1997–1999 Harley-Davidson Softail Evolution 1340 (FLSTS Heritage Springer)

Background and Development

By the mid-1990s, Harley-Davidson was capitalizing on a wave of nostalgia for classic American motorcycles. The company, under the design leadership of Willie G. Davidson, sought to create a production motorcycle that offered the look of a vintage “bobber” or custom classic directly from the factory floor. The result was the FLSTS Heritage Springer.

Unlike the existing FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic, which featured a standard telescopic front fork hidden by a large chrome nacelle, the FLSTS was a radical departure in style. The new model was not an evolution of a direct predecessor but a deliberate tribute to motorcycles from nearly 50 years prior. It combined the modern Softail chassis, which hides its rear shock absorbers for a “hardtail” look, with a fully exposed springer front fork, a design that had been largely phased out by the early 1950s. This combination provided the visual purity of a rigid-frame, springer-forked classic with the relatively comfortable ride of a modern machine.

The Evolution Engine and Drivetrain

At the heart of the 1997–1999 Heritage Springer was the air-cooled, 45-degree, 1340cc (80 cubic inch) Evolution V-Twin engine. The “Evo,” introduced in 1984, was a significant milestone for Harley-Davidson, offering vastly improved reliability, oil-tightness, and performance over its Shovelhead predecessor. For the FLSTS, this engine provided the ideal blend of traditional Harley character—ample low-end torque, a distinctive exhaust note, and classic looks—with the dependability that modern riders expected.

The engine was paired with a five-speed transmission and a clean, low-maintenance belt final drive. This powertrain was a well-proven combination across the Softail lineup, delivering power smoothly and reliably for long-distance cruising. The carburetor was a 40mm Keihin constant velocity (CV) unit, which provided good throttle response and fuel economy for the era.

Distinctive Styling of the 1997–1999 Harley-Davidson Softail Evolution 1340 (FLSTS Heritage Springer)

The visual identity of the FLSTS was its most defining feature, meticulously crafted to replicate the look of a late-1940s Harley-Davidson.

Springer Front End

The most prominent feature was the exposed springer front fork. This design uses a set of rigid forks connected to a sprung leading-link axle, with external springs handling the suspension duties. The Heritage Springer’s front end was a modern re-engineering of the classic design, complete with chrome springs, a shock absorber for damping control, and a classic round headlight. This stood in stark contrast to the hydraulically damped telescopic forks used on nearly all other contemporary motorcycles.

Nostalgic Appointments