What does "softail" mean?

Answer by  rgpk (20)

It refers to the rear suspension of the motorcycle. A 'softail' means the bike has a suspension of some sort, usually springs and shock absorbers. A hardtail, on the other hand, means that the bike's frame is bolted directly to the axel of the wheel, without any suspension to absorb bumps.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

A "softtail" is a motorcycle where the rear wheel section is not fixed solid to the frame. Instead it is mounted with a pivot and some from of suspension.