Harley-Davidson Celebrates 40 Years of the Softail

Notable Milestone

As a company that's been around for well over a century to this point, Harley-Davidson has plenty of milestones to celebrate on a regular basis. The latest pertains to one specific fan favorite model - the Softail - which is celebrating 40 years of existence in 2024. Over that time span, the Softail has changed quite a bit but has also retained the classic lines that have endeared it to cruiser fans as well. 

Photos: Harley-Davidson

Innovative Addition

When the Softail debuted in 1984, it did so with a hidden shock design, hardtail lines, clean styling, and the comfort provided by a full rear suspension that utilizes horizontal gas-charged shocks under the transmission, which effectively lowers the seating position, to boot. The Softail also debuted with a brand new engine - the Evolution. 

Photos: Harley-Davidson

Versatile Lineup

These features - coupled with a versatile lineup - helped the Softail become an instant hit with riders, and there have been countless variants introduced along the way. That includes the iconic Fat Boy, which quickly became a massive movie star thanks to its appearance in Terminator 2: Judgement Day, along with the Softail Springer and its vintage-appearing front suspension setup. 

Photos: Harley-Davidson

Unique Variants

In addition to those models, the Softail also helped serve as the basis for the Heritage Softail and its classic FL front end and skirted front fender, as well as the Softail Deuce, a radical factory custom with a stretched gas tank, chrome fork sliders, the Twin Cam 88B powerplant, and a reshaped rear fender. Then there's the Cross Bones, a bobber with the Springer front end, laced wheels, a sprung solo seat, and half-moon footboards. 

Photos: Harley-Davidson

Critical to Survival

Ultimately, the Softail helped inject some serious juice into Harley's lineup that helped it keep going during tough times, too. “When I think back on the timing of the FXST Softail model and its impact on the market – we were struggling new owners – I realize how critical this great new engine and chassis were to our survival,” wrote former Chief Styling Officer Willie G. Davidson in his “100 years of Harley-Davidson” book. “The Softail line has been a perennial best-seller and a favorite among motorcyclists. It successfully blends the past with current technology and appeals to Harley riders everywhere.”

Photos: Harley-Davidson

Modern Lineup

In today's Harley-Davidson lineup, there is a wide array of models based on the Softail, too - a list that includes the Softail Standard, Street Bob 114, Low Rider S, Low Rider ST, Breakout, Heritage Classic 114, Fat Boy 114, and Fat Bob 114.

Photos: Harley-Davidson

Competitive Edge

It goes without saying that Harley likely didn't quite expect the 1984 FXST Softail to quite literally help save it from the proverbial grave - let alone set the stage for such enduring, tremendous success. However, in a time when it needed it most, the Softail delivered all of those things, helping it become competitive in the cruiser market yet again. 

Photos: Harley-Davidson

>>Join in the conversation about the Softail right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

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