Calling all Heritage owners
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: SC
They do make the bags stick out farther from the bike though. It's really only noticable if you're directly behind the bike. Plus it gives me room for the rear axel nut covers I put on.
I usually ride stripped down. The bike, not me.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Catatonic State
I bought my 2002 Heritage in 2009 with 19,404 on the odometer. (From a dealer, no less. Someone actually traded it in!) What was truly unusual was that the bike was still completely stock (except for Screaming Eagle mufflers)! I did not mind that, as the purchase price was $9,700, and that meant there were no unwanted mods. It now sits in my garage waiting for warmer weather, with more than 50,000 thoroughly enjoyed miles. In that time, the only issue I had was an inner cam bearing failure at 40,600, thanks to failed cam chain tensioners. Tore the motor down to confirm that was the only issue, inspected the components, and built it back up as an 88ci with the mods listed in my signature, plus oversized valves, 0.020" milled from the heads, and 0.040" cometic gaskets. Otherwise, change your oil and tires and plugs as needed and ride!
That was not an issue unique to the Heritage, though. All twin cam 88ci's had spring-loaded tensioners which were prone to failure. The 96 and 103s use hydraulic tensioners which are far superior.
I can not imagine a time when I would ever be inclined to part with this bike. I strongly suspect that you will feel the same. Good luck!
That was not an issue unique to the Heritage, though. All twin cam 88ci's had spring-loaded tensioners which were prone to failure. The 96 and 103s use hydraulic tensioners which are far superior.
I can not imagine a time when I would ever be inclined to part with this bike. I strongly suspect that you will feel the same. Good luck!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
I just got a saddlemen classic explorer seat with rider backrest. My initial impression of the seat is that it looks great and it is really comfortable but needs to be broken in. I am not sure it is as comfortable as the stock rider seat but the passenger seats seems to be a lot better. I don't have any pictures but I'll take some soon. Just an FYI to anyone looking to get a touring seat for the FLSTC.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
I am thinking of trading off the Night Train for a Heritage. For those of you who own one, what modifications are needed with a new bike to make it comfortably ridable and more stylish as well as durable. I am thinking about an engine guard for a start. The dealer is talking about lowering it. Also some type of change to the lids of the bags? Can not remember exactly what it was. So are there known problems with a Heritage? After having one, would you get another? Anyone with experience with one of these bikes, share it with me. I would appreciate it.
I just purchased a 2011 heritage, and the main reason i picked that over a road king was the seating position for me. the deep bucket seat in addition of the 12" mini apse keep me upright.
i added HD mustache guards and they look great. If i waited and look at the aftermarket i saw similar mustache bars with sharp edges that look awesome..For some odd reason it seems to even stabilize the front of my bike when i'm on the freeway.
outside of my stage 1 for cosmetics i'm planning to do the following:
1) replace the signal light bar with aftermarket ones ( reason..if you take you bags off ..that bar stands out and not in a good way...
2) i'm thinking of adding quick release for my bags and back rest
3) there is another accessory for your stock bike bags to prevent it from sagging and comes with a lid insert that you might be taking about.
4) switching my 12" inch stock to 16" full apes (at 5"11 this feels even better for me) with my height i don't look like i'm hanging off a tree..my arms are slightly above my shoulders.
5) I currently have rush 1.75 slips on and look great but i've been tossing around the idea of maybe going true duel..just not sure if there is any mechanics shops that will do the install for me in northern california.
6) replace my stock bags, seats with something that does not have studds..i did get use to them thou
I want my bike to cool when in cruiser mode or touring mode and be able to switch between quickly.
Thread Starter
|
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
Likes: 69
From: Badlands of ND
Hi,
I just purchased a 2011 heritage, and the main reason i picked that over a road king was the seating position for me. the deep bucket seat in addition of the 12" mini apse keep me upright.
i added HD mustache guards and they look great. If i waited and look at the aftermarket i saw similar mustache bars with sharp edges that look awesome..For some odd reason it seems to even stabilize the front of my bike when i'm on the freeway.
outside of my stage 1 for cosmetics i'm planning to do the following:
1) replace the signal light bar with aftermarket ones ( reason..if you take you bags off ..that bar stands out and not in a good way...
