Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200: Detailed Specs, Background, Performance, and More

• Table of Contents
• 1. A Brief History of Harley-Davidson Softail Night Train FXSTB
• 2. Harley-Davidson Softail Night Train FXSTB at First Glance
• 3. Harley-Davidson Softail Night Train FXSTB; A Buyers’ Guide
• 3.1 Is Harley Night Train is a Softail?
• 3.2 What are the top models of Harley-Davidson Softail Night Train?
• 3.3 How much does a Harley-Davidson Night Train FXSTB cost?
• 4. Specifications:
• 4.1 Engine & Transmission:
• 4.2 Wheels, brakes, chassis, and suspension
• 4.3 Dimensions and capacities
• 5. Aftermarket Luggage and Modification for Harley-Davidson Softail Night Train FXSTB

When we think of a classic American motorcycle brand the first two words that come to our mind are probably “Harley” and “Davidson”. It is a big prominent name for giving the riders the taste of freedom and design of their choice. All the Harley motorcycles have unique performances and a purpose in being built.

FXSTB Softail Night Train is one of those special motorcycles which were built for specific rider crowd choice. It is aimed at youthful, rebellious, and fit riders who highly consider the riding position. The Night Train might not be the ideal highway riding motorcycle, but it will make a stunning good impression down the boulevard.

Night Train is a part of the Softail lineup, which was first launched in 1998. Over the years, the company has made many remarkable changes that have taken an evolutionary path well-liked by fans of the variant. This motorcycle was blessed as a highly attractive and comfortable bike after making its appearance in the market and it gained an instant fan following and admiration.

The Softail motorcycle designs consist of two pieces of frames and had suspension springs located in the rear. There are many other brands that use the term Softail, for their hidden suspension motorcycles. The low seat and electric starter blended with a 56 horsepower engine and single disc brakes in the front and rear were the main attractions of this bike at the time of release. This was one of the best Harley motorcycles on the market, and it is well worth the money.

Some upgrades and changes in this bike increased the popularity of certain model years while others were not so popular. Jump down to read about all the history, upgrades, and features of Softail Night Train FXSTB.

Also Read: A Must-Know Motorcycle Hand Signals Guide for Beginner Riders

1. A Brief History of Harley-Davidson Softail Night Train FXSTB

In 1998, the Night Train was the first bike to make its debut and Softail was well-famous for its comfort and the revolutionary design that made it look like a hardtail bike. Riders loved the beauty of this motorcycle because it had the appearance of a classic chopper, even it came furnished with a dual seat for passenger comfort, which was highly suitable for short trips, but it got uncomfortable during longer miles.

In 1992, Night Train maintained the same V2 4-stroke engine with the same 56 hp at 5000 rpm. The engine was designed with a 5-speed belt-driven transmission, and the top speed was 96.3 mph. This bike runs from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.9 seconds and has a weight of 646 pounds. Night Train had a king-sized fuel tank with a capacity of 5.20 gallons for long trips and the electric starter of this bike was highly reliable. Some variants of this motorcycle also came with an adjustable seat height.

The new Night Train of the 2000 model year was equipped with a twin-cam 1450 cc engine that delivered more power. The upgrade attracted more people and it was the beginning of the evolutionary journey of the Softail Night Train.

In 2001 new standard features were added. Serious fans of this model were happy about the new updates. Although the bike remained the same aesthetically. The HD security system was a welcoming feature that made it safer to park your motorcycle around the town.

Harley-Davidson added another mechanical feature in 2002. The new fuel injection system was launched into an already successful bike for the era. Enthusiasts were happy that the company was making rapid changes to improve the performance of the bike.

The 2003 Harley-Davidson FXSTB Night Train featured the blacked-out engine and one-piece bulky fuel tank. Forward foot controls were popular in this bike, and its blacked-out tank console, oil tank, air cleaner, and rear fender supports gave it a dark and pleasant look.

In 2004, the new electronic sequential port fuel injection system was introduced in this motorcycle which took the place of carburetion. This edition of Night Train has received popularity and landed it in 45th position out of 65 reviewed in its class. Also, it gets a 4 out of 5-star rating as a used motorcycle and a 5 out of 5-star rating for its performance.

This evolutionary machine remained almost the same for the most part between 2002 to 2004, but the 2005 model year came with many notable changes in the evolution of the bike. The prominent change was the rear tire which increased to 200 mm and offers improved handling and more stability.

Afterward, the 2007 Night Train got its biggest upgrade of all time. The engine had been downsized in 2006 to 1442.15 cc, but the 2007 model year gave it a 1584 cc displacement along with the standard fuel injection system. Another noteworthy upgrade was the addition of a six-speed gearbox. Night Train was discontinued in 2009.

