THE HERITAGE SOFTAIL
™
CLASSIC.THE FUTURE OF NOSTALGIA
1949 1984
The introduction of the hydraulic telescoping front
forks of the 1949 FL Hydra-Glide was something
big for Harley-Davidson. Evolved from the previous
models’ leading-line forks, this bike was built for
the long-haul and could be dressed to the nines in
classic factory accessories.The FXST Softail® was the first of its kind.
The bike had the look of a hardtail, with 21 inch
laced front wheel, minimal hardtail frame and
a staggered exhaust, but the smooth ride you’d
expect from a cruiser.FL HYDRA-GLIDE FXST SOFTAIL®1984
SOFTAIL®
The Heritage Softail™ Classic
motorcycle has roots echoing back
years. Back in the day of Hardtails,
the style was stripped back. The
rawest of raw. But there was one
problem: Hardtails simply weren’t
comfortable. As the name suggests,
this was a frame entirely free of rear
suspension. So Harley-Davidson set
out to create a bike that looked pure
Harley® hardtail, with enough comfort
to ride for the long haul. The solution?
To put the spring shock combination
underneath the transmission and
make it totally invisible.
Now came a bigger challenge. What
was the first Softail® going to evolve
into? And how? After two years the
1986 Heritage Softail™ was born.
A spine-tingling clash of styles from
the FL-style motorcycles and the
1949 Hydra Glide. A homage to the
classic bikes of the 1950s.Then, a black and chrome powertrain
was added. Windshield. Passing lamps.
A passenger seat and backrest and the
Heritage Softail™ Classic motorcycle
was born. A beautiful blend of styles
that could eat up the city streets as
easily as cruise down the highways.