Sportster® vs Softail®

Two ever-popular Harley-Davidson motorcycles are the Sportster models and the Softail models. Both are designed to deliver exhilarating rides, but each offers a unique riding experience. Below we cover the history, style, and performance of each H-D motorcycle to help you determine which best fits your lifestyle. If you want advice picking one or want to look at models for sale, head over to Bartels' Harley-Davidson. Our dealership is located in Marina Del Rey, California. We also proudly serve those in Malibu and Santa Monica, California.

History of the Sportster® Motorcycle

The time was 1957 when the hot rod culture ruled the streets. Motorcycle enthusiasts looked for models that offered a striking attitude and an adrenaline-fueled ride. Harley-Davidson had released a line of bulky cruisers, but these were getting passed over for smaller and more agile bikes from their competitors.

The company went back to the drawing board and created the Sportster motorcycle. This new bike offered what the consumer wanted: a lightweight frame able to cruise around on top speeds that made it racing suitable. The high performance of the Sportster model, combined with how easy the bike was to customize, led to rapid growth in the motorcycle's popularity. The Sportster motorcycle began cropping everywhere from the highway to the racetrack.

History of the Softail® Motorcycle

This legendary bike comes from a Harley fan: a mechanical engineer and motorcycle lover Bill Davis. He enjoyed cruising around town on his Super Glide, but struggled with its lack of rear suspension that led to a bumpy ride. Davis altered his bike in the 1970s to have a hidden rear spring suspension system.

He saw how well his modified Harley bike rode, so he submitted his design to the company. At first, Harley-Davidson turned the design down. But they later changed their minds and purchased it. They made some tweaks and created the first Softail in 1983.

Compare the Performance

When pitting the Sportster bike and the Softail bike head to head, a key thing to consider is performance. The Softail will offer a more thrilling ride. It uses the High Output Twin Cam 103B engine and can deliver torque with 103 cubic inches of cylinder displacement. You can also get a higher end Sportster motorcycle that uses the Screamin' Eagle Air-Cooled Twin Cam 110B, which offers even more impressive power.

The Sportster models offer great performance as well. Most models use the 1200cc Evolution engine. There are some smaller Sportster motorcycles that use a smaller frame, which allows them to offer even better speed and agility. These motorcycles are often used for racing.

Compare the Style

Both lines offer elements of a range of aesthetic styles, but the default for each focus on a specific style. Softail bikes usually favor a more retro design. Lovers of the old school aesthetic will enjoy the nostalgia that this vintage-looking model brings. Sportster motorcycles, on the other hand, tend to utilize a more cutting-edge and modern design. Those who enjoy the striking style of today's looks will enjoy the aesthetic details on these bikes.

We hope you found this Sportster motorcycle versus Softail motorcycle guide helpful. If you need help picking the right Harley motorcycle for your lifestyle, our expert staff can help. Tell us your budget, your riding level, and what type of riding you want to do. We can then suggest the right model to match. We have a range of motorcycles for sale, so stop by and visit our dealership today. You'll find us in Marina Del Rey, California. We also proudly serve those in Malibu and Santa Monica, California.