
HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEUCE (1999 - 2005) Review

At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £350 |
Power: | 63 bhp |
Seat height: | Low (26.0 in / 660 mm) |
Weight: | High (646 lbs / 293 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesAlthough 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: EngineWith 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: ReliabilityThe 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: ValueAgain, 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: EquipmentThe 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
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 |
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Engine size | 1449cc |
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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 |
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Average fuel consumption | 38 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £93 |
Annual service cost | £350 |
New price | - |
Used price | £8,500 - £16,000 |
Insurance group |
16 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 63 bhp |
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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)
6 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 |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £350 |
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....
New avon cobra chromes makes my day and night.
Now it is good. GREAT!!!!
All accesories are DEUCE ONLY get used to it.
Buying experience: Bought from private party w13k
Version: FXSTDI
Year: 2004
Samson cannons,Z bars, S snd S 510G cams gear drive (durability), corbin solo seat
Cam chain tensioners a weak link (gear drive)
Version: Screaming Eagle 1550
Year: 2003
CVO model that H-D threw everything but the kitchen sink at.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Very smooth engine. Plenty of power for cruising.
Haven't owned the bike long but so far, so good.
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.
Year: 2002
Cool looking bike. Wouldn't take it across the state but love riding around town
Brakes could be a little better. After an hour of riding it's nice to stop and stretch the legs. But overall a nice bike
Plenty of smooth power. Does the speed limit and then some
Hasn't let me down yet
It's a Harley
Looks great comfy ride. I'm happy
Buying experience: Private seller. Good deal on it. I'm happy
Version: FXSTD
Year: 2000
Annual servicing cost: £200
a futuristic line that was created in 2000 by Willie G. Davidson at the turn of the millennium!
i have a complete Screamins' eagle engine... Horsepower!
in 15 years, only problem was with the alternator
i do any work myself. only the costs of oil, filter.
oem footpegs = horrible!
Buying experience: i bought new