riders will struggle – while feet are splayed either side of the motor. Hands are set high and wide, so you’re canted backwards, while stretching forwards. It’s all quite odd to begin with, but as miles and time add up the Softail Standard starts to seem more familiar. Still hard work at speed though, where you’re stretched out like a sail.
Handling is fine, at least within the limits of its 28.5° maximum lean angle. Steering needs less effort than the 297kg kerb weight, mammoth wheelbase and near-horizontal fork angle suggests. Chug around lazily and it all behaves itself, but ride with gusto and that 19in front wheel starts to feel more like a distant relative.
Keeping it simple
Suspension and brakes are quite basic for a bike with a £13k price tag. Forks are conventional and non-adjustable, while the monoshock hidden beneath the seat has just preload adjustment. Ride quality is adequate rather than outstanding – hit lumps in the road with any lean angle and you can feel the bars kick in your hands, while the rear wheel’s meagre 86mm of travel is never going to offer the last word in comfort. Brakes are just a single disc at each end – the front manages decent stopping power and feedback, though the rear pedal feels slightly numb. In fairness, the whole point of the Softail Standard is its stark simplicity – from the lone paintscheme, to its barebones styling, to its single seat, to its lack of electronic trickery. The speedo is a tiny LCD strip. There are no rider aids beyond mandatory ABS, and tech comforts extend as far as self-cancelling indicators and keyless ignition. The physical key is still needed for the steering lock, though not the filler cap as it’s not lockable. Tank capacity is
13.2 litres, and combined with the 48mpg economy means the fuel light comes on around 100 miles. Given the riding position, that’s plenty far enough…
‘Mirrors stay clear, there’s no numbing vibration’