THE SOFTAIL AND ITS CUSTOM STYLING CELEBRATE AN ANNIVERSARY

The first Harley-Davidson Softail and the H-D Evolution V2 made their debut 40 years ago

FRANKFURT (23.05.2024) - It was obviously the ideal combination of form and function when Harley-Davidson introduced the new Softail in 1984. Hidden suspension struts and a clever swingarm design gave the frame of the FXST Softail the clear silhouette of a classic bike without rear suspension, a so-called hardtail. The Softail chassis proved to be extremely successful and formed the basis for an entire family of Harley-Davidson factory custom bikes.

In 2024, the Motor Company the anniversary of the original FXST Softail. The Softail design, which has constantly evolved over the course of 40 years, still follows the same classic hardtail lines that once contributed significantly to the success of the FXST.

A cruiser family

The nine models in the 2024 Harley-Davidson Cruiser series are based on the current Softail platform introduced in 2018. Their frame is kept stiff and light, making the bikes as agile as they are powerful.

At the heart of the current Softail chassis is a monoshock under the seat, which ensures remarkable comfort and first-class handling. Thanks to the cleverly designed triangular swingarm, the characteristic hardtail silhouette of the Softail chassis is of course retained. All current cruisers are equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin which has two balancer shafts that increase comfort for the driver and passenger and enable rigid engine mounting in the frame. This additionally stiffens the chassis and connects the rider even more directly to the drivetrain.

In model year 2024, Harley-Davidson offers a broad portfolio of cruisers - from sleek chopper style to stylish touring design.

The current model family comprises the following types:

• Softail Standard: A machine reduced to the essentials, which nevertheless has everything you need to enjoy riding. The bike also forms the ideal basis for customizing.
• Street Bob 114: From the mini Ape handlebars to the trimmed rear fender, this is a classic chopper for riders who appreciate style, power and easy handling. Harley-Davidson combines this style with modern technology such as the digital display instrument and the characteristic LED headlight.
• Low Rider S: Even from the factory, this motorcycle is a successful synthesis of West Coast style and astonishing power. It has numerous features that were previously only available with not inconsiderable investment in corresponding accessories.
• Low Rider ST: Removable hard-shell cases and a streamlined fairing make this powerful West Coast-style machine the ideal vehicle for small and large getaways.
• Breakout: With its long and slim chopper styling and the particularly powerful Milwaukee-Eight 117, the Breakout is a decidedly casual motorcycle. And its sweeping bobtail fender provides a clear view of the 240 tire at the rear.
• Heritage Classic 114: the epitome of the American cruiser in pure rock ’n’ roll style and with eye-catching vintage features. Its nostalgic aura is inspired by Harley-Davidson models from the 1950s.
• Fat Boy 114: With its massive appearance and features such as the Lakester cast alloy wheels and the striking headlight fairing, the Fat Boy lives up to its name.
• Fat Bob 114: It scores with power and agility. The harmonious features include the two brake discs at the front, the upside-down fork, which is reminiscent of racing, and the custom-style 2-in-1-in-2 exhaust.
• Sport Glide: a highly versatile bike: removable panniers and a detachable fairing turn the travel-ready Sport Glide into a stylish cruiser in no time at all.

The history of the Softail

In the early 1980s, Harley-Davidson acquired a concept bike from the Customizers Bill Davis, who had devised a concealed rear suspension for Big Twins. The engineers at the Motor Company perfected the technical design and used the idea for the FXST Softail introduced in 1984. Its frame offered the clear styling and the classic hardtail silhouette so popular with custom bike fans - straight lines from the steering head to the rear wheel axle - without sacrificing the comfort of a suspended rear end. The placement of the suspension struts, which are concealed horizontally under the gearbox, also allowed a very low seating position.

With the 1984 FXST Softail, the then new Evolution V-Twin which replaced the Shovelhead engine and was used in all Big Twins over time. The Evolution and the Softail helped Harley-Davidson to regain its former glory in a financially challenging situation.

„When I think back to the introduction of the FXST Softail and Evo and the impact on the market - we had just come through the buy-out - I realize how important that new engine and frame were to our survival,“ wrote former Chief Styling Officer Willie G. Davidson in his book 100 years of Harley-Davidson. „The Softails became bestsellers and are much loved by the fans.“

Based on the Softail platform, numerous other new models were created, covering a wide range of styles. The historical highlights include

• 1986 - Heritage Softail: The FL fork, the wide front fender, spoked wheels and the striking headlight reflect stylistic elements of the FL Hydra-Glide from 1949. This classic look is a symbol of Harley-Davidson even for non-bikers.
• 1988 - Springer Softail: The visual rebirth of the Springer fork, whose production Harley-Davidson discontinued in the 1950s in favor of telescopic forks, was a bold step in terms of styling.
• 1990 - Fat Boy: It is undoubtedly one of Harley-Davidson's style icons and its massive presence is emphasized by full disk wheels. Even today, the Fat Boy - constantly modernized and adapted to the requirements of the times - enriches the cruiser portfolio.
• 2000 - Softail Deuce: The Deuce is perhaps the most radical of the Softail Factory custom bikes. It featured a new stretch tank, a slim, chrome-plated fork fairing, a new rear fender and the then new Twin Cam 88B.
• 2008 - Cross Bones: a pure vintage bobber styling with Springer fork running a wide tire, spoked wheels with black rims, a sprung solo seat and stylish half-moon footboards. The Cross Bones also introduced the flat denim paint finish.

Text & image credits: Harley-Davidson

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