Harley Davidson Softail (2012-2017)

The most talked about and awaited Harley Davidson bike in India is Softail. The model has two variants named as Harley Davidson FLSTF FAT Boy and Harley Davidson Heriatge Softail Classic. Both the bikes has worth mentioning history. Once they were the biggest sought after bikes. The  variants are having more or less similar specifications and features. But Softail Classic has large wind screen and leathre saddle bags that make it something different.

Harley Davidson Softail sports an air cooled, Twin Cam 96 engine with a higher displacement of 1584cc. The powertrain of the Harley Davidson Heritage Classic develops a top torque of 117 Nm at 3200 rpm while the Twin Cam 96B engine of Fat Boy pumps out a top torque output of 120Nm at 3200 rpm. The bike comes loaded with six-speed gearbox and self/kick start.

The machine comes fitted with high performance brakes and suspension system. The front and rear brakes are 4 piston and 2 piston respectively. It has Front 41.3 mm telescopic, "beer can" covers and rear hidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over forks. Softail Fat Boy has 18.9 litres of fuel tank while the Heritage Classic sports 19.7 litres.

The looks of both the variants are having similar frame and design. However, there are some distinctive features in each other. Classic comes with large pointed wind screen which assures greater safety from gusty winds. The front fender is full faced that is taken from its classic and retro image. Softail has additional saddle bags in leather and backrest for the pillion. On the other hand Harley Davidson Fat Boy doesn't sport these features. Common things between these two variants are chrome horseshoe oil tank, black powder-coated engine with chrome covers and chrome over/under shotgun exhaust.

The Harley Davidson Softail bikes has the same retro and classic look as it was there when it starts selling long ago. However, the company could convert them in high-performance bikes by using latest technologies with the same look. Softail has two variants and has similar appearance except some added stuffs.

H-D Softail Fat Boy is having distinctive front view with large body colour fender and round headlamp which peeps out for the road ahead. Interestingly, the front turn indicators are placed above the headlamp. It is fitted with pullback handlebars that ensure ultimate rider comfort. It features horseshoe fuel tank with stylish company logo.

The instrument panel of the Fat Boy is digital which is comprised of fuel gauge, tripmeter and speedometer while the tachometer is analogue one. It houses wide footboard for rider. The machine has step-up type seat that promises ultra comfort level. The board rear fender has been attached with round shape rear turn indicators and classic tail light. The bike has chrome over/under shotgun exhaust with twin mufflers. The bike comes with bullet hole disc cast aluminium in silver colour which catches your eyes for sure.

The Harley Davidson Softail Heritage Classic has got more or less same appearance but with a few additional stuffs. The handlebars are large in size that increase comfort level. At front, three headlamp clusters are added in which bigger headlamp is positioned at the centre. A large wind shield is added for rider's protection from velocity of winds. Harley Davidson Softail Heritage Classic houses same instrument panel located at tank. The front turn indicators are now fitted below the headlamps.

The Softail Heritage Classic is equipped with tow-piece seats for rider and passenger. The passenger seat is added with backrest. Leather saddlebags are provided for long drive. Two-tone seat and saddlebags are decorated with bullet laced valence. The wheels of the machine are in laced steel in chrome.

H-D smart security system has been bestowed to the machines, which keeps the burglars away from it. The power braking system makes sure that the rider has maximum power to take control over the ride.

Harley Davidson Softail bikes are loaded with a 1690cc, Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103B engine. The motor is tuned to generate a maximum power of 130Nm at 3,000rpm. Mated to a 6-speed transmission system, the machine has a butter smooth running and has a brilliant response even at low and mid revs. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) has been used with the engine that helps it return a decent mileage figure. The fuel tank capacity of the range is 18.9 liter. 

Wider tyres and sound braking system makes the response of the machine highly pleasant and exuberant. The machines run smoothly and rider gets to experience the true sound and feel of motorcycling. The heavy weight of the motorcycles keeps the level of stability very high and makes cruising sheer bliss.