Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe 2016 — Specifications

Discontinued from the Harley catalog in 2008, the Deluxe returned in 2011 with ABS, a more attractive price, and still its good, big twin. Year after year, this engine has grown and evolved, ultimately adopting this year’s High Output configuration. At the heart of the mechanics, there’s 1690 cm3 of displacement, specific camshafts, improved breathing, a little more power, and a nice slice of torque of 132 Nm. This 13.4 mkg peak is reached at 3250 rpm. The Softail Deluxe is an invitation to beautiful things. A delightfully retro machine that flatters you and never ceases to please. With its whitewall tires on beautiful spoked rims and its very elegant two-tone paint, the Harley captivates the eye and evokes the past. You almost feel like you’re in the post-war era, the Softail’s style being very inspired by that period. Large fenders, profuse chrome, stylized turn signals, and a triple headlight gaze – the Deluxe uses its charm before provoking desire. It begins with a tender and benevolent seat for the posterior. The imposing speedometer grafted onto the tank clearly displays the km/h of the ride; something you completely disregard while riding (rather well-designed) the machine. The thing is to let the American twin carry you along in complete relaxation. Attack is out! It’s not a Dyna Sport and the motorcycle’s philosophy doesn’t lend itself to that – just like the footpegs which rub in every turn. Too much optimism to the left and the center stand flirts severely with the pavement, all while having taken care to jostle the motorcycle.

The Softail Deluxe is ridden with gentleness and handled without problems. The road holding is good and can even be effective when cornering without brutality. The rear suspension doesn’t accept large irregularities well and the braking doesn’t really want to work – the 2015 improvements are committed to improving the situation a bit. The Moco strengthens the will and capabilities of the system. The front disc widens from 292 to 300 mm. The caliper and master cylinder are redesigned, the latter also benefiting from a design improving performance. With the high-friction material of the pads, the effort required on the lever is reduced almost by half. Harley announces 40% less to achieve optimal braking.

2016 allows you to appreciate cruising a little more with the acquisition, as standard, of a speed regulator. With the adoption of the optimized engine, here are the two major key points of this year.

It works more in the engine's entrails. More present, more generous, equipped with a 6-speed gearbox, the last-generation 103 Twin B performs much better than its predecessors. It will effortlessly carry the 400 kg of the man-machine ensemble on all routes with muscle. It gives even more depth, and that taste that makes a mechanic endearing and/or characteristic. The charm works and doesn’t let go of you when you get off the bike. Is it its gaze or yours that is most captivated?

M.B (photos manufacturer)