By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Harley-Davidson Softail Night Train FXSTB (MY2008) vs Softail Fat Boy FLSTF (MY2008)
Roll out on the Harley-Davidson Softail Night Train FXSTB and it's all blacked-out paint, wrinkle-black covers and a bobbed fender. The Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy FLSTF rolls on fat tires and solid wheels, and it doesn't wander off a straight line. Its soft suspension soaks up the miles.
So which one do you buy?
The Softail Fat Boy FLSTF has the edge if…
Character, looks and sound
Slight edge: Softail Fat Boy FLSTF
On style, the Softail Fat Boy FLSTF makes a slightly stronger case. It's down to more retro style. Go see both in person.
What makes each one tick
Softail Night Train FXSTB
The Night Train's rigid-mounted Twin Cam 96B thumps out low-end grunt, and there's that unmistakable Harley bark in the pipes. Corner entry finds you stretched long between forward pegs and a narrow drag bar, out over a raked-out front end. That stretch doesn't stay kind over a long day. The six-speed hums at highway pace.
Softail Fat Boy FLSTF
The Fat Boy's Twin Cam 96B pulls deep and lazy from low revs, and it's happiest loafing down a boulevard. Every squeeze of the brake lever has 714 lb (324 kg) of low-slung cruiser to haul down. On Iron Mountain Road, the bar won't turn in without a deliberate push. Its chromed twin draws every look.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Softail Night Train FXSTB has the lower seat: 26.0 in (660 mm) vs 27.5 in (698 mm).
- The Softail Night Train FXSTB has the lower wet weight: 681 lb (309 kg) vs 714 lb (324 kg).
- The Softail Fat Boy FLSTF makes more peak power: 77 hp (57 kW) vs 70 hp (52 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Sits this out: Softail Fat Boy FLSTF
Commuting is off the table for the Softail Fat Boy FLSTF, so it sits this one out.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not built for this
Hours in the saddle won't flatter either of these. They're happier on shorter runs.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Not their thing
A string of bends won't flatter either of these. They're built around other priorities.
For running costs, you won't find daylight between them. Let the test ride settle it.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Softail Night Train FXSTB
What owners say
Strengths
- Aggressive factory-custom styling
Softail Fat Boy FLSTF
What owners say
Strengths
- Torque-rich, dependable engine
- Stable ride and comfortable cruising
What they share
- Displacement
- 1584 cc
- Engine
- 45° V-twin
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Peak torque at
- 3,200 rpm
- Fuel capacity
- 5.0 US gal (18.9 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
- Front brake
- 292 mm
- Rear tire
- 200/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Softail Night Train FXSTB | Softail Fat Boy FLSTF | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 26.0 in (660 mm) | 27.5 in (698 mm) |
| Wet weight | 681 lb (309 kg) | 714 lb (324 kg) |
| Softail Night Train FXSTB | Softail Fat Boy FLSTF | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 70 hp (52 kW) | 77 hp (57 kW) |
| Torque | 86 lb-ft (117 Nm) | 89 lb-ft (120 Nm) |
| Softail Night Train FXSTB | Softail Fat Boy FLSTF | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | MH90-21 | 140/75-17 |
| Wheelbase | 66.5 in (1689 mm) | 64.5 in (1638 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Softail Night Train FXSTB | Softail Fat Boy FLSTF | |
|---|---|---|
| Manually Adjustable Rear Suspension | Standard | Not offered |
| Heated Grips | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
