2005–2006 · Cruiser · Buyer's Guide
Softail Standard FXST (MY2005)
Twin Cam Torque, Zero Fuss
The Machine's Character
The FXST is the Softail line stripped back to its bones. Behind the rigid-looking rear triangle sit hidden shocks, so you get the hardtail silhouette without the hardtail spine. The 1449 cc air-cooled 45° V-twin is counterbalanced, rated at 62 hp and 85 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm, and it sends drive through a five-speed box and a belt. A 21-inch front hoop, a 200-section rear tire and a 66.9 in wheelbase do the rest of the talking. Harley sold this one as a blank canvas, and that is honestly what it is.
You buy this bike for its shape and its sound, and it holds both over the years because there is almost nothing on it that can date. It suits a rider who wants a starting point rather than a finished product, someone who expects to spend money on bars, pipes, paint and wheels for as long as they own it. The caveat is plain. At 686 lb wet, with a fixed fork and no electronic rider aids of any kind, it asks you to be the only safety system on board. The cam chain tensioners want watching too.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
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| Power | 62 hp (46 kW) @ 5,200 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 85 lb-ft (115 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm |
| Displacement | 1449 cc |
| Engine | 45° V-twin |
| Cooling | Air-cooled |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Final drive | Belt |
| Fork | Telescopic |
| Front brake | 292 mm |
| Front tire | MH90-21 |
| Rear tire | 200/55R17 |
| Wheelbase | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
| Seat height | 26.8 in (681 mm) |
| Wet weight | 686 lb (311 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 gal (19 L) |
Known issues
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Cam chain tensioner shoe wear
The plastic shoes on the cam chain tensioners wear prematurely, leading to potential engine damage if not replaced. Upgrading to hydraulic tensioners or gear-driven cams is a common fix.
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Valve stem seal oil leakage
Faulty valve stem seals can cause oil to leak into the combustion chamber, resulting in blue exhaust smoke on startup and increased oil consumption.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the Harley-Davidson Softail Standard FXST with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: Harley-Davidson Softail Standard FXST vs. its rivals
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
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