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My first glimpse of the 2020 Harley Davidson Softail Standard stopped me in my tracks. This stripped-down cruiser embodies everything that made me fall in love with motorcycles - pure, essential, and absolutely beautiful. Several weeks with the bike showed me it offers much more than its classic good looks. The Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine pairs perfectly with its modern chassis, and thoughtful engineering creates a compelling blend of heritage and contemporary performance. Let me take you through this machine's street-ready capabilities and customization potential, so you can decide if this Harley matches your dreams.
The Softail platform's heritage amazes me, and its rise since its groundbreaking debut in 1984 stands out. The 2020 Softail Standard shows Harley-Davidson's steadfast dedication to preserving their legacy while adopting innovation.
Bill Davis's garage project from the mid-1970s has reshaped the scene to become one of Harley-Davidson's most important achievements. The 2018 redesign brought a completely new chassis that keeps the classic Softail profile and delivers exceptional rigidity. The engineering team made an impressive choice to move the rear monoshock under the seat. This design works seamlessly with the modern powertrain.
The Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine powers this machine and shows a remarkable advancement in Harley's engineering excellence. The dual counterbalancers reduce vibration by 75% compared to previous generations, which became clear during testing. The engine produces 110 ft-lb of torque and its precision cooling system combines air and oil cooling to maintain optimal operating temperatures effectively.
The Softail Standard stays true to its bobber roots with a clean, stripped-down look that commands attention. Black and bright components create a minimalist yet bold appearance. The powertrain's styling draws eyes to the motorcycle's center. The all-black Milwaukee-Eight engine stands out against polished rocker, primary, and timer covers. A center-bolt, round air cleaner cover enhances the engine's presence and strikes the perfect balance between classic styling and modern engineering.
My thorough testing of the 2020 Softail Standard in all kinds of riding conditions showed me its true magic - this bike really shines on the road.
The Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine blew me away with its power delivery, producing 110 ft-lbs. of torque at just 3000 rpm. The engine responds quickly but stays controlled, which hits the sweet spot between aggressive and manageable. The six-speed transmission shifts smoothly and makes riding enjoyable whether you're in city traffic or cruising highways.
The Softail chassis brilliantly manages its 655-pound wet weight. The suspension setup has:
- Showa Dual Bending Valve fork with 5+ inches of travel
- Rear shock offering 3.4 inches of travel
The suspension handles rough city roads with confidence. Thanks to its relatively narrow tire setup (100 front and 150 rear), the bike feels surprisingly light. You should watch the cornering clearance though - I use my boot heels as an early warning system before any metal scrapes the ground.
This bike stands out because of its unique personality. The engine's dual counterbalancers make it incredibly smooth while keeping that classic Harley character. The bike stays comfortable enough for 200-mile stretches, though strong winds can make highway riding tricky with the mini-apes. Engine braking really impressed me - it's so strong that downshifting can make the rear tire chirp.
The 2020 Softail Standard sitting in my garage looks like a blank canvas ready for customization. Harley-Davidson designed this bike to be an entry-level Softail that's perfect to personalize.
Harley-Davidson's four detailed customization packages target different riding styles. The Performance Custom Package at $1,300 has a Heavy Breather Performance Air Cleaner and Street Cannon Mufflers. Riders who love coastal cruising can pick the Coastal Custom Package at $1,600 with its Vivid Black Quarter Fairing and Moto Handlebar setup. The Day Tripper Custom Package ($1,050) comes with passenger accommodation and storage solutions. The Touring Custom Package ($1,700) revolutionizes the bike for long-distance comfort.
My research shows customization options are way beyond the reach and influence of factory choices. The Milwaukee-Eight platform works especially well with air intake modifications and exhaust upgrades. External breather systems and Thunder torque inserts boost exhaust performance by a lot without affecting reliability.
Building your perfect Softail Standard starts with choosing modifications that match how you ride. Harley-Davidson's large collection of parts boosts both style and function. Their custom motorcycle accessories merge naturally and feel like original equipment. You can add better storage, improved lighting, or upgraded controls - this versatile platform adapts to your personal style easily.
My time with the 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard has helped me find its true character beyond the showroom floor. The bike shows its real strengths and weaknesses after months of riding.
