Heritage Classic Upgrades
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 565
Likes: 126
From: Chandler, AZ
I've had other Heritages over the years, but none of them stayed around very long. But, now, I found this Tequila Sunrise/HD Orange 2012 and am determined to make it work; got a little tired of bigger and heavier bikes with all the bells & whistles.
So.........the first change I made was the bags; love the look of the stock leather bags, but just not very user-friendly. I got the Cycle Visions Baggertail mounting kit (not cheap at $299.99), so can now run any of the touring mount-style bags, starting off with '07 Road King CVO leather-covered hard bags...BIG improvement, and now they are quick-detachable, so can get to the rear tire valve so much easier. If I go to the regular hard bags, would probably be Cavalry bags, as another poster mentioned. There are several companies that make batwing fairings for the Softails, using the windshield mount docking setup. The other big change I've just done is swap out the V&H Big Shots that were on the bike when I bought it for a set of Samson Duals with 4" round mufflers with their decibel-killer baffles........PERFECT sound level and look IMO.
If I can find one lightly-used, I'm going to try the Ultimate seat with backrest, although I think the stock Heritage seat is pretty good itself....but need a backrest.
So.........the first change I made was the bags; love the look of the stock leather bags, but just not very user-friendly. I got the Cycle Visions Baggertail mounting kit (not cheap at $299.99), so can now run any of the touring mount-style bags, starting off with '07 Road King CVO leather-covered hard bags...BIG improvement, and now they are quick-detachable, so can get to the rear tire valve so much easier. If I go to the regular hard bags, would probably be Cavalry bags, as another poster mentioned. There are several companies that make batwing fairings for the Softails, using the windshield mount docking setup. The other big change I've just done is swap out the V&H Big Shots that were on the bike when I bought it for a set of Samson Duals with 4" round mufflers with their decibel-killer baffles........PERFECT sound level and look IMO.
If I can find one lightly-used, I'm going to try the Ultimate seat with backrest, although I think the stock Heritage seat is pretty good itself....but need a backrest.
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Allen, Texas
Hey TwoFields6, I too have a 2012 Heritage and love it. The first mod I had done was had my stock seat rebuilt with memory foam and narrowed in the front. I am vertically challenged and needed some leg. It allows you to sit lower and is like riding on a cloud. The price is very reasonable and the service is great. I have attached the link to these guys. Something to consider. http://www.meancitycycles.com/
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
The upgrades I've had done to my 2013 FLSTC while it is in storage is 16 inch ape hangers with 1.5 inch risers, saddlemen tour classic with adjustable rider backrest, samson 36 inch true dual fishtail exhaust, nostalgic circle air cleaner, nostalgic handgrips, and race turner. I steal have awhile before I find out how comfortable it is on long trips.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: N.C.
I bought a Harley Signature Series seat for my 2012 Heritage, has backrest.... it feels great on my back. I also added memory foam & took out the curve in the seat & made it more straight up & down. Made a big difference on long rides. I love the support this seat has!!!!!!!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 96
From: Eastern North Carolina
I bought a Harley Signature Series seat for my 2012 Heritage, has backrest.... it feels great on my back. I also added memory foam & took out the curve in the seat & made it more straight up & down. Made a big difference on long rides. I love the support this seat has!!!!!!!
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
OK, am planning some serious upgrades for my Heritage Classic next year. I was considering upgrading to a Road King or Street Glide but just love the feel of my Heritage. Rode a buddy's Road Glide at DelMarVa this year and liked it but not as much as my Heritage.
I did the same,, Like our Heriage better than the RK
Mine is an 09 and am thinking of the following.
For Long Trips
1: is there a removable faring that I can get to put on and take off relatively easily?
YES.. Several on line.. just do a Google and see what U like..
2: want to be able to put on bags and take off easily and need touring bag - any suggestions?
IMO Hard bags needs the fairing to look right. Again A Googles search will give U many answers.
3: Best seat for touring?
I've done several trips of 6 days or longer and IMO U cant beat the stock Heritage seat.
4: Cruise Control ideas.
I just use the Stock thumb lock on interstates.
For Short Hops
1: Want to be able to lower bike for look of it on short hops. Ideas on options for lowering for short hops and more comfort for long trips?
Shot guns seem to be the most popular these days.
2: Removable fariing and bag equipment?
Same as above
3: Lower profile seat that sits me further "in" bike for short hops.
Seat are like Pipes,, U need to just look around for the one U like the looks of
General:
1: Best handle bars that are comfortable for both types of riding. Obviously won't switch these out LOL.
I agree, the Heritage's bars are a perfect fit for me.. wouldn't think of changing them out.
2: Backrest with seat?
Made my own backrest out of the P(ss Poor stock Pillion seat after I got the wife the touring Pad. Use it for Solo riding only, don't need a backrest when the wife is on.
3: What can I do to put my license plate below my tail light.
Many styles, Again If me I'd just do some Googles searches to find one.
Live in Southeast Texas now so ride year round - Which we love.
I know alot of questions but have ridden stock for 3 years and have 25k miles. Ready to do some wrenching and make her More perfect
I did the same,, Like our Heriage better than the RK
Mine is an 09 and am thinking of the following.
For Long Trips
1: is there a removable faring that I can get to put on and take off relatively easily?
YES.. Several on line.. just do a Google and see what U like..
2: want to be able to put on bags and take off easily and need touring bag - any suggestions?
