Which Model Year Heritage Softail.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 127
Likes: 42
From: Utrecht, Netherlands
If you get a TC88, get 2000-2002 if you want carb and 2002 if you want EFI. Better crank bearings than the later ones and 2002 was the first year wirg Delphi EFI. All suffer from cam chain tensioners and inner cam bearings but both can easily be changed if you know how to wrench a little bit. Get a big bore, head work and some nice cams for the money you save over a TC96 or TC103 
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 263
From: Catalina AZ
I sold my ...... I will not be getting the models with the new engine because of finances so if anyone can give me some input as to what to look out for when looking for a Heritage with the B motors? I am not interested in power other than what the stock engines make, that has always been enough for me. If I am correct, the B motors in the Heritage line goes back to the 2000 year models.Thanks for any and all input.
Make a list of must haves, wants, would like but not a deal breaker, & do not wants.
Then go through the years.
The Heritage (over the years) came with three distinct motors: EVO, Twin Cam, & M8.
I would love to get another EVO.
As for Twin cams I have owned all three 88, 96, 103 HO.
Nothing personal but I will not intentionally buy another 96.
88 or 103 (I am not sure if they made a CVO Heritage, so those sizes are not included).
With my current bike (not a Heritage) I had certain requirements because of my riding wants & needs.
Good luck
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 58
Likes: 6
From: omaha
I have a 2010 and love it. Dads got a 2009 and he will tell you the same. I tour with it and ride it to work whenever I can. Can’t ask for anything more.
Last edited by LDH_On_Board; Apr 11, 2020 at 12:03 AM.
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,710
Likes: 640
From: San Ramon, Ca
Since you've ruled out the M8, you also won't get the latest design iteration. I agree that it may be just a touch early to try the M8, and my personal taste leans more toward the older traditional style rather than the newer looks. To my mind, the older Heritage looks like what a motorcycle is supposed to look like in the same way a snub-nose revolver looks like what a gun is supposed to look like.
Okay, that leaves 17 years of bikes to consider. In addition to some baggers, I have a 2000 FLSTC, and I just got a 2014 with the 103 engine. I like the 2000, but I really like the 2014. That year has the 103 engine as well as the six speed transmission; I think that combination is superb, and in 6th gear at 70 mph, I'm only turning about 2600 rpm's. It also has a tach, a clock, trip meters, and a range to empty indicator in the odometer.
In my opinion, one of the problems with the early TC's was that the engine was spinning really fast in 5th gear at highway speeds. Harley solved the problem at least by 2003, but earlier, I think it was a bit of a problem except for exclusive around town riding.
Overall, I think the later model is simply more comfortable. It's a great time to be in the market for a used bike. Good luck with your search.
Okay, that leaves 17 years of bikes to consider. In addition to some baggers, I have a 2000 FLSTC, and I just got a 2014 with the 103 engine. I like the 2000, but I really like the 2014. That year has the 103 engine as well as the six speed transmission; I think that combination is superb, and in 6th gear at 70 mph, I'm only turning about 2600 rpm's. It also has a tach, a clock, trip meters, and a range to empty indicator in the odometer.
In my opinion, one of the problems with the early TC's was that the engine was spinning really fast in 5th gear at highway speeds. Harley solved the problem at least by 2003, but earlier, I think it was a bit of a problem except for exclusive around town riding.
Overall, I think the later model is simply more comfortable. It's a great time to be in the market for a used bike. Good luck with your search.
5 shot, slim, fits inside jacket/vest pocket nicely.
It'll NEVER jam.
I didn't know a 2014 had the tach (In the odometer?)
Did Harley play with the gearing on the 1st 6 sp's like the baggers? Too tall @
1st so, a pulley change a few yrs in?.
Stage IV
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: ohio
2003 Heritage Softail Classic
I sold my Ultra Glide and 1200 Sportster last year and I would like to buy a Heritage Softail. I want to get a counterbalance model and I know there are three model engines over the years that have populated the Heritage Softails. Having only owned rubber mounted FLH models in the past I am not at all knowledgeable about the softail line. I will not be getting the models with the new engine because of finances so if anyone can give me some input as to what to look out for when looking for a Heritage with the B motors? I am not interested in power other than what the stock engines make, that has always been enough for me. If I am correct, the B motors in the Heritage line goes back to the 2000 year models.
Thanks for any and all input.
Thanks for any and all input.
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