I have owned both and it is hard to tell the difference in my opinion unless your at a stop light.
Well, at a stop light, and going over 85 mph. The touring bikes (88a) shake more at a stop, but run smooth at higher speeds... and the softail (88b) is smooth at a light, but you will notice more vibration at higher speeds... at least I have... I own a rk custom, and it is the only HD I have ever owned, but, before I bought my bike, I rented a lot of different models, and that was my experience...