The New Softails
It was back in 2018 when we saw the huge overhaul of the Softail range, and this year, H-D have done it again. With more power, new riding modes and upgraded suspension, it really is a Softail Smorgasbord, with each model appealing to different riders in their own way. This year, all six models do away with the 107ci and 114ci displacements and now come in three tailored variants of the 117ci engine, with each providing more power and torque.
The new motors also feature four-valve cylinder heads, oval intakes, and the low-profile intake- valve seats which H-D first introduced on last year’s touring models. There’s also a new aluminium intake manifold to provide a more direct air-path, while the engine oil has also been re-routed from its frame-mounted radiator and runs coolant through the heads, and each of the three versions have been tuned specifically for that particular model. Big changes leading to what feels like completely new motorcycles in comparison to their predecessors.
Three Ways to Ride: Classic, Custom & High Output
The Softails now fall into different categories too, with Classic (Street Bob and Heritage), Custom (Breakout and Fat Boy) and High Output (Low Rider S and Low Rider ST), all with different performance figures. First up the Heritage and Street Bob offer 156Nm and 95hp, while next in line is the Fat Boy and Breakout, both pumping out 168Nm and 104 horses, but it’s the High Output Low Rider S and Low Rider ST that provide the most performance with 173Nm and 114hp, along with an increased redline to 5,900rpm.
Also new are rider aids across all models including Cornering Traction Control, Cornering ABS, Cornering Drag Torque Slip Control and Tyre Pressure monitoring. The indicators and headlights are now all LED, and every model also comes standard with Cruise control and a USB-C charge port. Although without a doubt the biggest upgrade is the new Ride Modes, which feature Rain, Road and Sport, which I was very keen to try out.
Australian Launch
The launch all kicked off down in Kiama on the South Coast of NSW with a press dinner, along with a presentation from Luke Mansfield (COO Harley-Davidson). He even joined the ride the following day, which is always great to see. Starting early the following morning, we were greeted with mist rolling in off the ocean, but it didn’t take long to clear up as we made our way from Kiama to Berry for our first stop.
Obviously being a launch, most of the morning was spent stopping and starting to make sure all the photos and video requirements were met, and meant we were regularly changing bikes, which for me, was a great way to start the day’s ride, allowing you to get into the groove early riding the six different models.
Heritage Classic
For those that like a little style, the Heritage Classic is right up your alley. With those nine- spoke cast wheels, lockable saddlebags, a detachable windscreen, comfortable cushy seat, floorboards and an extremely comfortable riding position, it’s a timeless classic. Cruising the roads down the South Coast on the Heritage was as expected, comfortable and effortless, a good motorcycle to soak in all the scenery.
Street Bob
For me though, jumping on the new Street Bob was what I was looking forward too, especially after only recently testing the 2024 model about six months ago. It’s the perfect bike for anyone interested in an agile, stripped-down cruiser. It’s also the lightest in the stable coming in at just ??, so you’ll definitely have some fun when you flick it into Sport Mode – transforming it into a sports bike on steroids. I just couldn’t believe the change in performance, and those mini-ape bars are perfect too, allowing you to really have a go through the twisties, while the new single-rate coil suspension improves the handling.
Fat Boy
When it comes to the Fat Boy, obviously it has an illustrious history, but for me, it still takes a lot of effort to muscle it through the corners and isn’t one of my favourites when it comes to the Softail range.
Having said that, that iconic styling ensures it’ll remain one of H-D’s popular models here in Australia, and the latest edition is sure to prove just as popular. Some of the updates include a tank-mounted five-inch LCD display along with retuned suspension for a smoother ride. And being a 35 th Anniversary edition, we’ve just seen the new Fat Boy Icon released, which I’m sure will be snapped up quickly.
Breakout
Along with the Fat Boy, also slotting into the Custom category is the Breakout, which remains the highest selling model here in Australia. With the low and long stretched out styling, the 36-degree fork angle and the pull-back bars, the Breakout is the perfect bike to check yourself out in shop windows, but when it comes to handling, it’s not up there with the rest of the range.
It didn’t help that we rode through Kangaroo Valley for that particular stretch of the ride while I was on the Breakout, which included going up and over the mountain. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still an extremely comfortable cruiser, just sometimes you find yourself having to work a little harder. Sure the new straight rate springs improve the ride, but again, it wasn’t the Softail that got my blood boiling, that was left for the Low Riders.
Low Rider S
The Low Rider S was the model that had me smiling from ear to ear under my helmet. The Club-style bars are perfect when you want to have a red-hot go, while the riding position with the mid mounted pegs is much more aggressive. And this year it also now features a restyled LED taillight, a taller rear shock providing extra ground clearance and as always, those dual front brake discs which will have you pulling up in a heartbeat.
But it’s the new High Output motor that’s the star of the show! Like all the models tested so far, I spent the first stretch in Rain mode before switching to Road for a while, with the change in performance instantly noticeable. But it was in Sport where I had the most fun, which like Road mode produces full power, but changes the level of throttle aggression. And Having said that, the feel at the throttle in all modes is brilliant, especially when you’re riding at slow speeds through traffic. I’ve ridden other bikes that feature ride modes, and when in Sport it can often feel extremely snatchy on the throttle, but you won’t get that with the new Softails, even on the HO motors.
Low Rider ST
The Low Rider ST takes it to the next level, especially if you want performance and the option of long-haul touring thanks to those hard panniers. As aforementioned, I started on Rain mode, switched to Road and then into Sport, which transforms the bike into a hot rod on two wheels.
It not only looks the part, especially in the new Blue Burst colourway, but it sounds gruntier too, as does the Low Rider S, which is no doubt provided by a combination of that new 2-into-1 exhaust along with intake pairings Also fitted with the 2-into-1 system is the Street Bob and Heritage Classic, while the Breakout and Fat Boy remain with twin exhausts.
Which Softail Suits You?
So now begs the question, what’s the best Softail for you? Well, that all comes down to personal preference, and as previously mentioned, there really is something to suit everyone in the latest Softail range. If you’re like me and prefer aggressive handling, hard riding and sportier ergonomics, then the Low Rider S and the Low Rider ST will tick all those boxes. On the other hand, if you’re more about riding in pure comfort and prefer the traditional styling, I’d say it’d be the Heritage Classic which will be the perfect choice.
But if you’re more after bold styling, strong acceleration and a fat rear tyre, it’s got to be the Breakout. Maybe you like more relaxed cruising with a comfortable cushy seat and floorboards for all day riding, which means it’ll be the Fat Boy that fulfills those requirements. Or finally it might be a lightweight, easy handling bike that you can belt through the tight stuff with ease, which is where the Street Bob steps up to the plate.
Time to Test Ride
For me, after a full day riding all the Softails down on the South Coast of NSW, it’s clear that each and every model will have a different appeal and cater to a variety of riders. Whether it’s performance you’re after, a laid-back cruiser or a touch of nostalgia, there really is something for everyone in the latest range, which is why I recommend testing as many of the models as you can – all six if possible, cos that way, like me, you’ll get a firsthand idea of just how different each model feels. So make sure you drop into your local authorised Harley-Davidson dealership and start lining up a few test rides…
Keep your love for riding alive with more inspiring stories and features in our LiveToRide magazines.
