Why "Standard" ?

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Apr 7, 2014 | 06:39 PM

#11

Blk and Chrome

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Joined: Jun 2008

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From: Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by E8USMCRET

I know nobody on here had anything to do with the naming of the Softail Standard but it seems like an odd name for it. To my knowledge there's not another bike in HD's line that was designated as "Standard" (correct me if I'm wrong on this). I realize that the Standard came though rather plain and stripped a bit with less chrome than it's sister Custom. Even the Super Glide didn't get the blah ho hum lackluster name of "Standard". When people ask me what I ride I say "Softail" I purposely leave out the Standard part because I don't feel it does the bike justice. Just a small rant flame me if you feel the need.

Not to worry your's is not so standard....Nice bike !!!

Apr 7, 2014 | 06:58 PM

#12

klf33

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Toronto, Ontario

I am an Egnineer , You are measured by 'Standards' dude

.. and we do have 'high' standards

Apr 7, 2014 | 07:28 PM

#13

tmitchellof PG

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Joined: Sep 2006

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From: Punta Gorda,FL

They could call it a Harley SS, for softail standard.
Tom

Apr 7, 2014 | 07:29 PM

#14

Carolina Joe

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2013

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From: South Carolina

With a bike that looks that great, you shouldn't care what it is called. That picture is worth a thousand words.

CJ

Apr 7, 2014 | 08:01 PM

#15

E8USMCRET

Thread Starter

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From: NC, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carolina Joe

With a bike that looks that great, you shouldn't care what it is called. That picture is worth a thousand words.

CJ

Thanks Joe, that pic is a year old. I think it looks way better now. I'll post up some more pics soon. When I bought it in 2011 the previous owner poured a pile into it (drag bars, chrome legs, outer primary, heads, chrome wheels, lowered, cams, carb, headlight, custom tail light) etc. Since then, I've eclipsed that 4 times over with no end in sight

I like the "SS" name better than Standard. I didn't know that in 86 it was the only Softail out there. When I bought my "Custom" brand new in 91 I recall a Heritage, Springer and a Fat Boy at the Dealer but there's so many bikes out there today in the Softail line it's mind boggling.

Apr 7, 2014 | 08:10 PM

#16

Knuckles73

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 358

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From: Florida

Anything but standard...

It was the first and the standard set back in the day. Its is/was a great platform to get on a HD then make it yours... or mine...lol.

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Last edited by Knuckles73; Apr 7, 2014 at 08:12 PM.

Apr 7, 2014 | 09:54 PM

#17

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2012

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From: Centennial, CO

Mine was a Standard.

Apr 7, 2014 | 10:11 PM

#18

soft 02

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: TOAK western branch

Yup. I got one of those boaring, standard, plain harleys. When people ask I just tell em its a standard Harley. I do like the idea of calling it an SS though.

Apr 8, 2014 | 01:11 AM

#19

Kowan

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Joined: May 2010

Posts: 7,882

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From: So California

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom84FXST

Think of it this way...when the first the FXST in 84..there was no other Softail...it was the "standard" from which all other Softails were built.

Exactly. It was to differentiate the plain Softail from the blinged FXSTC one.
Black and chromed engine vs. aluminum.
Spun aluminum wheel on the first FXSTC vs. spoke rear. Fancier paint jobs.

First year of the Heritage was a plain aluminum engine and what got nicknamed the Honda Shadow reject seat. Second year became the Heritage Classic blinged like a FXSTC.