Don't be fooled by the stretched 1695mm wheelbase and 1970's styling: Harley-Davidson's Softail Standard is one of the company's best developed and – within the limits of the genre – most competent motorcycles.
Power – an unassuming 46kW - comes from the latest version of the 1449cc "88B" twin-cam Blockhead motor fed by the Saab-developed sequential port fuel-injection that has been quietly supplanting the once-standard Mikuni carbs across the Harley range as emission controls tighten on the US auto industry.
The Harley Davidson Softail Heritage Classic is a superior bike and a blast from the past. In the 1950s, Harley makers did not have the technology or engineering know-how to craft soft, comfortable rear suspension. As a result, bikes then were for the most part hardtails--in short, uncomfortable on the rear.
| Harley-Davidson : Softail Custom 04 Harley Fatboy with low miles | |
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Price: $17,050.00
(3 Bids)
Sale Ends: 6h 36m | |
| Harley-Davidson : Softail 2001 Harley Davidson Duece, 14, 000 miles 1550 cc | |
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Price: $12,000.00
(0 Bids)
Sale Ends: 7h 20m | |
| Harley-Davidson : Softail Springer Classic HD FLSTSC Heritage "Springer" Classic. 990 miles | |
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Price: $10,501.00
(2 Bids)
Sale Ends: 7h 47m | |
| Harley-Davidson : Softail 1990 Sturgis Anniversary "91" Black Orange #1253of1600 | |
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Price: $15,500.00
(0 Bids)
Sale Ends: 7h 56m | |
| Harley-Davidson : Softail Softail Deluxe FI 2005 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe FLSTNI Vivid Black | |
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Price: $10,100.00
(4 Bids)
Sale Ends: 8h 2m | |
| Harley-Davidson : Softail FXSTI 2003 Harley Davidson Softail FXSTI 100th Anniversary | |
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Price: $9,500.00
(2 Bids)
Sale Ends: 8h 24m | |
| Harley-Davidson : Softail 2006 Harley Davidson Heritage Soft Tail | |
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Price: $7,051.00
(9 Bids)
Sale Ends: 8h 29m | |
| Harley-Davidson : Softail FXSTS 2004 Softail Standard | |
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Price: $8,100.00
(13 Bids)
Sale Ends: 8h 32m | |
Harley currently markets a number of softail frame hogs, including the Heritage Softail, the Nitetrain, and the Fatboy. Consider the 1997 Heritage, which has a wheel base of 62.9 inches, a seat height of a little more than 25 inches, and a fuel tank that holds 4.2 gallons with just about half a gallon in reserve. This old-time beauty is composed of real metal, so it is no surprise that it tops 700 pounds on the scale.
The key to finessing the softail ride while maintaining the 1950s retro look is a pair of shock absorbers hidden beneath the bike's transmission. The shiny chrome offers a great visual addition, but do not expect to cruise at very high speeds on this bike. Even though the Heritage comes well-equipped from the factory, most riders are enticed to soup up their vehicles with specialized components. Large aluminum fenders, a V-Twin OHV Evolution engine, and a displacement of 1340CCs make the Heritage Softail a fun, smooth ride for operators.
