Mid‑1990s Harley lineups show how the company balanced classic cruiser styling with growing tech and touring options, so 1996 is a useful year to study for riders, restorers and collectors. Whether you’re checking specs, confirming a VIN, or comparing models before a purchase, a clear snapshot of that model year saves time and surprises.
There are 22 1996 Harley-Davidson Models, ranging from Dyna Low Rider to Touring model options (ABS, Tour-Pak). For each entry you’ll find below organized data showing Factory code,Engine (cc),Category & key changes so you can quickly compare engines, categories and notable updates across the lineup you’ll find below.
Which 1996 Harley-Davidson models are best suited for long-distance rides?
Look to the Touring models—those offered with ABS and Tour-Pak—because they provide larger fuel tanks, more comfortable seating, wind protection and luggage capacity; compare their Engine (cc) and Category & key changes in the list below to pick the right balance of power and comfort.
How can I use the Factory code, Engine (cc), and Category & key changes columns when researching?
Use the Factory code to confirm exact model/trim, Engine (cc) to compare displacement and likely performance, and Category & key changes to spot year-to-year updates or option packages—together they help match parts, assess value and verify originality.
1996 Harley-Davidson Models
| Model | Factory code | Engine (cc) | Category & key changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electra Glide Classic | FLHTC | 1,340 | Touring; classic full-dress tourer |
| Electra Glide Ultra Classic | FLHTCU | 1,340 | Touring; premium touring with audio options |
| Electra Glide Standard | FLHT | 1,340 | Touring; stripped touring model |
| Road King | FLHR | 1,340 | Touring; fendered, no fairing styling |
| Electra Glide Police | FLHTP | 1,340 | Touring; law-enforcement spec |
| Road King Police | FLHP | 1,340 | Touring; police Road King variant |
| Heritage Softail Classic | FLSTC | 1,340 | Softail; vintage cruiser styling |
| Fat Boy | FLSTF | 1,340 | Softail; heavyweight, solid-disc wheels |
| Springer Softail | FLSTS | 1,340 | Softail; springer front end, classic look |
| Softail Standard | FLST | 1,340 | Softail; minimalist cruiser |
| Dyna Super Glide | FXD | 1,340 | Dyna; rider-focused chassis |
| Dyna Low Rider | FXDL | 1,340 | Dyna; lowered sport cruiser |
| Dyna Wide Glide | FXDWG | 1,340 | Dyna; chopper-inspired rake and styling |
| Dyna Super Glide Sport | FXDX | 1,340 | Dyna; performance-oriented Dyna |
| FXR Low Rider | FXRS | 1,340 | FXR family; performance-frame cruiser |
| Sportster 883 Hugger | XLH883 | 883 | Sportster; retro small-displacement cruiser |
| Sportster 1200 Custom | XL1200C | 1,200 | Sportster; custom-styled 1200 |
| Sportster 1200 Sport | XL1200S | 1,200 | Sportster; performance-oriented 1200 |
| Electra Glide Classic Anniversary editions | FLHTC (special) | 1,340 | Touring; limited trims/graphics |
| Softail Custom | FLSTC?* | 1,340 | Softail; customizable cruiser |
| Touring model options (ABS, Tour-Pak) | FLHT*/FLHR* | 1,340 | Touring; 1996 option highlights |
| Police and fleet variants summary | FLHTP/FLHP/others | 1,340 | Fleet; police and municipal specs |
Images and Descriptions

Electra Glide Classic
Full-dress touring bike with batwing fairing, hard luggage and comfortable ergonomics; 1996 featured Evolution 1,340cc big-twin, popular with touring buyers and collectors for classic Electra Glide styling.

Electra Glide Ultra Classic
Top-tier touring Electra Glide with factory stereo, trunk and full luggage; 1996 Ultra Classic offered premium comfort and factory options, desirable for long-distance riders and collectors.

Electra Glide Standard
Base Electra Glide touring model with fewer accessories and simpler trim; 1996 version used the 1,340cc Evolution V-twin, affordable entry to Harley touring ownership.

Road King
Retro-styled touring with large headlamp and detachable windshield; 1996 Road King paired classic looks with a 1,340cc Evolution engine, popular with riders preferring simple touring ergonomics.

Electra Glide Police
Police-spec Electra Glide with special equipment mounts and rugged trim; 1996 FLHTP used 1,340cc engine and was built to departmental specs, sought-after by collectors of police Harleys.

Road King Police
Road King configured for police use with patrol lighting and mounts; 1996 FLHP combined Road King styling with police-duty upgrades and the 1,340cc Evolution motor.

Heritage Softail Classic
Heritage Softail with nostalgic fenders, leather bags and chrome; the 1996 FLSTC used the 1,340cc Evolution, prized by collectors for classic cruiser looks and touring practicality.

Fat Boy
Iconic Fat Boy with beefy stance and solid-disc wheels; 1996 model retained the 1,340cc Evolution and is highly collectible for its distinctive styling and pop-culture status.

Springer Softail
Softail chassis with a springer front end for vintage appearance; 1996 FLSTS featured the 1,340cc engine and remains popular among riders seeking retro Harley style.

Softail Standard
Entry-level Softail with classic lines and fewer trims; 1996 FLST offered the same 1,340cc Evolution big-twin in a straightforward cruiser package.

Dyna Super Glide
Mid-weight Dyna with exposed rear shocks and mid-mounted controls; 1996 FXD paired a 1,340cc Evolution engine with nimble handling, good for customizers and street riders.

Dyna Low Rider
Sporty Dyna with a lower stance and more aggressive ergonomics; 1996 FXDL used the 1,340cc motor and appealed to riders wanting Dyna performance with cruiser looks.

Dyna Wide Glide
Wide-Glide rake and taller handlebars for chopper flavor; 1996 FXDWG featured the 1,340cc Evolution and remains a popular platform for collectors and custom builders.

Dyna Super Glide Sport
Sport-tuned Super Glide with sportier suspension and clip-on style bars; 1996 FXDX offered a more aggressive riding position with the 1,340cc engine for performance-minded riders.

FXR Low Rider
FXR-based low rider blending handling and cruiser comfort; 1996 FXRS retained the Evolution big-twin and is valued for its sportier FXR chassis dynamics.

Sportster 883 Hugger
Sportster 883 “Hugger” with classic tank and solo seat proportions; 1996 XL883 appealed to newer riders and collectors of 883 Evolution Sportsters.

Sportster 1200 Custom
1200cc Sportster with chromed custom trim and mid-controls; 1996 XL1200C combined the 1,200cc Evolution with cruiser styling, a popular entry into big-bore Sportsters.

Sportster 1200 Sport
Sport variant of the 1200 with sportier components and tuned performance; 1996 XL1200S aimed at riders seeking more performance from the Sportster platform.

Electra Glide Classic Anniversary editions
1996 saw special paint/graphics editions across touring models in some markets; factory-produced special trims increase collectibility for cosmetic rarity.

Softail Custom
Factory softail variants with custom-inspired trim in 1996, offering collectors period-correct custom looks on a 1,340cc Softail platform.

Touring model options (ABS, Tour-Pak)
1996 touring models offered optional ABS and audio/tour-pak packages from the factory, notable upgrades that affect desirability and restoration originality.

Police and fleet variants summary
Harley produced multiple 1996 police/fleet variants based on Electra Glide and Road King platforms, built to spec with 1,340cc Evolution engines for enforcement use.
How we reviewed this article
This article was researched against manufacturer records and editorially reviewed before publishing. We accept no payment for coverage.


