1997 Harley-Davidson reviews

I bought the bike in 2014 with about 20,000 miles on it, after a full day of thorough cleaning it looked like new again. White with red trim. I’ve owned 28 Harleys and this HS is definitely the best looking and a great ride. I regret trading it. I’m 74 years old and looking for another Heritage Springer , probably my last bike. Show less

I purchased this machine in 1998 and have ridden it often. It’s comfortable and and very stylish. I am often asked if this bike is new. It’s unique style and low miles make this Motorcycle a great purchase. Show less

beautiful,reliable engine.lots of parts and upgrades out there.easily customisable.mine has a stage 3 with 4,000 mi on the rebuilt (upper and lower)engine. 88hp at rear wheel.lots of chrome,custom flame paint.thumbs up everywhere i go!you cant beat a evo engine reliability.WILL DIE WITH IT,NEVER GIVE IT UP. Show less

Without a doubt...One of the best riding bike around...I feel like a small boy on my first new bicycle. Every curve that I take takes me to a unpredictable place. I feel 100% safe on this "Heavy weight" of Milwakee steel. Nothing can compare. The only bad thing is eventually I have to put it away for another day. Show less

This is an increadable bike. After not riding a HD for about 15 years, what a great bike to get on and cruise. Extremely comfortable and smooth. A little heavier than most, but that makes it all the better. This bike is not just for rich old guys. Show less

We love the bike. We are looking to buy another one. The bike was great when we got it, and it improved with the $$ we spent on pipes, etc. Show less

After owning 3 Goldwings starting with the 1977 and ending with a 1996 model and Harley's of all persuasions (Shovels to Evo's), I can say without a doubt that this model is the most comfortable, dependable and best handling of the H-D line that I have owned. The rubber engine mounts really work well minimizing intrusive vibration. The Fuel Injection system has been flawless. My mileage varies from a low of 45 to a high of 57 on 92 octane Premium gas! The only complaint I can come up with is it does run a little hot. When in Seattle I did not notice it at all, Now down in the HEAT of northern California it is very noticeable on the 100+ degree days. *That and the BAD attitude of the dealers.... which is the worst part about owning a Harley. Would buy again without question. I wish they wheels had come with sealed bearings like the new HD's to today. The only other bike I would consider owning is the new R1150 RT BMW as I appreciate the technological updates and brakes available to them. Show less

After relocating to Green Bay in April 2001, I quickly decided it was a given that I had to have a Harley. Unfortunately, the local dealership is in the business of fleecing the locals. A quick glance at their showroom floor let me know if I wanted a bike, I better be prepared to pay at least $4000 over list. My mammy didn't raise no fool and I wasn't buying!!! At least at that price!! Side note--I don't think they are selling too many bikes this summer as I see the same stock collecting dust...no drop in prices though...absurdity factor from August 2001--1998 Sportser S with a price of $12,600!! So, I went to the local newspaper which is like a candyland with Harleys of all kinds...again the locals had caught the fever of price gouging from their local dealership...the secret...find someone who wants to sell and is not looking to profit in a major way. Enter the police officer from just down the street selling a '97 XLH 1200 with only 2100 miles. Irony strikes deep as I had seen this gentleman displaying the bike on my entrance into town and it was available a month later for purchase. One test ride was all it took...he had done the bike right with fat comfy saddle, sissy bar, drag pipes (thunder roar) and all those HD doodads that make HD stand for hundred dollars. Needless to say, I jumped on this chance and have since put 3000 miles on this summer. I decided on a Sporty after having been on larger Harleys and finding them somewhat ponderous, well suited for cruising, but little in terms of zipping about. This bike is phenomenal on all accounts. Plenty of power from the 1200 Evolution motor. A small twist of the throttle rewards you with massive pull...best be holding on to the buckhorns unless you wanna slip off, and the Sportster frame is lean and mean. This bike begs you to lean into the corners and accelerate out. Its also nice to blow rice burning crotch rockets off the line at stoplights...oh they'll kill you in top end but dragging from light to light proves them to be inferior. This bike will cruise with the best of them and gives you a sporty appeal that can't be beat. Responsive and generous, this is one hell of a ride. I haven't had any leak or build problems and have to say this is a dependable ride. Might be smarter to buy a Japanese cruiser with all the technology, but they don't roar like a HD V-twin outfitted with drag pipes. You hear me coming before you see me!! The future will bring another HD (perhaps a Nighttrain or Softtail Springer or Dyna Wide) but I'm getting on the list for that bike...meaning I'll pay a reasonable amount over msrp but will wait anywhere from 12 to 24 months for my bike. Have to leave Green Bay as they won't order anything...cuts down on their profit...question is though, how much profit is there when you seem to sell about one bike a month?? In the meantime, I'll be the maniac in a flamed full-face helmet, ripping through town and the backroads with a big cheesy grin plastered on my face!! Show less

Very little vibration at slow speeds. Very smooth acceleration with a smooth ride cruising around 60mph. Show less