Thinking About A Heritage........
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 7,850
From: New York
For anyone old enough to remember ankle weights [do they still make them?], the sensation of wearing them then removing them is about the same as riding an Ultra then switching to the Softail. For your purposes, I believe a Softail would certainly fit your usage. As already mentioned, the Deluxe and Heritage are different. I don't remember all the differences [and there aren't a ton], but 2 that come to mind is that the Heritage comes stock with side-cases and a windshield. If you think you can do without those, consider the Deluxe. Even if you decide later that you need or want those, they are easily added. FWIW, I have detachable leather side-cases and a detachable windshield on my Deluxe. I love it.
I am leaning in that same direction. Going to trade my 2015 RGS for a 2020 Heritage. I had a 2009 Heritage before my Road Glide and the wind buffeting was brutal on the 09. Curious if it is still as bad on the 2020 Heritage.
Thanks
Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
Few years more than you, go with the 114. I looked at the Heritage, and the Deluxe. I went with the Fatboy.
Ask yourself if the windshield is really that important, everything else can be added.
I will say the Heritage is the choice if you're not into upgrading and want a scoot that brings everything to the table.
I will tell you this, they're all quiet, too quiet for my likening. My ears are RPM orient and that first 500 miles under 3K RPM was aggravating, cant wait til the 1K service and a different exhaust and stage 1.
Ask yourself if the windshield is really that important, everything else can be added.
I will say the Heritage is the choice if you're not into upgrading and want a scoot that brings everything to the table.
I will tell you this, they're all quiet, too quiet for my likening. My ears are RPM orient and that first 500 miles under 3K RPM was aggravating, cant wait til the 1K service and a different exhaust and stage 1.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 63
Likes: 20
From: Saskatchewan
I agree the bags look cheap. The latch looks poor and also is poorly placed, compromising space in an already small bag. They are more suitable to a metric cruiser.
I answered my HD questionnaire suggesting they find a more classic solution for the bags and also the bag and seat rivets.
With all that said, I better add that I am amazed with this bike. The engine, 114, and the handling are top notch.
Last edited by bailer; Sep 28, 2019 at 04:59 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 96
Likes: 31
From: Minneapolis
Haven't had the opportunity to ride a new Heritage Deluxe yet.
Currently have a 2014 SGS that I like a lot. I'm 64 years old and wondering if the lighter Softail might be a better near future fit for me.
Don't do any real long rides or many overnights anymore. Most rides are 70-200 miles. I do go out for a short ride almost daily as weather permits (Michigan). Average about 5500 miles per season. I enjoy jumping my Harley even if it's only a 3 mile trip to the hardware store.
Thinking the new Softail may be overall easier to balance and back up when I need to. I do find my SGS is very comfortable to ride around on, upgraded bars, corbin, and suspension upgrades helped a lot. My 103 power is more than adequate, so a 107 would be fine. I enjoy a windshield and saddle bags are a must for quick shopping stops.
5' 9" 200 pounds.
Thanks for your opinions!
Currently have a 2014 SGS that I like a lot. I'm 64 years old and wondering if the lighter Softail might be a better near future fit for me.
Don't do any real long rides or many overnights anymore. Most rides are 70-200 miles. I do go out for a short ride almost daily as weather permits (Michigan). Average about 5500 miles per season. I enjoy jumping my Harley even if it's only a 3 mile trip to the hardware store.
Thinking the new Softail may be overall easier to balance and back up when I need to. I do find my SGS is very comfortable to ride around on, upgraded bars, corbin, and suspension upgrades helped a lot. My 103 power is more than adequate, so a 107 would be fine. I enjoy a windshield and saddle bags are a must for quick shopping stops.
5' 9" 200 pounds.
Thanks for your opinions!
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 504
Likes: 192
From: Atlanta
Been thinking along these lines too....2019 SGS that I love, but I miss my heritage (have owned about 5 over time). Traded my 2018 114 for the SGS.
I think the Heritage is nearly the perfect bike......and at 67...I know over time the size of the Heritage will be a plus.
What keeps me from doing it is the financial hit you take trading in a SGS for the Heritage. Mine had roughly 30K MSRP....they want to give me 20K. I won't do it!!!
I like the bike too much to give it away.
I think the Heritage is nearly the perfect bike......and at 67...I know over time the size of the Heritage will be a plus.
What keeps me from doing it is the financial hit you take trading in a SGS for the Heritage. Mine had roughly 30K MSRP....they want to give me 20K. I won't do it!!!
I like the bike too much to give it away.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 2,310
From: Wisconsin
Same story here. Traded in my 2014 Street Glide Special for a 114 Heritage. The Heritage is a great bike....maybe my most liked bike ever. It still has a few mods needed to get it to the top. There is tough competition, my other bike is a 2018 Gold Wing DCT.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 614
Likes: 231
From: Hendeson, NV
Old Guys Still Rule, But . . .
2019 Low Rider with 14" Windshield, Luggage Rack and Mustang Wide Tripper Solo Seat
I turn 74 next month and bought a new Low Rider in June. The new Softails are extremely stable, particularly in low speed maneuvers, and much easier to back up. It isn't just the weight; the geometry of the new frame combined with the placement and weight of the M8 engine moves the center of gravity lower.
I looked at the Heritage and the Deluxe--beautiful bikes!!!. Of the two bikes, the Heritage is the better buy, if you price in all of its standard features that are add-ons on the Deluxe. Plus, you can get the Heritage with a 114 engine. Like you, I now ride mostly locally and occasional shorter trips. For short duration trips or long day tours, I can get all I need in a large backpack I strap to a luggage rack. I recommend that If you don't need the bags most of the time, don't pull the trigger until you look at and test ride a Low Rider and a Slim.
I live in an urban environment in which homicidal idiots are constantly on the loose. The increased maneuverability and lower weight of the Low Rider and Slim are handy for local cruising. If needed, you can stop either one of them on a dime or do a rapid veer. FYI: I got the Low Rider because I am more comfortable with mid controls for local cruising. But, if you like forward controls, the Slim is a great choice.
Good luck, whatever you decide.
Last edited by Las Vegas Jim; Sep 29, 2019 at 07:44 PM. Reason: Word Change
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
I just got a 2019 3 weeks ago. Its my 4th heritage. Honestly the bike is near perfect, even the seat is good. My other heritages i swapped the shields due to buffeting. This bike has none. Im 6'1 and ride with an arai ff. Diff heights and helmets could be different
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
I have limited miles on the Heritage so far but I don't detect any buffeting. There is wind that comes from low on the front suspension but not buffeting. Windshield deflects air over the top of me just grazing the top of my head and "calm" to the sides. Several years ago I test rode a new 11 RG and for me the buffeting was terrible at highway speeds. Bought FLHTK and was happy.