The Harley Bad Boy - A Legend
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ส.ค. 2024
- The '95-'97 Bad Boy had a short life cycle, but 27 years after its debut it continues to be one of the most sought-after Harleys of the 90's. I ride a pristine '96 model and see what the fuss is all about.
My dad ordered his bad boy the day they were available to pre-order, He worked at Jim's Harley Davidson in St Petersburg FL and the day the bike got delivered was probably one of the happiest of his life. From taking it off the truck to assembly and the glorious first ride, he loved every second of it. That bike was his baby, I can't tell you the number of miles that have been put on it or the number of times he would take on trips way longer than any sane person would or should. the last time he rode it, it was 2am and the headlight build actually fell out and he rode it the 5 miles back to the house and pulled it onto the lift with what im sure was the intent to fix the headlight the next day, what we didn't know was, the was the last time he would ride it, not only did he ride it at 2am with no headlight and get home but he had suffered two strokes beforehand. He passed away 2 years ago; I have finally built up enough courage to put a wrench to the Bad Boy and getting it running and hopefully back on the road. hopefully someday I can keep the miles climbing and the stories and memories piling on, the way he used to.
I’ve had my silver’97 bad boy for about 6 years now. I’ve owned a couple of TC baggers, an evo DWG, and a FLH shovel. My BB is by far my favorite bike of all of them. I’ve set it up to ride comfortably on a long trip with 11” mini apes and a 99 heritage seat. Put a Baker 6 speed, EV27 cam and S&S carb and longshots. Rode it alone last year from SC to NM, AZ, UT, CO and back home. 5400+ miles. Stayed off of interstate as much as possible all the way. Never let me down, comfortable ride, not as rough as some people think. BTW I was 71 yo when I took the trip.
I am 83 and ride a 99 Softail Custom which I dearly love. But the Springer reminds me of my first Harley, a 1942 "45" flat head in 1955. The springer front ends have a cool factor above and beyond most bikes out there. They are the most unique of all the Harleys. Very nice video.
When I was little my brother had just come home from 3 tours in Vietnam, and he joined a 1% club. He had a couple if Pans that he alternated and redid every other year over winter for the next years shows. My favorite was when he built "Red" with an old springer front end. He'd sit me on the tank, lock the throttle screw and make me think I was stearing it myself, as he sat on back riding no handed. 😊 It put a love for Springers in me. I can't describe the feeling I had for them over the years. My bro just passed a few yrs ago from Agent Orange related issues.
I'll never forget when the Bad Boy came out. I was pretty enamored. As a 21 yr old in 96' and just buying a home, I couldn't afford one at the time. I rode a 71' Sporty at the time. I ended up with a 2001 FSXTS Springer Sftl.
I've customized it alot over the years, lowered, slightly raked (I cut the neck) and it's beautiful!
At 50 now, I need to get a dresser for the long rides but my Springer will never leave. Its tattooed on my forearm. Anyhow, Thanks for taking me back to my early 20's.
I got my first Bad Boy in '98, it got stolen & I loved that bike so much that I replaced it with another '95 that was basically the same as the stolen one.
I love that it is a very basic bike without fuel injection or a computer. I like that it feels like a bike & not a Cadillac. It's easy to work on myself.
A lot of people tell me that my Bad Boy is not meant for long rides but I disagree, I rode mine from North Carolina to Sturgis & had over 4k miles on it before I got back home.
Several years back a young driver took me out & my insurance & the HD dealership tried to total my bike out but I fought the good fight & was able to repair it & keep a clean title.
I will NEVER get rid of my Bad Boy.
I am Japanese and I like this bike so much that I imported it from the U.S. to Japan.
That’s awesome! Probably one of the only bad boys over there
I'm born in '93 too, and also have a '96 Bad Boy. An incredibly special motorcycle and - hands down - the best decision I ever made. Think you summed it up best when you said "it's just a really cool bike". Please post more videos of her. Wishing you many safe miles brother 🤝🤘
Terrance, I appreciate the kind words! Glad you are enjoying yours!