Daily Riding Practicality
The fuel economy surprised me with its efficiency. The 13-liter tank delivers over 180 miles of range. The bike's narrow profile makes it especially good at urban navigation. Riders around 6 feet tall might need to plan ahead for longer rides due to the mid-controls. The bike handles roundabouts and twisties with unexpected agility. This comes from its responsive mid-controls and tank grip points.
The structured maintenance schedule is straightforward. Key service points include:
- First major service at 1,000 miles
- Regular oil changes every 5,000 miles
- Annual maintenance whatever the mileage
The standard tires work great in dry conditions but need extra care when it rains. The build quality stands out, especially the chrome and aluminum finishes. Our climate makes it smart to keep protective products nearby.
Extended ownership reveals the Softail Standard's true personality. The suspension handles most road conditions well. The limited 86mm rear wheel travel becomes obvious on rougher roads. The braking system stops well enough. The front brake feels better than the somewhat numb rear pedal. Local dealers stock OEM parts widely. This makes long-term maintenance planning easier.
The 2020 Softail Standard proves itself as something special beyond just another entry-level Harley. This bike creates a perfect balance between classic bobber style and modern performance. Riders will appreciate how the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine delivers smooth, reliable power that makes daily commutes and weekend getaways equally enjoyable.
Adaptability stands out as this motorcycle's strongest feature. The $13,599 starting price gives riders a rock-solid platform that excels straight from the dealer and opens up countless customization options through Harley's factory packages or aftermarket parts. Every detail showcases smart engineering - from its responsive chassis to its well-laid-out suspension.
The bike has a few small drawbacks. Taller riders might feel cramped during extended rides, and the rear suspension could use more travel. These minor issues don't take away from what makes this motorcycle special - it blends Harley's rich heritage with modern performance that creates unforgettable rides.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What makes the 2020 Softail Standard unique?
The 2020 Softail Standard combines classic bobber esthetics with modern engineering. It features the powerful Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, a redesigned Softail chassis, and a stripped-down design that pays homage to its heritage while offering contemporary performance and customization options.
2. How does the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine perform in the Softail Standard?
The Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine delivers 110 ft-lbs of torque at 3000 rpm, providing immediate yet controlled power. It features dual counterbalancers that reduce vibration by 75% compared to previous generations, and a precision cooling system that uses both air and oil cooling for optimal performance.
3. What are the suspension and handling characteristics of the 2020 Softail Standard?
Despite its 655-pound wet weight, the Softail Standard handles surprisingly well. It features a Showa Dual Bending Valve fork with over 5 inches of travel and a rear shock with 3.4 inches of travel. The narrow tire configuration (100 front and 150 rear) contributes to light handling, though riders should be mindful of cornering clearance.
4. What customization options are available for the 2020 Softail Standard?
Harley-Davidson offers four factory customization packages: Performance Custom, Coastal Custom, Day Tripper Custom, and Touring Custom. Additionally, there are numerous aftermarket options available, including air intake modifications, exhaust upgrades, and various Harley-Davidson accessories designed to enhance both form and function.
5. How practical is the 2020 Softail Standard for daily riding?
The Softail Standard offers good fuel economy, with its 13-liter tank providing over 180 miles of range. It's particularly adept at urban navigation due to its narrow profile. However, riders around 6 feet tall might find the mid-controls somewhat limiting for longer rides.
6. What are the maintenance requirements for the 2020 Softail Standard?
The bike follows a structured maintenance schedule with the first major service at 1,000 miles, regular oil changes every 5,000 miles, and annual maintenance regardless of mileage. The widespread availability of OEM parts through local dealers makes long-term maintenance planning more manageable.
7. How does the 2020 Softail Standard perform on long rides?
The Softail Standard can comfortably handle 200-mile stretches, though the mini-apes handlebars can make highway runs challenging in windy conditions. The suspension handles most road conditions well, but the limited 86mm rear wheel travel may be noticeable on rougher surfaces.
8. What is the starting price of the 2020 Softail Standard?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard has a starting price of $13,599.
References
https://www.visordown.com/reviews/road-test/harley-davidson-softail-standard-uk-road-test-and-review
