Harley-Davidson FXST Softail Standard reviews

1984 Softail first year Evo motor tons of upgrades floorboards, 4 seats., Extra parts, front tubes are six over. The bike turns heads Barbara, One owner always garage kept motor rebuild polished cases. Show less

I bought this bike last summer privately and couldn't get over the power, ride and looks everyone gave it. The bike is a winning combination of everything right that Harley does. I have heard some complaints about the seat, but for a stock seat it wasn't too bad. I added a Big Sucker intake system, Arlen Ness slash pipes, pull back bars, new headlamp and GMA pulley-brake combo so that you can see the rear wheel. Overall it is a GREAT bike that demands attention. Show less

I bought this bike after months of back and forth decisions on other Harleys. I decided on the ST because of the clean simple look. I am not a doctor or lawyer, don't hang out with any at the Harley bar, could have bought any bike, price was not the issue I chose this one. I gave it a 3 on comfort because for me the stock seat is very uncomfortable. Have since put a low solo seat on. Recommended to everyone!! Show less

When I started shopping for a bigger bike, I didn't even consider Harley-Davidson because of the price. One rainy Saturday we went into a Harley dealership just to look around, and I saw this bike. This is my favorite style of motorcycle, and when I sat on it, it seemed everything fit me. My wife and I talked about it, and she thought I should just go ahead and get the Harley, so of course I didn't argue with her! The more I ride this bike, the better I like it! There's plenty of power, the handling is great, it's very well balanced, and it rides very well. I was surprised about the gas mileage, even with Screamin' Eagle mufflers and the Stage 1 air cleaner kit, I get over 47 mpg on the highway. So far, I have no regrets about buying this motorcycle. Show less

I bought an '04 Softail Standard in April of this year and I have to say that it's the best bike I ever had. I had Kawi's and Suzuki's but for my size and weight and style of riding this is the best. It's a bit intimidating when you first ride one but now after 7 months it's almost too easy to get wild with it. One of the reasons I chose a Standard was the vast array of after market parts and accessaries. You can make this bike look anyway you want(after you have grown tired of it in its stock condition). But for now I'm just tearing up the roads around here. Thank gooodness I live in California (long riding season). Show less

I am now 35 years old and have been riding lots of different bikes since I was 7 years old. I bought my first harley this year, a softail standard, black with fuel injection. I have since added a set of vance and hines large radius exhaust to my bike. There is nothing that can describe riding a harley! I will never go back to other bikes again! Ride on from Canada! Show less

Since I purchased my 04'Softail I have spent alot of money to make it right for me. I found that the stock seat is not very comfortable for the rear on longer road trips, and the stock bars need to be adjusted for comfort, or replaced by some more desirable bars. The bike is rather bland and should really be dressed with some chrome and uniqueness, otherwise the FXST is a very "STANDARD" bike. I went with Vance&Hines Big-Shots, Performnce Machine 240 Tire kit, Burley 1.5 T-Drag bars, 7 gegree triple trees, lots of chrome. I still want to do a few key things such as get rid of the ugly stock emblems and put some old school HD emblems on it, and ad a carb and cams. The great thing is that it will always be a piece of American Herritage, and the Twin Cam 88-B is a great place to start if you want quality. Also note that the insurance and financing terms are much much better with a Harley Davidson! Over-all, the Harley will always have my vote when it comes to a real road bike! But, don't be suprised if you end up spending lots of money customizing it to your liking! Show less

I picked the bike up a week ago and don't want to get off. I've owned import bike before but they don't compare to the Harley ride and nostalgia. I ordered the pearl white and absolutely love it. The paint job is world-class. The transmission is firm and definite. I have had a few coughs from the engine but it was before the bike fully warmed-up it isn't the EFI model. With a little tweaking of the carburator and a better intake and pipes would really open the engine up. It comes from the factory pretty chocked up because of the emission laws. I have heard mixed views on the factory saddles. I took her out for a 2-hour ride and never had a problem. My legs never had a tingle or went to sleep. I haven't taken the misses for a ride so I don't know how the back seat rides. The light isn't very bright on low on dark back roads. This can be alleviated with a halogen bulb replacement. The ride is very nice. The bike weighs over 600 pounds so see is going to give you a good ride. The front forks are also ultra smooth. I have ordered a detachable windshield and plan to purchase a sissy bar and bags soon. That will give her more personality. I haven't regretted buying it at all. Show less

Just getting back into riding after about 17 years and got a red 04 Softtail Standard. So far I am very impressed with this bike. The quality seems to be night and day above my old 81 Sportster. The Softtail handles well and seems very solid. I was leaning towards a low rider, but this Softtail seems bigger and more substantial. The forward controls/pegs are much better for me and the riding position seems better. The fuel injection is nice and the bike has tons of torque. I took delivery with S/E slash down pipes and they sound great (just loud enough for a 45 year old). This is definitely a bike for cruising on nice sunny days. You have to remember though, if you never had a Harley, it's not a rice burner. It's older technology and takes getting used to. But it's style and sounds are unique. I haven't had this much fun in a long time. I am very, very happy with this bike. See you on the road. Show less

Totally hooked. that's all I can say. I wrote the first review 1 yr ago regarding my newly purchased 2003 FXSTI, and what an amazing year it's been. didn't get her out until May because of our heavier than usual snow. I now have a little over 5000 miles on it. Over the summer I had a power commander, K&N big sucker, slash-cut pythons, and sissy-bar put on it, and it has performed flawlessly. The only hiccup was my float in my fuel gage got stuck, but this was quickly fixed. So much for the "lack-of-quality" of a Harley. Like I said, 5000 miles and she runs great. Pythons are really loud(maybe too loud), but they really bring out that Harley sound that is missing with the stock pipes. Being that this is my first bike to own, I can't really compare it to other makes, but if your able to get one, do it. I have nothing against Hondas, Kawasaki, etc, just know that the times I've ridden with non-Harley riders, most of them (you can just tell) wish they had one. Most recently, I rode 40mi to my work in Indy in 20 and 16 degree temp. The bike ran perfect, and of course in those temps, the FI helps. didn't go to Milwaukee, I'm not a fan of big crowds, but will visit sometime along with Sturgis(of course, not when eveyone else is there). To all of you thinking about getting one, the softail standard is just a little higher price than a VTX or Valk and comparable to any BMW. I knew that if I had bought anything else, I'd always have asked myself what it's like to ride a Harley. Well I know,and nothing else will do. Show less