1999–2006 Harley-Davidson Softail Twin Cam 88B (FXSTB Night Train)

The 1999–2006 Harley-Davidson Softail Twin Cam 88B (FXSTB Night Train) is a factory custom cruiser motorcycle that became an icon of minimalist, blacked-out styling. Produced by Harley-Davidson, the Night Train was part of the Softail family, characterized by its frame design which mimics the rigid rear of a “hardtail” chopper while hiding the rear shock absorbers for improved ride comfort. The FXSTB established a strong following for its aggressive posture, dark aesthetic, and the significant engineering update of the Twin Cam 88B engine.

The introduction of the Night Train for the 1999 model year coincided with a monumental shift in Harley-Davidson’s engine technology. It marked the transition from the long-running and beloved 1340cc (82 cu in) Evolution engine to the new 1450cc (88 cu in) Twin Cam engine. The primary difference was the move from a single, gear-driven camshaft to a more complex dual-cam design. This change allowed for improved airflow, higher RPM potential, and increased power output, addressing modern performance and emissions standards more effectively than the Evolution engine it replaced.

The Counterbalanced Twin Cam 88B Engine

A crucial distinction for the Softail family, including the FXSTB Night Train, was the use of the Twin Cam 88B engine. While the standard Twin Cam 88 (or “88A”) was rubber-mounted in the Dyna and Touring frames to isolate engine vibration from the rider, the Softail frame required the engine to be rigidly mounted as a stressed member of the chassis. To manage the intense vibrations of a solid-mounted V-twin, Harley-Davidson developed the “B” variant.

The Twin Cam 88B features a set of chain-driven, internal counter-rotating balancers. These balancers spin opposite the crankshaft’s rotation to cancel out the primary vibrations, resulting in a smoother ride at idle and across the RPM range. This engineering solution allowed Harley-Davidson to preserve the clean, classic lines of the Softail frame without subjecting the rider to the harsh vibrations that would otherwise be transmitted directly through the solid mounts.

Design and Styling of the FXSTB Night Train

The Night Train’s identity was defined by its stripped-down, aggressive styling. It was a direct departure from the chrome-heavy look prevalent on many other Harley-Davidson models of the era. Key features included:

Blacked-Out Components: The engine was finished in a wrinkle-black powder coat with polished fin edges. The oil tank, rear fender supports, and air cleaner cover were also finished in black.
Distinctive Wheels: The FXSTB featured a 21-inch laced (spoked) front wheel and a 16-inch solid cast-disc rear wheel, a combination that enhanced its long, lean, chopper-like stance.
Aggressive Ergonomics: A low-slung Badlander seat, forward foot controls, and drag-style handlebars on straight risers created an aggressive, stretched-out riding position.
Minimalist Fenders: The bike used a narrow, bobbed rear fender that exposed more of the rear wheel, contributing to its custom, minimalist aesthetic.

Over its production run, the model saw several key updates. Early models were equipped with a carburetor, with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) becoming an option and later standard around 2001. The most significant change occurred in its final year, 2006, when the FXSTB received a wider 200mm rear tire and the new 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, enhancing both its visual presence and highway cruising capability.

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Specifications: 2006 Harley-Davidson FXSTB Night Train