Been riding (EG) for years, but just bought a Softail and I'm wondering why some Softail models start with FL and some with FX, which some Dyna's also start with? Is it the frame or suspension that sets them apart? Engine? Man, I hate asking stupid questions, but I gotta know !!!

 

Softail models utilize the big-twin engine (F) and the Softail chassis (ST).

• Softail models that use small-diameter telescopic forks similar to those used on the Sportster (X) have designations that begin with FXST, e.g., FXSTB (Night Train), FXSTD (Deuce), and FXSTS (Springer).
• Softail models that use large-diameter telescopic forks similar to those used on the touring bikes (L) have designations beginning with FLST, e.g., FLSTF (Fat Boy), FLSTC (Heritage Softail Classic), and FLSTN (Softail Deluxe).
• Softail models that use Springer forks with a 21-inch (530 mm) wheel have designations that begin with FXSTS, e.g., FXSTS (Springer Softail) and FXSTSB (Bad Boy).
• Softail models that use Springer forks with a 16-inch (410 mm) wheel have designations that begin with FLSTS, e.g., FLSTSC (Springer Classic) and FLSTSB (Cross Bones)

From Wikipedia for current model years.

 

Thanks. I wondered as well.

 

From the Almighty Hog dot com website, a pretty good rundown on what all those cryptic letters in a Harley model designation mean:

Here is some information that is extremely helpful when looking at Harley Davidson Motorcycles The Sportster - XL
- XL883: Sportster Hugger
- XL883C: Sportster 883
- Custom: XL1100
- Sportster 1100
- XL1200: Sportster 1200
- XL1200C: Sportster 1200 Custom
- XL1200S
- Sportster 1200 Sport
- XLCH
- Kick start, XLCR- Cafe Racer 1000
- XLH883
- 883 Hugger,
- XLH1200
- 1200
- XLH1200S
- Sport XLS
- Sportster Roadster
- XLX
- 1000cc Ironhead
- XR1000
- XLH with XLR HeadsMore Harley Sportster Information:
The Sportster X. These descend from the K series, 1952-56 XL. The Series started in 1957. They are "unit construction" (engine & transmission share a common case) L - High compression (7.5:1 in 1957) H - Starting in 1958 came the XLH, meaning Higher-power or High-compression (9:1) or Hot . Another engine in 1958 was the XLCH. The C was intended to mean "Competition". Harley created the CR- Cafe racer style with bikini fairing. Lastly, Harley Davison made the LT- Touring, with bigger tank, thicker seat, and hard bags.

A great resouce for details about years,components and pictures: http://www.sportster.org/history/
Kudos Erik and good luck with the book.


DYNA Glide Series
- FX - Superglide
- FXB - Sturgis Belt
- FXD - Dyna Super Glide
- FXDG - Dyna Glide/Sturgis
- FXDL - Dyna Low Rider
- FXDS-CON - Dyna Convertible
- FXDWG - Dyna Wide Glide
- FXDX - Dyna Super Glide Sport
- FXDXT - Super Glide "T" Sport
- FXE - Superglide Electric Start
- FXEF - Fatbob - My Favorite Name
- FXLR - FX Lower Rider - EvolutionMore Harley Dyna Information:
This bike was built as the chopper for all customers. Easily customizable and tons of after market parts and help.

Aninteresting article on the Dyna Wide Glide: One of my first big bikes.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/wide_glide.htm



FXR Series
- FXR Rubber Mount Super Glide
- FXRDG - Disc Glide
- FXRP - Police or pursuit
- FXRS - FXR Sport
- FXRS-CON - Convertible
- FXRS- Sport - Low Rider Sport Edition
- FXRT - FXR Touring
- FXS - Low rider/ Shovelhead
- FXSB - Low Rider Belt
FXS Series
- FXST - Softail Standard
- FXSTB - Night Train
- FXSTBI - Night Train fuel injected
- FXSTC - Softail Custom
- FXSTD - Softail Deuce
- FXSTS - Springer Softail
- FLST - Heritage Softail
- FLSTC - Heritage Softail Classic
- FLSTF - Fat Boy
- FLSTN - Nostalgia
- FLSTS - Heritage Springer Softail. More Harley Softail Information:
These two bikes bring some great excitement wherever they are. I've always been a big fan of them.

