2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe FLDE: Detailed Specs, Background, Performance, and More

1. Introduction And Overview

1.1 About Harley Davidson

Harley Davidson is an American motorcycle manufacturing company, founded in Wisconsin and Milwaukee in the year 1903. It is one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, with factories in Milwaukee, York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Brazil, India, Thailand, Bawal, and Manaus. It has become the most desirable motorcycle brand worldwide due to its focus on quality and innovation combined with its advanced design and engineering methods.

1.2 About Softails

The Softail is a type of motorcycle model where the rear suspensions are out of direct view. Unlike the Hardtail models, where both front and rear suspensions are located in the same frame, it’s a unique model that has a separate mini frame for the rear suspension.

1.3 Harley Davidson Softails Line

The Softail has been a registered trademark of Harley since 1984 when the company first utilized this model in FXST Softail. H-D’s Softail frame design has the comfort of the rear suspension, with the look of rigid frame bikes of the past.

There are many H-D Softail models, all of which have almost similar engines, transmissions, and frames but differ in wheels, forks, and accessories. e.g. Softail Custom, Standard, Deluxe, Heritage, Deuce, Fat Boy, Softail Slim, etc.

H-D Softail models are designed to position shock absorbers along the motorcycle axis. The models from 1984 – 2017 had it tucked under the transmission. But the models from 2018 and onwards have it tucked under the seat.

Engines: The models before 2018 had a counterbalanced version of the Twin Cam engine. But it was replaced by a variant of H-D Milwaukee-Eight engine for the models from 2018 and onwards.

Front Forks: H-D Softail models differ in their front fork configuration. Originally, they had a Springer leading link fork. Now there are 2 variations:

FXST Designation: for 21” front wheel or when springer fork is used with 21” wheel

FLST Designation: for 16” front wheel or when springer fork is used with 16” wheel

2. 2020 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe

The 2020 Softail Deluxe is a classic vintage-style motorcycle presented with a modern look. It has an irresistible aura due to the whitewall tires and chrome styling which are added as an homage to the 50s Boulevard. It gets its power from the Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin Engine with a displacement of 1753cc.

3. What Makes Softail Deluxe Different From Classic Softail Heritage?

Electronic throttle control with standard cruise control
30 pounds lighter
Laced wheels and whitewalls sweeping fenders
Modern LED light all around ( front, tail, display)
High-performance front suspension
Adjustable mono-shock rear suspension
Responsive handling and fast acceleration
Powerful engine
Triple headlight setup
Deluxe badge ( fender + tank)
Fat spoke 21-inch front wheel
Extra chromes
Air ride (braided cables)

4. Key Features

Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe 2020 is the latest cruiser in a line of custom motorcycles launched in 2018. Each model in the H-D Softail line has a unique style and attitude.

The Milwaukee-Eight engine’s power plus the easy-handling Softail frame and suspension are hidden behind the Deluxe's chrome and shine. It's lighter than you'd think for a bike with so much sparkle.

The key features of Deluxe 2020 include

4.1 Softail Frame

Although similar to the classic Softail model, the Deluxe 2020 frame is much lighter and stiffer in design. This feature makes it an extremely responsive ride, unlike anything you have felt before.

4.2 Pullback Handlebars

The 2020 Deluxe is equipped with easy-to-reach pullback handlebars with a chrome pullback riser that helps provide a closer grip. These handlebars provide a dynamic aerodynamic contour to the front end and make you feel more confident.

4.3 Chrome Laced Wheels With Whitewall Tires

The shiny chrome wheels of Deluxe 2020 give it a 50s Boulevard look while maintaining performance and handling at the same time.

4.4 Comfortable Solo Seat

Deluxe 2020 has an ergonomically designed comfortable solo seat that will help you travel day and night without getting tired.

4.5 Retro Modern LED Lightning

Deluxe 2020 has modern LED lighting combined with retro style from the headlight to the tail. These lights work efficiently to help you see better in the dark.

