2006-09-03 07:15:07 · 10 answers · asked by kimchi 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
there is no difference there is soft tail sportsters as well as hard tell the difference is if the rear tire is mouted to the frame it is a hardtail if it is on a swingarm it is a softtail
2006-09-03 10:47:54 · answer #1 · answered by johnjn321 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Two different animals. The Sportster is a model, the softail is a design. Simply put the softail uses a mono shock that enables the design of the bike to look like the bikes of past "hardtails." That is the Hard tail bikes of past had no rear suspension, therefore referred to as "hardtails." Soft tails on the other hand retain the vintage hard tail "look" while offering the rider a hidden shock assembly. The Sportster along with other various HD bikes have the shocks in plain view.
2006-09-03 07:25:06 · answer #2 · answered by ? 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sportsters also do not use the "Big Twin" Twin Cam motor. They use either the 883 or 1200 cc Evolution motor that they've had since 1986. A Sportster also uses shocks mounted on the sides of the rear of the motorcycle frame where a Softail has the shock mounted under the frame which hides the shock. Softails always use a "Fat Bob" style tank where Sportsters have either a small "Peanut" tank or a single "Roadster" style tank.
2006-09-03 07:27:28 · answer #3 · answered by beer234 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The Soft tail is a much larger bike It has a much bigger engine and frame the suspension is different the Sportster uses the old style swing arm suspension whereas the soft tails shocks are located under the frame and a totally different style of swing arm to make it look like a hard tail.(no shocks) on the sportster the engine and tranny case are all one unit on the soft tail the engine and tranny are seperate units
2006-09-03 08:40:14 · answer #4 · answered by bisquedog 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A Sportster is the smallest cycle HD makes, two models made.
The 883 & 1200cc. Refers to the engine size.
The Softails come in several models. The 2006 models have a 88 cubic inch motor also known as 1450cc motor.
The 2007 Models have the new 96 cubic inch motor.
2006-09-03 07:43:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
They're different models, like the difference between a Honda Civic and Honda Accord. The Sportster is a bit smaller.
2006-09-03 07:42:39 · answer #6 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the sporty has what is known as a unit motor, this means the engine and tranny are contained in a single set of cases. the softail is one of many harley bigtwin models and has the tranny s
eperate from the engine just like a car. thats the main differance and it doesnt have a monoshock.
2006-09-03 15:05:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sportsters are entry level motorcycles with their own lesser horsepower engines and different frames and style. A softtail is styled after a 1940's hardtail, that is to say no rear shock absorbsion and a rigid frame. A Softtail has a rear swingarm and a hidden shock absorber. It also has the large Evolution engine and is considered a highend motorcycle.
2006-09-03 07:35:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Go to harleydavidson.com. You'll have all the specs you need.
2006-09-03 07:22:02 · answer #9 · answered by jinxybear 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The gas tank
2006-09-03 07:18:13 · answer #10 · answered by zoey m 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