This is the first Softail prototype that was built in 1972. I took these at the Museum last year. Kind of interesting.

 

I took a few photos of that bike too when I was there in August. pretty interesting bike, always wondered where the idea came from for a rigid "hardtail" looking frame, but with rear suspension "softail".

 

And people tried to tell me that the Japan Company "Yahama" invented the Softtail thingy.----- B/S on that!

 

I've got a softail...But it don't gots no thingy on it that I've ever seen.

 

That's cool, IA!!

 

Bill Davis from Missouri came up with the idea, HD bought it. Helped save the MOCO.

The Springer is looking sweet IA.

 

Thanks. I'm getting it where I want it slow but sure. Was plannin on doing some stuff to it in a couple of months but now that I'm doing that Hoka Hey thing I'm watching the coin a little closer. Bike ain't goin anywhere so I guess I've got plenty of time as long as I don't check out prematurely.

 

Yamaha was the first to offer it for sale on the 1981 Viargo's. I worked for Yamaha then and they took the idea from the hardtail choppers and also from their first mono-shock motocross bikes.

 

Originally Posted by will2002
And people tried to tell me that the Japan Company "Yahama" invented the Softtail thingy.----- B/S on that!
I've got a softail...But it don't gots no thingy on it that I've ever seen.

Iron *** your thingy is right next to your dohicky thingamabob

 

OHHHHH. I've been wondering what that was. Thanks for clearing it up for me.