Man thats awesome! I'm born in 92 and looking for one hopefully soon to purchase. Yall keep them alive!! They're awesome HD history for sure!
I was born in 78…. And I want one
I remember in 1989 seeing the pictures and reading the articles on the 1989 springer (still have the magazines!) I told myself i would own one someday, well , 32 years later i saw a red/ruby red 1990 Springer with 9160 miles on it at a H/D dealership. I bought it sight unseen for $9,995 shipped it across the country for $1150 . I feel it took my dream bike and myself 32 years to find each other , by the way i'll be 61 in November 2023
Any original FXSTS or FXSTSB is a rare find indeed. Purest bike for sure. I love the Badboy but still prefer the original FXSTS Springer chrome forks over the black forks. Personal preference. Most beautiful Harley ever made. Rolling art. Solid!
Rolling art is exactly how I see it. Thanks for the comment!
I rode a 97 for a couple years. Absolutely amazing motorcycle
Man I love the headlight on that bike! It’s beautiful! What a wonderful bike to ride let alone own! Ride safe and stay upright!
I love Harley Davidson and I started on Yamaha’s and never had any notion to ever own a Harley until I found a 8thousand mile 08 Nightster for 3k.
I’ve been in love with Harley Davidson ever since! I own 3 Harley’s today and will never sell my first Harley no matter what.
I’m glad somebody else understands the greatness of how that headlight sits on springers. It is the little things.
@@twowheeledcop9029 It’s stunning man. She purrs too…
I have a 1996 Softail custom. Sold my 2002 Roadglide 10 months ago and getting her ready for the ride to Sturgis for the 83rd next year. Pretty much ready to go. Love the Bike.
I've got the same bike, they're awesome
Thanks. I’m a big fan of the custom
I have a 96 Bad Boy, it's a blue one. I love it dearly. Cool video, thanks.
I have an 87 heritage. Was my grandfathers bike he left it to me. I love riding it, it’s an experience. I’m recovering from a motorcycle accident and needed to work on my heritage. My buddy came over and I walked him thru it. When it fired up and was idling I told him go ride it see if it dies. He said really? I said yeah just take it easy it’s old and not a speed demon if ya wreck it we will have to rebuild it. He was gone about 45 minutes rode 25 miles and was in love. He discovered what I had been telling him. He’s now actively hunting his 80 ci evo. The sound the vibration, he said it’s not a rocket but it’s you and the bike. The way it’s supposed to be. Evo’s are great. My grandfather always said it’s the best motor HD ever built. I don’t know but I do know I like em. I wish I had a springer add a whole new level to it.
Beautiful machine! I picked up a 99’ flsts with 7,000 miles a couple years ago. I really do enjoy it.
I have a 1989 FXSTS which is the Springer version.. I love that bike it's just a great ride it's kind of tacky with ape hangers and a few other goofy parts that I would never put on a bike but that's how I bought it. Seems to have enough zip and I love the way it sounds. A lot to be said about a Springer front end.
Awesome bike and I'm happy it went to someone who appreciates it!
Well, the Badboy was special no doubt. Harleys biggest legend is the Sporstster. It has been in production for 50 years and is probably the highest sales numbers of any motorcycle ever produced. Now the Sporster has its shortcomings compared with the bigger bikes but nobody can deny its greatness. I own a 2009 Sporster Custom 883. It's a beautiful motorcycle and I bought it two years ago with 5k miles on it, it now has 30k on it. It is flawless in its performance, starts every time and has low-end and mid-range torque galore. And its 883 EVO motor is the only Harley Davidson ever produced with 4 individual camshafts giving it a unique sound that nothing rivals, put a set of Vance and Hines straight shots on it and there is no better sounding bike on the road. When I sit at stop lights people's heads turn, I get thumbs up from drivers. The sound of that bike is unmistakable. It is pure Harley and exemplifies everything that has made Harley great. These new bikes and motors... well I say if you want a Honda, buy a Honda. But if you really want to feel and hear a Harley try a ride on a good old Sportster.
