1997Harley-Davidson Springer Softail

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The 1997 Harley-Davidson Springer Softail is a nostalgic cruiser with a vintage-style springer front fork. Its air-cooled 1,338cc Evolution V-twin makes 57 hp and 97 Nm through a five-speed gearbox and belt drive. A 699 mm seat and 16-litre tank suit cruising.

Capacity: 1338.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 284.0 kg
Seat height: 699 mm
Power: 57.0 HP (41.9 kW)

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What’s new for the 1997 Harley-Davidson Springer Softail

vs the 1996

Spec	1996	1997
Top speed	—	155.0 km/h (96.3 mph)

Other years 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding45%

Daily riding50%

Touring55%

Two-up55%

Track5%

Best for: Built for laid-back boulevard cruising and classic style rather than outright performance or distance-eating touring.
Built for: A charismatic, old-school Harley cruiser with a springer front end that trades modern handling for vintage looks and thumping V-twin character.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders wanting sharp cornering ability, high-speed performance, or any kind of 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 699mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 Harley-Davidson Springer Softail, 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: 0.2007 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 88.8 x 108.0 mm
Compression: 8.5:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Carburettor
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

Wheelbase: 1636 mm
Seat height: 699 mm
Dry weight: 284.0 kg
Wet weight: 292.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 16.00 litres

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes: Single disc
Front tyre: MH 90-21
Rear tyre: MT 90-16

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

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	1990	1992	1994	1996	1997	1998
Capacity	1337 cc	1337 cc	1337 cc	1338 cc	1338 cc	1338 cc
Dry weight	284 kg	284 kg	284 kg	284 kg	284 kg	284 kg
Seat height	699 mm	699 mm	699 mm	699 mm	699 mm	699 mm
Fuel capacity	16 L	16 L	16 L	16 L	16 L	15.9 L