any chance you can send link to this article?

 

I should hope so. I’m expecting at least 150,000 miles out of mine.

 

@Burbur2

I will try it, when the article is online.
Up to now there ist only the History of this Test (in german language) online.
Google may help you for translation.

 

i'm very impressed to see Harley as 3 of the top 6 motorcycles in this list

 

Me too Uncle G. Me too.

 

Here is English translation:

Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 50,000 km endurance test | MOTORRADonline.de

Logo Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 50,000 km endurance test
Goal almost achieved - reader experiences wanted

08/13/2020, 7:25 p.m.

The Heritage Classic is extremely retro, even for a Harley. At MOTORRAD, the Classic version can now take 50,000 kilometers under the spoked wheels in an endurance test. The latest information is always available here.

Show complete article
Another two-cylinder in the long-term test fleet and another in V-shape: With the Heritage Classic from the Harley-Davidson range, however, one of the more leisurely pace. Nonetheless, the Milwaukee-Eight-V2 in the 114ci specification - with 94 hp from 1.9 liters of displacement - has to prove itself over 50,000 kilometers. The new Harley started on June 6th, 2018 with 221 kilometers on the clock. Already on the maiden voyage, the colleagues noted a direct response to every gas command, a smooth engine run and a thoroughly impressive draft. The first defect has already occurred: the left front turn signal stopped working. Before the two-cylinder was released into everyday editorial work, it had to be measured on the test bench. This was followed by the input measurement as well as the sealing of the engine and a compression measurement.

The Harley Heritage Classic has almost made it, the 50,000 km endurance test distance is as good as unwound. For the final balance, MOTORRAD is looking for experiences that owners of a current Heritage Classic have made so far. Letters, if possible by 9/28/2020 with a photo, by email.

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Mileage: 49,999, 7/2020

At the end of the endurance test, MOTORRAD action team tour guide Daniel Lengwenus collected some last impressions of the Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage:

1. The Harley is not really made for people under six feet tall. When you are smaller, the HD becomes a stretching instrument. If you really sit in the hollow of the seat, then you can no longer reach anything sensible. The handlebars when turning, foot brakes and gears can then only be reached by moving forward.

2. The saddlebags can also be opened if you have stowed a large Ortlieb travel bag on the pillion seat - but still acceptable. The opening mechanism suits you very well. The Sissibar also stabilizes a second bag and makes the HD a competent travel device, also for a camping holiday.

3. I have never experienced a more complicated oil check. And I've been riding all kinds of motorcycles for over 40 years. Does this have anything to do with northern Indian myths and the procedure was devised by a medicine man?

4. I discovered two bottle cages. Two small half-liter bottles fit perfectly behind the window. Since they cannot get away and are cooled by the wind. OK, at 35 degrees in the Stuttgart boiler it was more heating than cooling ...

Š Daniel Lengwenus
Bottle cage discovered: two small half-liter bottles fit perfectly behind the Harley windshield.
5. Speaking of heating: At summer temperatures above 30 degrees, the HD can only be driven by people who pour two ladles in the sauna at 95 degrees. The huge engine unit generates heat like a fresh, still hot asphalt surface. You can hardly stand that in the Stuttgart boiler. If you dress thinly, you risk a scorched right calf. Stop and go in the city center at 34 degrees was a borderline experience.

After the next service (cost 283.70 euros) and a new TÜV / HU were on the program at around 40,000 kilometers, Daniel Lengwenus grabbed the endurance test Harley with fresh tires with MIchelin Commander III for an extensive excursion: "The Harley is a comfortable one Travel device as long as you leave the cruise control at 120 km / h. Amazingly, it acknowledges only 5 km / h more with significantly more vibrations and drafts, everything is immediately a lot more strenuous and then not worth the effort. Realized at 120 km / h you usually have an average speed of around 110 km / h. That is enough to make good progress in Germany. OK, speed is different, but the Harley also stands for comfortable travel. And it works very well with her. that it only starts when idling. This is really very old school. Or is a sensor broken here? "

Š Daniel Lengwenus.
The Harley-Davidson is now 43,200 kilometers.
"In addition, when you first shift into first gear in the morning, you wake up all your neighbors. And unfortunately it is difficult to find idle with the engine running. The best way to do this is with the engine off and without the clutch. But that also works Not always. It is very annoying that the lock shackle protrudes a good five centimeters into the suitcase, which makes loading whole bags very difficult. It doesn't have to be like that, it's really bad school! Consumption of 5.5 at 120 km / h and 5.9 at 130 km / h are okay in view of the displacement of almost two liters. The torque is already gigantic and the thrust up to 3,500 rpm too. But as described, the leisurely bubbling cruising is the main discipline of this Harley . Gladly again."

