No images available
Tap to enlarge
2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider Overview
Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider is a custom / cruiser motorcycle, displacing 1746 cc. Power comes from a Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 107, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 10.0:1. On the performance side, it delivers 145 Nm @ 3250 rpm of torque. On the road, the 2020 Softail Low Rider tips the scales at 300 kg, carries an 18.9-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 690 mm and spans a 1630 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 19.1 kg heavier than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. The full 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider compared with other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider against up to 1569 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 259 of the other 1568 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category have a larger engine displacement than the 1746 cc of the Softail Low Rider.
- With 145 Nm, the Softail Low Rider has the joint 263rd highest torque of 1053 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category, 40% above the category average of 103.5 Nm.
- Narrowing the field to the 437 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 1746 cc is larger than that of 266 of the other 436.
Versus the 2019 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2019 model: peak torque, wet weight, displacement and seat height all match.
2020 Softail Low Rider - Pros & Cons
Strengths
-
🔧
Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
-
🛑
Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
-
📏
Accessible seat height: A 690 mm seat height keeps this manageable for most riders, which helps confidence at parking-lot speeds.
-
⛽
Large fuel range: An 18.9-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
-
⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Running a belt final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.
Considerations
-
ℹ️
Age-related wear: Nothing specific stands out as a weak point on the Softail Low Rider - the usual used-bike checks (service history, consumables, tyres) apply.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Because the Softail Low Rider relies on airflow rather than a coolant jacket, expect noticeably more radiant heat at low speed and in traffic. It's inherent to air cooling, and ventilated gear largely offsets it.
Fuelling & injector care
The Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) on the Softail Low Rider needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.
Brake disc and pad wear
Braking up front comes from 2 x disc, 4 piston caliper - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.
Suspension condition on used examples
The Softail Low Rider's suspension runs Showa Inverted forks at the front. The rear uses Mono Shock. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The Softail Low Rider runs belt final drive: no lubrication or frequent adjustment like a chain, though belt tension and wear are worth a periodic look.
Handling the weight at a standstill
300 kg puts the Softail Low Rider toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.
Softail Low Rider - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider with its 1746 cc custom / cruiser, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. This model runs belt final drive, so check belt tension and tooth wear - a cracked or glazed belt is a clear sign of neglect. Now 6 years old, this custom / cruiser is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy Softail Low Rider should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects the Softail Low Rider's 1746 cc four stroke, v-twin, milwaukee-eight 107, pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With a 10.0:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.
Fuel system care
Fuel injection on the Softail Low Rider needs little attention beyond decent fuel and an occasional system-cleaner additive. Anything left standing for three months or more should have its fuel drained and replaced before it varnishes the injectors.
2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider have?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider uses a Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 107, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 1746 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.
How much does the 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider weigh?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider weighs 300 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much torque does the 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider produce?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider produces 145 Nm @ 3250 rpm of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider has an 18.9-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 315-377 km between stops.
Is the 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider suitable for shorter riders?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider has a seat height of 690 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider have?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider uses 2 x disc, 4 piston caliper at the front and single disc, 2 piston floating caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider use?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider runs 110/90B19,62H,BW front and 180/70B16,77H,BW rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider have?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 107, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder
Torque
145 Nm / 107 ft-lb @ 3250 rpm
Fuel Capacity
18.9 Litres / 5 US gal
Advertisement
Full 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider Specifications
Year
2020
Make Model
Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider
Seat Height
690 mm / 27.2 in
Wheelbase
1630 mm / 64.2 in
Ground Clearance
130 mm / 5.1 in
Length
2355 mm / 92.7 in
Dry Weight
287 kg / 633 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18.9 Litres / 5 US gal
Oil Capacity
4.7 Litres / 5 qts
Wet Weight
300 kg / 661 lbs
Displacement
1746 cc / 107 cub in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 107, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
100 x 111 mm
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
Cooling System
Air cooled
Exhaust
2-into-1-into-2 dual side, catalyst in muffler
Fuel Induction
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Ignition
Single-fire, non-wasted, map-controlled spark ignition
Lubrication
Pressurized, dry-sump with oil cooler
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Multi-plate, wet
Final Drive
Belt
Gear Ratios
1st 9.311 / 2nd 6.454 / 3rd 4.793 / 4th 3.882 / 5th 3.307 / 6th 2.79
Primary Drive
Chain, 34/46 ratio
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Suspension - Front
Showa Inverted forks
Suspension - Rear
Mono Shock
Lean Angle
29.6°
Rake
30°
Trail
163 mm / 6.4 in
Brakes - Front
2 x disc, 4 piston caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single disc, 2 piston floating caliper
Tyres - Front
110/90B19,62H,BW
Tyres - Rear
180/70B16,77H,BW
Wheels - Front
Black, machine highlighted, Radiate cast aluminium wheel
Wheels - Rear
Black, machine highlighted, Radiate cast aluminium wheel
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
Advertisement
Compare Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider
See how the 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider
stacks up against similar motorcycles.
Build your own comparison →