Harley-Davidson Softail Custom FXSTC: Detailed Specs, Background, Performance, and More

Harley-Davidson motorcycles definitely have something for everyone. This well-loved motorcycle company has the most iconic Softail motorcycles for riders looking for a wide variety of styling options and designs. This lineup of motorcycles is famous among its fans for offering everything from classic cruisers to all-out hot rods.

If you are one of the Softail-loving crowd and still have not tried any motorcycle from the Harley Softail series, Harley-Davidson Custom could be at the top of your list. This bike has a custom retro look with a one-piece, two-up seat with a passenger backrest for those who always like to ride with a companion.

This bike is a celebrity because it played a number of roles in more than a few movies and TV shows. The Harley Custom can be seen in the background on shows like Dallas on CBS, NBC’s Baywatch, and HBO’s Entourage. We can say that Softail Custom has played minor roles on the big screen as it can also be seen in Back To The Future II (1989), Erin Brockovich (2000), and Wayne’s World 2 (1993).

In this article, we’ll be discussing Harley-Davidson Softail Custom detailed specs, background, performance, and many more.

It all started in a garage in San Luis with a passionate motorcycle customizer named Bill Davis. He started working on a Harley-Davidson Super Glide and added a swingarm and single shock absorber hidden under the seat. Davis continued to improve his prototype and finally introduced it to Harley-Davidson. It took many years for Davis and H-D company to finally sign an agreement and introduce the Davis Softail.

After seven years of development, Harley-Davidson introduced the Evolution engine in 1984. This year was great for the company because the new line Softail along with the other five models debuted with a 1340 cc engine that year. The Softail design was based on classic bikes and resembled the motorcycles with rear wheels mounted rigidly. Original Softail, which later inspired the H-D Hydra-Glide, was introduced in 1948 and stayed until 1957.

In 1986, Harley-Davidson introduced the Softail Custom FXSTC. The “FX” from the Custom indicates that this motorcycle had smaller forks, inspired by the  Sportster models. The FXSTC came with plenty of chrome designs, with chrome engine covers and accents on the frame. This model was the deluxe version of FXST Softail Standard.

Softail Custom has the Evolution engine of 82 cubic inches or 1,340 ccs. This motorcycle kept this engine till 1999. Afterward, the bike received some upgrades from the company.

• In the 2000 model year, all Softail models received an upgraded 1450cc engine balanced Twin Cam 88B.
• Next year, the company added the electronic fuel injection to the Custom and the rest of the Softail models.
• In 2007, Softail Custom again upgraded with a Twin Cam 96 engine of 1584 ccs, all Softail models including Custom received a new six-speed Cruise Drive, to replace a five-speed transmission that had been in use since 1986.
• In 2007, the electronic injection system was also updated along with other enhancements, including a new one-piece seat combined with a passenger backrest.

Bill Davis came up with the idea of a classic and rigid style Softail motorcycle possessing a more comfortable rear suspension for longer motorcycle rides. The Softail Custom was built to be lower, restricting the wheel motion and resulting in a rougher ride. Furthermore, the engine was stiffly mounted on the frame whose output increased vibrations. The Softail Custom is a street bike best for urban riding, but may not be suitable for long trips.

This bike is powered by a 1584 cc, Air-cooled, Twin Cam 96B engine that produces 87.90 ft. lbs. of torque at 2750 rpm. Unfortunately, the engine by itself is not able to produce enough torque suitable for long motorcycle rides. This is the reason why H-D paired that with a six-speed transmission.

This bike has a hidden rear suspension which is the most appealing feature of the Softail Custom ever since it was first launched. Overall, this bike has not gone out of style as it has been enhanced in variety and quality of paint which can be seen with smooth flowing lines on its Fat Bob fuel tank. Softail Custom is designed with a tufted king/queen seat that has chrome buttons and flows up an integrated one-piece passenger backrest. It is much more comfortable for both the companion and rider. This bike is garnished with a new low-profile front fender that hugs the 21-inch laced front wheel and tire.

The bike has a stunning look with its ape-hanger handlebar on the custom riser and the Fat Bob fuel tank with embossed leather tank strap and triple laid custom graphics. Its 200 mm rear tire and Bobtail fender add some bulk on the rear end, while the magnificent chrome details on the powertrain and oil tank create an adorable contrast with the black powder-coating engine.

The answer is no. Harley-Davidson discontinued the production of Softail Custom FXSTC. This adorable bike remained in production from 1986 to 1999 and then from 2007 to 2010.

The Harley FXSTC Softail Custom model is a Custom/cruiser bike produced by Harley-Davidson, this bike weighs around 304.0 kg (670.2 pounds) and it is powered by a V2, four-stroke engine.

Since the bike is discontinued from the company, it is difficult to list the exact price for this bike, you can search for this bike on any online motorcycle selling website. You’ll be lucky if you find any mint condition Softail Custom motorcycle.

The Harley Softail Custom was a customized version of the standard Softail with blacked-out styling of the engine plus chrome covers and a passenger backrest. Its skinny 21-inch front wheel and forward-mounted foot control added to the chopper-style look of the custom.

Some younger riders might not like the classic look of their Harleys, but Softail models give you plenty of options to modify them according to your own taste. So you can always modify your motorcycle with a wide variety of aftermarket parts available.

Attaching a pair of good-quality  saddlebags to your motorcycle is always a good option for carrying your essentials with you, or you can mount a  luggage bag for your one-day trips and camping trips.