Š Imre Paulovits
MOTORCYCLE sports reporter Imre Paulovits was on a GP tour to Spain with the Harley: In all honesty, after the experience with back pain from other long tours with Harleys, I wasn't exactly eager to go that far with the Heritage, but my fears were completely for no reason. The seating position and the bench allow relaxed travel even over 1,500 kilometers, the windshield offers good wind protection without a vacuum effect, so long stages are a pleasure. The fact that the handlebars are way too high only bothers at the beginning, you get used to it very quickly. The Big Twin is above all doubts, potters inconspicuously but with a lot of pressure and you always feel confident with it. The consumption is also moderate, so you can drive almost 300 kilometers on one tank of fuel. The fuel gauge is quite accurate and reliably tells you when to refuel.

I was also surprised at how well it behaves even on brisk country roads. You have to take it by the horns and grab it hard, you just have to ignore the fact that it gets fidgety at the front over bumps in the sloping position, but the long trail always gets back on track. Sure, that's not the way I moved her, not target group-oriented, but when I was riding a group of sports bikes with her in the Spanish mountains for an hour, I got a standing ovation when we stopped together at a gas station. So I found it all the more annoying when it rained that the grip of the tires in wet conditions left a lot to be desired. The tread was not that fresh anymore, a tire change is certainly due, but she pushed over the front wheel much too early and she wedged out too early when applying the gas. But her profession is clearly cruising, in the Spanish semi-desert this was a majestic experience with her.

The panniers offer a lot of space, but my backpack with computer and everyday equipment fit into one. However, the fact that the shackle of the lock protrudes into the packing area is not a good solution because it makes loading extremely difficult. The packing machines are only waterproof in one direction: whatever rains in never comes out again. So you always have to carefully pack the things you carry in the panniers in plastic bags beforehand if you don't want to experience a wet miracle.

Mileage: 32,172, 09/2019

MOTORRAD editor Klaus Herder recently traveled around 2,350 kilometers with the endurance test Harley-Davidson Heritage 114 and gives feedback.

Engine: I like it very much, wonderful pressure from the cellar, always between 1,800 and 3,000 / min (recommended motorway speed) can be driven smoothly and jerk-free, more revolutions don't make a grin. And unlike my colleague Heinrich Lingner, I think the throttle response and clutch control are perfect. Sound also great - not plump, but strikingly pithy when the shower is opened. Already fits perfectly in series production.

Transmission: What really annoys me is this transmission. The translation is completely okay, but the noise generated, especially when downshifting (rolling down at the traffic light) is cruel, the effort is immense - I always had the feeling of having to break a board. I've been driving HD non-stop privately since 1985, but I've never come across anything like that. Probably supposed to be extra because of "agricultural machinery charm" or something similar. Just this much: my Porsche Junior Diesel Tractor from 1962 can be switched much quieter and smoother! If it is standard, it would be reason enough NOT to buy this motorcycle.

Š Klaus Herder
MOTORRAD editor Klaus Herder: There was a software update at Harley-Davidson in Hanover so that the speedometer no longer drains the battery. I was made aware of this by the CTEK loading light. "
Chassis: I don't really like the Softail frames (they just don't look good), I'm an avowed Dyna fan. But I have to admit without envy that with the new chassis you can iron lively, stable and extremely comfortably over rough (motorway) faults (e.g. A81, Neuenstadt-Möckmühl), where my Dynas (currently Low Rider S from 2016 ) have already hoisted the white flag. The brakes are, well, there. For almost 25 mille, however, a double disc would not be asking too much in my opinion.

