Choosing a softail standard.

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Jan 25, 2010 | 05:56 PM

Redcap

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 34

Likes: 0

From: SE Idaho, USA

Choosing a softail standard.

After riding a Kawasaki for a while, I am finally picking up first HD for myself. I bought the missus a Sportster last year, but this will be the first for me. I have looked around and have 99% decided on a nice, red pearl, 2004 softail standard. Tax return is on the way, but before I jump in next week, can you tell me what you love the best about the softail standard? Any MUST BUY mods? It already has a two-up seat and sissy bar, and I have decided to put some apes on it as well (14"-16"). What am I missing and why do you love the FXSTDI?

Thanks in advance from a newbie to HD

Jan 25, 2010 | 06:06 PM

Geoff

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 10,946

Likes: 814

From: Nevada

The comment I've heard most about the Standard is it's a great bike for customizing.

Jan 25, 2010 | 06:09 PM

chrome-dome-dave

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 816

Likes: 10

From: Southern, MD

Like already said its great for customizing, a great platform to start with. You can do anything you want with it. A standard is the same as a nightrain but without the blacked out motor. Ive got one and no one believes me when I say its a standard, well it was a standard lol. I've got some pics take a look if you plz.

Jan 25, 2010 | 06:23 PM

Rick101285

Tourer

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 466

Likes: 0

From: CT

Standard it a great platfrom. Here is mine, you would not be able to even tell that it was a FXST.

Jan 25, 2010 | 07:06 PM

BoomerBob

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 3,928

Likes: 1

From: Desert S. West

Nice Softy Rick!!

Is that a guy's head with gray hair and a big nose at the bottom of the stairs?

Jan 25, 2010 | 07:23 PM

JimStro16

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 143

Likes: 0

From: Lockport, NY

Thats why I bought my '05 FXST, you wouldnt be able to tell what bike it originally was unless you knew what to look for(Gray Engine not black). It came with spokes all around and a great engine and platform to start with. I spent a ton in parts but I did it my way and when the money was comfortable to spend. I probably would have spent the same if I would have bought a train or springer and added on them. Heres a pic from two years ago, now it is flat black and I plan to add a springer and mini apes before spring.

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Last edited by JimStro16; Jan 25, 2010 at 07:28 PM.

Jan 25, 2010 | 07:41 PM

Tao3535

Road Captain

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 650

Likes: 1

From: Wisconsin

Nice scoot, but actually, it looks very much like an FXST to me? What am I missing?

Anyway, a Softail standard is a nice bike. it's stretched out more than the Dynas but still light, especially with the skinnier front tire. Skinnier means a bit rougher so if that's not for you then maybe look at the fatboy. Hidden rear shocks under the frame give it a cleaner look, though more play than the stiffer side mounted shocks. This also may make it sit lower with rider which works for me. Gotta love the bobtail fender and I think the bike looks best with a set of mini-apes which came with my FXSTC.

Does the bike come with fuel injection in that year? I traded up from a carberator last year and can't beleive how much nicer it is. In any case, hope you enjoy the bike!