As you can see from my video above, I switched out a lot of the trim on my Heritage to the Deluxe Trim. But the reason I used the Heritage as the base instead of the Deluxe is that the Heritage has an extra inch of rear suspension travel...and I wanted that for the plusher ride quality.

 

I was just stating that cruise is availible on the 16-17 year models, the Heritage Classic included, DK I believe is correct on the extra suspension travel, But I am definatly vertically challenged so the lower and thinner Deluxe fit me to a T. Especially after the progressive 422's and monoshocks. Sorry did'nt mean to wright a book. Good Luck.

 

I did not test ride the local 2016. The bars were uncomfortably high (relatively easy cosmetic change I know), but I was honest with the dealership since he already knew me and I was not real serious about purchasing. I didn't waste his time with a test ride. And of course the super SWEET 6k miles was quickly sold uggh.

Now I found the same basic Deluxe as the other one. Same color, same year. Again 90 minutes away - different direction. Not as much chrome but still a lot of aftermarket goodies. A little more pricey since it has less than 300 miles!! Should I be concerned with that?

Deluxe folks please chime in. Thanks!

 

The only real difference that's not cosmetic is the rear shocks.
The Deluxe comes with those "Profile" rear shocks which drops the
rear about an inch. Those things ride like a brick.
And no windshield or saddlebags.

 

Have the brakes been improved on the M8 models?

I test rode a 2012 Heritage years ago and I remember loving the light handling but was REALLY not a fan of the brakes.

 

Basically the premise of me purchasing a larger bike is that I get tired after 150 miles on my Wide Glide. I need something more comfortable for the long rides. I'm sure a softer seat would help. After all, the bike is 19 years old and the seat is 18. But the larger front tire of the Heritage/Deluxe, I do believe seems to help soften the bumps. In my case, the Deluxe I am looking at is priced a little high, due to the very low miles (a 2016 with 300 miles). It already has most of the mods I would do anyway. Except for the seat and handlebars. I would replace those anyway since the Heritage bars are too low and the Deluxe are WAY to low. I need a softer seat for my tailbone injury. So, if I find the Deluxe ride is good (albeit not as good as a 2021/2022 Heritage), do you think would a good set of Progressive shocks even up the score?

Sorry for rambling. Right now I am torn. I suppose I either want to get a good deal on something used that already looks nice and is better than my WG. Or eliminate it as a possibility, sit back and wait 2 months for the 2022 Heritage.

Thanks!

 

i have owned both a Deluxe and 2 different Heritages. The Heritage and the Deluxe are the same bike except the trim pieces, rear shocks, saddlebags and windshield included with the Heritage. The Heritage is already set up for touring as they have bags and windshield and you have to buy those separately for the Deluxe. Also, the Heritage rides better due to rear suspension. The Heritage has higher bars and they can be rolled foreword to get a little more height. Based on the little bit of info you have posted, I would steer you toward the Heritage as you are wanting comfort for long rides. The Heritage is the better option for those priorities. Don’t overthink this…you should pick the bike based on riding priorities and not haggle over every penny or introduce multiple variables based on scenarios to theoretically save a few dollars. The Deluxe is genereally a more expensive bike on the used market and when you are talking about swapping bars, suspension, adding bags and a windshield you are spending a lot of money. If money is a factor, get a 2016-17 Heritage with ABS and low miles. I bought this 2016 in the spring for $11,300 with 6000 miles. It was nearly stock and I have been modifying it to my taste.

 

Nice bike! Thank you for the insight. I just spoke with the dealer and setup a tentative test ride for Sunday. I got some information about the bike and we discussed my needs. He did mention the seat is not stock and is comfortable so that is encouraging.

We'll see how it goes. The Heritage feel is still fresh in my mind so I should have a good comparison. I'll know in a few miles if I like the 2016 Deluxe. I'll need to since it will be 33 degrees

But you are correct. I just did my own spreadsheet cost comparison. With the Heritage I can put off many of the mods (especially handlebars) and spread them out over time. The Heritage may be more expensive in the long run but I know it is comfortable. We'll see.

Thanks again

 

If you get a Deluxe, you can always change out the shocks. I recently broke a shock bolt.
My shocks had those progv extenders on em to adj the height,
I bought a nice pair of stock take offs on ebay for $50.00

Either way, you'll be switching seats and handlebars etc (Hopefully not multiple times)
I'll bet I went thru 6 of ea on my 2000 (In a 10 yr period)

 

In 2014 they upgraded the brakes.