My wife rides a Sportster and she loves it..... Great bike for the Ladies...
I have 10 40, 50 years old classic cars, an 06 Softail deluxe and 2014 Motto Guzzi California touring. I loved your description of this bad boy. I know exactly how it feels riding something old unique machine. The joy of riding the 06 Softail deluxe is something so joyful. I can imagine how joyful riding a bad boy. I will be looking for one asap. Thank you for educating people on these old machines. Well done 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Have owned 3 of these and recently picked up another…hopefully this one I’ll keep. Have always loved the bad boy since my dad bought one new in 95.
Dude that thing is amazing!!!!! That may be my dream bike now never heard of it till now.
I bought my bad boy this year about 3 months ago that proceeded to put over 4,000 miles on it not really going anywhere but just cruising around love the bike will never get rid of it
Bought mine in 95 when i was 45, still riding it 29 years later at 73. Other riders often ask me if it is new model. Have kept it in pristine condition. Getting harder to ride now so considering selling it my body says it time but my heart doesn't.
How many miles and what's your price
What an awesome machine!
What a great bike i am 65 years old and i wish i would of bought one at the time... BTW i bought a 2008 Night Train about a month ago and Love it.
You know I love me some night train. Glad yours is treating you well. Really I sold this purchase to the wife by saying that it would replace the night train - I’ve having trouble keeping good on that promise.
Just found your channel love your comentry. Take away the nastalga aspect of the badboy which do you prefure riding the most the night train or badboy Qustion 2 What bike do you like the most of all your bike im lokking at buying one soon used to own a 1998 fatboy
Thankyou
Hey mate takeaway the nostelge aspect what bike do you enjoy riding the most
I have a 1995. I’ve had it for 25 of its 28 years. Rode it to work today. It’s my first and only Harley and although I don’t ride it that often I’ll never get rid of it. It’s like part of the family. It’s not stock anymore but it still looks great. I put a 6 speed transmission and a open belt drive on it when my buddies were buying newer bikes and the five speed just wouldn’t cut it on the hwy. My bike has the optional mag wheel on the front which is the only bad boy I’ve ever seen with it. It’s been one of the most reliable motorcycles I’ve ever owned
Prolly old post but I to have that front wheel on mine
The day I got my 94 wide glide, one of these popped up and I regret not picking it up as well.
It’s not too late!
My 96 Softail Custom Evo with Ev27 cam and bigger jets etc goes great, never parting with it.
Love it. I’d love to do a cam on this one, but I want to keep it totally original if I can.
I have a 1997 that been in storage. New s and s engine with 450 miles. It's in show condition its in my living room. Cleaned the gas tanks out before went to storage. It is the nice bike I have ever had. The more I see the video's I want to get it going. Thanks for the video's.
Ken
Awesome video of an awesome bike. I'm building a model of this and will be using yours as my guide! Thanks for sharing.
Brings back memories of my younger years. I love that Evo engine. Back then you threw on a Stage 1 intake with a Dyno Jet kit done to the CV carb and a set of SE hi-flow slip-ons along with the SE racing ignition and you were ripping. Yeah you could also do cam work, etc., but just those few changes let her breath and rip around town. In a way I am a bit jealous that you got this beauty. Keep her and take care of her.
Had mine about 6 years now. Still love it
Awesome man. It is definitely cool to see how people react to it. It rolls into the shop and draws a crowd. I haven’t had a bike like that until this one.
I feel the same way with my 2008 Superglide. Love it.
Man, the days when Harley made something unique for real, riders & not flash toys for little boys.
Ride a 2007 Harley Night Train - i would not change it to own the entire 2022 Harley range.
Congratulations. You own a dream.
Ride Safe!
Cape Town, South Africa
I love me some night train. I’ve got a ‘00
What a beautiful bike! I have a 87 softail fxsct that I will keep forever as it was my first ever Harley. I feel the same way about it as you do yours.
Love Bad Boys . Great lookin bike .
I graduated HS in ‘93..never even heard of this bike. Really cool looking. Need to keep my eyes open for one.
