ROAD NEWS
HARLEY OFFERS STRIPPED BACK
SOFTAIL WITH STRIPPED BACK PRICE
H
arley-Davidson’s big twin range – powered
by the Milwaukee-Eight – has plenty of big
bike character, but that has come with a big
bike price to match. Until now.
Entering the market this year is the new Harley-
Davidson Softail Standard, which brings the
character and heft of the Milwaukee-Eight well into
the sub-$25,000 market by undercutting the Street
Bob by a full $1000 with a price point of $22,750.
Harley describes the new model as a lean
bobber profile steeped in attitude, with the
“dynamic performance of the Harley-Davidson
Softail chassis and the unrelenting power of
the Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin powertrain.”
While sportsbike riders will undoubtedly question
the Motor Co.’s performance claims, they’re not
exactly who H-D is targetting with the Softail
Standard, with those who are stepping up from
the entry-level Street 500 (yet wanting to avoid
the ageing Sportster range) will definitely feel the
difference in power and handling. It’s a traditional
Harley-Davidson after all.
Styling is based around a classic Vivid Black paint
scheme which is highlighted with gleaming chrome
and polished finishes for that classic Harley aesthetic.
Harley’s aim here was to present a bike that
defines what a Harley-Davidson is in its most
distilled form and that certainly appears to be
what they’ve achieved here.
Other styling touches include a solo seat and
chopped rear fender combination, along with an
all-black Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine highlighted
with polished rocker, primary and timer covers.
Cylinder head fins are not highlighted,
accentuating the very minimalist look.
The exhaust is always an important part of any
Harley, and the Softail Standard is no different.
Breathing through a 2-into-2 offset shotgun
exhaust with chrome shields and mufflers, the
exhaust helps to enhance the long, low profile
of the bike.
Rolling stock comes in the form of a 19-inch and
16-inch spoked wheel combination, while the look
is finished with a set of mini-ape handlebars.
While Harley-Davidson Australia and New
Zealand have set the pricing of the new Softail
Standard at a very attainable $22,750 – with
owners naturally able to spend much more if
they want by dipping into the extensive Harley-
Davidson parts catalogue.
KIWI RIDER 23