Harley-Davidson Australia has revealed its new Softail Standard, an entry-level cruiser which will hit local showrooms mid-year from $21,495 plus on-road costs.
The brand is positioning the Softail Standard as a “blank canvas”, that is presented in “distilled form”. In other words, the variant comes with few standard features to keep the initial cost down.
What you do get is a Milwaukee Eight 107 V-twin engine, pre-load adjustable forks, disc brakes, and spoked wheel measuring 19-inches at the front, and 16-inches at the rear.
The bike comes exclusively in Vivid Black paint and is equipped with a solo seat and a 13.2-litre petrol tank.
Harley says the mini-ape handlebars puts the rider in a “fists-in-the-wind” posture, while a compact digital dash keeps the front end uncluttered.
Of course, the bike can be heavily customised with genuine accessories, with four packages on offer: Day Tripper, Coast, Touring and Performance.
Accessory Packages
Day Tripper
Makes the bike more versatile 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 foot pegs and mounts, forward foot controls, and a black leather single-sided swingarm bag designed to hold essentials.
Coast
Aimed to achieve the “West Coast style”, this package includes a Softail quarter fairing, black anodised aluminium moto handlebars and matching 5.5-inch tall riser, a Bevel two-up seat and passenger foot pegs, and BMX-style foot pegs.
Touring
This package outfits the Softail Standard model for the long haul, with a comfortable 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
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 factory-engineered performance upgrade that retains the original equipment factory warranty when installed by an authorised Harley-Davidson dealer.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
