Harley-Davidson Softail® Motorcycle History
The Harley-Davidson Softail® motorcycle line is one of the company’s most popular products. In many ways, these motorcycles act as a bridge between the past and the modern day by offering modern performance in a classic-style package. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Harley-Davidson Softail® motorcycles, this guide from Mancuso Harley-Davidson® Crossroads has the answers.
Before World War I
To understand the appeal of a Softail® motorcycle, you need to understand a bit about the history of how motorcycles have developed over the years. Before the eve of World War I, almost all motorcycle models had some form of front suspension. It was about this time that companies first began producing motorcycles that had rear suspension as well. More suspension meant a more comfortable ride and easier handling. However, early rear motorcycle suspension systems were often expensive and difficult to maintain. On top of that, they didn’t always offer that much damping, meaning that the added instability wasn’t worth the extra comfort and handling in the eyes of many bikers. These bikers preferred “hardtail” motorcycles, models that only had suspension in the front.
After World War II
As technology marched on, rear motorcycle suspension systems improved drastically. In the years following World War II, companies slowly shifted towards producing mostly dual-suspension motorcycles. The hardtail was largely seen as obsolete. However, this did nothing to dampen the love many riders had for these older motorcycles, which were seen as having a tougher look. Even in the 70’s, some aftermarket companies still produced hardtail frames to meet demand for these cult favorite motorcycles.
The First Softail® Motorcycle
During the mid-1970s, an engineer and motorcycle rider by the name of Bill Davis developed a unique motorcycle design that cleverly hid the bike’s rear shocks. This resulted in a bike that had the look of a classic hardtail while still reaping the benefits of a dual-suspension system. After meeting with Harley-Davidson executives and a few more years of tinkering, the company bought Davis’s patent and the now iconic Softail® motorcycle was born. Since then, the Harley-Davidson Softail® motorcycle has undergone a few revisions and improvements, but it still hews largely towards the classic style that is such a huge part of its appeal.
Shop Harley-Davidson Softail® motorcycles at Mancuso Harley-Davidson® Crossroads in Houston, Texas. We’re proud to serve communities like Sugar Land, College Station, and The Woodlands, Texas. We also offer servicing, parts, test drives, financing, apparel, and riding lessons.