The only "Softail" is a Softail!
#21
09-18-2009, 06:44 PM
Road Captain
Time for a rant......It seems increasingly more frequent that I have to correct riders that "just because your bike has rear suspension, it doesn't make it a Softail..." Seems like there are a lot of ill-informed riders as to what a Softail actually is! After I correct them, they usually respond with "Yeah, a Softail Sportster..." or similar. Before the release of the '84 FXST (the first Softail) there was no Softail, and the only HD that is a Softail has an "ST" in it's model designation, with the exception of the Rocker, FXCW + FXCWC (First Softails to not contain the ST in their model designation).
Quote from Wikipedia below:
"Softail models utilize the big-twin engine (F) and the Softail chassis (ST).
Softail models that use small-diameter telescopic forks similar to those used on the Sportster (X) have designations that begin with FXST, e.g., FXSTB (Night Train), FXSTD (Deuce), and FXSTS (Springer).
Softail models that use large-diameter telescopic forks similar to those used on the touring bikes (L) have designations beginning with FLST, e.g., FLSTF (Fat Boy), FLSTC (Heritage Softail Classic), and FLSTN (Softail Deluxe).
Softail models that use Springer forks with a 21-inch (530 mm) wheel have designations that begin with FXSTS, e.g., FXSTS (Springer Softail) and FXSTSB (Bad Boy).
Softail models that use Springer forks with a 16-inch (410 mm) wheel have designations that begin with FLSTS, e.g., FLSTSC (Springer Classic) and FLSTSB (Cross Bones)."
Quote from Wikipedia below:
"Softail models utilize the big-twin engine (F) and the Softail chassis (ST).
Softail models that use small-diameter telescopic forks similar to those used on the Sportster (X) have designations that begin with FXST, e.g., FXSTB (Night Train), FXSTD (Deuce), and FXSTS (Springer).
Softail models that use large-diameter telescopic forks similar to those used on the touring bikes (L) have designations beginning with FLST, e.g., FLSTF (Fat Boy), FLSTC (Heritage Softail Classic), and FLSTN (Softail Deluxe).
Softail models that use Springer forks with a 21-inch (530 mm) wheel have designations that begin with FXSTS, e.g., FXSTS (Springer Softail) and FXSTSB (Bad Boy).
Softail models that use Springer forks with a 16-inch (410 mm) wheel have designations that begin with FLSTS, e.g., FLSTSC (Springer Classic) and FLSTSB (Cross Bones)."
#22
09-18-2009, 07:22 PM
Man, tough crowd......Not trying to be a smart a$$, just getting it off my chest is all. No fringed jackets, fringed chaps or fingerless gloves here....I just think if you ride a HD you may as well know what your riding, or don't bother talking to me (or go back to a metric).
BTW Slayer Dude I like the look of your SOFTAIL, kind of a Night Train/Standard mix going on, the fender-less front end with black lowers looks cool too.
BTW Slayer Dude I like the look of your SOFTAIL, kind of a Night Train/Standard mix going on, the fender-less front end with black lowers looks cool too.
#24
09-18-2009, 09:09 PM
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Good information. I now feel like an educated Hillbilly. I personally don't give a rats butt if people like what I ride or not as long as I like it. I don't make negative comments toward my neighbor because he rides a Metric, I ride with him, at least he is riding and having fun. Why can't we all just get along?!!!
#27
09-18-2009, 10:42 PM
My Dyna Sportster is a bagger, would it be a softail because of the aftermarket Rocker seat?
Isn't Wikepedia that new Yamaha hybrid?
Isn't Wikepedia that new Yamaha hybrid?
Last edited by flibuoy; 09-18-2009 at 10:45 PM.
#28
09-19-2009, 11:15 AM
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I can tell that the definition of the H-D registered trademark "Softail" is a big deal to you but (Wikipedia quote):
"The term softail refers to motorcycles and bicycles that feature a moveable rear suspension system with springs or shock absorbers to absorb bumps."
That's actually the first sentence on the page where you got your quote from. Did you skip over that or is there something I'm missing here?
"The term softail refers to motorcycles and bicycles that feature a moveable rear suspension system with springs or shock absorbers to absorb bumps."
That's actually the first sentence on the page where you got your quote from. Did you skip over that or is there something I'm missing here?
#29
09-19-2009, 11:37 AM
Sounds like the OP has gotten a sore azz from getting spanked on this one.
Who's got a soft tail now?
(so if you're a softail and got narrow sporty legs, you would be an FXST, but if you're stout-legged dood packing extra baggage, you'd be an FLST.......)
Who's got a soft tail now?
(so if you're a softail and got narrow sporty legs, you would be an FXST, but if you're stout-legged dood packing extra baggage, you'd be an FLST.......)
#30
09-19-2009, 11:57 AM
Road Captain
A soft tail and narrow sporty legs? .... what's her phone number? 