Another great article:
http://www.hdfxr.dk/Public/FXR/FXRHistory.aspx


Touring Series:
Touring FL - FLH - 4-Speed Dresser
- FLHS - 4-Speed Electra Glide
- FLT with windshield and less goodies S = Sport
- FLHR - Road King
- FLHRCI - Road King Classic
- FLHS- Electra Glide Sport
- FLHT - Electra Glide Standard
- FLHTC - Electra Glide Classic
- FLHTCUI - Electra Glide Ultra Classic
- FLT- Rubber Mount Dresser - FLTC - Rubber Mount Dresser Classic
- FLTCU - Rubber Mount Dresser Classic Ultra
- FLTR - Road Glide
- FLTRI - Road Glide w/ Genuine Access
- FLTRSEI - Screamin Eagle Road GlideMore Harley Touring Information:
This comprising of all of Harley Davidsons bigger bikes, made for touring. People who love to ride. This will be my next bike.
Lastly, Wikipedia has had some great people adding to it's collection of informaion:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harley-Davidson


VRSC Series:
- VRSC: (V-TWIN Racing Street Custom)
- VRSCA: 1st model of the V-ROD family.
More Harley VRSC Information:
A new interesting bike, definately one breaking the mold. I'll keep gathering more information.


Here is information on all the letters that make up the Harley models
The first letter of the model designator: E, J, K ('50s small twin), F, U, V (Big Twin), D, G, R, W (Small Twin), X (Sportster), or V (VRSC)
They also reveal the engine series:
G - Servicar three wheeler, 1932 to 1972
E - Overhead valve 61 cubic inch "big twin" (Engine/trans separated)
F - Overhead valve 74,80 or 88 cubic inch "big twin"
FL - 80 to 88 cubic inches and a fat front tire.
K - Side valve 45 and 55 cubic inch sports bike that replaced the WL in 1953 and then, the Sportster in 1957.
U - Side valve 74 or 80 cubic inch "big twin"
V - Side valve 74 cubic inch made prior to 1936
W - Side valve 45 cubic inch made 1934 to 1952
X - Sports and special construction. Applied to 1918-1922 opposed twin Sport, 1944 military opposed twin, and 1957 to present Sportster.
The second letter of the model designator sets up the front end in most cases
X - Narrow tire and sport forks
L - Wide front tire and Hydra-Glide front forks.
FX - originally meant "Factory Expirimantal" The first one was the Super Glide FX
The third letter of the model helps define the frame style:
D - "Dyna" frame and has rubber mounted motor
HT - "Highway Touring" frame ST - "Softail®" frame
The next letter or letters also help classify bike within the frame family:
A - Military (Army) version (except GA, Servicar without tow bar)
B - Battery start (early models), Belt drive (early 80's) Black paint.(1995-6 model, the Bad Boy)
C - Classic, Competition, Custom, various others meanings.
D - Dyna, the newest frame and engine mount design.
DG - Disc Glide
E - Electric start
F - Foot shift (when the standard was hand-shift) and now "Fat Boy®"
H - varied between High performance and Heavy duty.
I - Signifies Fuel Injection.
L - Big fat front tire
LR- Low Rider (though many Low Riders don't include LR in the model ID)
N - Nostalgia
P - Police version
R - Rubber mounted engine (some models) racing version (other models)
ST- Soft Tail, Softail®l
S - Springer
S - (without following T) Sports version
T - Touring
WG - Wide Glide
X - Sportster or sportster-type front end and Skinny front tire.

 

First I have ever heard that...every Harley book I have ever read says the first FX was simply an FL frame stripped down with an XL front end...a mod customizers had been doing for years...imagine that, Harley copying the aftermarket. When Softails first started FX was 21" front tire and footpegs...FL was 16" front tire and floorboards...of course it is not that simple now.

 

Great info, will there be a test? lol

 

The FXLR is NOT a Dyna it IS an FXR. Not tryin to be persnickity, just bein persnickity.

 

None of those...in a few months you will notice your ***** will shrivel up and fall off and you will begin growing a vagina.....but there is hope you still have time left to trade it in on a Dyna...which is a real Harley Davidson....just sayin

 

I figured that there had to be some reason behind the alphabet soup of model names. Thanks for the info.

 

A Sportster, and a Dyna, which is 1 notch above a Sportster, are the 2 Harley's I doubt I'd ever own, no offense meant, just don 't care for them at all. Unless, I got a steal of a price on one and needed a work bike that I didn't care to ever wash or put a mod on.
I offer no apologies to the sensative guys I just offended, we all have our own tastes !!

A further note, I'd ride a Sporty or Dyna, ALL DAY LONG over those ugly, disgusting Victory's !!!