Earlier this month Harley-Davidson announced two mid-year additions to its 2020 lineup — the CVO Road Glide and Fat Boy 30th Anniversary. Now they’ll be joined by a third new model, the Softail Standard.
Like the stripped-down Electra Glide Standard introduced for 2019, the Softail Standard was designed to deliver an essential, no-frills cruiser experience. With a lean bobber profile, a Softail chassis and a Milwaukee-Eight V-twin, the Softail Standard is a back-to-basics Big Twin.
Offered only in Vivid Black, it has a solo seat that exposes the chopped rear fender and a smooth, 3.5-gallon fuel tank that shows off the frame and engine. The all-black Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin engine is highlighted with polished rocker, primary and timer covers and a center-bolt, round air cleaner. With chrome shields and mufflers, the 2-into-2 offset shotgun exhaust enhances the Softail Standard’s long, low profile.
Classic laced wheels (19-inch front, 16-inch rear) with steel rims are finished in brilliant chrome, and the front end features clear-coated fork sliders, polished triple-clamps, polished top clamp and riser, and chromed headlamp bezel and turn signals. A mini-ape handlebar adds a touch of attitude.
With the look of a classic hardtail frame, the Softail swingarm is stout for dynamic handling and the rear coil-over shock is hidden under the seat. Removing the seat allows access to the shock for easy preload adjustments. The Softail Standard has a Showa dual bending valve fork, front and rear disc brakes, and standard ABS.
Check out Rider‘s 2020 Guide to New Street Motorcycles
Priced at $13,599, the 2020 Softail Standard is affordable and provides a solid foundation for customization. Harley-Davidson has created four Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories packages for the Softail Standard model, and they’re offered at a discounted price when ordered as a package (price does not include labor for installation by an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer):
Day Tripper Custom Package ($1,049.95): Combine classic bobber style with next-level versatility by adding a pillion and a 21-inch detachable sissy bar with pad so a passenger can come along for the ride. This package also includes passenger footpegs and mounts, forward foot controls, and a black leather Single-Sided Swingarm Bag designed to hold essentials.
Coastal Custom Package ($1,599.95): Capture the elements of the performance-oriented, West Coast style. Components include a Softail Quarter Fairing, black anodized aluminum Moto Bar handlebar and matching 5.5-inch tall riser, a Bevel two-up seat and passenger footpegs, and BMX-style foot pegs from the rugged 80GRIT Collection.
Touring Custom Package ($1,699.95): This package outfits the Softail Standard model for the long haul, with a comfortable Sundowner two-up seat and passenger footpegs, a 14-inch-high light smoke quick-release windshield, classic black Detachables saddlebags, and a 14.5-inch detachable sissy bar and backrest pad.
Performance Custom Package ($1,299.95): Amplify throttle response and mid-range acceleration with a Screamin’ Eagle Stage II Torque kit for the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine and a Screamin’ Eagle Pro Street Tuner to dial it in. Complete the package with a free-flowing Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather Performance Air Cleaner and Screamin’ Eagle Street Cannon mufflers for a deep-bass exhaust note. It’s a 50-state street legal, factory-engineered performance upgrade that retains the original equipment factory warranty when installed by an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer.
I’m a motorcyclist who has both American and metric motorcycles parked in my garage. I’ve bought several new Harley-Davidson Softails in the last five years.
My question: how in the hell can Harley-Davidson call this a “new” model?
It’s a Street Bob with chrome, nothing more nothing less.
It’s a good looking bike, but it sure as hell ain’t a new model.
That’s just what I thought as I saw the pictures and said to myself it looks just like my ‘08 Street Bob!
I think this is perfect platform to create your own one of a kind ride. Simple with a lot of possibilities at a lower starting point. Take your time adding your goodies, that’s part of the journey. Relax.
I like this model. I hope HD will come back to its roots like this. It’s retro biker look that are their roots. I’ll customize this to fit my personality and have fun doing it.
Nice bike. Great classic look, but I guess “affordable” quite subjective. At $14K, I personally think not. Maybe compared to other Harleys it is.
Yep – Jjust a Street Bob with a new name – And without the blacked-out look which is so cool on the Street Bob
If I remember right a 2009 FXD was 12,000.00 and in today’s dollars, 2020, 12,000.00 is 14,688.30. Not a bad deal for a Harley I think. You can ride this bike anywhere. Yeah, this is like the difference between the FXD and the FXDC back in 2009. Same idea, an entry level Big Twin.
A touch of desperate marketing a marginally differentiated product as a new one. The same old tune being whistled but the price will be a draw to those new to HD and want a City Bike.
All you rookies r full of it. This bike is essentially the same as my 1st new Harley,an 86 FXST. Thats an 1986 Harley Soft Tail Standard. Mine was black with an 80 c.i. evolution engine.Other than a new frame and the bigger motor it is the same bike. If it hadnt got totalled in 88 id be riding it today.The evo is the best all around engine of any motorcycle ever. Not surprising, as it was designed by Porsche.
Other than a new frame and a bigger engine. Bit like my girlfriend d is the same as my last girlfriend, just a different body and a different brain
I have a 2003 100th anniversary softail standard that I did everything to the way I wanted. It has a 88 TC but im thinking about getting a new one for the 107 TC dont worry I will never part with my 2003.
Rode one as a service loaner bike when my HD Sport Glide went in. This was close to the worst late model HD I’ve ridden – the exception being trying to manhandle a Fat Boy round a corner. It has a woefully hard & small seat, the centre pegs felt like my knees were in my chin, high narrow bars looked ok but lack cornering control. Sorry to say the 20 km ridden were 19 too many.