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2. Harley-Davidson Softail Night Train FXSTB at First Glance

The style of this model distinguishes it from the rest of the Softail line. The bike is powered with 1584c Twin Cam 96B balanced engine and 6-speed cruise drive transmission. The seat is designed at 25.2 inches above the ground, but this still won't make this motorcycle a veritable low ride because there’s a lot more to it than the unique ideas it generates. Harley-Davidson bike that is supposed to handle as well as it looks, especially considering its weight of 682 pounds.

From its short dual exhaust cylinders to its Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection System, it is all about delivering the boosted performance and unique sound that makes Harley so beloved while build quality is amazing within company standards.

This bike is featured with a blacked-out powertrain and wrinkle-black trim on the engine covers. And, the fuel tank console, oil tank, drive belt sprocket, and rear fender supports embrace the darkness on Harley FXSTB Night Train.

There is a long FX front end and 21-inch laced front wheel counter with a wide 200 mm rear tire on a cast disc under the Bobtail fender. This bike gives the aggressive look with its forward foot controls and drag bars while rolling on the roads whether you riding it on the highway or around the town.

The new 2009 Softail Night Train color is Red Hot Sunglo although the Vivid Black, Black Denim, and Black Pearl are also present in the market. Any color of this bike gives a unique custom look that cannot be ignored.

Also Read: Reasons Why You Should Buy a Cruiser Motorcycle

3. Harley-Davidson Softail Night Train FXSTB; A Buyers’ Guide

3.1 Is Harley Night Train is a Softail?

The Harley-Davidson Night Train belongs to the Softail family. Night Train was launched in 1998, the company has made many changes with every passing year to improve the performance of the bike.

3.2 What are the top models of Harley-Davidson Softail Night Train?

Here we have a list of the best Harley-Davidson Night Train Models of all time:

• 1998 Harley-Davidson Night Train
• 1999 Harley-Davidson Night Train
• 2000 Harley-Davidson Night Train
• 2001 Harley-Davidson Night Train
• 2002 Harley-Davidson Night Train
• 2005 Harley-Davidson Night Train
• 2006 Harley-Davidson Night Train
• 2004 Harley-Davidson Night Train
• 2003 Harley-Davidson Night Train
• 2007 Harley-Davidson Night Train

3.3 How much does a Harley-Davidson Night Train FXSTB cost?

In 2009, Harley discontinued the production of Softail Night Train FXSTB. So it is difficult to list any price for this bike. The bike model is old so it is also difficult to find this bike at any dealership, although you can get this bike in any motorcycle auction or you can search for the bike from any online motorcycle selling website. You'll be lucky if you find a Softail Night Train FXSTD in good condition.

Also Read: Best Cruiser Motorcycles for Beginners in 2022

4. Specifications:

4.1 Engine & Transmission:

Engine Type	V2, 4-stoke
Displacement	1584.0 ccm (96.66 cubic inches)
Torque	117.0 Nm (86.3 ft. lbs) at 3200 RPM
Compression	9.2:1
Bore x stroke	95.3 x 111.1 mm (3.8 x 4.4 inches)
Fuel System	Injection
Cooling System	Air-cooled
Transmission type	Belt (final drive)
Gearbox	Six-Speed
Clutch	Wet multi-plate
Exhaust	Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers

4.2 Wheels, brakes, chassis, and suspension

Frame type	Mild steel tubular frame, rectangular section backbone
Rake	32.0°
Trial	127 mm (5.0 inches)
Front suspension	41.3 mm telescopic
Front-wheel travel	142 mm (5.6 inc)
Rear suspension	Hidden, horizontal-mounted
Rear wheel travel	109 mm (4.3 inches)
Front tire	MT90-21
Rear tire	200/55-R17
Front brakes	Single disc
Diameter	292 mm (11.5 inc)
Rear brakes	Single disc
Diameter	292 mm (11.5 inc)

4.3 Dimensions and capacities

Dry weight	303.0 kg (668.0 pounds)
Seat height	640 mm (25.2 inches) if adjustable lowest setting
Overall length	2410 mm (94.9 inches)
Ground clearance	130 mm (5.1 inches)
Wheelbase	1700 mm (66.9 inches)
Fuel capacity	18.90 liters (4.99 US gallons)

5. Aftermarket Luggage and Modification for Harley-Davidson Softail Night Train FXSTB

Harley-Davidson is known for offering the proper ride to anyone. But there are many riders who don't much like the classic look of their motorcycle. H-D motorcycles give you plenty of options for adding after-market parts to their bikes and recreating them according to your artistic way and thoughts.

In the same way, Night Train is also a cruiser-type motorcycle and is best for urban riding. It is specifically designed for taller riders and for making short trips. You can add good-quality saddlebags and sissy bars to this bike for your comfort and carry the essentials along with you. 

This model is not suitable for longer routes but you can make one-day trips and can always attach luggage bags to your vehicle for your motorcycle gear, camping tent, and many more.