HARLEY-DAVIDSON BAD BOY (1995 - 1996) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £300 |
| Power: | 60 bhp |
| Seat height: | Low (26.8 in / 680 mm) |
| Weight: | High (620 lbs / 281 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Harley-Davidson Bad Boy has possibly the most embarrassing name in motorcycling history applied to one of the weirdest Harley-Davidson combinations. On face value it had a lot going for it: all black image, cool Springer forks, flat bars and tons of attitude. In reality the Harley-Davidson Bad Boy is a bit naff, and neither handled, was comfortable or was particularly chic.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Harley-Davidson Bad Boy is not the most comfortable of Hogs. Softail rear end allied to flat bars and limited travel Springer forks does not the plushest or most predictable ride make. It’s under-braked, too. The Harley-Davidson Bad Boy is great for posing around town, but not a lot else.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe 1340cc Harley Evo engine in the Harley-Davidson Bad Boy delivers grunt, fabulous noise (especially if you bin the stock silencers and fit a pair of open cans), lazy, US-style cruising and… not a lot else. Harley’s engineering hasn’t moved on much since the 60s. For fans, that’s the appeal of Harley-Davidson Bad Boy, for others it’s an anathama.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueModern Harleys set the benchmark for paint and chrome work and the Harley-Davidson Bad Boy is no exception. What’s more, the big engines are understressed and under engineered and, generally, the motorcycles themselves are ridden gently and regularly serviced. All of which adds up to few reliability woes…
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentWhen new, the Harley-Davidson Bad Boy was punted out for over £10K and the minimal spec means that valuation is hard to justify even today. Harleys keep their value well and the Harley-Davidson Bad Boy rarity compounds that, but there are nicer, better value Hogs around. Find a Harley-Davidson softail for sale.
Equipment
The Harley-Davidson Bad Boy is a bare bones, bad-assed motorcycle so don’t count on an luxuries or frills. What you see is what you get. Basic clocks, a small headlamp, a cut-down seat are about all you get on a Harley-Davidson Bad Boy. Nor is there much room to bolt on extras from Harley’s humungous accessories catalogue should the whim take you.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 1337cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 4v air-cooled V-twin, 5 gears |
| Frame type | Steel tube cradle |
| Fuel capacity | 15 litres |
| Seat height | 680mm |
| Bike weight | 281kg |
| Front suspension | None |
| Rear suspension | Preload |
| Front brake | 292mm discs |
| Rear brake | Single 292mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 100/90 x 19 |
| Rear tyre size | 130/90 x 16 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 43 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £121 |
| Annual service cost | £300 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | - |
| Insurance group |
15 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 60 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 78 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 112 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 13.8 secs |
| Tank range | 143 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
1995: Harley-Davidson Bad Boy launched.
1996: Harley-Davidson Bad Boy discontinued.
Other versions
None
Owners' reviews for the HARLEY-DAVIDSON BAD BOY (1995 - 1996)
4 owners have reviewed their HARLEY-DAVIDSON BAD BOY (1995 - 1996) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HARLEY-DAVIDSON BAD BOY (1995 - 1996)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £300 |
Year: 1996
Best feature is the sound and vibration dancing through your body after you have ditched the stock cans for some open cans.
Breaking could be better. But imagine your buying more for cruising where they should be enough.
Sounds amazing once the pipes are changed. Could use a few more but then the brakes would limits would come more into play.
Im 13,000 miles only had to replace a clutch cable.
Equipment is pretty nil. Stock seat was rubbish and ditched first month.
Buying experience: Paid sticker back in the day. This bike made my face hurt cause i could not stop smiling. No other bike made my face hurt like this one. Got stolen. Even though had an amazing time. Would not buy again.
Year: 1995
Has a unique look for a factory bike. Get a ton of compliments wherever I ride it.
It's a cruiser. Great for bombing around town and for day trips.
Plenty of power for a bike of this nature. You want more, get a crotch rocket.
I've owned it for 24 years and it's been trouble free.
I change the fluids and every couple years change out the neck bearings and the tyres. That's it. Pretty minimal actually
The fact that it's blacked out. Drag pipes, a new seat and some drag bars.
Buying experience: Bought it through the military.
Version: 1997 FXSTS-B
Year: 1996
Annual servicing cost: £300
She's beautiful, plenty of power (stock Screaming Eagle), iconic Harley sound of a carburated Evo, a sweet feel and great suspension. She always grabs attention and as my dealer's mechanic describes her, "That's one wicked little bike!". Her worst feature is the uncomfortable seat. She's not a long trip ride. Skinny front tire tracks in road cracks and steel gratings.
Her 'sweet spot' is 83 mph. Perfect sound and feel. A Zen moment. Brakes are good but not anti-lock. Would like better braking when carrying a passenger.
Engine is the best of the Evo. She's a little cold-blooded below 40°.
Very well made. By 1997 Evo has all design defficiencies addressed. Frame and suspention make for a road gripping ride. No corrosion at all (painted, powder coated or chrome). The only part failure was seals on rear master cylinder failed at 16 years in an arid environment.
Harley-Davidson servicing ain't cheap. Stock tires are not cheap.
Perfect mix of Black and minimalist chrome. Do not add anything to this bike other than a Gremlin Bell and black and red braided brake and clutch levers! She is as elegant as a woman in an evening gown. Accessories would be gaudy and distracting. Absolutely recommend the stock tires.
I've been averaging about 1000 miles a month since I got my bike in Oct 2008 and love this bike. The handling is great, the ride is comfortable and you can't beat the beautiful looks. Can this bikes handling compare to a sports bike? Hell No! But it is not supposed to. Can it scream down a back road and be fun as hell to ride? YES! Would I recommend it to others? You bet your sweet ass I would!
Harley-Davidson FXSTB Bad Boy motorcycle review - Side view
Harley-Davidson FXSTB Bad Boy motorcycle review - Front view
Harley-Davidson FXSTB Bad Boy motorcycle review - Riding
Harley-Davidson FXSTB Bad Boy motorcycle review - Riding
Harley-Davidson FXSTB Bad Boy motorcycle review - Riding
Harley-Davidson FXSTB Bad Boy motorcycle review - Top view
Harley-Davidson FXSTB Bad Boy motorcycle review - Engine
Harley-Davidson FXSTB Bad Boy motorcycle review - Side view
Harley-Davidson FXSTB Bad Boy motorcycle review - Front view
Harley-Davidson FXSTB Bad Boy motorcycle review - Brakes
