The Sportster® vs. The Softail®: Which One is Right for You?

Harley-Davidson® has been in the motorcycling game for well over a century. The enduring popularity of their bikes has led to the company developing several diverse families to meet unique riding needs. 

Two of their most successful models are the Sportster® and the Softail®. Each has its benefits, but which one is right for you? Wisconsin Harley-Davidson in Oconomowoc is the premier Harley-Davidson® dealer here in America’s Dairyland. To help you choose between these two different types of bike, we’ve drawn up this comparison between Sportster® and Softail® motorcycles.

History of the Sportster® Motorcycle

Back in 1957, hot-rod culture was at its peak, which meant that bikes rolled off assembly lines positively oozing attitude. While Harley-Davidson® had previously seen success with a lineup of cruisers, they noticed that these bulkier bikes were being surpassed in sales by lither and more agile motorcycles instead.

In came the Sportster®, designed specifically to appeal to young riders who wanted an agile and fast bike with tons of style and panache. Part of its massive appeal was its customizability, which let enthusiastic riders modify their motorcycles to suit dirt tracks and drag racing, among other types of riding. The lightweight frame and sturdy suspension lend it a superior edge when it comes to performance.

History of the Softail® Motorcycle

The Softail® bike is a newer design that stems from the 1970s. Harley-Davidson® took this model from a biker and engineer named Bill Davis, who wanted a smoother ride. His beloved Super Glide by Harley-Davidson® had one critical flaw: no rear suspension. The bumps and jolts on the road were felt by the rider and it made for a rather uncomfortable and challenging riding experience.

So, Davis set about modifying his bike in order to include a hidden rear-spring suspension system that would smooth things out and make for a more enjoyable ride. When he initially pitched his design to Harley-Davidson®, they weren’t interested, but they soon decided it was worth their while to take the design and turn it into the very first Softail® bike, which rolled off the company’s assembly lines in 1983. 

Aesthetics

Both types of Harley bike have great designs that are sure to turn heads wherever you may roam. A number of Softail® bikes, like the Slim and Deluxe models, are equipped with a retro look, while others, like the Breakout®, have been modernized with brilliant colors and massive rims. Sportster® bikes are more modern in general, but they do have some styles that are made with a more throwback look, like the 1200 Custom with its wire spokes and coil-over springs.

Either way you go, you’re sure to be able to find a bike that suits your particular aesthetic.

Performance

When it comes to power, the winner in this particular competition is always going to be the Softail®. Its High-Output Twin-Cam 103 engine delivers torque with an impressive 103 cubic inches of cylinder displacement. Even higher-end models like the Slim® S or Fat Boy® S are equipped with the potent Screamin’ Eagle® Air-Cooled Twin-Cam 110B™ engine. These engines are capable of producing more torque and power.

However, the Sportster® doesn’t skimp on power, either! Most Sportster bikes have a 1200cc Evolution® engine to fuel them for the road ahead, while other models are a little smaller to make them faster and more agile for racing.

Think you’ve finally made your decision between these two amazing Harley bikes? Come on down to our location in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, to take a look at our full stock of new and used motorcycles for sale, including Harley-Davidson® Sportster® and Softail® bikes. Wisconsin Harley-Davidson proudly serves the cities of Milwaukee, Madison and Waukesha.