Purple Reign: How Do You Feel About Purple Harleys?
In 2016, H-D Forums’ Cameron Vanderhorst fell hard for a Softail with an unusual hue. Today, that beauty still holds fond memories.
I have a confession to make: I have a thing for purple Softails. Back in 2016, when I bought my ’00 Sportster at the beginning of the season, I found myself at the dealer often, buying parts.
Every time I was there, one bike in particular caught my eye. It was a two-tone, metallic purple Softail Deluxe, identical to this one I found for sale on CycleTrader in Las Vegas. Often times I would sit on it, but most of the time, I would just take a moment to look at it while I was on my way to buy fasteners, filters, or fun stuff.
For some reason, I was bewitched by this bike. Some might say that it’s a “girly” color, but I don’t think so at all. To me, purple looks regal and luxurious. Sitting atop my padded Softail Deluxe throne, I felt like a king.
One summer day, the dealership was hosting a demo day. As a member of my local H.O.G. chapter, I volunteered to help chaperone groups of eager test riders through the nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Some might say that it’s a ‘girly’ color, but I don’t think so at all. To me, purple looks regal and luxurious. Sitting atop my padded Softail Deluxe throne, I felt like a king.
When I arrived that morning on my white Sportster, I noticed immediately that the purple Softail was outside. Its metalflake paint and chrome glimmered like a jewel in the summer sunshine. It was even more beautiful that it was in the showroom.
Naturally, the bike I picked to follow along with on the demo ride was the closest match I could find. The only Softail left unclaimed was a blacked-out Fat Boy Low, attractive in its own way. I swung a leg over and immediately appreciated the subtle differences in ergonomics compared to my compact Sportster.
As we rode through the twists and turns of the valley, I began to fall–hard–for the Softail’s riding dynamics. While I had fallen for the Softail’s looks long ago, it was pleasant to discover that the bigger, heavier bike retained a lot of what I loved about my Sportster.
I was convinced that day that there was no better combination of machine and road than a Harley Softail and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Returning to the dealership, I had a newfound love for that purple Softail Deluxe.
While there may be better roads and better motorcycles, I was convinced that day that there was no better combination of machine and road than a Harley Softail and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Returning to the dealership after the test loop was completed, I had a newfound love for that purple Softail Deluxe.
That bike remained in dealer inventory all the way through the summer and into the fall. It turns out that I might have been alone in my love for big purple motorcycles.
My Sportster project’s pace slowed, and I made fewer and fewer trips to the dealership. One day, just a week or so after the leaves changed, the bike was gone.
To this day, I wonder what happened to my purple Softail Deluxe. I hope the owner loves it as much as I did — I’m almost certain that they do, wherever they are. Are there any other fans of purple Harleys out there? Let us know in the comments, and if you’re lucky enough to own one, post a photo! Then, share your experiences with the members of H-D Forums – it’s free to join, and tons of fun!
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