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Harley Davidson Softail Standard is now back in the game and rocking the motorcycle market once again with its 2023 version. Following the old-school look of the 50s, the new version retains the characteristic appearance inspired by the famous Bobber.
It inherits the original Milwaukee-Eight® 107 engine from its predecessors to ensure responsive rides. Modern ergonomics and a lightweight yet sturdy frame facilitate a smooth journey unlike anything you have tried before.
The manufacturer has added new features to contribute to the outstanding experience. First, the adjustable rear mono shock has a suspension allowing flexible cornering without compromising hardtail styling.
The new tank features a water slide graphic, while the body receives Day-maker LED forward lighting. The powerful beam of natural white light cuts through the night – ideal for adventurous trips.
Besides Vivid Black, fans of the classic cruiser line also have three additional exterior color options: Barracuda Silver Denim, Billiard Burgundy, and Black Denim. The sale prices for these rich-featured models start at $14,399, excluding the $950 ABS option (as per Harley Davidson).
2023 Harley Davidson Softail Standard Key Specs
- Make: Harley Davidson
- Model Year: 2023
- Type: Cruiser
- Color: Vivid Black, Barracuda Silver Denim, Billiard Burgundy, and Black Denim
- MSRP Price: $14,399
- Warranty: 24 months (unlimited mileage)
- Engine: 1,745 cc
- Power: 86 HP
- Mileage: 47 mpg (20 km/l)
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.5 gal. (13.25 l)
- Seat Height: 25.8 in. (655.32 mm)
- Curb Weight: 655 lb. (297.1 kg)
2023 Harley Davidson Softail Standard Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Engine Type | Milwaukee-Eight 107, V2, four-stroke |
| Displacement | 1,745 cc (107 cu in) |
| Power | 86 HP / 64 kW @ 5020 rpm |
| Torque | 110 ft-lb (149,1 Nm) @ 3000 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.937 in. x 4.374 in. |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel System | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Exhaust | 2-into-2 shotgun; catalyst in muffler |
| Lean Angle (Left x Right in Deg.) | 28.5 x 28.5 |
| Fuel Economy | 47 mpg (20 km/l) |
Drivetrain
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Primary Drive | Chain, 34/46 |
Chassis
| Front Suspension Travel | Dual-bending valve 49 mm telescopic with aluminum fork triple clamps; dual rate spring |
| Rear Suspension Travel | Hidden, free piston, coil-over monoshock; 43mm stroke; cam-style preload adjustment |
| Front Brakes | 4-piston fixed (Solid, uniform expansion rotors) |
| Rear Brakes | 2-piston floating (Solid, uniform expansion rotors) |
| Front Wheels | Silver, Annihilator cast aluminum |
| Rear Wheels | Silver, Annihilator cast aluminum |
Electrical
| Lights | All LED, Low Beam, High Beam & Signature Position Lamp, Incandescent Bullets |
| Gauges | 2.14 inch viewable area LCD display with speedometer, gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, range and tachometer indication |
Dimensions
| Overall Length | 91.3 in. (2324.02 mm) |
| Rake | 30 |
| Trail | 6.2 in. (157.48 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 64.2 in. (1630.68 mm) |
| Front Tire | 100/90B19,57H,BW |
| Rear Tire | 150/80B16,77H,BW |
| Ground Clearance | 4.9 in. (124.46 mm) |
| Seat Height | 25.8 in. (655.32 mm) |
| Dry Weight | 642 lb. (291.32 kg) |
| Curb Weight | 655 lb. (297.1 kg) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 3.5 gal. (13.25 l) |
| Oil Capacity | 5 qt. (4.73 l) |
Competitors
| Motorcycle | Price | Engine | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Chief Vintage | $19,999 | 1,811 CC | 114.95 mph |
| Ducati XDiavel | $20,295 | 1,198.4 CC | 167.77 mph |
2023 Harley Davidson Softail Standard Features
ADJUSTABLE REAR MONO SHOCK
Easily adjustable mono-shock rear suspension allows for dynamic cornering while preserving the hardtail look.
