What year did the Softail frame change?
In 2017, Harley unveiled a completely redesigned Softail frame for the 2018 model year, the first major change since the introduction of the Twin Cam engine in 2000.
What is a Softail frame?
A Softail® is a type of motorcycle suspension. Designed to imitate the appearance of a hardtail motorcycle that contains no rear suspension, the Softail® uses shock absorbers and a swing-arm type frame to cushion the ride.
How does a Harley Softail frame work?
Even a casual glance by the uninitiated at the back of a twin-shock bike will reveal how the system works. For its suspension system, the Softail utilizes a cage that looks like an old rigid frame to replace the swingarm. However, it still pivots in the front and supports a wheel in the rear.
Are all of the new Softail frames the same?
The all-new frame and swingarm of the 2018 Softail Chassis. In fact, the frame is 65 percent stiffer than that used for the 2017 Softail. It also features reduced complexity with a 50 percent reduction in component parts and 22 percent reduction in welds.
What makes a bike a Softail?
The softail houses the rear wheel suspension in a mini frame towards the back of the bike. This creates an entirely separate suspension system for more impact resistance. The hardtail features a relatively simple design, considering everything is housed in the same frame.
What’s the difference between a Softail?
Softail Bodies Mean Rear Suspension While a classic hardtail body includes both rear and front suspension systems in the same frame, the innovative softail body contains a separate mini frame for the rear suspension. This innovation allows for a much smoother ride overall.
What is the difference between Heritage Softail and Heritage Softail Classic?
While these two bikes are for the most part identically equipped, the Softail® Deluxe does get an electronic throttle control, with standard cruise control. The Heritage Softail® Classic is not offered with cruise control. However, both come standard with anti-lock brakes and can be had with a security system.
What Harleys are softails?
The Harley-Davidson Softail® Model Line Overview
- Fat Boy®
- Fat Boy® Lo.
- Softail® Deluxe.
- Heritage Softail® Classic.
- Softail Slim®
- Breakout®
What makes a HD Softail?
Is a Softail a cruiser bike?
Classic style mixes with modern technology in their line of cruisers known collectively as the Softail® family. These cruisers are the foundation of Harley style, with garage-built heritage and a history of customization that makes them stand out among the crowd.
Is a Softail a touring bike?
The Heritage Softail is a great choice for touring because of the superb riding position and overall easy feel of the bike. The Heritage uses the balanced version of Harley’s Big Twin, the engine being directly mounted to the frame with vibrations decreased via a counterbalancer.
Is a Softail better than a Dyna?
The Dyna is more balanced and is best at making corners and steering in traffic. It is also best suited for riding two people up while the Softail is best only for one rider or a lighter load. It also costs less than the Softail. Whichever model one opts to buy, both bikes are fast, efficient, and fun to ride.
Is a night train a Softail?
Harley-Davidson Night Train was first launched in 1998, as part of the Softail lineup. These Softail motorcycles had suspension springs located in the rear, out of the direct line of sight, to make them look like hardtail motorbikes.
What is the difference between Softail Deluxe and heritage?
Which is better Dyna or Softail?