I am surprised that the Standard is being dropped in favor of the already loaded bikes that don't always contain the right combinations of styling and features. The Standard allows the buyer to choose a combination of styling and features that becomes their own.
harley@16, The Standard's engine is silver powder-coated. It says this on the HD web site.
IMO the price of the Standard is right for a bike that has the baseline of the EG styling. It is a blank canvas that awaits your own styling.
I agree with you harley@16 that the chrome bag guards on the Classic are not for me. Also the white-walled tires are not for me.
I like that the STD comes with spot/fog lamps.
As far as a radio, you can have a very capable radio that has XM for much less. Radio harness and controls are also already provisioned on the bike for a plug and play installation.
Less money spent up front that saves you more for other styling and personel accents.