The original Bobber, before the genre exploded. They were a soft sale, because "chrome was king." We couldn't afford to inventory them when the queue for any other Softail was so long.
I like how nimble, and mechanical it is, whether it translates in real performance, it doesn't matter, it sounds like it looks, and checks most of the boxes for anyone addicted to the sound of a twin.
Great video man, keep them coming
I appreciate it. Thanks for keeping up with the channel
I have the exact same bike. Mine has nearly 70k mile, but still looks good. I enjoyed watching your ride while we have snow on the ground.
I purchased a bone stock 95 Bad Boy with red stripes a few years ago and added to my collection. The bike that gets the most looks on bike night and a decision I never regret. Keeping stock, adding just a few hundred miles a month and just past 8k miles. Great video and look forward to more.
Always remember seeing the springer softail in a Harley advert and something just spoke to me. That scenery reflected in the headlamp is awesome! I currently ride a 103 softail slim and l feel about it like you do about this beautiful bike. Not interested in any bigger or modded ones, l have a feeling this won’t let me down and is going to chug me along until l die.
Subscribing to hear more about your ride, really like your delivery 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸
Thanks for the kind words. The 103 is such a great motor - I’d take it over an M8 any day of the week. Really, it’s the only motor I don’t own haha
I had a brand new 1996 Bad Boy turquoise. Loved that bike!!
Great video for a great bike. You hit the nail right on the head with this. I’ve got a blue stripe 97 that a previous owner dumped a bit of money into and whatever was done to that little 80in EVO makes that thing scream like a banshee. Sometimes ripping my Road Glide feels like I’m just along for the ride. Everytime ripping my Bad Boy I feel like a bull rider let out the gate, it demands you to hold on tight actually RIDE it. I don’t care how big everyone’s motors are nowadays, there’s no sweeter sound than the snappy bark of these old gals.
I have one of these and it runs well, thanks for the positive video
What’s odd is all the low mileage bad boys out there. Worked out well for many of us buying them used. Mine had just over 8,000 miles on her in 2021.
Looking forward to hearing more about your BB.
Because the ride was uncomfortable, that's why I got rid of mine. Mine had 2k on the clock
Thanks for the video! I currently own a 1995 Bad Boy Springer with the cherry red decals. It looks absolutely brand new - even with the current 25k miles. I have kept original equipment on the shelf but changed several features:
It now has a much more comfortable Mustang seat. Has a Harley windshield, Vance & Hines 2 to 1 pro pipes, Rivco dual air horns, an S&S carb & cover, and 100% all LED lights (rear 3n1 module) (although they look stock), a Headwinds rocket billet aluminum bullet headlight housing, larger Kuryakyn pegs, brake pad w/rest, shifter hardware, Avon grips, and my favorite genuine Harley newest design mirrors that were for/on new 2022 CVO tri-glides. I made many other non-obvious changes - too many other details to mention.
I expect to be selling this bike coming Spring of 2024, for around $16,000.
You screwed it all up. Now your gonna sell it. People are strange
This video is awesome. Couldn’t have said it better myself
After seeing this video, I miss my 2000 88b Springer. Zig zagging through Wisconsin is just a dream now.
Love that bike brother. I wanted one when they first came out but Being young newly married with a new baby it just wasn’t in the cards. It’s great to see one in such beautiful unmolested condition. Of course I hope that you still have your Road King as well. My favorite Harley model of all time, particularly the RK Classic.
I ride a Harley upgraded fxst, fatboy handle bars, chrome steel wheels etc, I love it! Your review of that awesome Badboy was the best bike review I've ever heard! I listen and read a lot! Nice job brother! The only thing I'm missing and wanted forever is the Springer front end! Great review, thank you for sharing your ride !
Hi, I'm in England and have 1991 Springer Softail 1340 engine. I'm planning a European tour through Germany and Switzerland, wild camping as much as possible. About 10 day and a couple thousand miles. Can't wait!
Been keenly awaiting your next video ! Especially on the Bad Boy. Hope it's on its way in the not too distant future.
