Cruisers

1996Harley-Davidson Softail Custom

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The 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom is a classic cruiser built for riders seeking authentic American motorcycle style and heritage. Known for its hidden rear suspension and aggressive low-slung design, it delivers comfortable cruising with genuine character. Its 1338cc V-twin engine provides reliable torque for relaxed riding and commanding presence on the road.

Capacity: 1338.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 276.0 kg
Seat height: 737 mm
Power: 57.0 HP (41.9 kW)

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

Other years 1996 1997 1998

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering25%

City riding45%

Daily riding50%

Touring45%

Two-up55%

Track5%

Best for: Built for relaxed boulevard cruising and showing off classic custom styling rather than outright performance.
Built for: A laid-back, torque-driven cruiser that rewards a smooth, unhurried riding style over aggressive throttle use.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, high top speed, or any 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 737mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 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
Power/weight ratio: 0.2065 HP/kg (dry)
Cooling system: Air
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt

Dimensions & weight

Seat height: 737 mm
Dry weight: 276.0 kg

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Rear 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	1996	1997	1998
Capacity	1338 cc	1338 cc	1338 cc
Dry weight	276 kg	276 kg	278 kg
Seat height	737 mm	676 mm	676 mm

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 →