HARLEY-DAVIDSON NIGHT TRAIN (1998 - 2010) Review

Harley-Davidson FXSTB Night Train motorcycle review - Riding

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£190
Power:	67 bhp
Seat height:	Low (26.0 in / 660 mm)
Weight:	High (628 lbs / 285 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

3 out of 5 (3/5)

One of Harley’s whackier ‘image bikes’, in a similar vein to the Harley-Davidson Bad Boy, Street Bob and Night Rod. The Harley-Davidson Night Train is a Europe-only model based on the Softail. It’s lean, mean and very black and it goes pretty much as it looks. If you like the style of the Harley-Davidson Night Train you won’t be disappointed.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

3 out of 5 (3/5)

With the Softail's harsh hidden shock rear end, the Harley-Davidson Night Train can’t match the twin shock Dynas for ride quality and handling, but it’s not desperate, either. The Harley-Davidson Night Train's braking also can’t match the twin disc-ed machines such as the Harley-Davidson Super Glide Sport.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Harley-Davidson Night Train 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 a Harley-Davidson Night Train 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 Night Train is no exception. What’s more, the Harley-Davidson Night Train's big engine is 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

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Harley-Davidson Night Train was around £12k when new and is regarded as something of a classy, iconic motorcycle, and is particularly desirable as such, keeping used values high. Find a Harley-Davidson softail for sale.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Nothing to get excited about, true, but the Harley-Davidson Night Train has all the custom bells and whistles where it matters, all served up to provide a fairly classy, luxurious concoction. It’s not touring motorcycle but the Harley-Davidson Night Train will certainly pull the crowds.

Specs
Engine size	1580cc
Engine type	4v air-cooled V-twin, 5 gears
Frame type	Steel tube cradle
Fuel capacity	18.9 litres
Seat height	660mm
Bike weight	285kg
Front suspension	None
Rear suspension	Preload
Front brake	Single 292mm disc
Rear brake	Single 292mm disc
Front tyre size	80/90 x 19
Rear tyre size	160/70 x 16

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	38 mpg
Annual road tax	£117
Annual service cost	£190
New price	-
Used price	-
Insurance group	16 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	67 bhp
Max torque	82 ft-lb
Top speed	118 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	13.2 secs
Tank range	146 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1998: Harley-Davidson Night Train launched.
2000: Replaced with 1450cc version.
2001: Now with H-D security system.
2002: Now fuel injected.
2005: Now with 200mm rear tyre.
2006: Harley-Davidson Night Train now fitted with 1580cc engine and 6-speed gearbox.

Other versions

None

Owners' reviews for the HARLEY-DAVIDSON NIGHT TRAIN (1998 - 2010)

5 owners have reviewed their HARLEY-DAVIDSON NIGHT TRAIN (1998 - 2010) 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 NIGHT TRAIN (1998 - 2010)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Engine:	4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Value vs rivals:	4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Equipment:	4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£190

5 out of 5 One of the most sought after Harleys

17 July 2024 by Kurt Knispel

Version: FXSTBI

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £300

A feelgood bike like no other. In my opinion the second best looking Harley ever made. Second only to the 2016 Low rider S. Still, it's a bike that you will look at as much as you ride it so the best thing about it is the looks, no two ways about it. I spent ages looking for one with low owners and low miles and finally got there. I've had enough Harleys to know they're not all fantastic and not all Harleys suit all riders. The Train looks the business and rides well with a very aggressive 'attack' style seat position. Drag bars are a touch narrow for me so might get a a slightly wider bar.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

I could go long distance on this bike no problem. Not quite as stretched as my old Wide Glide but still comfy enough for me at 6'2". Brakes are pretty average . Just like the brakes on my Victory 106. They do the job - just. Pillion will be nowhere near it.

Engine 5 out of 5

The 96 (1584 ) motor is torquey and sounds great. This is the smoother running of the 96 ci twin cams being balanced unlike my FXDWG that shook like a battery hen. Sounds great though and pulls like the train it is up to 100. After that you're kinda hanging on but sitting at 80 is a breeze.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Compensators are an apparent problem but failure is very rare. When it starts making noises just get it changed to a SE one and job done. The rest is basic stuff that works.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5

This was the first 'blacked out' Harley before you paid extra for 'Specials'. Never understood people that chromed them up and added silver tat. They were murdered out for a reason. A mean good looking bike. Good club bike. 200 rear tyre looks the part and provides plenty of grip in the dry.

Buying experience: Bought from a bike dealer. First Harley I've bought that didn't come from a HD main dealer and it showed. Buy from HD and it arrives needing nothing with a full 1 year HD warranty. Mine arrived as it was traded in by its last owner. That's the difference. Needing allsorts to get it up to scratch.

5 out of 5 Night Train Satisfies!!!

04 December 2023 by Marco

Version: Rear disc, front spoke

Year: 2009

This bike is what I was looking for and has exceeded all my expectations. It's like riding a pissed off bulldog that still listens to commands.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I could ride to Sturgis from my house in 6 hours. Felt great once I got there. Ass was sore a little at weeks end.

Engine 5 out of 5

The bike is a torque monster

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

I've never had anything happen to the bike but the mirrors are loose now and then. She vibrates once into the revs somewhat. But this is aok with me.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5