Cruisers

1998Harley-Davidson FXSTB Softail Night Train

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The 1998 Harley-Davidson FXSTB Softail Night Train is a cruiser built for riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Known for its aggressive blacked-out appearance and low-slung design, this 1338cc V-twin delivers accessible torque ideal for leisurely highway riding and urban cruising. Its comfortable seat height and manageable weight make it approachable for intermediate riders.

Capacity: 1338.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 293.0 kg
Seat height: 676 mm
Power: 56.0 HP (41.2 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

Other years 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding45%

Daily riding50%

Touring40%

Two-up35%

Track10%

Best for: Built for bold, low-slung boulevard cruising and making a visual statement rather than outright performance or long-distance efficiency.
Built for: A dark, muscular Softail with a stripped-down, aggressive Night Train attitude, favoring torque-driven cruising over high-rev thrills.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders seeking agile cornering, off-road capability, or a nimble daily commuter.

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

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 676mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 Harley-Davidson FXSTB Softail Night Train, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 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: 56.0 HP (41.2 kW)
Torque: 99.0 Nm (10.1 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1911 HP/kg (dry)
Cooling system: Air
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Performance

Top speed: 155.0 km/h (96.3 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Seat height: 676 mm
Dry weight: 293.0 kg

Brakes & wheels

Front 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	1998	2001	2004	2006	2009
Capacity	1338 cc	1450 cc	1450 cc	1450 cc	1584 cc
Dry weight	293 kg	293 kg	293 kg	293 kg	303 kg
Seat height	676 mm	676 mm	676 mm	676 mm	681 mm
Fuel capacity	—	—	—	—	18.9 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGESDec 1997 · 97V227000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATE WELD.

Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW THE LEVER HUB TO SEPARATE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER LEVER WHICH WOULD AFFECT REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERFORM THE RECALL SERVICE ON THESE VEHICLES.

These recalls cover some 1998 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →