Harley-Davidson has been offering various bikes since it started in 1903. They’ve done a fairly good job targeting different styles for each rider. Some of their most popular styles are the Hardtail and Softail models. Now be honest, do you know the difference between a Hardtail and Softail Harley-Davidson motorcycle?
If you made it to this article, you’re here seeking the answer to that exact question. Stick around. In this article, we will go over the direct differences between both models, with some pros and cons.
The Overview of a Harley-Davidson
A Harley-Davidson is a simple yet complex piece of machinery. Each detail that goes into the bike adds comfort, aesthetics, or cost efficiency. Depending on who you are, you may like your Harley a little beefier and more durable, or on the flip side, you could prefer a slim, sleek, lighter design.
Regardless of your personal preferences, you need to understand some key factors about a motorcycle. First, each bike has a few essential things – the frame, the wheels, and the engine. But to cater to specifics, we also have the design.
Frames
Though usually overlooked by the beginner rider, the frame adds to the motorcycle’s many results. The frame is the element that gives you a stiffer or softer feel.
The frame is the structure for your bike, similar to how our skeleton is our structure. The frame holds the engine, front and rear suspension, the gas tank, and you. It needs to be designed to reflect the desired results.
Designs
When we start discussing the design, we usually try to compensate for a few factors. First, the weight is the biggest, then the performance, followed by comfort.
The heavier the motorcycle is, the more rigid the frame has to be, which usually creates a stiffer feel. So today, we’re looking for more of everything. Bigger engine, gas tank, tires, seats, and frame. This is to increase our performance. Once we’ve improved performance, we’re left with the most significant selling point to any motorcycle, comfort.
Technology is on our side as we advance into the world of motorcycles. We can now specifically cater to each rider’s wants and needs. This brings us to the differences between Hardtail and Softail Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It’s all in the frame.
Hardtail vs Softail â Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Hardtail | Softail |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Rigid, single piece | Hidden rear suspension |
| Rear suspension | None | Mono or twin shock |
| Ride comfort | Stiff, bumpy | Smooth |
| Best for | Short rides, customs | Long rides, touring |
| Passenger comfort | Poor | Good |
| Look | Raw, vintage | Classic with modern feel |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate |
| Price | Lower | $16Kâ$25K+ |
| Availability | Customs, vintage only | Current Harley lineup |
| Best rider | Purists, builders | Daily riders, tourers |
Hardtail Harley-Davidson
The hardtail is the original motorcycle frame design. It’s exactly what the name suggests, stiff. It was not like the modern bikes. A hardtail has no rear suspension at all. The rear wheel bolts directly to a single, rigid frame, which means the only cushioning between you and the road comes from the front forks, the tire, and whatever padding is in the seat.
This raw, no-frills setup gives the hardtail its signature look and feel. The frame is built for rigidity than comfort. Due to this every bump, crack, and pebble travels straight up to the rider. It’s the purest form of motorcycle design. For many riders, that’s the appeal.
Just like any other design that has been created, it offers some pros and cons.
Pros of Hardtail Harley-Davidson
- The pros of a hardtail Harley are based on the simplicity of the design. With the frame being solid, this requires fewer finances. The bike is cheaper, quite significantly, for a matter of fact. With fewer parts needed to be manufactured or replaced, this is a real selling point.
- The hardtail is the “vintage” bike. You feel every crack and bump in the road, which the veteran riders will say is the whole point of riding in the first place.
Cons of Hardtail Harley-Davidson
- The cons of this motorcycle are just as simple as the design itself. As we discussed earlier, the old bikers say they want to feel the bumps on the road. On the flip side, this will fall on the cons side for the riders who want comfort and a smooth ride. If you make it that far, you’ll be sore and tired after a few hours of riding. Expect a tired back and bum.
- If you like putting someone on the back, the one-frame design isn’t ideal for a passenger. They will be feeling the road even more than you.
- With this motorcycle style beginning to be phased out, the possibility of stores discontinuing parts is growing.