Other: The bench is very comfortable. 800 kilometers in a row were easily feasible for men over 90 pounds without problems with the buttocks. And although I don't like running boards either: These are great - high enough so that it doesn't scratch until late, wide and long enough to be able to vary the position of the legs on long tours.

The operation of the turn signals is foolproof and easily doable even with ultra-sausage gloves, just a shame that the mini control lamps are out of view and the automatic turn signal reset intervenes far too early for my taste. Scrolling through the menu, setting the time and zeroing the trip meter are child's play, even for a computer honk like me. And the operation of the additional headlights is ingeniously simple.
The range indicator reports low tide in the tank far too early. Even after 15 kilometers with LOW display (which is displayed after the remaining range and usually causes a little panic), no more than 16 liters fit in, making three liters (around 50 kilometers) of rest that is not used.
The windshield is - depending on your height and helmet - not optimal. At 185 height and with the Arai Profile, I was exposed to violent turbulence. Since speeds over 140 km / h are no fun, although the engine could bring significantly more when completely relaxed. Change of helmet to the Schuberth C3 pro: without earplugs quieter than Arai with; and can be driven fairly smoothly up to 150 km / h. Nevertheless: Either a decent fairing as on the tourers. Or none at all. This heritage gimmick is best suited for slim dwarf seats.
And HD can also save the panniers. Bad enough that hardly anything fits in there. Even worse, however, is that the locking bracket is so large and in the middle that even stuffing soft luggage into it is quite tedious.

Conclusion: great engine, stable chassis. However, as an old Harley fan and driver, I still don't want to be very enthusiastic. Brakes, gears, discs, mini bags - there are simply too many half-baked details that are out of proportion to the lavish purchase price. And somehow I also find them a bit too smooth and boring. Nothing half and nothing whole. Objectively, my Dyna Low Rider S may possibly be less capable than the Heritage - at least in terms of chassis. But the bottom line is that I wouldn't trade them in a thousand cold winters.

Mileage: 27,900, 07/2019

Guest driver Heinrich Lingner, test editor at auto motor und sport, took the Harley on an 800 km weekend trip under the wheels.

Phew, where do you start? I liked e.g. the comfortable chassis, only short, violent bumps hit through, but given the very short suspension travel, this is acceptable. After you have got used to the mass and dimensions of this two-wheeler, the handling is also ok. At least as soon as the plane rolls. When maneuvering and driving very slowly, I found the Heritage comparatively difficult to control. But this is also due to the need to get used to the dosing of gas and clutch. In addition, the braking system could respond more crisply.

Also great, with restrictions, is the high-torque engine. And now come the restrictions: The performance characteristics with the rapidly and steeply rising torque mountain are a bit too intense for me. Dosing the power on the rear wheel is difficult, even small movements of the gas lead to hard work. I think my 20 year old carburettor Harley is more harmonious.

I don't want to say much about the look and style of the bike, just this much: I somehow like the old Heritages with chrome and whitewall tires better, this is a little bit of show and pseudo-customizing for me. For this Heritage, as for some other current Harleys: It looks like its own replica.

Š Heinrich Lingner

As a touring motorcycle, this Harley seems to me to be less than average. The wind protection is modest, behind the windshield there are various vortex zones that, in my case, press the airflow uncomfortably against the lower edge of the helmet. Incidentally, this also means that when it rains you are soaked after a short time, even in the area that should actually be protected by the pane.

The sitting position is uncomfortable in the long run with my size (1.89), the knee angle is never right, no matter where you put the boots on the step. The panniers are narrow, so that hardly anything fits in, not waterproof and the other storage options for luggage are hardly available.

For such an expensive motorcycle, the instrument unit makes a loveless impression with the black plastic cover and the tiny digital displays for fuel level, trip distance etc. and the very small control lights.

But what bothered me most is the stubborn gear. I also like mechanical feedback, but that's a bit too much for me. I also found it difficult to hit neutral when coasting, which is easier on many other (old and new) motorcycles. What I noticed during the oil check: The side cover on the right is loose.

Š Heinrich Lingner

Conclusion after around 800 km? Somehow not my Harley, more like an ice cream parlor motorcycle that is only good for short trips. If I ride a Harley, it should either be a proper touring bucket or something similar to a chopper.

