Of course, here is the full article about the Harley-Davidson Softail Standard.
The Harley-Davidson Softail Standard (FXST) is a cruiser motorcycle manufactured by Harley-Davidson since the 2020 model year. Positioned as the entry-level model in Harley-Davidson’s Big Twin Softail lineup, the bike is designed as a minimalist, “blank canvas” for customization, appealing to riders who value raw, essential styling and the core experience of a Harley-Davidson V-twin engine. It embodies a classic bobber aesthetic, characterized by its solo seat, chopped fenders, and mini-ape handlebars.
Upon its release, the Softail Standard filled a crucial gap in the company’s portfolio, offering a more accessible price point for riders seeking to step up to the larger Milwaukee-Eight engine platform. It contrasts with its more elaborate Softail siblings, such as the Fat Boy or Heritage Classic, by forgoing extensive chrome, two-up seating, and elaborate paint schemes in favor of a more elemental design. Its introduction marked a return to a simpler, more affordable Big Twin concept, reminiscent of past models that served as a starting point for personalization.
History and Development
The modern Softail chassis was introduced in 2018, representing a significant redesign that merged the previous Softail and Dyna lines into a single, unified platform. This new frame is lighter and significantly stiffer than its predecessors, providing improved handling and ride quality. The Softail Standard was launched two years later, leveraging this advanced chassis to create a motorcycle that blended modern performance with traditional aesthetics.
The model’s philosophy is a direct departure from the feature-rich motorcycles that often define the premium cruiser market. Instead of adding features, Harley-Davidson subtracted them, focusing on the core elements: the engine, the frame, and a commanding riding position. This approach not only controlled costs but also resonated with a segment of the market that prefers to build and modify their own custom bikes over time.
Design and Features of the Harley-Davidson Softail Standard
The visual identity of the FXST Softail Standard is defined by its stripped-down, bobber-inspired styling. The motorcycle is primarily offered in Vivid Black, with key components featuring polished and chromed finishes to provide contrast.
Key design elements include:
Solo Seat: A low-slung solo saddle contributes to the bike’s clean, minimalist profile.
Mini-Ape Handlebars: These handlebars encourage a fists-in-the-wind riding posture, a classic cruiser characteristic.
Digital Instrumentation: A compact, digital gauge is integrated into the handlebar riser, keeping the cockpit uncluttered while providing essential information like speed, gear, and odometer readings.
Laced Wheels: The bike features classic laced wheels with a 19-inch front and 16-inch rear, enhancing its vintage appeal.
Powertrain Finish:** The Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine features polished aluminum covers against a blacked-out engine block, with chrome accents on the “shotgun” style exhaust system.
Powertrain
At the heart of the Softail Standard is the Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin engine. This air- and oil-cooled engine was a major advancement over the previous Twin Cam engine, offering improved power, torque, and thermal management. The “107” refers to its displacement in cubic inches (1,746 cc).
The Milwaukee-Eight is internally counter-balanced, which significantly reduces vibration at idle and on the highway, resulting in a more comfortable ride without completely eliminating the characteristic Harley-Davidson rumble. It is paired with a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, providing strong acceleration in lower gears and relaxed, low-RPM cruising at highway speeds. The engine delivers a torque-rich performance curve, with substantial pulling power available from low in the rev range, which is ideal for city riding and highway overtaking.
Chassis and Suspension
The Softail Standard is built on the modern Harley-Davidson Softail frame. A key feature of this design is its “hidden” monoshock rear suspension. This system places the coil-over shock absorber beneath the seat, allowing the frame to maintain the clean lines of a vintage “hardtail” frame while offering the comfort and performance of modern suspension. The rear preload is adjustable, allowing riders to tune the suspension for their weight or for carrying light luggage.
The front suspension consists of conventional telescopic forks that provide confident handling and a stable ride. The combination of the rigid frame, well-tuned suspension, and a low center of gravity gives the Softail Standard predictable and responsive handling characteristics for a cruiser of its size.
Specifications Table
| General | |
| Brand | Harley-Davidson |
| Model | Softail Standard |
| Model Code | FXST |
| Model Year | 2020-2024 |
| Type | Cruiser |
| Performance | |
| Max. power | Approx. 86 hp (64 kW) |
| Max. torque | 110 ft-lb (149 N•m) / 3,000 RPM |
| Size | |
| Length | 93.3 in. (2,370 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 65.6 in. (1,666 mm) |
| Seat height (laden) | 25.8 in. (655 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 4.9 in. (125 mm) |
| Curb weight | 655 lb. (297 kg) |
| Engine | |
| Type | Milwaukee-Eight 107, 45° V-Twin, 4-Valves per Cylinder |
| Displacement | 107 cu in (1,746 cc) |
| Bore × Stroke | 3.937 in. × 4.374 in. (100 mm × 111.1 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| Fuel supplying system | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Lubricating system | Dry sump |
| Oil capacity | 5 qt (4.7 L) |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission type | 6-speed Cruise Drive, manual |
| Clutch type | Wet, multi-plate |
| Driving system | Belt drive |
| Chassis | |
| Tire size | Front: 100/90B19, 57H, BW; Rear: 150/80B16, 77H, BW |
| Rim size | Front: 19 in. Laced; Rear: 16 in. Laced |
| Capacity of fuel tank | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) |
| Fuel consumption | Approx. 47 mpg (5.0 L / 100 km) |
| Electric | |
| Battery | Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V |
| Headlight | Halogen |
| Tail light | Incandescent |
| Suspension | |
| Front | Telescopic fork |
| Rear | Hidden monoshock with coil-over; preload adjustable |