TANK
Featuring a 2023 waterslide tank graphic.
DAYMAKER® SIGNATURE LED FORWARD LIGHTING
Powerful beam of natural color white light cuts through the night and is easy on the eyes.
PERFORMANCE & CONTROL
MILWAUKEE-EIGHT 107
A powerful, smooth-running V-Twin engine with crisp throttle response and that familiar Harley sound.
SOFTAIL FRAME
The frame retains the classic Softail® lines, but its lightweight design and stiffness translate to a responsive ride unlike anything you’ve felt before.
Performance and Handling
The Milwaukee-Eight 107ci (1,746cc) is a reliable engine type for many generations of Harley-Davidson Softail. This component delivers 86 HP at 5020 RPM and 110 lbs-ft at 3000 RPM. This means you do not have to struggle to accelerate and enjoy fast speeds.
Reach 3000 RPM to enjoy the familiar Harley sound from the 2-into-2 shotgun exhaust system. The bike is very stable at high speeds, making it ideal for those who want to take their riding to the next level.
2023 Harley Davidson Softail Standard Top Speed
Harley Davidson Softail Standard top speed is approximately 110 mph. Keep the pace at a reasonable 70-75 mph, which turns out to be a pleasant ride.
The new generation has a 6-speed automatic transmission equipped with a 6-level shifter. Compared to other gearboxes in general, this option possesses many outstanding advantages, such as faster and smoother gear shifts, fuel economy, reduced risk of stalling, and easy control.
Braking
When it comes to breaking on a Softail Standard, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
The rear brake is 292 mm in diameter with two-piston calipers. Meanwhile, a 300mm front brake with a 4-piston caliper does most of the work.
The front of the bike always produces more heat than the rear, so the disc brake must be larger for better heat dissipation, supporting the cooling process. A larger surface also means more friction and stopping power, so the front brake, together with the rear, will put an immediate stop to the motorcycle.
Cornering & Handling
Cornering on Softail Standard is a breeze due to its low center of gravity and wide, stable stance. However, a low saddle may be too small for a tall rider. The suspension is improved compared to the first bikes.
The large front suspension enhances stability when the car is cornering. This feature is effective enough to minimize the effects of the deteriorated city streets. The crash stops do not get hit as hard as they used to, but they fail to overcome the disadvantages on uneven terrains completely.
2023 Softail Standard: A Brief Review
Softail Standard is best suited for city work and short weekend runs. The absence of an airtight windshield and storage compartment prevents it from an enjoyable ride over long distances. You never want to reach top speed if you cannot withstand the winds that hit your chest.
Plus, the simple bobber style makes you struggle in a downpour. Regardless of a strapped glove you put on, the rain pushes your sleeve up. The low center of gravity of the driving position causes the hem of your pants to open and rain to seep in afterward.
On the bright side, the manufacturer has arranged the model details as a neat and tidy diagram. From the handlebar control’s hidden cables to the machined steel wheel hubs – it all comes together for the perfect appearance.
Another plus belongs to the Milwaukee 107ci. Despite being the smallest engine in the HD series, it produces about the same power as its larger cousins, except for the torque. This component even offers freer turns for thrill-seeking riders. If you get in trouble on a city street, such as potholes or traffic jams, 107 unleashes all its abilities to get you through.
As a lover of simple operations, we recommend paying for ABS. The braking system further counteracts the risk of wheel locking, causing a slip. You only need to focus on the road and credit performance.
Last but not least, this car deserves a big round of applause for its ergonomic design. The single upright position and dignified arms make it a good match in urban surroundings.
As the name implies, a moderate chassis with a narrow midsection gives bikers greater control over their vehicles. The comfortable low-slung tuck-and-roll seat allows you to tour around the bustling city for hours with ease.
2023 Softail Standard Photos & Videos
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*Disclaimer: The prices mentioned in this article may vary depending on the dealership and location. Additionally, the specifications mentioned, such as horsepower and top speed, may vary from different sources as they are often tested under different conditions.
