“I’d love to own a Harley but can’t afford one.” Can’t count how many times I’ve heard this statement. This was particularly true if you wanted anything above a Street or Sportster.
Harley-Davidson has made the gateway to ownership a little easier with the launch of the 2020 Softail Standard. With a starting price point of $13,599, it’s easily the most affordable Softail in the 2020 line. While the motorcycle has been pared down to a “standard,” there’s still a lot of good going on. Most notably is its Milwaukee-Eight 107. The dual-counterbalanced engine provides a proper blend of power and efficiency with output claimed to be 110 lb-ft. of torque at only 3,000 rpm. The price also gets you Harley’s new Softail frame which has improved handling immensely from the prior arrangement. Switching over to an emulsion mono-shock rear and updating the fork with dual bending valve tech boosted feel, turn-in, and comfort. In the lean and low form of the Softail Standard, this bike should really hustle.
The Milwaukee-Eight 107 used in the Softail Standard is all-black, down to un-machined cylinder heads. The round air cleaner is likewise black. The 2-into-2 offset shotgun exhaust, though, add a little sparkle to the black frame, 3.5-gallon tank, solo seat and fender struts. Like the pipes, the rocker, primary and timer covers are polished. The front-end has plenty of shiny stuff, too, including polished triple clamps, top clamp, riser, headlamp bezel, turn signals, and mini-ape handlebars. Lace wheels complete the Softail Standard’s classic look with a 19-incher up front and a 16-incher in back.
While the 2020 Softail Standard is a solid base platform, there’s plenty of room for customization. If you’d like to level up, Harley is offering four different custom packages with goodies from its Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories catalog. When ordered as a package, Harley offers them at a discounted price, but know that there’s an additional charge to have it installed at an authorized Harley dealer. The four packages are listed below.
Day Tripper Custom Package ($1,409.95): 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.
2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard Specs:
ENGINE
ENGINE: Milwaukee-Eight 107
ENGINE TORQUE TESTING METHOD: J1349
ENGINE TORQUE: 110 ft-lb
ENGINE TORQUE (RPM): 3000
BORE/STROKE: 3.937 in. X 4.374 in.
DISPLACEMENT: 107 cu. in.
COMPRESSION RATIO: 10.0:1
FUEL SYSTEM: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
EXHAUST: 2-into-2 shotgun; catalyst in muffler
DRIVE TRAIN
PRIMARY DRIVE: Chain, 34/46 ratio
DIMENSIONS
LENGTH: 91.3 in.
SEAT HEIGHT, LADEN: 25.8 in.
GROUND CLEARANCE: 4.9 in.
RAKE: 30
TRAIL: 6.2 in.
WHEELBASE: 64.2 in.
FUEL CAPACITY: 3.5 gal.
OIL CAPACITY (W/FILTER): 5 qt.
WEIGHT, AS SHIPPED: 642 lb.
WEIGHT, IN RUNNING ORDER: 655 lb.
LEAN ANGLE, RIGHT (DEG.): 28.5
LEAN ANGLE, LEFT (DEG.): 28.5
FUEL ECONOMY
Estimated City/Hwy: 47 mpg
CHASSIS
WHEELS, FRONT: Chrome, Steel Laced
WHEELS, REAR: Chrome, Steel Laced
BRAKES, CALIPER TYPE: 4-piston fixed front and 2-piston floating rear
TIRES, FRONT: 100/90B19,57H,BW
TIRES, REAR: 150/80B16,77H,BW
