A softail motorcycle is a type of bike designed to combine the classic appearance of vintage rigid-frame motorcycles with the comfort of modern suspension.
Understanding the Softail Design
At its core, a softail motorcycle features a clever design that intentionally looks like vintage motorcycles with a rigid hard-tail frame that has a triangle of steel tubes at the rear axle, mimicking the look found on older bicycle frames. However, this visual resemblance hides a key difference:
- The Look: It appears as if the rear wheel is directly attached to a rigid frame, providing that iconic, clean "hard-tail" aesthetic. The triangular section of tubes near the rear axle strongly contributes to this vintage look.
- The Reality: On a Softail, these tubes are actually part of a triangular swingarm. This swingarm pivots, and the motorcycle's shock absorber(s) are hidden from view, often located horizontally beneath the transmission or engine. This allows the rear wheel to move vertically, absorbing bumps and providing a much smoother ride than a true rigid frame.
Why Softails?
The primary appeal of a softail motorcycle lies in its ability to offer the best of both worlds:
- Classic Aesthetics: Riders get the timeless, stripped-down look associated with rigid-frame choppers and bobbers.
- Modern Comfort: The hidden rear suspension provides necessary comfort and improved handling over varied road surfaces, making rides significantly more enjoyable than on a bike with no rear suspension at all.
In essence, a softail is a technological evolution that pays homage to motorcycle history while providing contemporary rideability.
