​​​​​​​Softail® Motorcycles For Sale in Portsmouth, VA

Experience the exceptional performance of Harley-Davidson® Softail® motorcycles at Bayside H-D in Portsmouth, VA. Softail bikes combine classic design with modern technology, offering a smooth and powerful ride for enthusiasts. With a variety of models available, there’s a bike to suit every rider's taste and style. Serving areas like Chesapeake and Richmond, we are dedicated to helping you find the perfect ride. Our knowledgeable Softail dealership is here to assist you with any inquiries. To learn more, contact us or call us at 757.397.5550.


  

Bayside 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 acts almost as a bridge between past and present. Harley-Davidson Softail® motorcycles greatly resemble early motorcycle models while still offering the kind of comfort and performance that modern riders expect. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Harley-Davidson Softail® motorcycles, check out this guide from Bayside Harley-Davidson®. 

 

Before World War I

To understand what makes Softail® motorcycles so special, you need to know a bit about how motorcycles have changed over the years. Most motorcycles produced before World War I only had suspension on the front wheel. While manufacturers experimented with adding a suspension system to the bike’s rear wheel to provide a smoother ride, these early rear suspension systems were costly, difficult to maintain. Often, they didn’t even work that well.  It’s no surprise that many bikers of that era preferred motorcycles that only had suspension in the front. These were called “hardtails”. 

 

After World War II

Motorcycle manufacturers continued to experiment with rear wheel motorcycle suspension systems. By the end of World War II, enough of the engineering challenges had been resolved that hardtail motorcycles were considered obsolete. Most manufacturers switched to producing dual-suspension motorcycles. However, hardtails developed a huge cult following, and some aftermarket companies would continue to produce hardtail frames into the 1970’s. 

 

The First Softail® Motorcycle

Bill Davis was an engineer and classic motorcycle enthusiast. Davis spent the mid-1970s developing a motorcycle that cleverly hid the rear suspension system, thus preserving the look of a classic hardtail without compromising on performance. Davis got a chance to show off his prototype to Harley-Davidson executives, who were greatly impressed. Davis spent the next few years tinkering with his model, eventually selling the patent to Harley-Davidson. While the Harley-Davidson Softail® motorcycle has undergone a few revisions and improvements since then, they still offer modern performance in a classic package. 

Shop our inventory of Harley-Davidson Softail® Motorcycle at Bayside Harley-Davidson®. Our dealership in Portsmouth, Virginia allows convenient access to communities like Richmond and Chesapeake, Virginia. We also offer motorcycle parts, servicing, financing, and trade-ins. We hope you’ll come visit us online or at our dealership!