Sportster vs. Softail vs. Touring: Which Harley Model Line Is Right for You?

 

Are you ready to start shopping for a motorcycle? If so, Harley-Davidson has what you’re looking for. They’ve been building bikes for more than 120 years now, and they’ve developed a variety of models that are designed around different riders’ styles and expectations. You’re sure to find one that suits you somewhere in the Harley family.

 

While HD offers a number of models, their most highly sought-after motorcycles fall into one of three categories: Sportsters, Softails, or touring bikes. Not all of them are right for everyone, but there’s a good chance that one of these will be perfect for you. Read on to learn more about what each line has to offer and how to decide which of these used motorcycles will make you happiest.

 

What’s the Difference Between Sportsters and Softails?

 

It’s really no secret that touring motorcycles are in a class all their own. We’ll talk more about that later on. Like many people, though, you may be wondering what’s the difference between a Sportster and a Softail. They’re both classic Harley models, but each one has its own distinctions.

 

For one, Sportsters are lighter and smaller. They’re made to be fast and nimble. Softails are larger and heavier. They’re designed for power and stability. Sportsters give you faster acceleration and more responsiveness while Softails offer more steadiness at higher speeds. 

 

Sportsters are also standard, straightforward bikes whereas Softails are a bit more dressed up. Softails have more of a classic chopper look with a lot of the comfort you’d find in a touring bike. Sportsters look and feel, well, sportier. Those are some of their basic differences. Now, we’ll dig a little deeper into each of these lineups.

 

Taking a Closer Look at Sportsters

 

First, let’s take a closer look at Sportsters. These bikes have been part of the Harley lineup since 1957. They’re famous for being lightweight and easy to maneuver, which is one of the reasons so many people love them.

 

Which Riding Styles Are Sportsters Best for?

 

Because of their lightness and agility, Sportsters are easier to handle and perfect for getting through heavy traffic. They’re also great models for people who are new to riding since they’re lighter and easier to manage than some other members of the Harley-Davidson family. They’re best suited to commuting and short trips.

 

How Comfortable Are Sportsters?

 

Though Sportsters have a long list of terrific features, comfort is the one area where they fall short. They don’t have the same shock absorption as other models, so they can make for rough rides on certain roads. Because of that, quite a few riders get worn out fairly quickly on them.

 

Sportsters aren’t really recommended for longer rides. The bikes themselves can definitely handle long hauls, but they’re just not the most comfortable models for serious traveling. Many people feel they’re geared more toward smaller riders as well. Larger riders often feel cramped up on them, especially after they’ve been on the road for a while.

 

What Customization Options Are Available for Sportsters?

 

Comfort may not be one of the Sportster line’s strong suits, but customization is an area where these bikes really stand out. They’re pretty basic straight from the factory. With that being the case, they could be considered blank canvases. You’ll find a vast selection of customization options available for them.

 

Many riders add features that help make them more comfortable for long trips. Those include cushier seats, modified handlebars, mid-controls, and extra storage. Of course, performance upgrades like modified exhaust systems, suspension kits, and external breathers are also popular.

 

Those are only a few of the possibilities. Sportsters are a top choice for bobber and cafe racer builds, but you can go in any number of directions with them. Whether you want to change their look, feel, or power, you’re bound to find the right parts to make it happen.

 

How Much Do Sportsters Cost?

 

Price is yet another selling point for the Sportster. They generally cost from $10,000 to around $17,000 new. The Nightster falls on the lower end of the price spectrum whereas the Sportster S is in the higher range. Used models are even more affordable, potentially ranging from $3,000 to $9,000. Their cost makes them a fantastic entry level option. It also gives you more money to work with for customizations.

 

Delving Into the Softail

 

Next, we have the Softail. This lineup came into play in the early 1980s. Several models are part of the Softail family with some of the most popular being the Heritage Classic, the Low Rider, and the Fat Boy.

 

Which Riders and Riding Styles Do Softails Fit?

 

This is one of Harley-Davidson’s most versatile lines. As cruisers, Softails are great for highway rides and weekend trips. Though they’re not quite as nimble as Sportsters, Softails are also perfectly suitable for commuting and everyday riding.

 

One of the best things about Softails is the wide range of models that fall into this category. It offers something for everyone. Since the Fat Boy is bigger and heavier, it’s generally better for larger, more experienced riders.

 

On the other hand, the Low Rider has a lower seat height, so it works well for average-size riders. The Heritage Classic is a nice choice for small and average-sized riders because of its lighter weight and lower center of gravity, but it’s also popular among taller people.

 

Are Softails Comfortable?

 

Softails tend to be much more comfortable than Sportsters. They place you in a more relaxed, natural riding position. They also have better suspension for smoother rides. As such, they don’t wear you out quite as quickly as Sportsters. Softails are just as comfortable for longer trips as they are for riding around town.

 

How Customizable Are Softails?

 

Like Sportsters, Softails are highly customizable. People just tend to take them in different directions. They don’t necessarily need the same comfort upgrades as Sportsters because those features are already built in. They do have more room for adding touring accessories, like saddlebags and windscreens, though.

