Harley-Davidson Softail

The Harley-Davidson Softail flaunts a neo-retro design that strikes a balance between brutishness and sophistication. Upfront, it has a classic-looking flare courtesy of its round Daymaker Signature LED headlight. A mix of aluminum features and gloss black finishes defines its side profile. An orange ‘HARLEY-DAVIDSON’ sticker is placed on its fuel tank–proudly showing its identity to the people around it. 

Furthermore, its back end is illuminated by a small LED tail light strip. For enhanced visibility at night, this cruiser also comes with incandescent bullet turn signals both at the front and rear. Meanwhile, the rider gets a 2.14-inch LCD instrument display. The average Filipino rider won’t struggle to get a good riding position on this cruiser thanks to its plush, low single-type seat, mid-mounted footrests, and the well-positioned mini-ape handlebars.

In terms of dimensions, the Harley-Davidson Softail measures 2,320 mm in length, 865 mm in width, 1,160 mm in overall height, and 680 mm in seat height (unladen). This cruiser has a 1,630-mm wheelbase and a 125-mm ground clearance. It runs on ‘Annihilator’ cast aluminum wheels (19-inch at the front, 16-inch at the rear). Overall, the Softail was designed with a lightweight frame in the pursuit of enhancing the rider’s experience both at low and high speeds.

In terms of suspension, the Harley-Davidson Softail comes with a 49-mm Telescopic Dual Bending Valve Fork with Aluminum Fork Triple Clamps at the front and a 43-mm Hidden, Free Piston, Coil-Over Monoshock at the rear. Its suspension setup is on the firmer side of things. That said, it wouldn’t be ideal to ride this cruiser through large bumps and deep potholes inside the city (considering its ground clearance as well). But, on the plus side, it handles turns or corners quite well, even at high speeds. It also delivers good traction and stability on the highway. 

The Harley-Davidson Softail is powered by a 1,745-cc Milwaukee-Eight 107  V-Twin engine that delivers a maximum power output of 87 hp and a maximum torque of 144 Nm. This cruiser runs on Harley-Davidson’s 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission gearbox. 

The Softail might not be the most powerful in its segment, but it still has plenty of torque on tap, which allows it to deliver a satisfying punch on the open road.  It is smooth and responsive when cruising at higher speeds on free-flowing highways. Meanwhile, at lower speeds, this cruiser runs with impressive refinement. 

However, you might want to reconsider if you are planning to use this as your daily city ride. With a 13.2-L fuel capacity, this high-displacement cruiser may require more frequent fuel stops. 

In terms of safety, the Harley-Davidson Softail is equipped with side reflectors, an engine check warning, pass switch, and an anti-lock braking system. This cruiser utilizes solid, uniform expansion rotors for both front and rear braking. It also comes with a front 4-piston fixed caliper and a rear 2-piston floating caliper. 

The Harley-Davidson Softail’s price might limit its appeal among local consumers, but it remains an attractive option for discerning buyers who desire to experience the American brand’s quality of riding and refinement.