1998Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy

17 fields on record

The 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy is an iconic custom cruiser that appeals to riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Known for its massive 1338cc V-twin engine delivering 99 Nm of torque, distinctive fat tires, and low-slung design, it epitomizes the quintessential American cruiser experience for riders valuing heritage and presence over performance.

Capacity: 1338.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 284.0 kg
Seat height: 654 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 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring55%

Two-up60%

Track10%

Best for: Built for style-driven cruising and boulevard presence rather than outright performance or long-distance efficiency.
Built for: A bold, muscular cruiser with iconic Fat Boy looks, a thumping V-twin character, and a commanding, laid-back riding stance.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or lightweight nimble handling.

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 654mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 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: 56.0 HP (41.2 kW)
Torque: 99.0 Nm (10.1 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1972 HP/kg (dry)
Cooling system: Air
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

Seat height: 654 mm
Dry weight: 284.0 kg

Brakes & wheels

Front 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	1998	2003	2009	2014	2019
Capacity	1338 cc	1450 cc	1584 cc	1688 cc	1746 cc
Dry weight	284 kg	284 kg	284 kg	313 kg	304 kg
Seat height	654 mm	654 mm	654 mm	635 mm	675 mm
Fuel capacity	—	—	—	18.9 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 →