The Softails have a smoother running engine (particularly at idle), but in my opinion the bike itself does not ride as smoothly as any of the Touring models. The suspension of the Touring models makes for a smoother ride, in my experience. I also find that the Touring bikes (particularly the Road King) have more responsive and "lighter" feeling handling than the Softails. This is most likely due to the steeper fork angle and the reversed steering head. They really must be ridden to be appreciated.

 

Air suspension on the rear. Plus, with the rubber-mounted engine, the vibration at idle disappears when you are under way. To the contrary, I found that my '03 Heritage (which I loved) was smooth at idle, but would buzz my hands and arms at 75+ mph on an all-day trip.

While I love my Ultra, I'd probably do a Road King Classic for the "ultimate" in cross-over bikes -- using it around town and for "light touring." JMHO....

 

Touring models are the smoothest.