Softail Harley-Davidson
There’s a reason the Softail has become the preferred style for most Harley riders. The Softail Harley-Davidson is engineered to look like a classic hardtail while delivering a much smoother ride. The trick is in the frame: the rear suspension is hidden out of sight, tucked beneath the seat or under the engine, so the bike keeps that clean, rigid-looking profile without sacrificing comfort.
Instead of bolting the rear wheel straight to the frame, a Softail uses a swingarm connected to a mono-shock or twin shocks. These absorb the bumps you’d normally feel on a hardtail. Due to this it got the name “Softail.” You get the vintage aesthetic of an old-school cruiser with the ride quality of a modern motorcycle.
The rear is where we feel all the road bumps, rocks, and cracks, so let’s see how this design can differ from the hardtail.
Examples of Softail Motorcycles
- Harley-Davidson Breakout 117
- Harley-Davidson Fat Bob 114
- Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114
- Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
- Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST
- Harley-Davidson Softail Standard
- Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114
Pros of Softail Harley-Davidson
- With the dual-frame design, you’re creating comfort. Eliminating the feeling of every bump, crack, or rock in the road, you’re creating a better experience.
- The length of your ride will be increased. Now that you’re more comfortable, you’ll be able to tackle longer trips, to further places.
- With comfort comes relaxation. Now that you don’t have to worry about all the bumps, you can put the cruise control on, sit back and enjoy the ride.
Cons of Softail Harley-Davidson
- Your budget will need to increase. Regardless of how much you spend at the counter, you’ll still have to consider the cost of parts to maintain your new hog.
- After a while of riding the new-age design, you may miss the old hardtail feel
Which is Better?
Now that we know the differences between a hardtail and a Softail Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which one is better? This question will be around for as long as people enjoy two wheels. Regarding protecting your wallet, the hardtail is the better financial option. But, when It comes to comfort and enjoying the road for as long as possible, the Softail truly takes the crown.
With all the facts laid out on the table, it is a personal preference. Don’t buy a motorcycle from an article or YouTube video. Go on the road and test drive each one, then come to your conclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hardtails legal on the road?
Yes, hardtails are street legal in most US states as long as the bike meets standard road requirements. The requirements like working lights, turn signals, mirrors, a horn, and a DOT-approved tire. Some states have specific rules around frame modifications and custom builds. If you’re putting a hardtail together yourself or buying one from a custom shop, it’s worth checking with your local DMV before you ride. Inspection requirements also vary by state.
Is a Softail considered a hardtail?
No, but it’s easy to make the mix-up. A Softail is built to look like a hardtail. It is made with same clean, rigid-style rear end and no visible shocks. The difference is what’s hiding underneath. A Softail has rear suspension tucked out of sight, whereas in a true hardtail there is none at all. Think of the Softail as the best of both worlds, hardtail looks, modern comfort.
Can you convert a Softail to a hardtail (or vice versa)?
Yes, but it’s not a simple weekend project. Going from a Softail to a hardtail involves swapping out the entire rear section of the frame or installing a hardtail conversion kit. It changes the geometry of the bike, affects how it rides, and impacts your registration and insurance. Adding suspension to a true hardtail is more involved and is not worth the effort. Most riders who want that hardtail look without the harsh ride just buy a Softail to begin with.
What year did Harley stop making hardtails?
Harley Davidson stopped producing true hardtail frames in 1958. This was when they introduced the Duo-Glide with rear shock absorbers. Every Harley built since then has had some form of rear suspension, even if it’s hidden. So when people talk about “modern hardtails,” they’re almost always referring to custom builds or older vintage bikes from the Panhead and Knucklehead era.
Is a Softail comfortable for long rides?
For shorter and mid-range trips, yes. They’re built for that. A Softail handles a few hundred miles a day comfortably, especially models like the Heritage Classic or Low Rider ST. For serious cross-country touring, most riders prefer Harley’s touring lineup i.e. Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide. These has fairings, larger fuel capacity, and more storage. A Softail is the sweet spot between cruiser style and ride comfort.
