1997Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic

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The 1997 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic is a nostalgic cruiser with leather bags and a windscreen. Its air-cooled 1,338cc Evolution V-twin makes 57 hp and 97 Nm through a five-speed gearbox and belt drive. A 705 mm seat makes it comfortable for touring.

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)

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What’s new for the 1997 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic

vs the 1996

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

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?

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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 1997 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

Performance

Top speed: 155.0 km/h (96.3 mph)

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	1997	2013	2014	2016	2017
Capacity	1338 cc	1338 cc	1688 cc	1688 cc	1338 cc	1338 cc
Dry weight	287 kg	287 kg	326 kg	326 kg	333 kg	333 kg
Seat height	705 mm	705 mm	648 mm	648 mm	690 mm	690 mm
Fuel capacity	15.9 L	15.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L