Finally Pulled the Trigger
You know that feeling when you’ve been circling around a decision for what feels like forever? That was me with this bike. After a month of YouTube deep dives, countless dealer visits, and probably driving my friends crazy with “what do you think about…” messages, I finally took the plunge and purchased a 2024 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard. The moment I signed those papers, a mix of excitement and “did I really just do that?” washed over me. But let me tell you—this beauty is sleek, powerful, and exactly what I was looking for. I wanted something that would make me smile every time I walked into the garage, a bike that balances classic Harley heritage with enough modern tech to keep things interesting. Plus from the things I read, this was a good first bike as it allows for a lot of custom add-ons to suit your needs.
First Impressions
My first ride home from the dealership was, I’m not going to lie, a little terrifying. With my license just a week old in my wallet, my mind was racing with worst-case scenarios—dropping this beautiful machine at a stoplight, stalling out with cars honking behind me, or just generally looking like the rookie I absolutely am. Yet mixed with those nerves was this undeniable current of excitement. The blacked-out finish with those clean, sharp lines caught my eye every time I glanced down. Despite my novice status, settling onto the Softail felt surprisingly natural, like the bike was somehow meeting me halfway. The controls seemed intuitive enough, though I was hyper-focused on remembering which hand does what. And that first time I fired up the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine? That rumble isn’t just a sound—it’s a physical sensation that travels up your arms and settles somewhere in your chest, a mechanical heartbeat that somehow both calmed my nerves and amplified my excitement.
Logging the Miles
I’ve put over 500 miles on the odometer already, but that number doesn’t tell the whole story. Those first few rides? Just nervous loops around the block, quick trips to the grocery store, and other “safe” excursions that wouldn’t push me too far out of my comfort zone. I even spent one Saturday morning in an empty parking lot, practicing starts and stops until my left hand cramped from working the clutch. Each small success built a little more confidence. Then came the slightly bolder moves—like riding to my evening class, forcing myself to navigate actual traffic patterns with actual stakes. The progression has been gradual but rewarding. Just this past weekend, I completed my longest journey yet—a 50+ mile ride that, surprisingly, didn’t feel intimidating at all. There’s something genuinely therapeutic about finding those empty back roads where it’s just you, the bike, and a growing sense of competence. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how the Softail handles corners—forgiving enough for a beginner but responsive in a way that makes me feel like I’m actually learning something. It’s substantial enough that I don’t feel every pebble in the road, which helps with my still-developing balance. Fuel efficiency has been decent for a cruiser (though let’s be honest, nobody buys a Harley for the MPG), and city riding, while still demanding my complete attention, no longer spikes my heart rate quite like it did those first few days.
What I Love So Far
- Style: That classic Harley silhouette that turns heads without trying too hard. I’ve had more driveway conversations with neighbors in the past month than in the five years we’ve lived here.
- Comfort: I expected to be sore after my first long ride, but the ergonomics are spot-on for my height. Even my perpetually achy lower back hasn’t complained yet.
- Performance: Power delivery that’s responsive without being intimidating. It’s like having a conversation with the bike rather than constantly trying to tame it.
- Build Quality: Everything feels intentional and substantial. No rattles, no loose parts, just solid craftsmanship that instills confidence.
What’s Next?
I’m already browsing potential modifications with the enthusiasm of a kid making a wishlist. First priority is setting up the bike for two-up riding so my wife can join me on these adventures. A comfortable passenger seat and some sturdy grab handles are top of the list. I’m also looking at adding some saddlebags for practical storage—riding with a backpack for even short trips gets old fast, and I’d love to be able to pack enough for those sub-100 mile day trips without feeling like a turtle carrying my house on my back.
I’ve been documenting these early rides with a GoPro mounted to my helmet, though the current setup leaves a lot to be desired. The footage captures the journey well enough, but the audio is just a chaotic mix of engine noise and wind roar. If I end up using any clips for the YouTube channel, I’ll need to record voiceovers to share my thoughts. It’s on the upgrade list, but for now, I’m more focused on improving my riding skills than my videography setup.
All in all, pulling the trigger on this Softail Standard feels like the beginning of something special. Each ride brings a little more confidence, each mile a little more skill. There’s something uniquely satisfying about learning something completely new at this stage in life—that mix of intimidation, growth, and accomplishment that reminds you it’s never too late to start a new chapter. I can’t wait to share more of this journey as it unfolds, both the triumphs and the inevitable learning experiences ahead. The open road beckons, and I’m just getting started!
