Harley-Davidson Softail Custom vs Harley-Davidson Bad Boy (1998)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson Softail Customstacks up against the Harley-Davidson Bad Boy. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson Softail CustomHarley-Davidson Bad Boy
Model year19981997
Price
Engine1338 cc1338 cc
Horsepower56 hp55 hp
Torque99 Nm97 Nm
Weight278 kg276 kg
Seat height27 mm26 mm
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed5-speed
Front brakesSingle discSingle disc

Harley-Davidson Softail Custom vs Harley-Davidson Bad Boy — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson Softail Custom and the Harley-Davidson Bad Boy usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson Softail Custom brings 56 hp in a 278 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson Bad Boy counters with 55 hp at 276 kg.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: