Harley-Davidson FXSTD Softail Deuce - Best Used Bikes

Years sold: 2000-2007

MSRP new: $16,580 (2000) to $17,345 (2007)

Blue Book retail value: $8375 (2000) to $12,315 (2007)

Basic specs: An 88-cubic-inch, 62-hp, air-cooled, 45-degree V-Twin cruiser with "factory custom" styling.

Why it won: By being irresistibly cool. Though the Deuce would never be mistaken for anything but a Harley-Davidson cruiser, it was a distinctly different Harley. The gas tank was stretched into a gracefully rounded teardrop shape; the rear fender was clipped in a horizontal straight line and fitted with a contoured taillight unique to the Deuce; the trim fork was given a full chrome treatment; and practically all fasteners were hidden from view.

A wide tire on a 17-inch disc rear wheel worked with a wire-spoked 21-incher up front to lend the FXSTD a heavy-rear/light-front look all its own. And that, combined with superb ergonomics and the smooth performance of the counterbalanced Twin Cam engine, helped earn this H-D cruiser-of-the-year honors.

From the 2000 Ten Best story: "When Milwaukee pulled the cover off this one, pretty much everybody went, 'Ooh...' The Deuce lets you wear cool like a comfortable old pair of jeans."

Useful resources: Though the Internet is rife with information regarding the Deuce (videos, photos, accessories, bikes for sale, etc.), there aren't many forums dedicated to this particular H-D model. There are several forums for Harleys, though, and some of them do contain dialogue about the Deuce. In the end, you'll find what is probably the largest collection of Deuce-related information on the 'Net by visiting www.hdforums.com/forum/tags/deuce.html.