2005 Heritage Classic
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 447
Likes: 55
From: Seattle area
I had a 2008 Sporty, and really loved that bike, but wanted something bigger for road trips.
I thought the Switchback would be perfect. Took one for a test ride and thought it was nice, but the vibration when stopped was more than my sporty.
Next (same day) rode a Heritage Softail - - wow, much better, and does not weigh that much more. Purchased a used 2008 Softail. The ride is much better than the switchback, and it fits me better.
Ride a Road King and a Heritage before making a decision
Good Luck
I thought the Switchback would be perfect. Took one for a test ride and thought it was nice, but the vibration when stopped was more than my sporty.
Next (same day) rode a Heritage Softail - - wow, much better, and does not weigh that much more. Purchased a used 2008 Softail. The ride is much better than the switchback, and it fits me better.
Ride a Road King and a Heritage before making a decision
Good Luck
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 945
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma City
I had an '02 Sportster and changed to a '05 Heritage about 3 years ago. Best thing I ever did. Much, much more comfortable for long rides. Bags are NICE to have. I found it really easier to do parking lots and other slow maneuvers since the center of gravity is lower. The only thing to think about with any 2005 TC is whether the cam tensioners have been checked/replaced. Not a big deal to do. Also, the bags sagging can be dealt with. There's a few DIY kits and there's Boss Bags that you send the bags in and they do them. I went the Boss way right after I bought the bike and mine look like new.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: florida
I have a 1987 heritage with 23k miles. Best bike I have ridden. My friend has a 1996 heritage and a 2014 road King. He says the king is nice but would take his heritage over it any day. My brother in law has a switchback and can't sell it to save his life. Where as my heritage is 28years old and I could have sold it 10 times over this month. Every time I put it in the shop to get an oil change or a performance goodie put on my mech has to hang a sign on it that says not for sale, because he gets asked all the time if it is
Rent all of them and you decide. Your *** is the one in the seat
Rent all of them and you decide. Your *** is the one in the seat
Last edited by steven-marine; Mar 12, 2015 at 02:03 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 363
Likes: 220
From: Ga
I have an 07 heritage . My wife and I have ridden all over s. e. U.S. In my humble opinion there's not a better ride anywhere . Also very dependable, just feed the beast some gas and new tires and keep riding.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Got our 07 Heritage new.. now with 52K + miles I think its just getting broken in good..
only issue I've had was with the ;pin hole in the gas line... period....
of course 5 new rear tires and 3 new fronts,,
3 new sets of rear pads and 2 fronts,, 1 new battery
and the usual Stg1 with Andrew Cams, SERT tuner and a dyno...
best bike I've owned in my 51 yrs of riding... including several GW's I had along the way
only issue I've had was with the ;pin hole in the gas line... period....
of course 5 new rear tires and 3 new fronts,,
3 new sets of rear pads and 2 fronts,, 1 new battery
and the usual Stg1 with Andrew Cams, SERT tuner and a dyno...
best bike I've owned in my 51 yrs of riding... including several GW's I had along the way
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,699
Likes: 520
From: Palm Coast, Florida
Got 60,000 on my 2004, still going strong. Unlike some others posting, it handles great at slow speeds to me. Only issue you may have coming from a Sportster is, your lean angle is less.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 154
Likes: 2
From: Edmonton AB CANADA
More info on the 117hp 95, please and thank you. Got a stock 88 and looking for more powerrrrrr.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 147
Likes: 3
From: Georgetown, TX
I spent the day looking at bikes. I rode the 2005 Heritage and a 2004 Road King. For me, the Heritage felt much better. I like being down in the bike instead of on top of it. At 55+ MPH the Heritage had no shakes or rattles, but I did notice a small shake in the Road King. Long story short -- I no longer ride a Sportster. I'm a member of the Softail family now.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
I spent the day looking at bikes. I rode the 2005 Heritage and a 2004 Road King. For me, the Heritage felt much better. I like being down in the bike instead of on top of it. At 55+ MPH the Heritage had no shakes or rattles, but I did notice a small shake in the Road King. Long story short -- I no longer ride a Sportster. I'm a member of the Softail family now.
