Cruisers

1997Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Springer

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The 1997 Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Springer is a classic cruiser designed for riders seeking authentic retro styling with modern comfort. Known for its iconic springer front fork and low-slung ergonomics, it delivers 55 horsepower and 91 lb-ft of torque from its 1338cc V-twin engine. Best suited for leisurely highway cruising and weekend rides, this custom machine exemplifies traditional American motorcycle heritage.

Capacity: 1338.0 ccm
Engine: V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 311.0 kg
Seat height: 654 mm
Power: 55.0 HP

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

Other years 1997 1998

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding45%

Daily riding55%

Touring55%

Two-up60%

Track5%

Best for: It is built for relaxed boulevard cruising and weekend rides where style and classic Springer-fork looks matter more than outright performance.
Built for: It has a laid-back, old-school personality defined by V-twin torque, a leisurely top speed, and a vintage aesthetic rather than sharp handling or acceleration.
Not ideal for: It is not suited to riders seeking spirited cornering, track performance, or any serious 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?

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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 Softail Heritage Springer, 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
Torque: 91.0 Nm (9.3 kgf-m)
Engine type: V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1768 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: 311.0 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	1997	1998
Capacity	1338.00 ccm (81.64 cubic inches)	1338.00 ccm (81.64 cubic inches)
Dry weight	311.0 kg (685.6 pounds)	313.0 kg (690.0 pounds)
Seat height	654 mm (25.7 inches)	654 mm (25.7 inches)

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

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 open recall

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.

Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →