More power, new riding modes, revised suspension and a condensed model line-up mark the biggest changes to the 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail range, launched recently at Kiama on the NSW south coast.
With new colour and trim combos, a full LED lighting package and an even gruntier note from the muffler and intake pairings, there is enough for punters to start to prick their ears up in anticipation too.
With the entire six bike range available to test, and a selection of sensational roads across the region, we were looking forward to getting on board the 2025 Street Bob, Heritage, Fat Boy, Breakout, Low Rider S and ST (the Sport Glide and Fat Bob have been shelved).
After a nervous night’s sleep praying to the rain gods to stay away for another 24 hours, we awoke to be greeted by glorious riding conditions and near perfect riding temperatures. A brief introduction to the model range over breakfast began the day.
From there we are ushered away to meet the stars of the show, the 2025 Softail range. We found ourselves getting acquainted with the Fat Boy first up and it’s a decent place to start – especially given this year is the nameplate’s 35th anniversary.
We’re guessing Harley-Davidson might mark this occasion later in the year with either a special tribute or Icon model but nothing is confirmed just yet. There is no view in motorcycling as special as sitting aboard a bike as mean, tough and iconic as the Fat Boy.
Throw in the hills around Kiama and up towards the little township of Jamberoo (yes the one with the cool recreation park), where we found some nice twisty roads (and an ensuing posse of photographers taking hero shots of the bike).
After that first foray, we stepped across to arguably one of the sexiest bikes in the range, the Breakout. Tagged as a Softail Custom with the aforementioned Fat Boy, both feature 117ci Milwaukee Eight motors delivering 77.5kW of power and 168Nm of torque.
Excitedly, we flick through the three new riding modes; Rain, Road and Sport, which can be selected on the fly, testing the differences in available throttle response and power output. Like any red blooded motorcyclist, we soon find the advantages of Sport mode.
Before we know it, we are finished with happy snaps and it is time for some freeway cruising as we head for a quick coffee stop at Berry. The Breakout is beautiful on the freeway, with its low stance and improved rear suspension.
We deliberately look for some bumps to test out the rear, finding the new straight rate springs provide a vastly improved ride. Gone are the spine jarring effects of hitting a pothole at speed, instead there’s a notably softened experience.
Our next session of road would feature tight switch backs, not so great road surfaces and a perfect opportunity to test one of the high output models. Climbing aboard the Low Rider ST, it was immediately obvious this would be our favourite bike in the range.
For 2025, it features a chrome trim and matched against the stunning blue paint, it has a real hot rod vibe. That’s escalated by the 85kW of power and 173Nm of torque it delivers, and a soundtrack that’s better than expected out of the 2-into-1 exhaust.
The extra ground clearance is appreciated, and the motor is both grunty and punchy, bringing a massive smile and slight giggle under our helmet. At the end of this stretch of testing came the second highlight of our ride.
Taking the Low Rider S through Kangaroo Valley via a tight twisty road with perfect surfaces and dry conditions for a whopping 20km was what is best described as pure cruising heaven.
The aim was to get to Bowral for lunch, but the journey was the best bit. From there we returned to Kiama on the ultimate timeless classic, the Heritage. This model is literally a lounge on wheels, possessing the best ergonomics in the entire range.
A plush seat, floorboards to stretch the legs out on and a windscreen to minimise the wind buffeting. Paired with the Street Bob, they form the Classic Softail range, with this version of the Milwaukee Eight producing a lazy 67kW of power and 156Nm of torque.
It’s the perfect package for mowing down country kilometres with minimal effort. Arriving back at our digs, there was just enough time for a quick freshen up before a meet and greet with Harley-Davidson COO Luke Mansfield to talk all things future plans.
There were no definitive answers, but rumours abound regarding another model release before year’s end. Regardless, the 2025 Softail range provides a major step forward, with more technology, improved performance and an enhanced riding experience.
There is a host of new colours, many drawing on retro-inspiration, along with an updated parts and accessories catalog for those who wish to customise, meaning there’s lots to like about the new model range too.
You can find out more about the 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail range by visiting the Harley-Davidson website, or talking to your local dealership.
Our test bikes were provided by Harley-Davidson Australia as part of the Australia & New Zealand media launch. Pictures courtesy of Incite Images and Made In Dirt.
