2021 Harley Davidson Softail Standard First Ride Review
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The 2021 Harley Davidson models are now availbale for viewing at all Harley Davidson Dealers in the Philippines starting today, March 20 on their Virtual Open House at their respective showrooms and Facebook Pages.
You can watch the Live reveal here https://www.facebook.com/WheeltekHarleyDavidson/videos/6051385348221099/
You can learn about the new 2021 model lineup and their prices here:
https://insideracing.com.ph/prices-of-2021-harley-davidson-models-in-ph
The model line up is more simplified and the pricing are very aggressive, especially the Sportsters and Softail model ranges. It also includes exclusive Custom Vehicle Operations or CVO models for those who want their hogs to be more special and exclusive. They even have Trike models on the list.
A few days before, We were invited by Harley Davidson of Cavite and Wheeltek to briefly ride one the new models, the 2021 Softail Standard. Together with other media and key members of the Harley Owners Group of Cavite, we were able to experience this new model.
The Softail Standard, priced at an even P1,000,000, is smaller and sportier than the usual Harley Davidson touring model. Because of this, it handles better and more manueverable. According to Harley Davidson, like its smaller Sporters, the Softail will also corner, turn around, back up and avoid potholes easily.
The Softail Standard has a lean Bobber profile with the dynamic performance of the Harley-Davidson Softail chassis, and the power of the Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin engine.
The test bike came in classic Vivid Black paint and highlighted with deep chrome and polished finishes, chrome steel laced wheels, easy reach semi-ape bars and solo seat. The riding position is stretched with standard mid-mount foot controls. The company claims that this is the essential Harley-Davidson cruiser bike, and one of the most attainable.
The impression I can give from the very short test ride of less than 10 kms is only brief but enough to meet all my expectations.
The first one is that it looks very premium and elegant. The deep chrome details combined with the vivid black paint is the very image of what a Harley Davidson motorcycle should look like in my mind since when I was a boy. It looks like a million peso bike indeed!
There is one modern touch which are the guages. The minimalist LCD digital guage pod integrated into the handlebar mounting bracket is small but offers complete information like the speedometer, gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, range and tachometer indication.
Next, I found out how surprisingly easy it was to ride this big cruiser. It does not feel like it weighs 297 kgs at all and it is very easy to manuever. The high bars are actually comfortable and the mid mount controls and low seat height of 680mm are just perfect for my height and inseam. Definitely not intimidating at all.
Lastly, the combination of the refined mechanical feel and rhytmic humming sound of the 107 V-twin is engine is pleasantly mesmerizing (almost hypnotic) and addicting to the senses and to your bum. I was yearning for a longer straight road like the expressway, so that I can soak up in the engine thrum for much longer. I believe that this sensation that you feel in your body and mind (and soul perhaps) is what Harley Davidson cruising is all about.
In the past few years, many Pinoy are starting to get it – the Harley-Davidson brand and experience. More and more Filipinos are embracing the possibility of owning a hog eventually before they stop riding or even as a first bike to start their motorcycle adventures.
The 2021 Harley Davidson model line has something to offer for the first time H-D buyers to the hardcore and long time owners that want to upgrade. The great pricing and simplified model line-up makes it less confusing and more appealing for the local market.
Thank you Harley Davidson Cavite and Wheeltek for the opportunity.
2021 Harley Davidson Softail Standard
ENGINE Milwaukee-Eight® 107
BORE 3.937 in.
STROKE 4.374 in.
DISPLACEMENT 107 cu in
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.0 :1
ENGINE TORQUE (RPM) 144 Nm (3,250)
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
2-into-2 shotgun exhaust ; catalyst in muffler
LENGTH 2,320 mm
SEAT HEIGHT, UNLADEN 680 mm
WEIGHT 297 kg
WHEELS
Chrome, Steel Laced
BRAKES
4-piston fixed front and 2-piston floating rear
GAUGES
2.14 inch viewable area LCD display with speedometer, gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, range and tachometer indication
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