Of course, here is a full article on the 1995–1997 Harley-Davidson Softail Evolution 1340 (FXSTSB Bad Boy).
The 1995–1997 Harley-Davidson Softail Evolution 1340 (FXSTSB Bad Boy) is a factory custom cruiser motorcycle produced by Harley-Davidson for a limited three-year period. Introduced as a mid-year model in 1995, the Bad Boy was a standout in the Softail lineup, combining nostalgic design cues with a darker, more aggressive aesthetic that was gaining popularity in the mid-1990s. Its short production run and distinct styling have since made it a sought-after model for collectors and enthusiasts of the Evolution-era Harleys.
Development and Design
The FXSTSB Bad Boy was developed under the design leadership of Willie G. Davidson and was an exercise in minimalist, custom-inspired styling straight from the factory floor. It was built on the successful Softail chassis, which cleverly hides the rear shock absorbers beneath the transmission, providing the clean, classic lines of a vintage “hardtail” frame while offering modern suspension comfort.
The most prominent feature of the Bad Boy is its gloss black Springer front end. This classic front suspension design, a throwback to Harley-Davidson’s early history, was a defining element of the era’s Springer Softail (FXSTS). However, where the standard FXSTS featured a heavily chromed front end, the Bad Boy’s was almost entirely blacked-out, including the springs, triple clamps, and axle covers. This set a menacing tone that was carried throughout the motorcycle.
Further design elements that defined the Bad Boy include:
A “Bobbed” Rear Fender: The short, clean rear fender provided a stripped-down, custom look.
Wheels: It featured a unique combination of a 21-inch laced front wheel and a 16-inch solid cast aluminum disc rear wheel, enhancing its custom chopper profile.
Handlebars and Seat: Low-rise drag-style handlebars on straight risers and a sleek, solo “Badlander” seat contributed to the bike’s aggressive riding posture and minimalist appearance.
Blacked-Out Components: Beyond the Springer fork, the oil tank, air cleaner cover, and other trim pieces were finished in black, contrasting sharply with the polished engine fins and chrome staggered shotgun dual exhausts.
The motorcycle was initially offered only in Black, but later model years saw the addition of optional pinstriping or two-tone paint schemes on the fuel tank, such as Dark Cherry or Patriot Red.
Differences from Contemporary Softail Models
The Bad Boy was a unique stylistic departure from other Softails in the Harley-Davidson lineup. Its primary distinctions were aesthetic rather than mechanical.
vs. FXSTS Springer Softail: The Bad Boy was mechanically very similar to the standard Springer Softail. Both shared the Springer front end and the Evolution 1340 powertrain. The key difference was the finish. The FXSTS was a chrome-laden machine, appealing to riders who favored a classic, bright look. The FXSTSB Bad Boy inverted this formula with its extensive use of black powder coating and paint, creating a darker, more rebellious persona.
* vs. FXSTC Softail Custom:** The Softail Custom featured traditional telescopic forks, a 21-inch laced front wheel, and a fatter rear tire with a full fender. It also had more chrome, a two-up seat, and often a small backrest (sissy bar), positioning it as a more traditional factory chopper. The Bad Boy was more of a stripped-down bar-hopper by comparison.
The 1995–1997 Harley-Davidson Softail Evolution 1340 (FXSTSB Bad Boy) Powertrain
At the heart of the Bad Boy is the legendary 1340cc (80 cubic inch) Evolution V-twin engine. Introduced in 1984, the “Evo” was a significant leap forward for Harley-Davidson in terms of reliability, oil-tightness, and performance compared to its Shovelhead predecessor. By the mid-1990s, the engine had a well-earned reputation for its durability and characteristic torque delivery.
In the FXSTSB, the air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin was carbureted, utilizing a 40mm Keihin constant velocity (CV) carburetor that provided smooth throttle response. The engine was mated to a 5-speed transmission, delivering power to the rear wheel via a clean and quiet belt drive system. The Evolution engine in this application was known not for high-revving horsepower but for its satisfying low-end torque, making it ideal for cruising and city riding.
Legacy and Collectibility
Harley-Davidson ceased production of the FXSTSB Bad Boy after the 1997 model year, replacing it with other custom-focused models in its lineup. Its short three-year production window, combined with its unique and aggressive factory styling, has made it one of the more collectible Evolution-powered Softails. It represents a specific moment in Harley-Davidson’s design history, capturing the growing trend of blacked-out, minimalist custom bikes that would become even more popular in the decades to follow.
Specifications Table: 1996 Harley-Davidson FXSTSB Bad Boy
| General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Harley-Davidson |
| Model | Softail |
| Model Class | FXSTSB Bad Boy |
| Model Year | 1995–1997 |
| Type | Cruiser / Custom |
| Maximum passengers | 1 (Stock) |
| Performance | |
| Max. power | ~56 Hp (42 Kw) @ 5000 RPM |
| Max. torque | ~71 ft-lb (96 N•m) @ 2350 RPM |
| Top designed speed | ~105 mph (169 km/h) |
| Size | |
| Length | 93.7 in. (2380 mm) |
| Width | 34.3 in. (871 mm) |
| Height | 43.1 in. (1095 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 66.1 in. (1679 mm) |
| Seat height | 26.2 in. (665 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 4.8 in. (122 mm) |
| Dry weight | 615 lb. (279 kg) |
| Engine | |
| Type | Evolution, 45° V-Twin, Air Cooled, OHV |
| Displacement | 1340 cc (81.7 ci) |
| Bore × Stroke | 3.49 in. × 4.25 in. (88.8 mm × 108 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| Fuel supplying system | 40 mm Keihin CV Carburetor |
| Ignition control system | Electronic |
| Lubricating system | Dry sump |
| Oil capacity | 3.0 qt (2.8 L) |
| Engine oil type | SAE 20W-50 |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission type | 5-speed, manual gear shift |
| Clutch type | Wet, multi-disc, manual |
| Driving system | Belt drive |
| Primary reduction ratio | 1.529 (36/25) |
| Final reduction ratio | 2.187 (70/32) |
| Gear ratio | 1st: 3.22; 2nd: 2.21; 3rd: 1.57; 4th: 1.23; 5th: 1.00 |
| Chassis | |
| Tire size | Front: MH90-21; Rear: 140/90-16 |
| Rim size | Front: 21 in. Laced Spoke; Rear: 16 in. Cast Disc |
| Capacity of fuel tank | 4.2 gal (15.9 L) |
| Fuel consumption | ~42 mpg (5.6 L / 100 km) combined |
| Electric | |
| Battery | 12V / 19 Ah |
| Headlight | Incandescent |
| Tail light | Incandescent |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Springer Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin horizontal hidden shock absorbers, preload adjustable |
