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'20 Heritage 114 with 16,000+ miles. I'm amazed by this bike. Totally comfortable, powerful, awesome handling - perfect for a week long trip or an hour ride. My five previous Harley's were touring models. At this stage of life, I could not ask for more from a Harley (except the pipes - Rineharts are being added this month).
Eh, not entirely. I wanted something stripped down after inserting the front end of my Road Glide into the trunk of a car last year. It was between a Heritage and a Road King. The money difference made me decide on the Heritage. It's not a horrible bike by any means but, the limited 3rd party options for things like seats, exhaust and lighting is a major downside IMO. With the counter balanced motor in the Softail, the additional vibration in the bars at 90+ is a livable annoyance. And same with the smaller bags, Coming from a Street Glide then a Road Glide, I definitely miss the larger storage space the touring models have. These are just my nitpicks and I am sure most wouldn't agree with them.
I was at the local dealer last week getting my yearly inspection done on my 2007 Deluxe and had a little time to kill. Over in the corner of the showroom were a few of the new Heritage Softails. A silver one with all the chrome kept calling me over so I gave a sat. While I didn't have time for a test ride, I have to say it felt very well put together. No loosey goosey just solid. Are you happy with yours? Is there a big difference between the new and the older frames? I've always enjoyed the feel of mine but this seemed a different animal entirely. What say you and thanks in advance.
Bought my 2018 Heritage Classic in May of 2018.
Got 57,000 on her now and I really enjoy it.
Never had any Harley before so I cant compare it to previous renditions.
Eh, not entirely. I wanted something stripped down after inserting the front end of my Road Glide into the trunk of a car last year. It was between a Heritage and a Road King. The money difference made me decide on the Heritage. It's not a horrible bike by any means but, the limited 3rd party options for things like seats, exhaust and lighting is a major downside IMO. With the counter balanced motor in the Softail, the additional vibration in the bars at 90+ is a livable annoyance. And same with the smaller bags, Coming from a Street Glide then a Road Glide, I definitely miss the larger storage space the touring models have. These are just my nitpicks and I am sure most wouldn't agree with them.
I'd agree that the touring platform qualities might be better suited for the usage you've suggested potentially running @ 90mph; wind management especially is, out of the box, vastly better than the Heritage. It's a reoccurring theme amongst Heritage owners of how to reduce wind buffeting to run at speed comfortably; my solution is to use a Freedom Shields recurve screen coupled with soft lowers over the front crash bars, that's offered a massive improvement. I know some swear by fork mounted fangs, I've not tried them personally. Where the Softail beats the touring hands-down is with a lighter, more nimble and better controlled chassis; it's a more modern design and feels it in every way. Perhaps if Harley had applied a similar head to toe redesign to the touring range then many current Softail owners might have considered a 'more modern' touring option first, until then the Heritage is perhaps the natural go-to for classic style versatility. I agree that the range of accessories is not as comprehensive as the touring range, but there's almost enough to suit most owners needs/wants in general...
I'd agree that the touring platform qualities might be better suited for the usage you've suggested potentially running @ 90mph; wind management especially is, out of the box, vastly better than the Heritage. It's a reoccurring theme amongst Heritage owners of how to reduce wind buffeting to run at speed comfortably; my solution is to use a Freedom Shields recurve screen coupled with soft lowers over the front crash bars, that's offered a massive improvement. I know some swear by fork mounted fangs, I've not tried them personally. Where the Softail beats the touring hands-down is with a lighter, more nimble and better controlled chassis; it's a more modern design and feels it in every way. Perhaps if Harley had applied a similar head to toe redesign to the touring range then many current Softail owners might have considered a 'more modern' touring option first, until then the Heritage is perhaps the natural go-to for classic style versatility. I agree that the range of accessories is not as comprehensive as the touring range, but there's almost enough to suit most owners needs/wants in general...
I ordered a ClearView shield some weeks back, still waiting for it. A very popular upgrade for Heritage bikes. I confirmed the stock shield is at least 1.5" low for me as a look-over shield. I've shrunk to 5'10", formerly 6'0" when riding as a young man. My first bike was a Honda Shadow with stock shield that was much taller than the Heritage stock shield. I never had head buffeting on the Honda. I have severe head buffeting on the Heritage above 60 mph.
Bought my '22 FLHCS 114 on June 29th of 2022. 10 Months later I have almost 11K miles on the odo. Avon grips, Ultimate seat & backrest, Motherwell Fender rack, Khrome Werks Slip-ons, V&H FP4. custom ordered Freedom Shield and a HD Tour pack and yeah...I'm Happy.
Last edited by JINKSTER; May 11, 2023 at 11:25 AM.
I ordered a ClearView shield some weeks back, still waiting for it. A very popular upgrade for Heritage bikes. I confirmed the stock shield is at least 1.5" low for me as a look-over shield. I've shrunk to 5'10", formerly 6'0" when riding as a young man. My first bike was a Honda Shadow with stock shield that was much taller than the Heritage stock shield. I never had head buffeting on the Honda. I have severe head buffeting on the Heritage above 60 mph.
Adding the soft lowers (possibly fork fangs instead, I don't know, I've never used them) will make a huge difference also, they reduce the substantial 'up-draught' behind the shield (which is kinda the main problem) tremendously. Would be good to hear from others who may agree, or otherwise, with my own findings?
I'd agree that the touring platform qualities might be better suited for the usage you've suggested potentially running @ 90mph; wind management especially is, out of the box, vastly better than the Heritage. It's a reoccurring theme amongst Heritage owners of how to reduce wind buffeting to run at speed comfortably; my solution is to use a Freedom Shields recurve screen coupled with soft lowers over the front crash bars, that's offered a massive improvement. I know some swear by fork mounted fangs, I've not tried them personally. Where the Softail beats the touring hands-down is with a lighter, more nimble and better controlled chassis; it's a more modern design and feels it in every way. Perhaps if Harley had applied a similar head to toe redesign to the touring range then many current Softail owners might have considered a 'more modern' touring option first, until then the Heritage is perhaps the natural go-to for classic style versatility. I agree that the range of accessories is not as comprehensive as the touring range, but there's almost enough to suit most owners needs/wants in general...
I pulled my windshield off as soon as I pulled it in the garage after bringing it home and haven't ran one since.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
