Motorcycles classification?

[bloody_angel]

Okay, I know this is a rediculous question but I don't seem to be good at telling what kind a motorbike is (all those softtail, hardtail, watever).... Like I said, my English sucks so I hope you can at least figure out what I'm trying to say

[Kal]

Hi Angel.

There are lots and lots of classifications, hard tail and soft tail though are easy enough.

A hardtail is a bike with no rear suspension, the rear wheel connects to the frame itself.



See the frame connecting directly at the rear wheel?

A softtail has a sub frame with rear suspension that connects to the bike frame.



Pretty mush all bikes come softtail as standard, hardtails are usually custom built.

Theres abikers dictionary on the main site here, and for the record - your English is fine.

[t_bonee]

Then there are the "softtail model" bikes. They have the supension hidden giving them the appearance of a hardtail. Some bikes that are like this are the Suzuki C50 and M50, some of the Kawasaki Vulcans: 900 and 2000 are that way, and the Harley-Davidson Softail line. Just to name a few.

[bloody_angel]

Hey, thanks for the information. I think I have an idea how they differ from each other now. As for the "softtail model" bikes, is it easy to tell them apart from the real hardtails? Thanks
By the way, I'm still checking out the dictionary.

[t_bonee]

I would say as a general rule, anything made by the Big 5 is a "softtail model".

Any custom made bike or pre 1950's* vintage motorcycle is a real hardtail.




*I don't guarantee the the accuracy of the date, I *think* it was in the 1950's that rear supensions became common on motorcycles.