Cruisers

1998Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Springer

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The 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Springer is a classic cruiser that appeals to riders seeking retro styling with modern reliability. Known for its iconic springer front fork, comfortable low seat, and accessible 1338cc V-twin engine, it delivers smooth torque ideal for leisurely highway rides. This bike celebrates Harley's heritage while maintaining the comfort and performance expected by cruiser enthusiasts.

Capacity: 1338.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 313.0 kg
Seat height: 654 mm
Power: 56.0 HP (41.2 kW)

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

What’s new for the 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Springer

vs the 1997

Spec	1997	1998
Power	55.0 HP (40.5 kW)	56.0 HP (41.2 kW)
Torque	91.0 Nm (9.3 kgf-m or 67.1 ft.lbs)	93.0 Nm (9.5 kgf-m or 68.6 ft.lbs)

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?

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 1998 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: 56.0 HP (41.2 kW)
Torque: 93.0 Nm (9.5 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin
Power/weight ratio: 0.1789 HP/kg (dry)
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: 313.0 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 cc	1338 cc
Dry weight	311 kg	313 kg
Seat height	654 mm	654 mm

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 →