1996Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic

31 fields on record

The 1996 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic is a cruiser designed for riders seeking authentic styling with modern reliability. Known for its classic lines, low seat height, and manageable 1338cc V-twin engine, it appeals to both experienced enthusiasts and those new to heavyweight cruising. Its belt-driven 5-speed transmission and air-cooled powerplant deliver steady torque for relaxed highway riding.

Capacity: 1338.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 287.0 kg
Seat height: 705 mm
Power: 57.0 HP (41.9 kW)

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

Other years 1996 1997 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering35%

City riding45%

Daily riding55%

Touring90%

Two-up80%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed highway cruising and weekend touring in classic Harley style rather than outright speed or sport riding.
Built for: A traditional heavyweight cruiser with retro styling, deep torque delivery, and a laid-back, chrome-laden character that rewards a relaxed riding pace.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or high-speed sport performance.

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 705mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1996 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic, 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: 57.0 HP (41.9 kW)
Torque: 97.0 Nm (9.9 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1986 HP/kg (dry)
Compression: 9.6:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1623 mm
Overall length: 2405 mm
Seat height: 705 mm
Dry weight: 287.0 kg
Wet weight: 341.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 15.90 litres
Ground clearance: 131 mm
Oil capacity: 3.30 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Twin shocks
Rake (fork angle): 31.0°
Trail: 147 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Rear brakes: Single disc
Front tyre: MT90-B16
Rear tyre: 150/80-B16

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	2013	2014	2016	2017
Capacity	1338 cc	1688 cc	1688 cc	1338 cc	1338 cc
Dry weight	287 kg	326 kg	326 kg	333 kg	333 kg
Seat height	705 mm	648 mm	648 mm	690 mm	690 mm
Fuel capacity	15.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L	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

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMOct 1996 · 96V204000

THE EFFECTS OF REFORMULATED GASOLINE ALONG WITH CERTAIN USAGE OF THE FUEL SUPPLY VALVE AFFECTS THE SUPPLY OF GASOLINE TO THE CARBURETOR. THIS CONDITION REQUIRES TWO FACTORS: (1) THE USE OF REFORMULATED FUELS CONTAINING MBTE AND (2) STARTING THE MOTORCYCLE WITH THE FUEL VALVE HANDLE IN THE OFF POSITION.

Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE FUEL FLOW TO BE UNPREDICTABLE THUS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN INCREASING THE RISK OF A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS THE REPLACE THE DIAPHRAGM IN THE FUEL VALVE.

These recalls cover some 1996 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 →