HARLEY-DAVIDSON BAD BOY (1995 - 1996) Review

Harley-Davidson FXSTB Bad Boy motorcycle review - Riding

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
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 & brakes

2 out of 5 (2/5)

The 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: Engine

2 out of 5 (2/5)

The 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: Reliability

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The 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: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Modern 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: Equipment

2 out of 5 (2/5)

When 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

2 out of 5 (2/5)

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	£117
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:	4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
Engine:	4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Reliability & build quality:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Value vs rivals:	4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Equipment:	4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£300

4 out of 5 Like one of those old girlfriends you were glad you got to spend the times you did and glad life broke you apart so you could see what else could be a better match

02 September 2024 by P.Alex

Year: 1996

Best feature is the sound and vibration dancing through your body after you have ditched the stock cans for some open cans.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Breaking could be better. But imagine your buying more for cruising where they should be enough.

Engine 4 out of 5

Sounds amazing once the pipes are changed. Could use a few more but then the brakes would limits would come more into play.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Im 13,000 miles only had to replace a clutch cable.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

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.

5 out of 5 Unique look for a factory bike

01 June 2018 by Chewy

Year: 1995

Has a unique look for a factory bike. Get a ton of compliments wherever I ride it.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

It's a cruiser. Great for bombing around town and for day trips.

Engine 4 out of 5

Plenty of power for a bike of this nature. You want more, get a crotch rocket.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

I've owned it for 24 years and it's been trouble free.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I change the fluids and every couple years change out the neck bearings and the tyres. That's it. Pretty minimal actually

Equipment 5 out of 5

The fact that it's blacked out. Drag pipes, a new seat and some drag bars.

Buying experience: Bought it through the military.

4 out of 5 One wicked little bike!

07 October 2015 by Papa Wataweet MC

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.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

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 5 out of 5

Engine is the best of the Evo. She's a little cold-blooded below 40°.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

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.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Harley-Davidson servicing ain't cheap. Stock tires are not cheap.

Equipment 4 out of 5

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.

4 out of 5 Love this bike!

20 January 2009 by jdbatman

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!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 4 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5