Softail

Softail is a frame design made famous by Harley-Davidson, which introduced it in 1984 and uses the name as a trademark. The triangular swingarm is shaped to look like a rigid hardtail frame, while the suspension units are hidden under the bike. Earlier Softails had twin shocks mounted horizontally under the transmission; since 2018 Harley uses a single shock under the seat.

The aim is the clean, classic look of a vintage hardtail with the comfort of real rear suspension. Other manufacturers have used similar hidden-shock layouts on their cruisers.

Rear travel on these designs is usually limited, so preload should be set correctly for the rider's weight and any passenger to avoid bottoming out.