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Im currently trying to sell my Ultra Classic. Due to leg ankle issues it has gotten too heavy for me. I like the looks of the Heritage Softail, specifically the 2017 and older Heritage Softail. I was wondering though how well they ride two up. Neither myself nor my wife are skinny. I weigh 225, and she probably weighs around 240 (Im smart enough not to ask her exactly what she weighs). Will the suspension on a Heritage handle us? Do the shocks have adjustable preload?
Maybe she should learn to ride her own so that you wouldn't have to hold up 2 people and a bike? A Heritage (not a great 2 up bike) and you two is still gonna be 1100 lbs..
Maybe she should learn to ride her own so that you wouldn't have to hold up 2 people and a bike? A Heritage (not a great 2 up bike) and you two is still gonna be 1100 lbs..
She does ride and own her own motorcycle. However due to medical issues she is afraid to go long distances or ride all day on it.
I was thinking since the Softail has a lower seat height and lower center of gravity it might be a better option.
I do also own a Dyna Low Rider and Im fine on it. Just had to crank the preload on the shocks up a few notches. But the Dyna isnt ideal for long runs. It could be, set up the right way, but I thought the Heritage might be a better option.
I had a softail Deuce with a custom seat. Still could do about an hour before I needed to stretch. I can go 2-3x that on a Tourer. I think you'll split the difference on the bigger softails, like the Heritage.
Two-up on Heritage Softail will be fine...I like the mix of comfort and performance. Any way to take one for spin, with better half, so you can get the feel?
Two-up on Heritage Softail will be fine...I like the mix of comfort and performance. Any way to take one for spin, with better half, so you can get the feel?
I hope to do that at the Harley dealer this upcoming weekend. They have a few used ones in stock.
It sounds like it's time to consider a trike for 2up long distance riding. Trade one of the 2 wheelers in on a trike, that way you still have a 2 wheeler to ride around town if the mood strikes you.
I have taken a few trips with my wife on my 2003 Heritage. She likes it well enough, but preferes the bagger on long trips.. who wouldn't?
The issue you will need to deal with is weight.
My 2003 Heritage style motorcycle has a GVWR (maximum total safe weight for the motorcycle), with the OEM tires, of 1160lbs. The running weight of the older Heritage bikes is around 750lbs. That means the most weight (passengers and cargo) is about 410lbs.
The manufacture's sticker on the down tube will have the GVWR for that specific motorcycle on it.
Now you could probably add higher load tires, and even update the brakes.... but.... that won't add significant capability to the motorcycle's ability to carry weight as they are only two of the variables involved..
The two of you + baggage for a trip will undoubtedly be over the GVWR.
Yes, I'm sure people do it all the time, and these bikes don't immediately disintegrate when it happens.
I would not want to be on a motorcycle while Touring, that is significantly over the GVWR. That means long, multiple days, at higher speeds (some freeways are 75+MPH), in an overweight condition.
You have to decide how much over the bike's GVWR you are willing to accept, and still feel relatively safe...
Good luck with your decisions....
Last edited by hattitude; Nov 11, 2025 at 08:58 AM.
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Is the Heritage Softail good for two up?
