Hardtail vs. Softail Motorcycle | Timber Town Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Hardtail vs. Softail Motorcycles

What’s the difference between a Hardtail vs. a Softail motorcycle? A Hardtail motorcycle has a single-piece rigid frame, while a Softail motorcycle delivers a smoother ride thanks to a rear suspension system and shock absorbers. However, don’t expect to see new Hardtail models for sale at Portland dealers anytime soon. Although Hardtails ruled the roads up until just a few decades ago, their popularity declined rapidly with the advent of Softail motorcycles. It’s easy to see why this new type of Harley dominated: with their enhanced ride quality, Softails could be ridden comfortably all day long.

You may not be surprised to learn that Harley-Davidson played a major role in the evolution of Softail motorcycles! As a result, many H-D models have “Softail” in their name. Dive into Harley history and compare Hardtail vs. Softail models below with the team at Timber Town Harley-Davidson.

Hardtail vs. Softail Motorcycle Design Differences

The Softail motorcycle was developed because riders wanted bikes that could be taken on long-distance rides. That evolution arrived with a rear suspension system and a two-piece frame, but these structural differences didn’t change the overall aesthetic. Comparing Hardtail vs. Softail motorcycles visually, you’ll find that they’re very similar. In fact, Softail motorcycles were designed to look as much like Hardtails as possible, with the shock absorbers hidden behind the transmission.

Harley-Davidson Softail® Motorcycle Models

Harley-Davidson Softail® motorcycle models are far and away the most popular in the lineup. These models tend to be great all-purpose bikes, comfortable enough for long rides and sporty enough to handle downtown Albany traffic. Thanks to their popularity, Harley Softail motorcycles are also highly customizable. Every Harley-Davidson Softail® motorcycle has an eight-valve Milwaukee-Eight Big Twin engine and a classic lightweight Softail® frame.

Test Ride a Harley-Davidson Softail Motorcycle at Timber Town Harley-Davidson

Get a closer look at a new Harley Softail motorcycle at our Salem dealership today! Our team is happy to help you customize your new ride, get ready for winter in Lebanon, ride in the rain, and more.

Grand American Launch Party on Saturday, March 23

Join us to celebrate two re-imagined legends – the all-new 2024 Road Glide® and Street Glide® at our Grand American Launch Party on Saturday, March 23. Join fellow riders and enthusiasts to experience all that’s new and gear up for an unforgettable riding season.

  • RSVP below to get a special branded Event Tumbler*
  • Earn additional Prizes & Giveaways*
  • Register for your chance to win one of two motorcycles** - an all-new 2024 Road Glide® or a 2024 Street Glide®, plus a trip to the H-D Homecoming™ Festival
  • H-D® Members, earn up to 1,500 Bonus Points with $50 purchase*** (1,500 POINTS = $15 VALUE)
  • From motorcycles to custom P&A packages and all-new riding gear, check out the latest products to help you get ready for your next adventure

* While supplies last. Offer limited to the first 60 attendees.  See dealer for complete details.
** Sweepstakes entry period March 22, 2024, 9am EST through March 24, 2024, 11:59pm EST. No purchase necessary. Purchase does not increase odds of winning. Open only to legal residents of the continental United States, including D.C. and Alaska and excluding Hawaii who are 21 years or older, and legal residents of Canada, who have reached the age of majority in their state, province, or territory of residence at time of entry. Void where prohibited. Need not be present to win. See participating H-D® dealerships for details or visit official rules at HD-LaunchParty.com.
*** H-D® Members earn up to 1,500 bonus points ($15 value) on a purchase of $50+ between 3/22-3/24 at participating H-D® Dealers. H-D® Membership must be activated at the time of sale. Points apply to a single transaction for eligible purchases of $50+ before tax/shipping, and after any sales discounts are applied. Promotion good for genuine H-D® and H-D® licensed products only. Free shipping applies only to continental U.S. Usual point restrictions apply. Please allow up to 72 hours for points to appear in your account.

 

Harley-Davidson® 2024 Grand American Launch Party Water Bottle

RSVP To Get A Special Gift*

Be one of the first to RSVP AND attend the event for a free commemorative event tumbler. Just fill out the form below and show us your confirmation email when you arrive at our Grand American Launch Party.

* While supplies last. Offer limited to the first 60 attendees.