Softail® Motorcycles For Sale in Harbinger, NC

Find the perfect balance of classic style and modern performance with our Harley-Davidson® Softail® motorcycles at Outer Banks Harley-Davidson. We offer a great selection of Softail motorcycles for sale at our dealership in Harbinger, NC, built for smooth rides and powerful performance. Whether you're after the comfort of a cruiser or the agility of a performance bike, our Harley Softail motorcycles deliver an unbeatable riding experience—stop by today!

Outer Banks Harley-Davidson® Inventory

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CUSTOMER CASH

*$500 to $3,000 incentive on select new, untitled 2022, 2023 and 2024 Harley-Davidson® motorcycles valid at participating Harley-Davidson® dealerships within the U.S. including Hawaii and Alaska. Offer varies by model. Valid toward the purchase of select new, untitled 2022, 2023 or 2024 Harley-Davidson® motorcycles available and in stock at participating H-D® dealers between November 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024. Offer not valid on previously purchased motorcycles. Other terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply. Offer is subject to change at any time without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Dealer participation may vary. Additional restrictions apply, see your Harley-Davidson® Dealership or www.h-d.com/offers for details.

Harley-Davidson Softail® Motorcycle History

The Harley-Davidson Softail® motorcycle line has a long and interesting history. In a way, the line acts almost as a bridge between past and present. Harley-Davidson Softail® motorcycles greatly resemble the motorcycles of the past, while still offering the kind of performance modern riders expect. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Harley-Davidson Softail® motorcycles, check out this guide from Outer Banks Harley-Davidson®. 

 

Before World War I

To understand Softail® motorcycles, you need to know a bit about early motorcycle history. Motorcycles produced before World War I typically only had suspension on the front wheel. Manufacturers experimented with putting suspension on the rear wheels as well, but ran into a number of problems. While adding rear suspension resulted in a smoother ride and better handling, these early rear motorcycle wheel suspension systems were costly, difficult to maintain, and often didn’t even work that well. It’s no surprise that many bikers of the time preferred motorcycles that only had suspension in the front, often referred to as “hardtail” motorcycles.

 

After World War II

Things didn’t stay that way forever, though. Motorcycle manufacturers experimented with ways to improve the rear motorcycle wheel suspension system. By the end of World War II, these systems had improved so much that hardtail motorcycles were widely seen as obsolete. Though most manufacturers switched to producing dual-suspension motorcycles, hardtails had such a cult following that some aftermarket companies were still producing hardtail frames as late as the 70s. 

 

The First Softail® Motorcycle

Engineer and classic motorcycle enthusiast Bill Davis spent the mid-1970s developing a motorcycle that was designed in such a way that the rear suspension system was hidden, thus creating the appearance of a classic hardtail. Davis showed off his prototype to Harley-Davidson executives, who were greatly impressed by what he had accomplished. Davis spent the next few years improving upon his model, eventually selling the patent to Harley-Davidson. While the Harley-Davidson Softail® motorcycle has undergone a few revisions and improvements in the years since, the current model continues to keep the old hardtail spirit alive. 

Shop Harley-Davidson Softail® motorcycles at Outer Banks Harley-Davidson® in Harbinger, North Carolina. We’re proud to serve communities like Raleigh, North Carolina. We hope you’ll come visit us soon!