The Discontinued Harley-Davidson Cruiser Bike We Miss The Most

Harley-Davidson has a habit of giving with one hand and taking with the other. Recent model years have brought genuinely exciting additions — a race-bred bagger pushing the limits of what a touring bike can be and a wave of Milwaukee-Eight 117 upgrades sweeping through the cruiser lineup. But the same refresh cycle that brought those gains also quietly killed off several beloved models. Among the casualties is a cruiser that managed something rare: genuine old-school character paired with real muscle, all at an entry-level price.

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For years, this was the most affordable Softail cruiser in the lineup, and with well over 100 pound-feet of torque on tap, it held the title of the torquiest Harley under $15,000. Its stripped-back design made it as comfortable threading city traffic as it was turning heads at a weekend ride. Here is why this bike was one of the best Harleys of recent memory — and why its discontinuation still stings.

The Harley-Davidson Softail Standard Offered Affordable Old-School Charm

Starting Price When New In 2024: $14,999

The 2024 Softail Standard was priced under $15,000. Today, the cheapest Milwaukee-Eight V-twin Harley is the Street Bob, which starts at $17,199. So, the price of admission is considerably higher now. Its most attractive feature is the classic design. If you have been following the evolution of the Softail Standard, the fact that Harley barely tweaked the design formula over the years should rightfully impress you. Even the 2024 model’s Vivid Black finish with its contrasting red tank badge calls to mind Softails from two decades ago.

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That minimal design has kept the Softail Standard relevant for a long time. It’s simple, and therefore very little can go wrong. The chrome is applied with a restrained hand — just enough to highlight the powertrain and make the gorgeous teardrop-shaped fuel tank pop. Bobbed front and rear fenders let those comparatively slim tires command attention, while a 19-inch front and 16-inch rear alloy wheel combination gives the bike its distinctive chopper-ish stance.

Notable Design Features

• Dog dish air filter
• Mini apehanger handlebar
• Round Daymaker headlight
• A generous dose of chrome all-around
• Two-into-two chrome exhaust system

Powered By An Air-Cooled V-Twin That Evokes Nostalgia

Producing 110 Pound-Feet Of Torque

The other great pillar of its nostalgic appeal is the shiny air-cooled Milwaukee-Eight V-twin engine. The 107 was the least powerful engine in the Milwaukee lineup, producing under 90 horsepower — but thanks to its compact dimensions, it was also one of the lightest powerplants in the H-D big-twin family. This long-stroke, pushrod 45-degree V-twin earns its old-school credentials through sheer character.

Engine And Performance Specs

A low compression ratio of 10.0:1 gives it a distinctive rumble that resonates deeply with hardcore fans’ vision of what Harley-Davidson truly stands for. The engine’s only concessions to modernity are a four-valve head design and electronic fuel injection. Calling it “lazy” refers purely to its character, not its capability — the Softail Standard is good for a top speed of over 100 mph, which is pretty nifty for the least powerful Harley of its era.

Solid Recipe For A Beginner American Cruiser Bike

A Back-To-Basics Old-School V-Twin American Cruiser With A Low Seat Height

Harley-Davidson

Its slim form factor is a major contributor to the Softail Standard’s urban-friendly nature. At 64.2 inches, it is fairly long, but the bare-bones construction trims a lot of width, inspiring a heightened level of confidence — especially in newer riders. Then there’s the low seat height of under 26 inches, which opens up this old-school Harley experience to shorter riders. For reference, it comes remarkably close to the Harley-Davidson with the lowest seat height — the Breakout 117 at 25.6 inches.

The rider triangle is relaxed, with forward-biased footpegs and a tall handlebar position. At 655 pounds, it is not the lightest Harley available, but that figure is respectable for an air-cooled big-twin cruiser. Its low ground clearance also translates to a lower center of gravity, which helps elevate maneuverability in tight spaces.

Harley-Davidson

The hardware suite is equally well-suited to urban duty. Suspension is handled by straightforward telescopic forks up front and a coilover monoshock at the rear, with enough wheel travel to absorb the imperfections of city streets. Given its less aggressive performance curve, single discs at both ends handle braking duties adequately. Power and torque peak early — at 5,020 RPM and 3,000 RPM, respectively — delivering the kind of low-end punch that makes spirited city riding genuinely enjoyable.

Dimensions, Weight, And Hardware Specs

Minimal Electronics Ups The “Old-School” Charm Further

An LCD Smaller Than Your Palm

Harley-Davidson

The Softail Standard’s electronic suite stayed true to its old-school, bare-bones philosophy. Visually, the only instrumentation was a tiny LCD set into the top clamp of the mini apehanger. Even ABS was an optional extra rather than standard equipment. Only the headlamp was LED; all other lighting used incandescent bulbs, which only added to its classic visual appeal.

Key Features

• Optional ABS
• Tiny 2.14-inch viewable area LCD.
• LED headlamp only; Other lighting elements use incandescent bulbs.

Immense Customization Potential

Healthy List Of Accessories From The Factory As Well

Harley-Davidson

As a bare-bones cruiser, the Softail Standard is an ideal customization canvas. The platform and engine have been around long enough that bolt-on body parts and engine upgrades are plentiful and affordable. The possibilities are genuinely endless. Harley itself offered a strong selection of factory accessories, allowing owners to transform the Standard into everything from a more powerful roadster-inspired build to a touring-ready cruiser.

Official Accessory List Of The 2024 Softail Standard

A Brief History Of The Harley-Davidson Softail Family

Harley’s Softail Platform Is Over 40 Years Old

Mecum Auctions

The iconic hidden rear suspension platform originated in 1984 with the FXST Softail. More than four decades on, that original custom-style model’s influence is still felt throughout the lineup. The earliest versions used a very different “hidden” suspension layout, with dual springs mounted horizontally beneath the transmission — a clever arrangement that delivered a clean visual profile and a low seat height. The current platform, introduced in 2018, updated the formula with a new swingarm designed to conceal a rear monoshock beneath the seat, while preserving the essential silhouette and spirit of the original Softail.

So, to see a motorcycle with such a storied lineage discontinued is genuinely disheartening. On the bright side, used Softail Standards are steadily appearing in the secondary market. The most affordable modern Softail Standard (2018–2024) can be found used for under $8,500, while low-mileage examples have been selling for more than the original 2024 MSRP. Don’t be surprised if that trend continues as the model picks up a well-deserved collectible reputation.

Sources: Harley-Davidson