A couple of weeks back, the California Air Resources Board spilled the beans on Harley-Davidson’s new Softail Standard. Now, it’s been released, a little earlier than expected.

So what’s it all about? Pretty much exactly what everyone expected: It’s a stripped-down entry in the Softail line (duh!) with basic Vivid Black paint, the Milwaukee Eight 107 engine, and a 19-inch front wheel, with 16-inch rear (wheels are spoked, not cast). It does have some chrome accents and shiny 2-2 shotgun exhaust, so it’s not a completely blacked-out ratbike wannabe. Harley-Davidson included its minimalist handlebar-mounted speedometer, handlebar-mounted turn signals, and a solo seat.

The oil-cooled version of the Milwaukee Eight 107 engine should make around 93 horsepower, and 110 lb-ft of torque. In running order, the Standard weighs 655 lb. Seat height is a butt-draggin’ 25.8 inches, and wheelbase is 64.2 inches.

Pricing begins at $13,599 in the US, and $15,699 in Canada. Dealer fees and taxes are extra, of course, and so is ABS in the US market (it’s standard in Canada).

Harley-Davidson also has four options packages. Here’s what you get, as per the Harley-Davidson press release:

Day Tripper Custom Package: Combine classic bobber style with next-level versatility by adding a pillion and a 21-inch detachable sissy bar with pad so a passenger can come along for the ride. This package also includes passenger footpegs and mounts, forward foot controls, and a black leather Single-Sided Swingarm Bag designed to hold essentials.

Coast Custom Package: Capture the elements of the performance-oriented, West Coast style. Components include a Softail Quarter Fairing, black anodized aluminum Moto Bar handlebar and matching 5.5-inch tall riser, a Bevel two-up seat and passenger footpegs, and BMX-style foot pegs from the rugged 80GRIT™ Collection.

Touring Custom Package: This package outfits the Softail Standard model for the long haul, with a comfortable Sundowner™ two-up seat and passenger footpegs, a 14-inch-high light smoke quick-release windshield, classic black Detachables saddlebags, and a 14.5-inch detachable sissy bar and backrest pad.

Performance Custom Package: Amplify throttle response and mid-range acceleration with a Screamin’ Eagle® Stage II Torque kit for the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine and a Screamin’ Eagle Pro Street Tuner to dial it in. Complete the package with a free-flowing Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather Performance Air Cleaner and Screamin’ Eagle Street Cannon mufflers for a deep-bass exhaust note. It’s a 50-state street legal, factory-engineered performance upgrade that retains the original equipment factory warranty when installed by an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer.

Pricing for the packages depends on whether you get the dealer to install it. You can also individually order the parts from these packages from your Harley-Davidson dealer.

So who’s the target market for this bike? A lot of these stripped-down machines are intended for custom builders, but this one appears to sort of an entry-level to the Softail line, a role previously held down by the Street Bob (for now, that bike’s still in the lineup too). Maybe Harley-Davidson wanted a more contemporary-looking machine to attract a different demographic here. Will it work? We’ll see.

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