Earlier this month Harley-Davidson announced two mid-year additions to its 2020 lineup — the CVO Road Glide and Fat Boy 30th Anniversary. Now they’ll be joined by a third new model, the Softail Standard.
Like the stripped-down Electra Glide Standard introduced for 2019, the Softail Standard was designed to deliver an essential, no-frills cruiser experience. With a lean bobber profile, a Softail chassis and a Milwaukee-Eight V-twin, the Softail Standard is a back-to-basics Big Twin.
Offered only in Vivid Black, it has a solo seat that exposes the chopped rear fender and a smooth, 3.5-gallon fuel tank that shows off the frame and engine. The all-black Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin engine is highlighted with polished rocker, primary and timer covers and a center-bolt, round air cleaner. With chrome shields and mufflers, the 2-into-2 offset shotgun exhaust enhances the Softail Standard’s long, low profile.
Classic laced wheels (19-inch front, 16-inch rear) with steel rims are finished in brilliant chrome, and the front end features clear-coated fork sliders, polished triple-clamps, polished top clamp and riser, and chromed headlamp bezel and turns signals. A mini-ape handlebar adds a touch of attitude.
With the look of a classic hardtail frame, the Softail swingarm is stout for dynamic handling and the rear coil-over shock is hidden under the seat. Removing the seat allows access to the shock for easy preload adjustments. The Softail Standard has a Showa dual bending valve fork, front and rear disc brakes, and standard ABS.