Motorcycle specifications Harley-Davidson1584 SOFTAIL DELUXE FLSTN 2011 Special deluxe menu

Disappeared from the Harley catalog in 2008, the Deluxe returns in 2011 with ABS, a more attractive price tag, and still its big 96 cubic-inch twin. The Softail Deluxe is an invitation to the finer things in life. A deliciously retro machine that's always ready to please. With its whitewall tires fitted to beautiful spoked rims, and its elegant two-tone paintwork, the Harley captivates the eye and invites you back to the past. The Softail's styling is inspired by the post-war era. Chunky mudguards, chrome galore, stylized blinkers and triple-lensed eyes, the Deluxe uses its charm to provoke envy. It starts with a tender, posterior-friendly seat. The imposing speedometer grafted onto the tank clearly displays the km/h of the ride, something you couldn't care less about on the machine's (rather well-designed) handlebars. The trick is to let the American twin take you along in complete relaxation. Forget about attack! This isn't a Dyna Sport, and the bike's philosophy doesn't really lend itself to that - just like the footrests, which rub in every corner. Too much optimism on the left and the kickstand flirts severely with the pavement, all the while taking care to jostle the bike.

the Softail Deluxe rides smoothly and handles with ease. Handling is good, and can even be effective when winding without brutality. The rear damping doesn't cope well with big irregularities, and the brakes don't really want to work. On the other hand, there's more work to be done in the guts of the mill. Like the whole range in 2007, the Deluxe has swapped the 1450 cc for the new, vigorous 1584 cc. More present, more generous, and equipped with a new 6-speed gearbox, the twin 96B acquits itself much better than its predecessor. It takes the 400 kg man-machine unit on any trail with ease and muscle. A little something was missing on the 1450; the 1584 gives expression back to the connecting rods, and that taste that makes a machine endearing and/or characterful. The charm works and doesn't let go when you get off the bike. Is it her gaze or yours that's most captivating?

M.B
(manufacturer's photos)