Across the 1996, 1997 and 1998 model years, the Harley-Davidson Softail Custom motorcycle has supplied dry weights ranging from 608.5 lb (276 kg) to 612.9 lb (278 kg).
Harley-Davidson Softail Custom weight overview
The scale number is high enough that parking and low-speed balance deserve real consideration. Once the bike leans too far, recovering it takes much more effort than on a light machine. The comparison uses dry weight because a usable wet/running figure was not supplied, so the actual ready-to-ride motorcycle will be heavier.
Very Heavy Motorcycle
How heavy is the Harley-Davidson Softail Custom?
dry weight
Using a model-level dry weight comparison, the Harley-Davidson Softail Custom is heavier than about 53.9% of 51 Harley-Davidson custom/cruiser motorcycles with compatible weight data.
Dry weight range
Bike + rider total weight
These totals use the model’s representative dry weight. They exclude riding gear, luggage and a passenger.
Harley-Davidson Softail Custom weight & related specs
| Model years covered | 1996, 1997, 1998 |
|---|---|
| Dry weight | 608.5 lb (276 kg) to 612.9 lb (278 kg) |
| Engine displacement | 1,338 cc |
| Power | 55 hp to 57 hp |
| Torque | 71.5 lb-ft (97 Nm) to 73 lb-ft (99 Nm) |
Weight changes by model year
The 1996 model is used as the baseline where data is available. Only later supplied values that differ are shown below. A year pill does not mean every individual weight field was supplied for that year.
Useful weight calculations
| Horsepower per 100 lb | 9.04 hp / 100 lb to 9.37 hp / 100 lb |
|---|---|
| Pounds per horsepower | 10.68 lb / hp to 11.06 lb / hp |
| Torque per 100 lb | 11.76 lb-ft / 100 lb to 11.91 lb-ft / 100 lb |
| Displacement per pound | 2.18 cc / lb to 2.2 cc / lb |
| Weight per 100 cc | 45.5 lb / 100 cc to 45.8 lb / 100 cc |
What the weight numbers tell you
Harley-Davidson Softail Custom weight FAQ
What is the Harley-Davidson Softail Custom dry weight?
The available dry weight is 608.5 lb (276 kg) to 612.9 lb (278 kg). Actual ready-to-ride weight will be higher after fuel and operating fluids are added.
Is the Harley-Davidson Softail Custom lighter or heavier than other Harley-Davidson custom/cruiser motorcycles?
Weight is broadly typical for the category, landing around the 54th percentile in this model-level Harley-Davidson comparison.
Which Harley-Davidson Softail Custom years have different weight specs?
The supplied data shows different weight figures across the 1996-1998 model years. Use the year-specific changes section above for the exact value attached to each changed year.
What is the combined Harley-Davidson Softail Custom and rider weight?
Using the model’s representative dry weight and a 180 lb rider, the combined bike-and-rider mass is about 788.5 lb (357.6 kg) before riding gear, luggage or a passenger.
What is the Harley-Davidson Softail Custom power-to-weight ratio?
Available model-year data produces 9.04 hp per 100 lb to 9.37 hp per 100 lb. It shows engine output relative to motorcycle mass rather than just quoting peak horsepower. That places it around the 23rd percentile within the compatible Harley-Davidson custom / cruiser power-to-weight comparison.
Is the listed Harley-Davidson Softail Custom weight ready to ride?
No. Dry weight excludes at least some operating fluids, so the actual ready-to-ride motorcycle will weigh more.
What is the Harley-Davidson Softail Custom torque-to-weight ratio?
Where compatible torque and weight figures are available, the model works out to 11.76 lb-ft per 100 lb to 11.91 lb-ft per 100 lb. This gives more context than torque alone because it relates engine twist to the mass it has to move.
How large is the Harley-Davidson Softail Custom engine for its weight?
The available figures work out to 2.18 cc per lb to 2.2 cc per lb. This is not a performance rating, but it is a useful way to compare engine size against total motorcycle mass.
What are the lightest and heaviest Harley-Davidson Softail Custom years?
Among years with usable comparable figures, 1996-1997 is the lightest at 608.5 lb (276 kg), while 1998 is the heaviest at 612.9 lb (278 kg).
Motorcycle specifications can vary by model year, market, equipment and the exact dry/curb-weight definition. Calculated fuel-weight and ratio figures on this page are estimates derived from the supplied specifications. Confirm critical figures in the owner’s manual or on the official Harley-Davidson website.