The Softail family consists of eight models each with its own custom appeal from the very popular low slung Fat Boy to the new-for-2008 raked-out Rocker. The heart of the Softails is the Twin Cam 96B B standing for counterbalanced, meaning the rigid mounted engine is counterbalanced to offset vibration. Of all the Harleys, the Softails render the most vibration, but is still relatively minimal considering what it used to be before counterbalancing. All Softails are powered by a 1584cc fuel injected motor combined with a six-speed gearbox. Click on images to make them larger.
FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 1584cc
Seat Height: 25.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
Weight: 750 pounds
Price: starts at $17,945
Description
The Heritage Softail Classic is one of the most comfortable and ergonomically friendly Softails. It offers long-range touring comfort as it comes standard with saddlebags, a windshield and floorboards. A wide front end keeps the bike in command of the road. With a 25.5-inch seat height, its low enough for a variety of size riders to handle. It does have a wide bucket saddle so riders with a shorter inseam will lose some inches in the leg spread, but an aftermarket narrow seat can prevent that.
FLSTF Fat Boy
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 1584cc
Seat Height: 25.4 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
Weight: 714 pounds
Price: starts at $17,195
Description
As massive as it is iconic, the Fat Boy has a low seat height of 25.4 inches and is a favorite among women riders. The Fat Boy was restyled in 2007 with lots of new custom features, bullet-hole cast wheels, a chopped rear fender, and a big 200mm rear tire. The Fat Boy has a wider profile that lumbers through the turns. The low center of gravity, though, makes this big bike easy to ride. The bike also features floorboards with a heel/toe shifter
FXCW Softail Rocker
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 1584cc
Seat Height: 24.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
Weight: 690 pounds
Price: starts at $17,295
Description
New for 2008 is the Softail Rocker, an opportunity for riders to own a radical raked custom that looks like those high dollar creations, but rides so much smoother and comes with Harleys time tested engineering. The Rocker is Harleys lowest seat height bike so a large spectrum of riders will find the ergonomics favorable. The large 240mm rear tire give the bike an imposing look, but its actually one of the easiest bikes to ride in the Softail family. Click here to read WRNs review of the Rocker.
FXCWC Softail Rocker C
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 1584cc
Seat Height: 25.25 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
Weight: 720 pounds
Price: starts at $19,840
Description
The Softail Rocker C is a chromed version of the Rocker – C stands for custom. Where the C also differs is in the seat height. The C is about an inch higher to accomodate the “trick” passenger seat, a pillion thats hidden underneath the saddle that can be flipped out in about 20 seconds. The C is for riders who want a more flashier Rocker and the opportunity to be able to carry a passenger on the fly. Click here to read WRNs review of the Rocker C.
FXSTC Softail Custom
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 1584cc
Seat Height: 26.4 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
Weight: 703 pounds
Price: starts at $16,895
Description
This is Harleys old school classic chopper featuring a two-up stepped seat, chrome passenger backrest, and a bobtail rear fender. Forward-mount foot controls and ape hangers put this rider with their knees in the breeze and their arms in the air. This is a fun bike to ride. The handlebars are similar to whats on the Dyna Wide Glide or Dyna Street Bob.
FXSTB Night Train
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 1584cc
Seat Height: 25.2 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
Weight: 682 pounds
Price: starts at $15,895
Description
This is the least expensive Softail in the 2008 lineup and ones thats been around awhile because many riders like its distinct look and styling. It features an all-black powertrain with wrinkle-black trim on the engine covers and air cleaner, oil tank and rear fender supports, and a black fuel tank console. The raked-out FX front end and narrow 21-inch laced front wheel contrast with a meaty 200 mm rear tire on a slotted cast disc covered with a wide bobtail fender. Drag bars and forward foot controls create an aggressive posture for the rider. The Night Train is an inexpensive way to buy into the Softail family, all while making a bold statement.
FLSTN Softail Deluxe
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 1584cc
Seat Height: 24.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
Weight: 724 pounds
Price: starts at $17,445
Description
The Softail Deluxe shares bragging rights as being the lowest motorcycle in the Harley-Davidson family. Because of that, many women have gravitated to this nostalgic styled beauty with its white-wall tires and low slung seat. Its a custom right out of the crate. Despite its weight, it has a very low center of gravity and is very well balanced. Outfit it with a windshield and saddlebags and this bike can take its rider many, many miles comfortably.
FLSTSB Softail Crossbones
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 1584cc
Seat Height: 26.62 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
Weight: 737 pounds
Price: starts at $16,795
Description
The Cross Bones is Harleys newest Softail model released in January 2008. It has the profile of an authentic custom bobber with a retro look. The Springer front end and other post-war era bobber styling cues like a sprung solo seat, half-round rider footboards, gloss black round air cleaner cover and chopped front fender make the Cross Bones stand out from the rest. This model is all about image and styling powered by the same counterbalanced Twin Cam 96B engine as the rest of the Softails.
Prices, specifications and features are subject to change without notice.