2021–2024 Harley-Davidson Softail Milwaukee-Eight 114 (FXBBS Street Bob 114)

The 2021–2024 Harley-Davidson Softail Milwaukee-Eight 114 (FXBBS Street Bob 114) represents a significant evolution in one of the brand’s most popular factory custom cruisers. Serving as the lightest-weight Softail equipped with the powerful Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, the Street Bob 114 is designed as a stripped-down, performance-oriented bobber. This generation marked a pivotal shift by making the larger 114-cubic-inch V-twin engine the standard and only powertrain option, a notable upgrade from the Milwaukee-Eight 107 that powered its immediate predecessor. The model retains its raw, minimalist aesthetic, characterized by a solo seat, mini-ape handlebars, and chopped fenders, appealing to riders seeking a blend of classic style and modern performance.

Development and Design

The Street Bob 114 is built upon Harley-Davidson’s modern Softail chassis, which was completely redesigned in 2018. This frame utilizes a rigid-mounted engine and a hidden, coil-over monoshock rear suspension, effectively mimicking the classic “hardtail” look of vintage motorcycles while providing the comfort and handling of contemporary suspension.

Visually, the FXBBS model is defined by its bobber characteristics. Key design elements include:
Mini-Ape Handlebars: These bars place the rider in an upright, fists-in-the-wind posture.
Minimalist Bodywork: Both the front and rear fenders are chopped short, exposing more of the tires and contributing to a lean, aggressive stance.
Blacked-Out Finish: Most components, including the engine, exhaust, and fork lowers, feature a black finish, reinforcing the bike’s stripped-down, custom-inspired look.
Digital Instrumentation: A compact, 2.14-inch digital gauge is integrated into the handlebar riser, keeping the cockpit clean and uncluttered.
Passenger Accommodations: Despite its solo seat design, the 2021-2024 models come standard with a passenger pillion and footpegs.

A significant update for the 2022 model year was the introduction of cast aluminum Annihilator wheels as an option on certain color schemes, moving away from the traditional laced (spoked) wheels. This offered a more modern look and the convenience of tubeless tires.

The 2021–2024 Harley-Davidson Softail Milwaukee-Eight 114 Powertrain

The most substantial change for this model generation was the standardization of the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine. This powertrain replaced the previous Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine found on the 2018-2020 Street Bob, offering a considerable boost in performance.

The Milwaukee-Eight 114 is an air- and oil-cooled, 45-degree V-twin with a displacement of 114 cubic inches (1,868 cc). It features four valves per cylinder and dual spark plugs, designed for improved airflow and more complete combustion. The engine is equipped with dual internal counter-balancers, which significantly reduce primary vibration at idle and while riding, enhancing rider comfort on longer journeys without completely eliminating the characteristic feel of a Harley-Davidson V-twin.

Compared to the outgoing 107 engine, the 114 provides a noticeable increase in torque and acceleration. Harley-Davidson claimed a 9% quicker 0-60 mph time and a 13% faster 60-80 mph roll-on in fifth gear. This performance upgrade repositioned the Street Bob from an entry-level Softail to a more formidable performance cruiser capable of delivering aggressive, on-demand power.

Chassis and Handling

The Street Bob 114 utilizes the inherent stiffness of the Softail frame to deliver responsive handling. The front suspension consists of a 49mm telescopic fork with dual-bending valve technology, which provides linear damping characteristics for a controlled ride. The rear suspension is a concealed coil-over monoshock with hydraulic preload adjustment, allowing the rider to tune the suspension for their weight or for carrying a passenger.

The bike’s lean angle is 28.5 degrees on both sides, which is typical for a cruiser in this class. Its relatively low weight (for a big-twin Harley) and responsive engine make it an agile motorcycle for city riding and carving through winding roads. Braking is handled by a single four-piston fixed caliper on the front and a two-piston floating caliper on the rear, with ABS offered as a standard or optional feature depending on the market.

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Specifications