Editor Thorsten Dentges traveled around 1,700 kilometers with the Harley over a long weekend. The trip led to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Thürngen. There was also minimal camping equipment and the most important utensils for going out in the evening: "Everything fit perfectly in the suitcases, which (luckily) did not have to prove their tightness at 37 degrees and blazing sun. The suitcases seem rather inferior. The ergonomics I am always surprised when I travel. Despite the easy rider posture, I found myself fully comfortable, 800 kilometers on the first day with only short breaks no problem. However, due to the lack of grip on the running boards, the shoes always slide backwards from the wind pressure from a speed of 130 km / h on my rather loose boot-cut biker jeans? The tires (Metzeler) have good grip and provide a lot of security in curves. Maneuvering is quite easy because of the tight steering angle. I like the motorcycle, great cruiser for one-man travel with me higher proportion of country roads, did not seem overwhelmed or too fat even on the smallest connecting routes through the lake district. "

Š Uli Baumann

Online editor Uli Baumann kidnapped the Harley on several day trips across the Swabian Alb, the Black Forest and the Vosges. His conclusion: Riding a Harley is different. You are never really fast, but you still experience incredible driving dynamics. Speed ​​limits become your friend, because on the Heritage 50 or 80 km / h is an experience and not a brake on fun. The Metzeler Cruisetec tires have done the thick ship noticeably good. It looks more manageable and the grip is always sufficient - even on wet slopes. However, the front tire also brings a noticeable, but harmless momentum into play when braking. The V2 inspires again and again with its rich punch from the speed basement. And dear Harley tuners: On-board the acoustic impact is also completely sufficient - there really is no need for another exhaust. The running boards have now been rasped off enough that there is seldom contact with the road, even at a brisk pace.

Š Uli Baumann

The penetration of water into the suitcase is a structural problem. The water stops in the blind holes around the locks and slowly seeps through the lock screws into the suitcase. A little silicone in the assembly could work wonders here.

What is really missing: a rocker switch! Ok, a second front brake disc would also be on my wish list.

Another advantage of slim suitcases! Complete closure on the A1. Can easily slip through to the start of the traffic jam with the Heritage, the motorcycle is relatively handy and light-footed, no comparison to the cumbersome Road King, which I have just chased through Cuba for two weeks!

Life editor Thorsten Dentges: With the Harley over Easter to the north, that's the plan. But first a stopover in Mainz at the cathedral, which was still missing from my sightseeing collection list. The Heritage is great as a comfortable touring motorcycle, two hours of sitting are no problem, ergonomics with a light apehanger are perfect! However, the space in the suitcases is modest, I can hardly find my jogging gear, minimal clothes and a pair of street shoes. Advantage of the slim luggage: pushing through in the busy Mainz rush hour traffic is not a problem.

After the traffic jam has been cleared, it continues with a clear track at 160 km / h! I like this Harley!

Š Uwe Seitz

PS boss Uwe Seitz commutes to the editorial office by motorcycle every day. With the Harley he has now cracked the 20,000 km mark. The somewhat large play in the clutch cable has been adjusted.

Š Matthias Ackermann

MOTORRAD boss Matthias Ackermann went on a 500 kilometer day trip with a pillion to the Franconian region with the Heritage. Here is his conclusion: good suspension comfort, powerful pulling force, direct throttle response, as expected, swallows a lot when driving quickly. The seating comfort for the driver can be praised, for the 1.90 passenger it is (a bit) more uncomfortable in the long run, which repeatedly forces you to take breaks. If you are sporty, the running boards are permanently in contact with the asphalt, at higher speeds you have to see that your feet stay on the running boards.

After the autumn trip, which took the long-term fleet of vehicles to the Vosges and on which the Softail proved to be suitable for medium-sized mountains, a tire change was inevitable.

The rear tire had lasted at least 14,349 kilometers, the front tire would have been good for a few thousand. Now she likes Pirelli Night Dragon. But even the Italian rubbers can't stop sports bike fan Ralf Schneider from scolding. He accuses the Harley of trying to impose a kind of composure on him that makes him mad. A nice paradox. With the rest of the test team, however, the positive impressions far outweighed it. Above all, the comfort and the very good drivability ensure words of praise in the logbook.

