Extracts from the HEAVY DUTY test of the Softail Deluxe.
Deluxe by Nature
There aren’t many better-looking standard, off the showroom floor motorcycles than the 2015 Softail Deluxe. Its popularity explains why it has been a case of ‘refined’ rather than redeveloped since its initial release. You don’t airbrush a Mona Lisa.
The 2015 Press bike continues the trend. It’s finished in ‘Morocco Gold Pearl’ – or white - till you get it in the direct light and then it does indeed reflect a golden pearl aura. It’s quite beautiful and just one of the seven colour combinations available.
This unit is the second 2015 Softail I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a few weeks punting around Brisbane and northern NSW and both have been fitted with the new, larger diameter front disc brake and improved master cylinder. Those upgrades have turned bikes that previously had ‘pretty good’ brakes into ones that have REALLY good brakes.
They are now a genuine ‘one finger’ set (for mits like mine anyway) and the ABS is also noticeably smoother and less intrusive. Gone is the clunky on-off system that had me wondering WTF was going on when I first tried them out in an empty car park. Now it’s far less intrusive in an emergency ‘SMIDSY’ situation and will be much safer should the need arise.
The Go.
As has happened every year for the past fifteen that I’ve been testing new Harleys, they get that little bit better all-round with each new model year. A bit tighter, a bit smoother and a bit sweeter - as you would expect.
With yet another model year under its belt, the 103B, air-cooled, twin-cam engine also continues the trend. The solid mounted, counterbalanced power plant is smooth (for a big block) and has the kind of torque that makes for effortless and relaxed boulevard cruising. It’s a plush feeling engine, comfortable and perfectly tuned for easy enjoyment … Deluxe in fact.
Same for the six-speed gearbox. I remember back to the first Softails I rode and how clunky and agricultural they were by 2015 standards. Like they really were from another world. Remember when it was near impossible to select neutral when stationary? Ancient History. This one is sweet. You know when it’s hit the cog because the shifts are very sure and definite. I really liked the feel of it.
I also enjoyed the economy of the bike. I kept looking down at the fuel gauge and thinking ‘must be due for fuel soon’ - and was constantly surprised by the amount left in the 18.9ltr tank. Harley claims 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined city highway. I got close to that – even carrying my hefty payload and I was pretty heavy handed with the wrist work too. That counterbalance donk doesn’t mind a rev.
I actually found myself needing to back off the throttle quite often too. A glance down at the tank mounted speedo lead to more than one “Oh! Shit! 20kph over”. It’s no superbike, but it’s such an effortless engine and package that the speed can get away from you, particularly whilst you are still a bit green on the machine.
The other pleasing aspect of the bike, economy-wise, is the servicing costs. As I was returning the bike I sought out Josh - the Service Manager at Morgan and Wacker and quizzed him about maintaining the 103B in optimum condition.
‘At M&W we include the labour on the first service so it’s only around $100’ he began. ‘And a typical 8,000km service – including the recommended annual flushing brake fluids should give you change from $550’.
Compared to some of the shim-adjustable-valve bikes I’ve owned that seems like a bargain.
Meanwhile on the road …
The bike’s road manners are refined. Up front, the 16" wheel is spoked and fitted with a wide profile Dunlop white-wall tyre that compliments the white pearl finish impeccably.
Like all the Softail range, corning clearance before the folding footboards hit the deck is not their strong point, but cruising is … well … Deluxe.
The 41.3mm forks are shrouded in classic Beer Can covers and offer 130mm of travel. With 32 degrees of rake it feels solid and planted on the road. It’s a firm ride over bad surfaces yet the steering is light - and it won't change directions unless you tell it to – particularly at freeway speeds.
At the back, the familiar Softail rear end features hidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over suspension offering 91mm of travel. The rear white-wall is also a 16".
It is what it is.
It's not the bike for carving up your favourite twisty bits - this is a glorious cruising machine for feeling like you are the King of the promenade and making for a pleasurable day ride.
The ‘retro tech’ is well integrated, the modern touches like the self-cancelling indicators and array of data available from the on board trip computer all add to the appeal.
It’s a feel-good machine, one that works right off the showroom floor, or can make a great starting point for the endless choices of OEM and aftermarket accessories and add-ons. The first for me would be to address the passenger seating and comfort – but there are literally dozens of options for that.
Then some Free flowing pipes and a heavy breather and it would be job done for me and the Co-pilot – or if you like, add some saddle bags and screen and it becomes an instant Heritage Classic.
Taller riders would also benefit from wider handlebars and taller risers. Shorter inseams will appreciate the narrow ‘collapsible’ saddle skirts and the 670mm saddle height combined with the standard pull-back bars.
From its integrated luggage rack and tombstone brake light to the beautiful chrome front wheel hub it’s a machine that is a joy - both to look at and to ride.
Deluxe by name and by nature.
Things I Liked
Beautiful showroom presentation
Smooth 103B engine and gearbox
Improved brakes and ABS
Things I Didn’t Like
Limited cornering clearance
Firm ride on rough surfaces
Basic passenger accommodation
Things I’d Change
Improve passenger comfort
Add free-flowing pipes and a Heavy Breather
Fit wider bars and taller risers for tall riders
2015 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe
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Engine
TypeAir-cooled Twin Cam 103B™
Displacement1690 cc
Bore x stroke98.4 x 111.1 mm
Compression ratio9.6:1
Fuel systemElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Air cleanerHarley-Davidson stock
ExhaustChrome over/under shotgun with dual tapered mufflers
Maximum torque134 Nm @ 3250 rpm
Driveline & Frame
TransmissionSix-speed
Primary driveChain, 34/46 ratio
Rear driveBelt
FrameTubular steel
SeatHarley-Davidson
Front suspension41.3 mm telescopic fork with beer-can covers
Rear suspensionHidden horizontal coil-over
Wheels & Handling
Front wheel16-inch chrome aluminium profile laced
Rear wheel16-inch chrome aluminium profile laced
Front tyreMT90B16 72H
Rear tyreMU85B16 77H
Ground clearance113 mm
Rake / trail32.1 degrees / 147 mm
Lean angle25.8 degrees right / 26.7 degrees left
Dimensions
Length2400 mm
Seat height, unladen670 mm
Wheelbase1635 mm
Fuel capacity18.9 litres
Oil capacity3.3 litres
Shipping weight313 kg
Running weight330 kg
Fuel economy5.6 L/100 km combined