IMO Hard bags needs the fairing to look right. Again A Googles search will give U many answers.
3: Best seat for touring?
I've done several trips of 6 days or longer and IMO U cant beat the stock Heritage seat.
4: Cruise Control ideas.
I just use the Stock thumb lock on interstates.
For Short Hops
1: Want to be able to lower bike for look of it on short hops. Ideas on options for lowering for short hops and more comfort for long trips?
Shot guns seem to be the most popular these days.
2: Removable fariing and bag equipment?
Same as above
3: Lower profile seat that sits me further "in" bike for short hops.
Seat are like Pipes,, U need to just look around for the one U like the looks of
General:
1: Best handle bars that are comfortable for both types of riding. Obviously won't switch these out LOL.
I agree, the Heritage's bars are a perfect fit for me.. wouldn't think of changing them out.
2: Backrest with seat?
Made my own backrest out of the P(ss Poor stock Pillion seat after I got the wife the touring Pad. Use it for Solo riding only, don't need a backrest when the wife is on.
3: What can I do to put my license plate below my tail light.
Many styles, Again If me I'd just do some Googles searches to find one.
Live in Southeast Texas now so ride year round - Which we love.
I know alot of questions but have ridden stock for 3 years and have 25k miles. Ready to do some wrenching and make her More perfect
After 6 yrs and 41k I am/We are still perfectly happy with the way she rides.
.
Last edited by oct1949; Feb 8, 2013 at 10:07 AM.
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,710
Likes: 640
From: San Ramon, Ca
Yep, the weak link in the chain is the rear suspension.
Everything I've heard/read/whatever says that Shotgun
is the way to go.
I did have a fairing question. There's one on a used Fatboy at
San Jose Harley with a fairing. It's not a bare shell, like a Memphis
Shades. It's the size of a regular batwing.
It is hollow like a 70's original, but finished
nicer. It does have an inner shell. It's solid black, inside & out.
It's not one of those vanillazilla Hoppe ones either.
I'm wondering if it's one of those ebay ones? Tsuuaki? or whatever.
Looks pretty good though. Doesn't sit straight up like a barn door
like some of em do on the Softails
Seat and handlebars are the most important. I put a Corbin touring seat on
mine a few days ago (bought from a forum mbr) Nice seat. The Mustang is
still the best overall (comfort-not looks)
Everything I've heard/read/whatever says that Shotgun
is the way to go.
I did have a fairing question. There's one on a used Fatboy at
San Jose Harley with a fairing. It's not a bare shell, like a Memphis
Shades. It's the size of a regular batwing.
It is hollow like a 70's original, but finished
nicer. It does have an inner shell. It's solid black, inside & out.
It's not one of those vanillazilla Hoppe ones either.
I'm wondering if it's one of those ebay ones? Tsuuaki? or whatever.
Looks pretty good though. Doesn't sit straight up like a barn door
like some of em do on the Softails
Seat and handlebars are the most important. I put a Corbin touring seat on
mine a few days ago (bought from a forum mbr) Nice seat. The Mustang is
still the best overall (comfort-not looks)
Last edited by byersmtrco; Feb 8, 2013 at 01:57 PM. Reason: fat fingers
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 521
Likes: 3
From: Colorado Springs, Co.
If you're looking to go up and down on a budget, the dead creek softail lowering kit is hella cheap, but if you can swing it, shotgun is the way to.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 861
Likes: 3
From: trivoli illinois
I've had other Heritages over the years, but none of them stayed around very long. But, now, I found this Tequila Sunrise/HD Orange 2012 and am determined to make it work; got a little tired of bigger and heavier bikes with all the bells & whistles.
So.........the first change I made was the bags; love the look of the stock leather bags, but just not very user-friendly. I got the Cycle Visions Baggertail mounting kit (not cheap at $299.99), so can now run any of the touring mount-style bags, starting off with '07 Road King CVO leather-covered hard bags...BIG improvement, and now they are quick-detachable, so can get to the rear tire valve so much easier. If I go to the regular hard bags, would probably be Cavalry bags, as another poster mentioned. There are several companies that make batwing fairings for the Softails, using the windshield mount docking setup. The other big change I've just done is swap out the V&H Big Shots that were on the bike when I bought it for a set of Samson Duals with 4" round mufflers with their decibel-killer baffles........PERFECT sound level and look IMO.
If I can find one lightly-used, I'm going to try the Ultimate seat with backrest, although I think the stock Heritage seat is pretty good itself....but need a backrest.
So.........the first change I made was the bags; love the look of the stock leather bags, but just not very user-friendly. I got the Cycle Visions Baggertail mounting kit (not cheap at $299.99), so can now run any of the touring mount-style bags, starting off with '07 Road King CVO leather-covered hard bags...BIG improvement, and now they are quick-detachable, so can get to the rear tire valve so much easier. If I go to the regular hard bags, would probably be Cavalry bags, as another poster mentioned. There are several companies that make batwing fairings for the Softails, using the windshield mount docking setup. The other big change I've just done is swap out the V&H Big Shots that were on the bike when I bought it for a set of Samson Duals with 4" round mufflers with their decibel-killer baffles........PERFECT sound level and look IMO.
If I can find one lightly-used, I'm going to try the Ultimate seat with backrest, although I think the stock Heritage seat is pretty good itself....but need a backrest.
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