 

Part 2

Lake Garda in autumn 2018. Our long-term test Harley Davidson Heritage drives as a support vehicle on a photo production. Pilot Rainer Froberg, training manager at the MOTORRAD Action Team, lets the 330 kilo bike really fly on the roads around Monte Bondone. The road from Dro to Rifugio Viate is a race track for super athletes, supermotos and powerful naked bikes, but certainly not for Harleys. But Rainer chases the American bride skyward so that the running boards scratch. She does not have to lose her composure. Not even on the narrow spaghetti streets that stretch from the Rifugio via Garniga and Cimone to Arco. The Harley simply proves that it is good for all situations in life if you know how to conduct it and give it a chance. The 94 hp 114-cubic-inch Milwaukee-Eight-V2 pushes tremendously from idle speed, at 3,000 rpm is a lush 155 Newton meters. As soon as the Harley is in motion, the handling is amazing for such a colossus. Overall, the trip with the Heritage was great fun. Even the motorway stages, thanks to a comfortable seat and large windshield. Thanks to suitcases and plenty of space on the pillion bench, nobody has to restrict themselves when taking luggage with them. Caution is only advised when the roads are wet. Then the outmoded Dunlop series tires no longer want to build up grip. Conclusion of the Lake Garda trip: the Heritage from 2018 is a travel machine and curve queen in one. Amazing but true!

MOTORRAD editor-in-chief Michael Pfeiffer on the endurance test Harley: 800 kilometers Harley in one day, the longest Harley tour in my life. Goes well because of the increased seating comfort, very good suspension, pleasant engine with a lot of boom from below. Autobahn to Cologne and back to visit Ducati Germany, they were amused but not interested.

The return trip was completely in the rain, the fairing was very well protected from the weather, and drove 371 kilometers with 16.9 liters. Disadvantage: the seat soaks up full of water through the seams, suitcases are not 100% waterproof.

Quickly home at the weekend: The MOTORRAD long-term test fleet has more suitable vehicles than the new Heritage Classic. But sometimes there is no other way, and so MOTORRAD author Stefan Kaschel grabbed the 300 kilo chunk with just under 1,900 cubic meters, over 150 Newton meters of torque and 94 hp for an express slide to East Westphalia. 500 kilometers there, 500 back. If possible, a little bit quickly!

And it works, not even badly. Firstly, because Kaschel installed the high and very practical screen, which was installed in a single movement and which also provides good wind protection on the green Heritage Harley. And second, because the 1900s stashes so much fuel in its mighty fuel barrel that one refueling stop per tour is enough. At least when the mighty V2 thunders around 3,000 rpm and the speed levels off around 140 to 150 km / h.

Whereby: In the literal sense of the word, it does not settle until later, from 150 items there is movement in the load. Not scary, but latent, especially when longitudinal grooves are involved. Otherwise, however, it is quite stable and comfortable as long as the central shock absorber does not have to take any major blows. Surprisingly, the thick, shiny chrome American steamer is said to have curve qualities until the running boards scratch. And something else is always noticed: the Heritage is liked by everyone - especially by those who have nothing else to do with motorcycles. Even Kaschel's sister Jutta, otherwise unlikely to be daring, found the Harley so likeable right away that she really wanted to go with it. What was missing was a second helmet, whereupon Papa Hartmut remembered his old flip-up helmet that had been moldy in the basement for ages. And so there was a solution that was only workable for the moment. The sister took the driver's helmet, the driver that of his father - but not without storing his mother's good silk scarf temporarily and thus avoiding any direct contact between the helmet lining and skin (there is a lot of it on his head). Result: The neighbors were amazed, sister Jutta enjoyed the ride and the Harley is long back in Stuttgart. She did well.

In everyday operation with short city trips, the Heritage has already scooped over 6,000 kilometers on the clock. Colleague Mike Schümann appreciates the cruise control and the travel comfort - but only up to a speed of 140. There is also praise for the powerful engine, but the brakes should be stronger.

