Motorcycle specifications Harley-Davidson1690 SOFTAIL DELUXE FLSTN 2014 Special deluxe menu

disappeared from the Harley catalog in 2008, the Deluxe returned in 2011 with ABS, a more attractive price tag, and still its big 96 cubic-inch twin. Then in 2012, like all Softails, it got the 103 ci back. This Twin Cam brings 1690 cm3 of displacement, a few more horses, and a nice slice of torque of over 13 mkg. Its maximum of 132 nm is reached at 3250 rpm. The Softail Deluxe is an invitation to fine things. A deliciously retro machine that's always ready to please. With its whitewall tires fitted to handsome spoked rims, and its elegant two-tone paintwork, the Harley captivates the eye and invites you in from 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. The 103 is no longer the privilege of the Electra Limited, as it was in 2010, and its muscle is exerted even more brilliantly here. More present, more generous, equipped with a 6-speed gearbox, the twin 103 B does a much better job than its predecessor. It takes the 400 kg man-machine unit effortlessly over any terrain with muscle. A little something was missing on the 1450; the 1584 gave the connecting rods more expression, the 1690 even more depth, 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)