1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom Specifications

Name: 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom
Brand: Harley-Davidson

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1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom Overview

The 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom is a custom / cruiser motorcycle built around 1338 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a V2 engine. 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom delivers 97 of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 1996 Softail Custom tips the scales at 276 kg and offers a seat height of 737 mm. Scroll down for the complete 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

1996 Softail Custom - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Accessible seat height: At 737 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.

Considerations

Age-related wear: As with any used Softail Custom, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.

Owner Experiences & Common Issues

Low-speed confidence

At 276 kg, the Softail Custom is a substantial machine. New owners occasionally mention that slow-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes a little getting used to. Once moving, the weight disappears - but practising slow-speed exercises builds confidence quickly.

Softail Custom - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Softail Custom should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any Softail Custom. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom have?

The 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom uses a V2 engine with 1338 cc of displacement.

How much does the 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom weigh?

The 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom weighs 276 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

How much power does the 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom make?

The 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom produces 97 of torque.

Is the 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom suitable for shorter riders?

The 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom has a seat height of 737 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.

What brakes does the 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom have?

The 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom uses Dual disc at the front and Single disc at the rear.

Harley-Davidson Softail Custom Spec Evolution

The Harley-Davidson Softail Custom was produced across 3 model years (1996-1998). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	1996	1997	1998
Dry Weight	276 kg / 608.5 lbs	276 kg / 608.5 lbs	278 kg / 612.9 lbs
Seat Height	737 mm / 29.0 in.	676 mm / 26.6 in.	676 mm / 26.6 in.
Brakes - Front	Dual disc	Single disc	Single disc
Max Torque	97.00	97.00	99.00
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.2065 HP/kg	0.1993 HP/kg	0.2014 HP/kg

Key Specifications

Engine

Power

N/A

Torque

97.00

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

276 kg / 608.5 lbs

Fuel Capacity

N/A

Full 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom Specifications

Max Torque 97.00

Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.2065 HP/kg

Displacement (cc) 1338.00 cc

Displacement (ci) 81.64 cubic inches

Engine Type V2

Stroke 4

Starter Electric

Valve System 2

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1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom

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