At 2,151 km the endurance test Harley rolls in for the first inspection, during which there is new oil plus filter. Cost for the initial inspection: 353 euros. Immediately afterwards, my colleague Baumann went on a tour of the Odenwald. He really wanted to ride the Harley, see if the Harley myth could be experienced. He can. Life on the Hertiage takes place between 1,500 and 2,000 rpm. from. Comfort speed 95 km / h. The V2 offers a full thump, the sound inspires with every throttle without being intrusive (for the driver and the environment). Decelerating occurs automatically, even if the Hertiage can really get going when necessary. The single disc in front then struggles with the total mass, but the rear one jumps in to save. No leaning - no problem if you don't forget that you are riding a Harley. Only the windshield is annoying - it causes uncanny turbulence (1.90 meter tall driver). The LED headlights do not want to fit the concept at all.

The pillion comfort underground. The best co-driver in the world wanted to end the ride after an hour. Unfavorable footrest position, much too soft seat bun and always smearing the feeling backwards.

According to his own statements, MOTORRAD intern Ferdinand Heinrich's first experiences with a Harley took a lot of getting used to: A heavy chunk! As long as it rolls, however, it can be moved relatively easily. Just like the seating position, it takes some getting used to to get along with the Harley. The fat engine is fun, as is every gear change. This is real mechanical engineering and heavy metal! The Harley lets you feel that consistently. Positive: The standard exhaust is very present, but far from being chubby and loud. The Heritage is most fun on country roads and open motorways.

In traffic jams and in city traffic it is all the more exhausting. The fear of an embarrassing collapse grows at a slowing pace. Especially since it gets warm quickly in a traffic jam, even in cool temperatures. For the perfect tourer, the Harley lacks better lashing options and a higher or adjustable disc. For me (1.87 m), the windshield and the resulting turbulence from 110 km / h were not necessarily comfortable, even in a crouched position.

It looks like a rolling heritage, and it is. The Heritage Classic 114 sends a message that every passerby intuitively understands: classic shapes and proportions. Just like back in the 60s ... The flirtatiously new, fashionable LED headlights don't change anything. It is flanked by two additional side lights. The central shock absorber hidden in the chassis, which was completely renovated for 2018, is not visible anyway. The centerpiece, the 114 cubic inch V2, offers a real experience. Makes 1,868 cubic centimeters, 1.86 liters in the metric system. Uff.

Here, a long stroke (114.3 millimeters) meets low engine speeds, a large centrifugal mass meets a surprisingly pleasant throttle response - direct and yet nice and soft. All together results in a fat driving experience. In the speed range between 1,500 and 3,000 tours, there are probably few motorcycle engines with so much entertainment value. Just at 3,000 revolutions, a full 155 Newton meters should be present. The input measurement will tell. Either way, that is wonderful punch! One is happy to forgive the tough turning beyond the 4,000 mark, especially since the engine only has a good 500 kilometers on the clock. A full 94 PS, listen and be amazed, should be available for 5,020 tours.

During the first drives on the motorway, the darkened pane in the lower area should have offered a little more protection from the wind. The Harley tourers shield better. And they brake better too, with a double disc at the front. However, Electra Glide & Co. is not available with the fat 114 V2. And with a second brake disc, the wonderfully chrome-plated wheel hub of the Heritage Classic 114 would not be so prominent.

 

Most recent upgrade was the 16" Factory 47 Nomads. Right after install took a 13 hour trip (will never do that again) to S Padre Island. Loving the look, even with windshield on, Ergonomically for me, much better than stock, and goes with the look I want.

16" Nomads (Factory 47) 21x3.5 front tire.

 

Hey All! New to the forum, new to Harley. Swapped out my 18’ Triumph Tiger 800Xcx for my 18’ Heritage Classic. Only thing I’m trying to figure out (reason I joined up) is how I can carry as much as I did on the triumph. I bought the Harley stand alone luggage rack, and I have a pack I can strap to the passenger seat. But just trying to figure out how or where I can mount a bigger bag, do I need to buy a whole new sissy bar/luggage rack so I can mount another back to the seat back? Thanks everyone! (Only 1,075mi total on my bike)

 

You might want to look into HD luggage trunk. If that’s not adequate, you can use your passenger seat to strap a duffel bag to.