I have a 96 owned it since 99 absolutely love
I love this bike
had a 1984 FXST ,the first year of softails. would love to find one again. great video
Hey 👋 I just found your channel. I have a 97 that I love. Can't wait to see more of your adventures with the bad boy. Hello from Madison township ohio
Thanks for stopping by!
Wanna feel an old Harley Try a Shovelhead, Pan, Knuckle or Flatty.
Shovels have the best note imo!.
I haven’t dripped my toe into those waters yet. I won’t say never. I’m just not too mechanically inclined and so short on free time, so I try to stay away from big projects.
Now you're riding. Everything you described reminds me of my 1957 panhead chopper.
I looked at these a few years ago before buying my 04 Springer Softail. Still kinda want one, smaller motor and all. Bad Boy’s have so much curb appeal.
You should check out Billy Lane's BAD Boy! 🇺🇸
I have seen a bunch of videos of his recently. I know he has been working on a silver striped one recently. I want to say he sold a blue one recently too? I like his style.
Thanks for this video sir
My favorite Harley for sure.
I have 96 blue and it’s my go to bike when I just need my two wheel fix for local putt’ing around nimble and sweet only issue is 90/110 miles max travel
Gotta have one now!! Thanks….
HA! Glad I could help
I have a 2010 Dyna Superglide, the feeling turns to metal.
Modern classic 💪🏼
To start with I miss your videos, look forward to new videos if you are able.
I just picked up a 96 BadBoy (Yellow) it’s been a bucket list bike for me for years. I also have a 96 Roadking (purple) and a 99 Fatboy. I love all of my Harleys but the BadBoy if my favorite to ride. I can not believe how much these bikes have gone up in value.
I have had Shovelheads, as well as Twincams. And that is why I have 3 Evos. Just my preference.
I have a couple of hot rods, and equate the EVO with a small block Chevy motor. Just a great long lasting and reliable motor.
Man, I’m happy to hear about your new bad boy! I’m always planning videos and life gets in the way. I’m hoping to get some stuff out soon.
Mines a 97 soft tail springer, not bad boy, but clean, runs great, original paint with more chrome, barn special, just needs from fork bearings, $3500 back 5 yrs ago, me happy
Stock pipes sound fantastic!
Amazing footage of you riding. Really high quality! Would really appreciate more time with just the sound of low rpm riding
BRILLIANT video i want one. In England.
Hang onto that springer....have the 96 blue stripe bad boy for 15 years will never sell it hands down the sickest bike Harley ever built!!!!
I love the evo. All evo powered bikes are starting to go up in value. The springer bikes especially.
Wow what an intro! Great video and work
Thanks for the support!
Born in 1993?? I was in Uniform when you were in Liquid Form! Lol
I have a 1997 Bad Boy. I will say as cool looking as it is, long trips on it are terrible in stock form. The foot pegs are too small and I find myself getting tired of holding my legs against the bike. In the relaxed position, I get tired of that being my only position. Outside the foot peg, I love the bike. It sounds awesome with different exhaust!
I have my 09 night train now it’s time to get my 97 bad boy
I'll stick to my 97 Dina wide glide limited edition 1449
And meanwhile.....the planet continues to heat up!
Beautiful bike brother. Excellent video and you are dead on your comments. Like to know how you got this bike. After searching on the internet I stumbled upon a 2200 mile 2003 Softail 100th Anniversary Gunmetal blue Springer, one owner. Excellent mechanically but a little rust in some areas due to being stored in a carport. It’s a work in progress but nether the less I love it. Sheet metal/ paint in excellent shape. Got the bike for 6 grand. I feel as though I really got a great deal due to bring a low mileage bike. Oh, and it’s carbureted! Nor fuel injection.
A PROUD 1995 OWNER...YES THEY ARE A RARE BREED....
Those old solid mount Softails looked great, but man, did they vibrate once you got much above 50 mph!
I currently own 3 springers 93 fxsts 96 fxstsb and a 98 flsts. I wouldn't anything else.
