| Soft tail frames for motorcycles are also | | | | customize a swing arm frame. Even choppers, |
| known as "swing arm frames" for the swing arm | | | | raked and lowered with long, extended fork |
| which provides the soft ride. Motorcycles | | | | assemblies can be built around a swing arm |
| with soft frames ride quite different than | | | | frame. |
| those with rigid frames. The kidney-jolting | | | | |
| road bumps feel much smoother and most riders | | | | So, you might ask why some people strongly |
| find these bikes more comfortable for long | | | | prefer a soft tail frame over a rigid frame. |
| trips. | | | | It's really simple; it is difficult to enjoy |
| | | | long road trips where most of the day is |
| How, exactly, does the soft tail frame and | | | | spent on the pavement which is frequently |
| swing arm assembly work to provide the softer | | | | less than smooth. |
| ride? The rear tire of the cycle must be | | | | |
| connected to the frame. The difference | | | | As more and more motorcycle enthusiasts, many |
| between the two frame types is the way in | | | | of which are baby boomers, get a bit older, |
| which this connection is made. | | | | comfort can be a major factor. No longer are |
| | | | motorcycles something that only the young |
| A soft tail frame swing arm contains a pivot | | | | ride for transportation. It's not uncommon to |
| joint between the rest of the frame and the | | | | see groups of motorcycles ridden by retirees |
| rear wheel assembly which supports the wheel | | | | heading to Bike Week, Biketober Fest, or |
| and the rear suspension. Also, in a soft | | | | another major motorcycle gathering. America |
| tail, there is rear suspension, including | | | | is aging and therefore more riders are older |
| shock absorbers which remove some of the | | | | and seek the comfort factor. |
| bumps that can be so hard on the rider's | | | | |
| back. | | | | One major difference between soft tail frames |
| | | | and the hard tail frame is the way the road |
| The soft tail swing arm attaches to the frame | | | | feels to the rider. Hardcore bikers tend to |
| behind the center of gravity on the | | | | love the way the hard tail allows the feel of |
| motorcycle and the pivot joint is almost | | | | the road to be felt through the frame, making |
| always higher than the hub of the rear wheel. | | | | the rider feel almost as if they are part of |
| This provides stability and prevents 'squat' | | | | the road. |
| when accelerating. | | | | |
| | | | Is a soft tail frame the right choice for |
| Stock motorcycles are soft tails. Custom | | | | you? That is a question only you can answer. |
| built bikes can have either type of frame and | | | | It all boils down to your riding stamina, how |
| many of the highly customized cycles have | | | | much you love that sense of feeling the road |
| hard time frames rather. For riders that | | | | through the wheels, up into the frame and |
| really prefer the comfort of the soft tail | | | | into your body, and sometimes just by what |
| ride, there is no reason not to fully | | | | motorcycle you are accustomed to riding. |