Honestly, what's the difference between these models?

Question

electra glide

street glide

ultra classic

road king

soft tail

night train

cross bones

rocker

fat boy

heritage classic

so far as I can tell these are all the same bike with variations on seats tanks, and bags...

is that the only difference?

(I noticed this at bike night when I seen 50 identical harleys, and got different answers as to "what it is")

FTR I had the only 'Bird at bike night, and there were thouands of bikes there...

Answer 1

The easiest difference for you to see is at the frame neck.

Take a look up under those fairings, you'll see.

Answer 2

There are actually quite a few differences but I won't take the time to mention them because you don't really care anyway. You are just looking for yet another lame angle to bust on Harley's about. Many Harley's do have a certain "look" and yes it is the same basic look they have had for many years because that is what Harley owners want. Like I have said before, like them or not, at least they stay true to their vision unlike the Japanese manufacturers who just constantly rip off each others designs, as well as ripping off Harley's designs for their cruisers. Seriously dude, why can't you just get over yourself and move on. No one gives a c**p what you think about a Harley. Do you actually think one single Harley owner is going to sell his bike and buy a Honda because Magz says they suck. Is your IQ really so low that that you cannot think of better topics than this tiredass c**p? Look man, I'm here to tell you that Harley riders aren't a bunch of idiots that buy these bikes because they don't know better. I have had close to 30 bikes over the years, all metric except for two Harley's. I have an extensive riding and racing background and know a great deal about motorcycles. The Harley is just plain fun to ride. It isn't something you can quantify by 0 to 60 times and dynos. It is something you just have to experience. I have been a motocross racer my whole life, but I can have fun riding fire roads on a CRF230 also. Only punks think that the only cool bike is a fast bike.  

Answer 3

There are significant differences between these models.  The softails all have counter balanced engines, while the glides, road kings have rubber isolated engines.  The softtail, night train and rocker all have the 21" front tires. the remaining have the 16" or 17" fronts.  The touring glides have air suspension.  The cross bones has a retro springer front end.  There are lots of other differences such as chrome or powder coated engines.  Go the the H-D Web Site and check out these models and do a side by side comparison for all the details.

Additional 8/19

The 16" and 17" tires are on bikes where comfort over long distances is more important than handling.  The Sportsters and Dynas are narrow framed sport cruisers with maybe the exception being the Dyna Wide Glide,  while the Softtails and Cruisers are more of a highway bike.  Suited for long distance crusing with a confortable ride being more of a necessity than a knee dragging canyon carver

Answer 4

I know there is a point to this some where here.

Answer 5

so really, you've picked out 2 bike families, the flh tourers and the softails.  yes, you are partly right, really those are variations of 2 families, the softails have 2 breeds within it... the fx bikes and the fl bikes.  if you learned the model lettering, it would make more sense

flhXXX is a tourer, has bags, windshield or batwing fairing, has floorboards and heel/toe shift.  the rest is minor differences

fxstXXX is a softail with 39mm forks and forward controls with pegs, your softail and rocker fit in here

flstXXX is a softail with bigger front forks (the springer front end on the crossbones also fits here), floorboards with heel/toe shift.  the rest is minor differences

Answer 6

Nothing, they are all a subsidaries of a company that produces shiny chrome junk.

It's like putting a diamond ring on a prostitute. Just because it's shiny doesn't make the ride any better!

Riding a Harley is a watered down version of riding a sportbike around town in 6th gear, plus 200-600 more lbs.

Arguing on the internet is like the special olympics, even if you win you're still retarted.

Answer 7

Thats about it Mag just add on trinkets and cosmetics all the same basic bike

Answer 8

there is no difference they are all junk.

all are two wheeled air compressors.

Answer 9

There are three basic models, from smallest to largest, the Sportster, the Dyna and the Softail.  The rest are only variations on these three.  

Harleys, and cruisers in general, are a lot about style.  Some people want an outrageous customized machine, an eye-catcher, a head turner.  Others want a more serious-looking bike for touring in comfort.  Others want a 'repli-bike', something with that classic vintage style.  Others want an 'outlaw' image.

There was a time, maybe 30 years ago, when Harley discovered that most people who bought their bikes spent a lot of money on aftermarket stuff to customize them.  So Harley decided to do this themselves.  It's interesting to go to a Harley dealership and see that no two bikes are alike, they all have some different stuff on them, even though beneath the skin they are all the same basic models.

Answer 10

Are you and "Little" Kyle still dating? Why would a grown man call himself "little"?

Answer 11

Point well taken.

Somehow HD has managed to be a great bike marketer though.