'95-'96 vs. '97 Mechanical and Electrical Differences??

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Jun 6, 2018 | 08:39 AM

Dethroned Emperor

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'95-'96 vs. '97 Mechanical and Electrical Differences??

Hi -- hope you guys are having some fun out there and staying in one piece.

I'm in the market for a BadBoy/FXSTSB and I noticed that the '95-'96 parts, service and wiring diagram manuals are different than the '97 ones.

I'm aware of the speedo change in '96 for the BadBoy, but what changed in '97 for Softails? I'm curious to see if there are any pros and cons from a service/maintenance and reliability standpoint between '95-'96 vs. '97 -- especially regarding electrical stuff.

Thanks

Jun 6, 2018 | 11:06 AM

texashillcountry

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From: Haslet Texas

The change occurred between '95 and '96.
The changes were mostly wiring.
Digital speedo driven off the tranny, different connectors on the wiring harness, different ignition switch, different master cylinder, different handlebar switches and switch housings.
There may have been other differences but I can't think of them right now.

Jun 6, 2018 | 11:14 AM

Tom84FXST

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From: Farmington ,MS

Quote:

Originally Posted by texashillcountry

The change occurred between '95 and '96.

"The change" occurred mid year 96...I owned a late 96 and was burned several times ordering parts for it...started just ordering parts for a 97

Jun 6, 2018 | 01:01 PM

Dethroned Emperor

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Thanks guys, "interesting" (aka what a PIA) re. the mid year update.

Would the VIN give me a clue to production date? Looking at a '96 as well.

Any opinions on the updates being better or worse?

Jun 6, 2018 | 01:16 PM

Tom84FXST

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From: Farmington ,MS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dethroned Emperor

Thanks guys, "interesting" (aka what a PIA) re. the mid year update.

Would the VIN give me a clue to production date? Looking at a '96 as well.

Any opinions on the updates being better or worse?

Look under the seat...a late 96 has a fuse box under there with a cutout in the fender...an early 96 does not.

The never style wiring should be more waterproof...never had problems with the older ones

The later ones had the nicer hand controls...and self canceling turn signals that actually work.

Jun 6, 2018 | 01:31 PM

Dethroned Emperor

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Awesome, Tom.

Your advice and pic are sparking some memories of the '96 I had (stolen in 2005).

Thanks for the refresher!!!!

Jun 6, 2018 | 03:46 PM

Dethroned Emperor

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...and... another question:

If someone were to get a '96 w/ the updates, they'd better off buying the '97 service manual/bible as opposed to the '96?