Cruisers

1997Harley-Davidson Bad Boy

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The 1997 Harley-Davidson Bad Boy is a stripped-down custom cruiser designed for riders seeking raw, minimalist styling without sacrificing performance. Powered by a 1338cc V-twin engine producing 55 horsepower and 97 lb-ft of torque, it delivers authentic Harley character with no-frills appeal. Best known for its aggressive stance, low seat height, and classic American cruiser DNA, it suits riders who prioritize style and simplicity.

Capacity: 1338.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 276.0 kg
Seat height: 654 mm
Power: 55.0 HP (40.5 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 1997 Harley-Davidson Bad Boy

vs the 1996

Spec	1996	1997
Power	57.0 HP (41.9 kW)	55.0 HP (40.5 kW)
Top speed	—	155.0 km/h (96.3 mph)
Dry weight	279.0 kg (615.1 pounds)	276.0 kg (608.5 pounds)
Seat height	695 mm (27.4 inches)	654 mm (25.7 inches)

Other years 1996 1997

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering25%

City riding55%

Daily riding55%

Touring45%

Two-up40%

Track5%

Best for: Built for relaxed boulevard cruising and style-focused riding rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
Built for: A classic air-cooled Harley V-twin cruiser with laid-back power delivery, deep torque feel, and a strong emphasis on presence and sound over performance.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, high top speed, or genuine off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 654mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 Harley-Davidson Bad Boy, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1338.0 ccm
Power: 55.0 HP (40.5 kW)
Torque: 97.0 Nm (9.9 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin
Power/weight ratio: 0.1993 HP/kg
Cooling system: Air
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt

Performance

Top speed: 155.0 km/h (96.3 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Seat height: 654 mm
Dry weight: 276.0 kg

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes: Single disc

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1996	1997
Capacity	1338.00 ccm (81.64 cubic inches)	1338.00 ccm (81.64 cubic inches)
Dry weight	279.0 kg (615.1 pounds)	276.0 kg (608.5 pounds)
Seat height	695 mm (27.4 inches)	654 mm (25.7 inches)