Cruisers

1996Harley-Davidson Springer Softail

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The 1996 Harley-Davidson Springer Softail is a classic custom cruiser built for riders seeking retro styling with modern performance. Its 1338cc V-twin engine delivers strong low-end torque ideal for relaxed riding, while the iconic Springer front suspension and belt drive define its timeless character. Best known for combining vintage aesthetics with reliable air-cooled power.

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)

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

What’s new for the 1996 Harley-Davidson Springer Softail

vs the 1995

Spec	1995	1996
Power	49.0 HP (36.0 kW)	57.0 HP (41.9 kW)
Torque	—	97.0 Nm (9.9 kgf-m or 71.5 ft.lbs)

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 1996 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

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

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	1998
Capacity	1337 cc	1337 cc	1337 cc	1338 cc	1338 cc
Dry weight	284 kg	284 kg	284 kg	284 kg	284 kg
Seat height	699 mm	699 mm	699 mm	699 mm	699 mm
Fuel capacity	16 L	16 L	16 L	16 L	15.9 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 →