4.6 Milwaukee Engine

The most unique feature of Deluxe is its powerful V-Twin Milwaukee-Eight engine that runs smoothly and provides a crisp throttle response.

4.7 High-Performance Front Suspension And Rear Mono-Shock

It has an adjustable mono-shock as the rear suspension which preserves the Hardtail look while allowing the dynamic cornering. Moreover, the top-class suspension technology in the front allows high performance for such reduced-weight bikes with linear damping.

5. Specs

5.1 General Information:

Brand	Harley Davidson
Model	Softail Deluxe
Year	2020
Category	Custom/Cruiser
Price	$18,399

5.2 Dimensions and Capacities

Wheelbase	1,630 mm
Ground Clearance	115 mm
Seat Height	680 mm
Curb Weight	316kg
Overall Length	2,415 mm
Trail	145mm
Rake	30
Fuel Capacity	18.91 ”31” front and rear
Oil Capacity	4.71
Tires Rear Specification	MU85B16 77H

5.3 Engine

Engine	Milwaukee-Eight™ 107
Stroke	111mm
Bore	100mm
Displacement	1746cc
Compression Ratio	10.0:1
Fuel System	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Exhaust	2-into-2 shorty dual; catalyst in muffler

5.4 Chassis

Wheels Front Type	Chrome Steel Laced
Wheels, Rear Type	Chrome Steel Laced
Brakes, Caliper Type	4-piston fixed front and 2-piston floating rear

5.5 Performance

Engine Torque Testing Method	EC 134/2014 Engine Torque Testing Method
Engine Torque	145 Nm
Engine Torque (RPM)	3000
Lean Angle, Right	28
Lean Angle, Left	28

5.6 Electric

Lights (As per country regulation), Indicator Lamps	High beam, turn signals, neutral, low oil pressure, engine diagnostics, auxiliary lighting, ABS, security, low battery voltage, low fuel
Gauges	5-inch analog speedometer with digital gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, range and tachometer indication

5.7 Drive Train

Primary Drive	Chain, 34/46 ratio
Gear Ratios (Overall) 1st	9.311
Gear Ratios (Overall) 2nd	6.454
Gear Ratios (Overall) 3nd	4.793
Gear Ratios (Overall) 4nd	3.882
Gear Ratios (Overall) 5nd	3.307
Gear Ratios (Overall) 6nd	2.79

6. Pricing

The pricing of Softail Deluxe 2020 varies depending upon the color and custom options.

Vivid Black	$18,399
Colors (Midnight Blue; Stone Washed White Pear)	$18,799
Two-Tone (Billiard Red/Vivid Black Scorched Orange/Silver Flux.)	$19,149
Two-Tone Custom Color	$19,549
California Emission	$200
Freight	$390

7. How Does The 2020 Deluxe Differ From The 2018?

The 2020 Deluxe differs from the 2018 in two main areas:

Chassis
Improved Handling
Lighter, Stiffer Frame
Better Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
More Tracking Stability

Drivetrain
Decreased Vibration
Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine
Excellent Roll-On Anywhere In The Rev Range
109 Lb-Ft at 3,000 Rpm

8. Why Choose Deluxe?

Aesthetic for the bike show and is a pure cruiser
Fun, super loud, fast motors
Light handles, longer range, cooler, efficient
Better power to weight ratio
Precision oil cooling system (Less heat)
Better lean angle and long fenders
Classic vehicle look and can be customized
More floorboards, relaxed foot positioning

9. How Does A New Softail Frame Benefit The Modern-Day Vehicle Rider?

Lowering kits are easy to work with
Less expensive
Powerful, lightweight , rigidity, suspension
Can lean three degrees farther
Floorboards

10. Conclusion

The Softail Deluxe is a nostalgic cruiser that reminds you of the glory days of cruisers. The extra features for comfort including sleek pull-back bars, relaxed riding positions, and longer floorboards are what make it an ideal cruiser motorcycle.

A vibrant, classic boulevard cruiser that attracts attention while rumbling with contemporary know-how and swagger.