Category:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson Softail owners, independent repair shops, motorcycle technicians
Segment:
Mid-size Cruiser
Key Competitors:
Indian Chief, Victory Boardwalk, Honda Shadow, Kawasaki Vulcan
Motorcycle Platform:
Softail platform, known for its hidden rear shock absorbers for a hardtail appearance.
Model Emphasis:
Softail Standard, emphasizing classic styling and essential cruising performance.
Powertrain:
Engine (Twin Cam 103), Transmission, Clutch, Final Drive
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (Front/Rear), Wheels, Tires, Brakes (Front/Rear), Steering
Electrical:
Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, ECM, Sensors, Wiring Diagrams
Fuel System:
Fuel Injection (EFI), Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Lines
Exhaust System:
Exhaust Pipes, Mufflers, Catalytic Converter (if equipped)
Bodywork:
Fenders, Tank, Seat, Handlebars, Controls, Body Panels
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Code Reading
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Replacement, Suspension Service
Diagnostics:
ECM Diagnostics, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing, ABS Diagnostics (if equipped)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103B V-Twin
Displacement:
1690 cc (103 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 4.38 in (98.4 mm x 111.3 mm)
Valve Train:
Pushrod-actuated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Timing:
Timing gear drive
Horsepower:
Approx. 78 HP @ 5010 RPM (Figures vary slightly based on specific tuning and emissions regulations)
Torque:
Approx. 97 ft-lbs @ 3500 RPM (Figures vary slightly based on specific tuning and emissions regulations)
Injection Type:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Oil Capacity:
3.5 US qt (3.3 L)
Oil Filter Part Number:
63796-77B (or equivalent)
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Type:
6-speed Cruise Drive
Gear Ratios:
1st: 9.31, 2nd: 6.45, 3rd: 4.79, 4th: 3.89, 5th: 3.30, 6th: 2.79
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, Assist-Type, Wet Multi-Plate
Primary Drive:
Chain, 34/46 ratio
Final Drive:
Belt, 32/66 ratio
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ (or equivalent GL-4, SAE 80W-90)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
2.7 US qt (2.55 L)
Crash Test Ratings:
Not Applicable (Motorcycle)
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear
ABS:
Optional (Anti-lock Braking System)
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED tail lamp and brake lamp
Indicators:
Front and rear turn signals
Display:
Analog speedometer with integrated LCD display for odometer, trip meter, clock, and gear indicator.
Audio System:
Not standard on the Softail Standard model; typically an accessory option.
ABS:
Available as an option.
Cruise Control:
Not standard on the Softail Standard model; typically an accessory option.
Bluetooth:
Not standard; available via accessory communication modules.
First Service:
1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months
Subsequent Service:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months thereafter
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 24 months
Primary Chain Case Fluid Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 24 months
Engine Oil Specification:
Harley-Davidson 20W-50 Syn3 Full Synthetic (or equivalent API CG-4 rated synthetic oil)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ (or equivalent GL-4, SAE 80W-90)
Primary Chain Case Fluid Specification:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ (or equivalent SAE 80W-90 GL-4)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Engine Mounts:
Potential for vibration at idle; check rubber mounts for wear.
Cam Chain Tensioner:
Early Twin Cam models had plastic cam chain tensioners that could wear; later models (including this era) use improved hydraulic tensioners, but inspection is still recommended as part of a comprehensive service.
Primary Clutch Adjustment:
Clutch adjustment can be critical for smooth engagement; refer to manual for correct procedure.
Rear Shock Preload:
Adjustable rear shocks require periodic checking and adjustment based on load.
Brand:
Harley-Davidson, established 1903, iconic American motorcycle manufacturer.
Softail Lineage:
The Softail platform was introduced in 1984, designed to mimic the look of a hardtail frame while incorporating rear suspension.
Softail Standard Role:
The 'Standard' designation often signifies a more basic, stripped-down version of the model, focusing on core styling and performance.
Twin Cam Era:
The 2015 model falls within the Twin Cam engine era, which powered Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 1999 to 2017.
Assembly Location:
York, Pennsylvania, USA and Kansas City, Missouri, USA (typical for Harley-Davidson motorcycles of this era).
Model Specific Awards:
Specific awards for the 2015 Softail Standard are not widely publicized; however, the Softail platform is consistently recognized for its blend of classic styling and comfortable cruising.
Motorcycle Reviews:
Generally praised for its accessible performance, comfortable riding position, and iconic Harley-Davidson styling.
Emissions Compliance:
Meets US EPA and California ARB emissions regulations for its model year.