This info is from Harley. I believe your 96 is considered purple using Harley’s classification. Hope this helps. Love my 97 silver Bad Boy!
1995
Total Production 3367
Blue Stripes - 1747
Red Stripes - 1618
Special Custom - 2 (HD did not record what the color was back then)
1996
Total Production - 3344
Purple Stripes - 1103
Turquoise Stripes - 1183
Yellow Stripes - 1058
1997
Total Production 1635
Blue Stripes - 424
Red Stripes - 444
Silver Stripes - 767
I love that bike.
I ride a black and blue 95 BB every day. It just hit 55,000 miles. All I’ve done is lower it 2 1/2 inches, put on a pipe and a solo seat. Every time I park at somewhere, when I come out, There will be a business card on the gas tank. Somebody wants to purchase it every day of the week. Super cool, great attention getter. The bike is very famous in the county where I live.
I ride a Softail Springer and LOVEit
This is a great clip. How come you stopped making videos?
Thanks! Life got in the way. New job and a new side job.
What happened to your highway of legends video riding on the night train? Always enjoyed listening to that ride man.
Made it available again
By 1996 standards, the Bad Boy is extremely blacked out. By modern standards, it's got a lot of chrome. By my standards, there's a perfect balance in the middle of old school all-chrome-everything and modern all-black-everything, and the Bad Boy fits squarely in that middle category of perfect balance.
You must make a lot of money owning all these bikes.
About 73 miles an hour I find my sweet spot,it will smooth out and stop vibrating,try it!
You have put together a superb little film! I thoroughly enjoyed the ride-along as well as your very well-spoken narration and have watched it at least a dozen times already. I myself have been obsessing over an FX Springer for quite a while now. In fact, I have had that 1995 Cycle World issue sittin’ in my wish list on eBay for well over a year, and your video actually prompted me to buy it last week. So, I’m happy to announce that I too am now the owner of a pristine 1995 cycle world issue covering the Bad Boy since it dropped into my mailbox just yesterday : )
I do have a question, though, which you may have the answer to, namely: why do Evo and Twin Cam Springers (both Fx’s and FL’s) have the front wheel offset to the right? I have searched high and low and sideways for an answer to this but have not been able to get that answer no matter how deep I’ve dug on Harley forums, nor through the reading all of the legitimate motorcycle-press Springer tests through time as well as even seeking an answer through Harley dealers. Since I’ve dreamt of adding a Springer to my “stable,” that front-end offset is bugging the heck outta’ me, to be quite blunt. I am certainly not a motorcycle engineer, nor an engineer of any kind for that matter, however, I’ve been involved in precision manufacturing and have done all of my own wrenching on my cycles since 1969, and to my mind, fundamental principles of engineering would dictate that the front wheel should always run centerline with the rear wheel. Consequently, that means that in the case of a Springer, it should be centered on the damper between the springs, which in turn is centered on the neck. None of the none-Springers have this offset, ever, and so the explanations that I’ve gotten that “they’re offset to counter the weight of the engine and primary” makes absolutely zero sense to me as the frame (aside from varying neck-rakes throughout the Softail model line) as well as the swingarm is the same on Springers and none-Springers. Ditto for the engines and trannies (in regards to physical size/weight). In other words, and for instance, an eighty inch five speed Evo FXSTC has the front wheel absolutely centered whereas an eighty inch five speed FXSTS(B) does not. Any light that you may be able to shed on this mystery would be greatly appreciated.
Also, unless I’m missing something, you said in the video that there’s another one coming which will chronicle your acquisition of the Bad Boy, but I can’t seem to find it.
From southern California ~ Ride Forever!
Bikes are clean!
Got mine in late October of ‘94. 13k miles.
LOVE that bike.
Wow, congrats on keeping it for so long!
Hi I am new to your channel are you going to leave it stock or change it to more modern times?
It’s going to stay pretty stock
Two years ago you could buy a low milage Bad Boy for under 10 grand.
Seems to be about $14-15k these days
Any updates to the electra glide?
FYI, The Terminator was riding an 'INDIAN' Motorcycle in the Terminator movie.