Pre-97 vs Post-97
Banned
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 760
Likes: 3
From: NYC
Damn ... two topic on the same day.
It's 1997 and on.
94 to 96 were the same.
Pre-94 is different again in many aspects. Then you to minor year differences where certain liabilities arise.
1997 and up ... less hassle finding key replacement parts, more incremental improvements included.
It's 1997 and on.
94 to 96 were the same.
Pre-94 is different again in many aspects. Then you to minor year differences where certain liabilities arise.
1997 and up ... less hassle finding key replacement parts, more incremental improvements included.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
Damn ... two topic on the same day.
It's 1997 and on.
94 to 96 were the same.
Pre-94 is different again in many aspects. Then you to minor year differences where certain liabilities arise.
1997 and up ... less hassle finding key replacement parts, more incremental improvements included.
It's 1997 and on.
94 to 96 were the same.
Pre-94 is different again in many aspects. Then you to minor year differences where certain liabilities arise.
1997 and up ... less hassle finding key replacement parts, more incremental improvements included.
As noted before it is '96 and on not '97 and on.
Even then that is misleading.
Starting in '89 (I believe) small things were changed almost every year until '96. Not many changes after '96.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 760
Likes: 3
From: NYC
Sorry, you're wrong.
It's 94 to 96.
97 frame changed. Seat height dropped and seat mount changed. Rear brake changed from a shaft on the pedal to a frame mounted spigot and used a different master cylinder. Rear frame struts and covers changed, they are slightly higher. 97 on used different saddlebag guards.
The 1997 frame is 47900-97.
The 1996 frame is 47900-93B.
The clue is in the frame numbers. Parts are compatible between 94 to 96 models, but not 97 onwards.
I use H-D year designations.
Given the choice, I'd buy a 1997. Far more compatible parts and choices available. Lower but not that much different on the leg length.
Unfortunately, you'll lots of blockhead resellers advertizing 97 and up parts as "96" .because they bought a 1997 model in 96 ... but they won't fit. You'll find far less 1994 to 96 bits.
The battery tray and front engine guard is also new in 1997 too.
It's 94 to 96.
97 frame changed. Seat height dropped and seat mount changed. Rear brake changed from a shaft on the pedal to a frame mounted spigot and used a different master cylinder. Rear frame struts and covers changed, they are slightly higher. 97 on used different saddlebag guards.
The 1997 frame is 47900-97.
The 1996 frame is 47900-93B.
The clue is in the frame numbers. Parts are compatible between 94 to 96 models, but not 97 onwards.
I use H-D year designations.
Given the choice, I'd buy a 1997. Far more compatible parts and choices available. Lower but not that much different on the leg length.
Unfortunately, you'll lots of blockhead resellers advertizing 97 and up parts as "96" .because they bought a 1997 model in 96 ... but they won't fit. You'll find far less 1994 to 96 bits.
The battery tray and front engine guard is also new in 1997 too.
Last edited by Lucky Luke; Oct 18, 2015 at 01:48 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,125
Likes: 1,753
From: In The Woods, PA
The frame did change in '97, it has a lower seat height. The air valves for the suspension moved to the rear fender support behind the right hand saddlebag (from the handlebar for the front), and at least one of the side covers on the '96 has a bolt holding it on.
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 721
Likes: 18
From: Galesville, WI
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 441
From: Tejas
Mine is a 94 with the battery under the seat and a full sized right saddlebag for storage. That was why I went 94 up when looking for a dresser. I ran across this and found it interesting too.
1992 47900-89A FRAME
1992 (2nd one) 47900-92 FRAME
1993 47900-93A FRAME
1994 47900-93A FRAME
1995 47900-93B FRAME
1996 47900-93B FRAME
1997 47900-97 FRAME
I'm guessing the 93A frames had the battery moved, but thought the 96 was a different frame like the 97 was? Guess not.
Griz
1992 47900-89A FRAME
1992 (2nd one) 47900-92 FRAME
1993 47900-93A FRAME
1994 47900-93A FRAME
1995 47900-93B FRAME
1996 47900-93B FRAME
1997 47900-97 FRAME
I'm guessing the 93A frames had the battery moved, but thought the 96 was a different frame like the 97 was? Guess not.
Griz
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
Mine is a 94 with the battery under the seat and a full sized right saddlebag for storage. That was why I went 94 up when looking for a dresser. I ran across this and found it interesting too.
1992 47900-89A FRAME
1992 (2nd one) 47900-92 FRAME
1993 47900-93A FRAME
1994 47900-93A FRAME
1995 47900-93B FRAME
1996 47900-93B FRAME
1997 47900-97 FRAME
I'm guessing the 93A frames had the battery moved, but thought the 96 was a different frame like the 97 was? Guess not.
Griz
1992 47900-89A FRAME
1992 (2nd one) 47900-92 FRAME
1993 47900-93A FRAME
1994 47900-93A FRAME
1995 47900-93B FRAME
1996 47900-93B FRAME
1997 47900-97 FRAME
I'm guessing the 93A frames had the battery moved, but thought the 96 was a different frame like the 97 was? Guess not.
Griz