Cruisers

1998Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic

33 fields on record

The 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic is a cruiser built for riders seeking authentic retro styling with modern reliability. Its 1338cc V-twin engine delivers smooth torque ideal for laid-back riding, while the hidden rear suspension provides comfort on longer rides. Best known for blending classic aesthetics with practical touring capability, it appeals to traditionalist cruiser enthusiasts.

Capacity: 1340.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 317.0 kg
Seat height: 673 mm
Power: 56.0 HP (41.2 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

Other years 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2018 2019

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering35%

City riding45%

Daily riding60%

Touring75%

Two-up80%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed, classic-styled cruising and weekend touring rather than outright speed or sport riding.
Built for: A laid-back, torque-driven cruiser with classic Harley styling, valued for its relaxed low-RPM power delivery and comfortable long-haul ergonomics.
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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 673mm, 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 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: 1340.0 ccm
Power: 56.0 HP (41.2 kW)
Torque: 99.0 Nm (10.1 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1767 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 95.3 x 101.6 mm
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: 673 mm
Dry weight: 317.0 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: Single disc
Rear brakes: Single disc
Front tyre: MT90-B16
Rear tyre: 150/80-B16

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	1998	2002	2006	2010	2019
Capacity	1340 cc	1450 cc	1450 cc	1584 cc	1746 cc
Dry weight	317 kg	317 kg	317 kg	317 kg	316 kg
Seat height	673 mm	673 mm	673 mm	673 mm	680 mm
Fuel capacity	15.9 L	15.9 L	15.9 L	15.9 L	18.9 L

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 →