 

Many people opt for performance and appearance upgrades with Softails. They may install upgraded forks or adjust the seat height to better suit their personal tastes. Some people like to swap out the factory handlebars for ape-hangers or T-bars. While the former gives them a more classic look, the latter can give you better handling and a more upright riding position.

 

Again, there’s a long list of other customization options available. Softails have been on the market for decades, and plenty of modifications have been developed for them. You have numerous options to choose from if you want to personalize a Softail to match your style and needs.

 

What’s the Price Range for Softails?

 

Softails are considered a step up from Sportsters, and they have more features. Naturally, that means they’re more expensive. New models can range from around $15,000 to $23,000 or so. A used Softail could cost anywhere from $9,000 to about $18,000 depending on the model, its mileage, and other factors.

 

Exploring Touring Models

 

That brings us to touring motorcycles. These bikes are bigger than cruisers and Sportsters, and they typically have a wider range of features. A couple of Harley’s most popular touring models are the Street Glide and Road Glide. There’s also the Road King Special, which has a classic cruiser look with added touring features. If you’re looking for something a little different, the Pan America 1250 Special is an adventure touring model that can go off road if you want.

 

What Riding Style Are Touring Bikes Best for?

 

Touring bikes are designed for long-distance trips. They typically have more built-in storage so you can take everything you need along for the ride. They’re also usually bigger and heavier than other models. They tend to have more convenience features as well, such as larger gas tanks, cruise control, and even navigation systems at this point.

 

There’s no rule that says you can’t use a touring motorcycle for city riding and commuting. They’re not as light and nimble as cruisers and Sportsters, though. That makes them a little more difficult to manage in heavy traffic and tight spaces.

 

How Comfortable Are Touring Motorcycles?

 

Touring bikes are made for comfort. They typically have larger, softer seats to make long rides easier on your back and hips. Their suspension offers more effective shock absorption as well. They also tend to have windscreens and fairings to deflect wind and bugs. On top of that, many models have either floorboards or wider footpegs to allow you to relax your legs more while you’re riding.

 

Are Touring Bikes Customizable?

 

Harley-Davidson’s touring models come with a wide range of features straight from the factory, so many people feel that they don’t really need a lot of customization. Still, you’ll find a variety of modification options available for them. Some of the more popular upgrades for these bikes are luggage racks, audio systems, and infotainment packages.

 

How Much Do Touring Bikes Cost?

 

Touring bikes are among Harley-Davidson’s most expensive models. That’s because of all the comfort features and other accessories they come with. New models generally range from $20,000 to more than $35,000, but you can get used some used models for as little as $12,000. Those with more included features will come at a higher price, but they’re well worth the investment.

 

Deciding Which Harley Model Is Best for You

 

We’ve given you a lot to think about. Each Harley-Davidson line, and each of the models in those lines, has its own unique features and benefits. They’re just built for different purposes and to suit different needs. Let’s break it all down into a few simple points.

 

Sportsters

 

Sportsters are best for people who mainly use their motorcycles for commuting and short trips. They’re also perfect for riders who want a highly customizable model. They’re fantastic bikes for new riders and newcomers to Harley-Davidsons in general. If you’re working with a tight budget, the Sportster is definitely the most affordable.

 

All that being said, Sportsters aren’t comfortable for long rides. They’re not always the right fit for larger riders, either. If you’re looking for stability and power over agility, the Sportster may not be your best option.

 

Softails

 

Softails are cruisers. Harley has several models in this lineup that are geared toward different riders and riding styles. They’re wonderful for longer trips, highway riding, and people who use their bikes for both commuting and recreation. They’re more comfortable than Sportsters, but they’re also heavier and a little less maneuverable.

 

In terms of price, Softails are in the mid-range category. They cost more than entry-level bikes like the Sportsters, but they also come with more features. They’re still affordable, though. If you go with a used model, you can get even more for your money. Since they’re heavier and built more for stability than agility, they’re not necessarily the best bikes for crowded streets and stop-and-go traffic.

 

Touring Motorcycles

 

Touring motorcycles are the right choice if you plan to take long rides. They’re designed with comfort in mind, and they’re more than capable of handling cross-country trips. They generally come with more tech options and storage space than other types of bikes.

 

While they’re not the most customizable motorcycles on the market, you can tweak touring bikes a bit to make them more suitable to your unique needs and expectations. They’re among the most expensive members of the Harley-Davidson family, so if you’re on a tight budget, stepping down to a cruiser and making a few adjustments to it may be a better option. Touring models aren’t always a good choice for smaller riders or beginners because they’re bigger and heavier.

 

Finding a Harley You’ll Be Happy With

 

When you’re trying to decide which Harley-Davidson line is right for you, it’s important to think about how you’ll be using the motorcycle, how much bike you can handle, how much customizing you want to do, and your budget. Touring models are more expensive, but they’re comfortable and great for long-distance trips. Sportsters are better for commuting and city riding, and they’re the most affordable. Softails offer a bit of a compromise between the two.

 

If you’re new to riding or aren’t quite sure what types of riding you’ll be doing most, you may want to stick with a Softail. Between the wide range of models in that line, the features they come with, and the available customization options, you can easily tailor them to meet your needs and make adjustments as you go. With all that in mind, it’s time to choose the Harley that’ll make you happy for years to come.