On the hunt for a raw, elemental Big Twin you can customize the way you want? Of course you are, which is why Harley-Davidson has rolled out a new cruiser that’s even more stripped down than its already bare-bones Street Bob, but very capable. Cue the 2020 Softail Standard, a motorcycle that joins Harley’s Softail series as a mid-year model, thus expanding the lineup to 14 models strong (if you count the different engine configurations and anniversary models). Harley’s framing of the Standard harkens back to a simpler time, an era before pesky things like color options, two-up saddles, and ABS and cruise control came down the pike to complicate things (do I have to explain that this is sarcasm?). It’s all about a lean bobber profile with chopped fenders, mini-ape handlebars, spoked wheels, and a solo saddle, with the elemental thrust of a Milwaukee-Eight 107 powertrain propelling you down the road. Unlike the Street Bob, the Standard comes only in Vivid Black, with a few key components given the chromium treatment and little else to get in the way of your meditation with long stretches of asphalt.There’s no ABS either, but it is available as an option. Less is more, you know.
Insofar as having a graphic treatment, the Standard keeps firmly to the classics—as we’ve said there’s only black or bright to be seen here, in the form of sheet metal painted ebony, and an all-black Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine offset only by polished rocker, primary, and timer covers. Even the cylinder head fins skip the usual highlights, and the air cleaner cover is simply a black dish punctuated by a single silver bolt. A solo seat reveals the chopped rear fender, while a smooth but small 3.5-gallon fuel tank exposes most of the blacked-out frame, with the polished highlights of the engine taking center stage. Chrome shields and mufflers on the 2-into-2 shotgun exhaust draws your eye rearward, enhancing the bike’s long profile. The look is clean and stark.
You go with spokes if you want to evoke the past, so the Standard rolls on classic laced wheels (front 19-inch, rear 16-inch) all dressed up in brilliant chrome (unlike the Street Bob’s black hoops). Keeping with the brightwork up front are a pair of beefy, clear-coated fork sliders, polished triple clamps, and a polished top clamp and riser. The headlight bezel and turn signal bodies also wear chrome to contrast with the ubiquitous Vivid Black paint. Mini-ape handlebar? You guessed it—chrome. But it also serves up a hint of attitude with a fists-in-the-wind posture. And you can barely make it out, but there’s a compact electronic instrument (with digital display) perched in the handlebar riser, keeping the look uncluttered.
The grunty 1,746cc Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin engine is also a known quantity, and it’s got a lot going for it, including healthy gobs of low-end punch (Harley claims 110 pound-feet of peak torque), strong acceleration, and dual counterbalancers to reduce vibes at idle. Because the Standard is on a Softail platform, the frame is optimized for light weight, with the rigid-mounted powertrain as well as a unique swingarm design serving to dial in stiffness even more. Beneath the hardtail look is an emulsion coilover shock hidden under the seat; to adjust suspension preload you just remove the seat to get at the shock body. You’ll find the same dual bending valve front suspension (with dual rate spring) up front as on the Street Bob, with the same single front and rear disc brake arrangement as well. Antilock braking is optional on both Softail models, though Harley doesn’t specify how much it is for the Standard.
The Standard is basically a bare-bones base model—we’ve seen Harley do this most recently with last year’s Electra Glide Standard where it took an existing model and further stripped it down, though in the Softail Standard’s case the only changes are different wheels, tires, and finishes. Naturally you’re going to want to add parts back onto the Standard (or at least Harley’s really hoping you will) and performance junkies will be happy to hear this model is compatible with select Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Stage Upgrade kits, as well as a Performance Custom package that you can preorder at the dealer in one go (see below). This being Harley Davidson, there are three other pre-curated packages of Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories that you can order as well, each one targeting a different look and purpose.
The Day Tripper Custom Package keeps the bobber styling but adds a bit more versatility by adding a pillion and a 21-inch detachable sissy bar so you can invite a friend along for the ride. You also get passenger footpegs and mounts, forward foot controls, and a black leather Single-Sided Swingarm Bag to hold your gear. The package is priced at $1,049.95.
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Coastal Custom Package changes up the look of the bike to a more 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 footpegs from the rugged 80Grit Collection. Retail is $1,599.95.
If you’re more of a traditional touring type, the Touring Custom Package should be right up your alley as it comes with a Sundowner two-up touring seat and passenger footpegs, a 14-inch-high light smoke quick-release windshield, black Detachables saddlebags, and a 14.5-inch detachable sissy bar. It’ll set you back $1,699.95.
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We mentioned this Performance Custom package earlier, and it exists to amplify throttle response and midrange acceleration with a Screamin’ Eagle Stage II Torque kit and a Screamin’ Eagle Pro Street Tuner. It’s all capped off with a free-flowing Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather Performance Air Cleaner and Screamin’ Eagle Street Cannon mufflers for a deep-bass exhaust note. The 50-state street-legal performance upgrade keeps the original factory warranty if installed by an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Price is $1,299.95.