Like them or not, Softails form the backbone of Harley-Davidson’s present lineup of motorcycles, having reached the top of consumer preferences in a very few short years, and staying there ever since.

It's simple, it's pretty, and it's expensive—and for riders who want the look and feel of a classic chopped-and-channeled V-twin asphalt-rumbler, it's the machine to own, or to be saving up for. You ...