10 Interesting Things About Harley-Davidson’s Cheapest Softail
When you buy the cheapest bike in any model lineup, it’s usually the most basic package. Nearly all of your favorite brands are guilty of that, including Harley-Davidson. After all, the cheapest Softail has always had the smallest engine and the fewest features. Even ABS wasn’t standard on these models.
Things are different under new ownership, however. The current cheapest Softail not only has the same engine as more pricey models, but it also has the same feature list, including a six-axis IMU. We’re talking about the Street Bob, and here’s everything you need to know about it.
A Stripped-Back Design With Loads Of Chrome
The ‘Bob’ in the name stands for bobber, and we all know bobbers are extremely stripped-back machines. That’s the design theme here as well. Accordingly, the fender is chopped at the rear, the front fender is minimalistic, and there’s a curvy fuel tank in the name of bodywork. Chrome is in heaps, too. The exhaust, engine fins, tank logo, air filter cover, and headlight all have chrome accents. If you don’t like that, hard luck because there isn’t any blacked-out variant on sale.
Five Vibrant Colorways Are On Offer
Speaking of variants, the Street Bob can be had in two versions: base and two-up (for an extra $1,000). The former is offered in only one color–Billiard Gray. The latter, in comparison, unlocks four more colors at extra cost. These include:
- Billiard Gray
- Vivid Black (+ $300)
- Brilliant Red (+ $650)
- Olive Steel Metallic (+ $650)
- Aurora Blue Denim (+ $650)
Powered By Harley’s 117ci V-Twin Engine
For most of its long life, the Street Bob has always had a smaller engine compared to its Softail compatriots. The Milwaukee-Eight 107 served duty pre-2020 when others had the 114, while the bike had the 114 post-2020 when others had switched to the 117. Post its latest overhaul, though, the Street Bob finally has its largest powerhouse yet: the Milwaukee-Eight 117. This is in line with other Softails, as the 117 is now the staple powerhouse in the lineup. You’ll need a CVO model to get a bigger engine than that.
This Is The Most Powerful Street Bob Ever
With the big engine, the Street Bob is also more powerful than ever. The output now lies at 98 horsepower and 120 pound-feet, sent to the wheel via a six-speed transmission. Since the mill is in the Classic trim, Harley says the emphasis is on satisfying street performance and ease of rideability. A two-into-one exhaust, classic round air cleaner, and a flat torque curve all back that up.
Although the output isn’t absurd, Harley has upped the rider aid package to make things safer. A six-axis IMU leads the way, unlocking cornering ABS, traction control, and drag-torque slip control. Sweetening the pot are three ride modes and cruise control as standard. So it’s a fairly modern bike, even with an air-cooled powerhouse.
Double-Cradle Chassis For Rock-Solid Stability
The mill sits inside Harley’s staple Softail frame. This is a double-cradle chassis carved out of steel, and paired with a double-sided swingarm. A steel subframe and forged fender supports are present, too. Straight-line stability and city comfort is said to be the priority here, rather than swift direction changes. Not that you’ll be able to corner much due to the low clearance, long wheelbase, and apehangers.
Tips The Scale At Over 640 LBs
Speaking of dimensions, all that steel means a curb weight of 646 pounds fully fueled. That’s lighter than its Softail compatriots, but around 100 pounds heavier than the Indian Scout Classic. Meanwhile, the wheelbase lies at 64.2 inches with a ground clearance of 4.9 inches. Owing to this long and low nature, the cornering clearance is said to be just 28.5 degrees. This is one of the lowest figures in the Softail range today.
Apehangers Ensure A Laidback Riding Experience
There was a time when apehanger-type handlebars were all the rage. Today, only a few bikes have them from the factory, and the Street Bob is one of those. These bars swoop upwards for a unique hand position, while the forward-set pegs and low 25.8-inch seat ensure a laidback riding triangle. The base bike doesn’t have any pillion accommodation, though, so be prepared to pay extra if you like taking on your significant other.
Showa Suspension Soaks Up The Bumps
Like the chassis package, the suspension is par for the Softail course. A set of 49 mm Showa dual-bending forks is present at the front, with no adjustability. Whereas, a Showa monoshock is at the rear with a cam-style preload adjuster. That means adjusting things is a bit more difficult here, compared to some other bikes with remote preload adjusters. This is topped with 19/16-inch cast alloy wheels, each of which has a single disc brake for shedding speed. Spoke wheels cost $850 more.
The Base Price Is Under $15,000
As part of its aggressive pricing strategy, the Street Bob sells for less than you’d expect: a scarcely believable $14,999. That’s lower than the previous cheapest bike in the lineup–the Softail Standard–even though the new Bob has a handful of updates, including a bigger engine. Even if you account for the two-up model, the pricing is still pretty aggressive. Oh, and the price also helps it boast better value than direct rivals.
The lightweight Street Bob motorcycle is quicker than ever with new Milwaukee-Eight® 117 Classic power. This lean cruiser offers a nimble ride with power to spare and projects no-nonsense raw bobber attitude from the standard mini apes to the chopped rear fender. The Street Bob motorcycle offers equal parts style, performance, and rideability. — Harley-Davidson
Brilliant Value Compared To Its Arch Rival
The Softail range locks horns with Indian’s Chief lineup. And we’re happy to report the Street Bob beats the cheapest Chief in terms of value. While both bikes have the same base price, the Chief has a much smaller engine, with less power and torque. It also misses out on a six-axis IMU and electronic aids. You’ll have to get the $18,499 Chief Dark Horse to unlock more power, and even that model misses out on the riding aids offered by the Harley.
Source: Harley-Davidson
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