HARLEY-DAVIDSON BAD BOY (1995 - 1996) Review

The  Harley-Davidson Bad Boy has possibly the most embarrassing name in motorcycling history applied to one of the weirdest Harley-Davidson combinations. On face value it had a lot going for it: all black image, cool Springer forks, flat bars and tons of attitude. In reality the Harley-Davidson Bad Boy is a bit naff, and neither handled, was comfortable or was particularly chic.

The Harley-Davidson Bad Boy is not the most comfortable of Hogs. Softail rear end allied to flat bars and limited travel Springer forks does not the plushest or most predictable ride make. It’s under-braked, too. The Harley-Davidson Bad Boy is great for posing around town, but not a lot else.

The 1340cc Harley Evo engine in the Harley-Davidson Bad Boy delivers grunt, fabulous noise (especially if you bin the stock silencers and fit a pair of open cans), lazy, US-style cruising and… not a lot else. Harley’s engineering hasn’t moved on much since the 60s. For fans, that’s the appeal of Harley-Davidson Bad Boy, for others it’s an anathama.

Modern Harleys set the benchmark for paint and chrome work and the Harley-Davidson Bad Boy is no exception. What’s more, the big engines are understressed and under engineered and, generally, the motorcycles themselves are ridden gently and regularly serviced. All of which adds up to few reliability woes…

When new, the Harley-Davidson Bad Boy was punted out for over £10K and the minimal spec means that valuation is hard to justify even today.  Harleys keep their value well and the Harley-Davidson Bad Boy rarity compounds that, but there are nicer, better value Hogs around. Find a Harley-Davidson softail for sale.

The Harley-Davidson Bad Boy is a bare bones, bad-assed motorcycle so don’t count on an luxuries or frills. What you see is what you get. Basic clocks, a small headlamp, a cut-down seat are about all you get on a Harley-Davidson Bad Boy. Nor is there much room to bolt on extras from Harley’s humungous accessories catalogue should the whim take you.