HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEUCE (1999 - 2005) Review

Item: HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEUCE
Rating: 4
Author: MCN Staff

MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)

Owners' rating 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)

Harley-Davidson FXSTD Softail Deuce motorcycle review - Side view

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£300
Power:	63 bhp
Seat height:	Low (26.0 in / 660 mm)
Weight:	High (646 lbs / 293 kg)

Prices

New N/A

Used £8,500 - £9,300

View bikes for sale

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Although at first glance the Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce is much like any other cruiser style Harley, the Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce is, in fact, a real beaut. Based on the Harley-Davidson Softail but with a stretch tank, restyle rear fender, chromed fork sliders and pull back bars, the Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce has clean, classic lines that are classic Harley. It’s also classily built, goes decently well and has lots of options available. Sweet.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

3 out of 5 (3/5)

With the Softail (but harsh) hidden shock rear end, the Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce can’t match the twin shock Dyna’s for ride quality and handling, but it’s not desperate, either. The Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce's braking also can’t match the twin disc-ed machines such as the Harley-Davidson Super Glide Sport.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce was discontinued as a model before the very latest 1558 varient of Harley’s Big Twin was introduced. But the Old School ‘Twin Cam’ 1450 engine in the Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce certainly ain’t bad. Expect lumpy, charismatic predictability and durability and car-style performance. Just don’t expect thrills a minute.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Again, the Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce is a modern Harley, so paint, build quality, robustness etc are a given to be amongst the best anywhere. Reliability is pretty much beyond question, too, after all the Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce is a big, massively refined yet understressed motorcycle ridden very little and serviced often by wealthy people. So go figure…

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce was around £12k when new and is regarded as something of a classy, iconic machine, and is particularly desirable as such, keeping used values high. Find a Harley-Davidson Softail for sale.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Nothing to get excited about, true, but the Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce has all the custom bells and whistles where it matters, all served up to provide a fairly classy, luxurious concoction. It’s not touring motorcycle, but the Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce will certainly pull the crowds.

Specs
Engine size	1449cc
Engine type	4v air-cooled V-twin, 5 gears
Frame type	Steel tube cradle
Fuel capacity	18.9 litres
Seat height	660mm
Bike weight	293kg
Front suspension	None
Rear suspension	Preload
Front brake	Single 292mm disc
Rear brake	Single 292mm disc
Front tyre size	MH90 x 21
Rear tyre size	160/70 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	38 mpg
Annual road tax	£117
Annual service cost	£300
New price	-
Used price	£8,500 - £9,300
Insurance group	16 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	63 bhp
Max torque	82 ft-lb
Top speed	118 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	13.2 secs
Tank range	146 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

Sep 1999: Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce launched.
Aug 2000: Equipped with new H-D security system.
Jan 2001: Optional fuel injection available.
Jan 2002: Alarm and immobiliser now standard, also now with new bullet style indicators.
Jan 2004: Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce replaced by FXSTDI Softail Deuce with EFI as standard.
Aug 2005: Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce discontinued.

Other versions

None

Owners' reviews for the HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEUCE (1999 - 2005)

9 owners have reviewed their HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEUCE (1999 - 2005) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEUCE (1999 - 2005)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	3.9 out of 5 (3.9/5)
Engine:	4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Value vs rivals:	4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Equipment:	4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£300

5 out of 5 Best Harley in my opinion

06 November 2023 by Deuceman88

Version: FXSTDI

Year: 2004

Annual servicing cost: £200

Excellent build quality, superb paint, lovely touches such as front and rear bullet indicators smoothed into rear fender, fork covers, great riding position.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

could do with twin discs on front, a little bumpy with underslung shocks compared to dyne models with rear shocks.

Engine 5 out of 5

never any issues,

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Never broken down in 19 years of ownership, since 2010 i have serviced myself every year regardless of mileage. no corrosion, possibly for the fact that i try not to take it in the wet.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

poor MPG at 36 max and small tank doesn't help.

Equipment 3 out of 5

not much in the additional equipment area but i have changed a few items for better quality chrome parts.

Buying experience: great purchase, I couldn't have expected more .

5 out of 5 88b baby! Love it!

