Softail History
#11
09-10-2014 | 08:15 AM
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 852
Likes: 52
From: Dallas tx
I rode a '52 Harley hardtail panhead for 8 years. It's my signature avatar. Had a sprung solo seat but that was it. It was common to use a high profile "grasshopper" tire on the rear and only run about 10 psi in it. The lack of suspension in the rear also effected the braking, the rear would hop if you hit the brake too hard. Had a suicide clutch and jockey shift. It was fun to ride but far from the comfy ride of my Fatboy
Mine was a full dresser, the leather saddle bags with all the stars and tassles, and everything. It had the wishbone frame, so it wasn't a popular model for chopperization. Gunny, you ought to post a couple of more pictures of you old bike.
Last edited by Pitbull_Dallas; 09-10-2014 at 08:18 AM.
#12
09-10-2014 | 08:21 AM
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,779
Likes: 67
From: Badlands of ND
#13
09-10-2014 | 11:05 AM
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 196
Likes: 2
From: Batavia, IL.
84 Softail belt drive?
Was that an option on the Softail? I bought an 85 Wide Glide off showroom floor in Oak Park and my roomie bought an 84 Softail off show room from Aurora dealer. Both had the 80 cubic inch new EVO motor (BlockHead), 4 speed trannies and the Glide had final belt drive and the Softail had final chain drive, not belt. Chain drive on the Softail meant (at that time) more choices for gear ratio mods.
Mine was first Evo belt drive Wide Glide (84 was Shovel/chain drive) and his was first generation Softail Evo /chain drive 4 speed
Mine was first Evo belt drive Wide Glide (84 was Shovel/chain drive) and his was first generation Softail Evo /chain drive 4 speed
#14
09-10-2014 | 03:03 PM
#16
09-10-2014 | 08:41 PM
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Was that an option on the Softail? I bought an 85 Wide Glide off showroom floor in Oak Park and my roomie bought an 84 Softail off show room from Aurora dealer. Both had the 80 cubic inch new EVO motor (BlockHead), 4 speed trannies and the Glide had final belt drive and the Softail had final chain drive, not belt. Chain drive on the Softail meant (at that time) more choices for gear ratio mods.
Mine was first Evo belt drive Wide Glide (84 was Shovel/chain drive) and his was first generation Softail Evo /chain drive 4 speed
Mine was first Evo belt drive Wide Glide (84 was Shovel/chain drive) and his was first generation Softail Evo /chain drive 4 speed
The 1984 Softail Standard never had chain drive It was belt and was a 5 speed .
#17
09-10-2014 | 09:55 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 196
Likes: 2
From: Batavia, IL.
I know I was only 2 years sober at that time, but
my buddy Dan's came with a 4 speed with kicker and chain final drive. Just saying.....
1984 FXST - Softail
One of the new Evolution generation of machines to debut this year, was the FXST Softail. The new FXST, had a 81.65 cubic inch displacement, 3.5 x 4.25 bore and stroke, 8:5.1 compression ratio, 55 horsepower, a four speed transmission, duplex chain primary and chain final drive, 38mm Keihin carburetion, disc front, and drum rear brakes, a 12 volt battery, CDI ignition, front telescopic fork, shock rear suspension, a wheelbase of 66.3 inches, a steel double down-tube frame, 5 gallon fuel capacity, 3.5 quart oil capacity, 3.00 x 19 inch front, 5.00 x 16 inch rear tires, weighing 628 pounds. The FXST's top speed was 110 miles per hour, with color options of vivid black with pinstripes, and candy red with pin stripes. The price for these was $7,999.00 of which 5,413 were made. The FXST was one of the new models with the new 'Evolution' engine. The FXST had the look of the old rigid frame machines, but a softer ride. The engine had shock absorbers which were hidden below the transmission, presenting a rigid looking frame, and style. The FXST's engine was still mounted solidly to the frame, and had a four speed transmission with a kick-starter.
from http://harleydhistory.freehostia.com/1980.htm
1984 FXST - Softail
One of the new Evolution generation of machines to debut this year, was the FXST Softail. The new FXST, had a 81.65 cubic inch displacement, 3.5 x 4.25 bore and stroke, 8:5.1 compression ratio, 55 horsepower, a four speed transmission, duplex chain primary and chain final drive, 38mm Keihin carburetion, disc front, and drum rear brakes, a 12 volt battery, CDI ignition, front telescopic fork, shock rear suspension, a wheelbase of 66.3 inches, a steel double down-tube frame, 5 gallon fuel capacity, 3.5 quart oil capacity, 3.00 x 19 inch front, 5.00 x 16 inch rear tires, weighing 628 pounds. The FXST's top speed was 110 miles per hour, with color options of vivid black with pinstripes, and candy red with pin stripes. The price for these was $7,999.00 of which 5,413 were made. The FXST was one of the new models with the new 'Evolution' engine. The FXST had the look of the old rigid frame machines, but a softer ride. The engine had shock absorbers which were hidden below the transmission, presenting a rigid looking frame, and style. The FXST's engine was still mounted solidly to the frame, and had a four speed transmission with a kick-starter.
from http://harleydhistory.freehostia.com/1980.htm
#18
09-10-2014 | 10:07 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,524
Likes: 20,622
From: Farmington ,MS
#19
09-10-2014 | 11:06 PM
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,357
Likes: 1
From: Lansdale, Pa
This '84 softail just went off on ebay. It was only 65 miles away from my house. Being broke sucks!!!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1984-Harley-...vip=true&rt=nc
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1984-Harley-...vip=true&rt=nc
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