2011–2013 Harley-Davidson Softail Twin Cam 96B (FXS Blackline)

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The 2011–2013 Harley-Davidson Softail Twin Cam 96B (FXS Blackline)** is a cruiser motorcycle introduced by Harley-Davidson as part of its Dark Custom series. Produced for a limited three-year run, the Blackline was designed to offer a raw, stripped-down, and mechanically honest aesthetic, appealing to riders seeking a factory custom with a rebellious, bobber-inspired attitude. It occupied a unique space in the Softail lineup, combining the classic hardtail look of the Softail frame with minimalist styling cues that set it apart from its more heavily chromed contemporaries.

The Blackline filled a void left by the discontinued FXSTB Night Train, but it carved its own distinct identity rather than being a direct replacement. Whereas the Night Train featured a wider 200mm rear tire and a more traditional handlebar setup, the Blackline embraced a leaner, more old-school profile. It featured a narrow 144mm rear tire, which contributed to its nimble handling characteristics compared to other Softails. The most defining visual difference was the new “split drag” handlebar, a two-piece bar mounted directly to the top triple clamp, creating an aggressive, low-profile riding position and an exceptionally clean front end. This, combined with the lowest two-up seat height ever offered by Harley-Davidson at the time (24 inches, unladen), gave the Blackline an unmistakable, ground-hugging stance.

Design and Ergonomics

The FXS Blackline was an exercise in minimalism. The design team stripped away any components deemed non-essential to create a bare-bones look. The fuel tank was a classic five-gallon Softail tank, but featured a distinctive asymmetrical console with a black powder-coated finish. Instrumentation was limited to a small, analog speedometer nestled into the handlebar clamp, with a small LCD screen for odometer and trip functions.

Visual elements were carefully curated to reinforce the Dark Custom theme. The powertrain was finished in black powder coat with contrasting polished cylinder fin edges. The steel-laced wheels featured black-anodized rims, and both the front and rear fenders were chopped short. The headlamp was a simple, compact 5.75-inch unit housed in a gloss black shell. This deliberate lack of chrome and ornamentation directed focus to the motorcycle’s mechanical essence: the V-Twin engine and the classic Softail frame. The riding position was aggressive, with forward foot controls and a low-reach drag bar that encouraged a slight forward lean.

Powertrain and Chassis of the Softail Twin Cam 96B (FXS Blackline)

At the heart of the Blackline is the air-cooled Twin Cam 96B engine. The “B” designation is significant, indicating that this 1584cc (96 cubic inch) V-Twin is equipped with internal counter-balancers. Because the engine is rigid-mounted directly to the Softail frame to enhance the connection between rider and machine, the counter-balancers are essential for canceling primary engine vibrations, resulting in a smoother ride at highway speeds without sacrificing the characteristic Harley-Davidson feel at idle.

The engine is paired with a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, providing strong acceleration in lower gears and relaxed, low-RPM cruising in sixth gear. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a clean and efficient belt drive system. The chassis is the classic Softail design, which uses horizontally mounted shock absorbers hidden beneath the transmission to mimic the clean lines of a vintage “hardtail” frame while still providing modern rear suspension. The front suspension consists of a traditional 41.3mm telescopic fork. Braking is handled by single-disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, providing adequate stopping power for a cruiser of its class. The bike’s narrow profile and relatively light weight (for a big-twin Harley) made it a responsive and engaging motorcycle to ride in various conditions.

Specifications