04 April 2023 by Deuces baby!

Version: FXSTDI

Year: 2001

I’ve got 65,000 original mikes on my 01 deuce. Not a leak one (that’s because it gets rode and don’t rot in the garage) no upgrades, and it still looks slick with black n chrome, and my 88b runs with the 96’s, and 103’s ALL DAY.. people are always asking me what upgrades I got because the bike is a powerhouse, and the pipes sound amazing. Handles well, and I’ve maxed it out at 105 mph and not a wobble one. HIGHLY RECCOMEND.. I LOVE my deuce

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Smooth ride, and shuts down when I want it to

Engine 5 out of 5

88b… I LOVE my 88b. One of the best motors Harley ever made. 65,000 miles and still don’t have a leak and run with modified 103’s.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Just a good cruiser bike. It’s comfortable, fast, loud, and I look good on it. Everyone loves my deuce

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I run commander 2’s and they last and grip the road, my main cost is oil changes.. local Harley shop rapes me at over $500 for full service.

Equipment 3 out of 5

My mirrors suck, poor visibility and I don’t like the standard look of the turn signals, and the headlight sucks. Needs an LED

Buying experience: Bought it from a private owner. He wanted $8000 I offered him $4500 and threw up a prayer, he asked me what I was gonna do with it, I told him I was gonna ride it, he accepted my offer. After I got on it and I was floating, he said he knew right away he sold it to the right dude

4 out of 5 This article is not accurate. The 2007 was the last year of the Deuce!

30 January 2023 by dave@davewaddell.com

Year: 2005

The 2007 Harley FXSTD was the last year and in fact the only year it came with the 1585cc 6 speed engine!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 4 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

5 out of 5 DEUCE ONLY

24 November 2020 by Mark Paul

Version: fxstdi

Year: 2004

Annual servicing cost: £500

Updated to a 98'' big bore And Dunn Performance (Lander,WY) Keith Dunn.o6 later raised-port and polished heads. Dyno @100hp&114 ft. lbs. Torque, w/tuner another world a totaly new bike....

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

New avon cobra chromes makes my day and night.

Engine 5 out of 5

Now it is good. GREAT!!!!

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5

All accesories are DEUCE ONLY get used to it.

Buying experience: Bought from private party w13k

4 out of 5 Gear drive DEUCE

19 December 2019 by Mark

Version: FXSTDI

Year: 2004

Samson cannons,Z bars, S snd S 510G cams gear drive (durability), corbin solo seat

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 4 out of 5

Cam chain tensioners a weak link (gear drive)

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

5 out of 5 Very happy with my 2003 SE Deuce. One of the best ever.

19 November 2019 by Vince

Version: Screaming Eagle 1550

Year: 2003

CVO model that H-D threw everything but the kitchen sink at.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Nothing special stock with marshmallow forks and stiff rear shocks. Progressive springs and shocks out back bring this up to a 4.5/5. SE Deuce got twin rotors so much better braking than the stock single rotor. But still braking is just very good and not excellent.

Engine 4 out of 5

Mine has the fun 1550cc/95" SE engine. It's cammed and has V&H pipes so it has that lopey idle that's classic HD. It makes beautiful music. Midrange torque comes one very strong. Knock off 1 star for H-D's weak cam chain tensioner on this year.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Super high quality paint with hand fitted gold leaf and custom paint. All chrome parts throughout, Chrome horseshoe gas tank and painted frame. Fasteners and cables hidden.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Super cheap on the used market these days, but were a small fortune new so a great bargain and excellent value now. I keep up on the maintenance of my bikes and H-D is much less in running costs compared to my other bikes with no coolant to change and valves to adjust.

Equipment 5 out of 5

This has every SE part available for it's year from top to bottom. Nothing left off the table and hard pressed to find a better looking production motorcycle for what these cost used.

Buying experience: I bought it used from a dealer. No issues.

5 out of 5

27 May 2018 by Harley Davidson Deuce, Trav

Year: 2005

Overall I'm very happy with this bike. Very comfortable, responsive handling, classic but slightly sporty looks and lots of chrome. It has good power, cruises nicely at highway speeds. Brakes are okay but could benefit from twin front disks. Gets lots of looks!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Very smooth engine. Plenty of power for cruising.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Haven't owned the bike long but so far, so good.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: Bought the bike used from a dealership for $8500 with 10,000 miles on it. Bike looks and runs like new. Great deal.

5 out of 5 2002 Duece

10 June 2016 by Presco

Year: 2002

Cool looking bike. Wouldn't take it across the state but love riding around town