: Introduced a 6-speed transmission , making highway cruising much smoother at lower RPMs. A Legacy of Customization
: Harley-Davidson introduced the original "Night Train" with the 1971 Super Glide , which mated a Big Twin chassis with a leaner Sportster front end.
The story of the is one of rebellion and factory-custom innovation. Often described as one of Harley's "meanest" models, it carved out a legacy for riders who preferred "blacked-out muscle" over the typical chrome-heavy look of traditional cruisers. The Origin: The First "Night Train" The name actually predates the popular Softail model. Night TrainHD
Even though it was a "factory custom," owners rarely kept them stock. The Night Train became a favorite platform for extreme builds.
The modern Night Train most enthusiasts recognize debuted in as a member of the Softail family. : Introduced a 6-speed transmission , making highway
: It was the first time the factory officially built a bike with a "custom chopper" profile, featuring a 74 cubic inch Shovelhead engine and a unique fiberglass "boat tail" seat. The Evolution: The Softail FXSTB (1998–2010)
: It combined a skinny 21-inch front wheel with a wide rear tire (upgraded to 200mm in later models) and a "Badlander" seat that sat the rider low and lean. Performance Upgrades : Often described as one of Harley's "meanest" models,
: Some owners have transformed them into aggressive choppers with 260mm rear tires and massive 26-inch front wheels .