2) i'm thinking of adding quick release for my bags and back rest
3) there is another accessory for your stock bike bags to prevent it from sagging and comes with a lid insert that you might be taking about.
4) switching my 12" inch stock to 16" full apes (at 5"11 this feels even better for me) with my height i don't look like i'm hanging off a tree..my arms are slightly above my shoulders.
5) I currently have rush 1.75 slips on and look great but i've been tossing around the idea of maybe going true duel..just not sure if there is any mechanics shops that will do the install for me in northern california.
6) replace my stock bags, seats with something that does not have studds..i did get use to them thou
I want my bike to cool when in cruiser mode or touring mode and be able to switch between quickly.
I just purchased a 2011 heritage, and the main reason i picked that over a road king was the seating position for me. the deep bucket seat in addition of the 12" mini apse keep me upright.
i added HD mustache guards and they look great. If i waited and look at the aftermarket i saw similar mustache bars with sharp edges that look awesome..For some odd reason it seems to even stabilize the front of my bike when i'm on the freeway.
outside of my stage 1 for cosmetics i'm planning to do the following:
1) replace the signal light bar with aftermarket ones ( reason..if you take you bags off ..that bar stands out and not in a good way...
2) i'm thinking of adding quick release for my bags and back rest
3) there is another accessory for your stock bike bags to prevent it from sagging and comes with a lid insert that you might be taking about.
4) switching my 12" inch stock to 16" full apes (at 5"11 this feels even better for me) with my height i don't look like i'm hanging off a tree..my arms are slightly above my shoulders.
5) I currently have rush 1.75 slips on and look great but i've been tossing around the idea of maybe going true duel..just not sure if there is any mechanics shops that will do the install for me in northern california.
6) replace my stock bags, seats with something that does not have studds..i did get use to them thou
I want my bike to cool when in cruiser mode or touring mode and be able to switch between quickly.
I am thinking of trading off the Night Train for a Heritage. For those of you who own one, what modifications are needed with a new bike to make it comfortably ridable and more stylish as well as durable. I am thinking about an engine guard for a start. The dealer is talking about lowering it. Also some type of change to the lids of the bags? Can not remember exactly what it was. So are there known problems with a Heritage? After having one, would you get another? Anyone with experience with one of these bikes, share it with me. I would appreciate it.
I added the mustache bar and it really lets me change foot position whenever I want. I do recommend it, but not because of the Heritage, but for any bike so you can move around.
I did add the windshield lowers cause I think they look good and they help with some wind, but the wind isn't an issue on the Heritage like it was on all my other bikes. Usually the wind comes up from the road and goes right up my nose, but not with the Heritage, it is very nice!
I did a stage one with pipes, AC, and a PCIII, really only for the sound, I didn't really notice any seat of the pants power increase.
I keep hearing about saggy bags, but mine is an 07 that I bought new. Always garaged though unheated, and I have no problems with the bags at all. No other parts or support brackets or anything, just factory bags, and they still look great. I suppose if you kept it out in the sun a lot, you might need something as it seems a lot do, just not my experience.
Go for the Heritage!!!! I can't ever see me riding anything else. I often ride without the bags, backrest, and back seat, but usually keep the shield because those bugs hurt and the wind is LOUD, lol. I have the best of both worlds, can go SOLO all stripped down, or load her up and go touring.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 19
From: Dayton
That your Beech Bonanza in the back there? (I worked on those for years, doing everything from replacing the nose engine compartment, wings, tail and avionics).
This Bonanza was at our local airstrip. I went to the airport to take some pics of the Heritage and this pulled up. I asked if I could take some pics of my bike next to his plane, and after talking planes for a while, he agreed. It is a nice Bonanza, man I wish I could go up again, I may have to rent something this summer. I really miss flying!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
Hi,
I just purchased a 2011 heritage, and the main reason i picked that over a road king was the seating position for me. the deep bucket seat in addition of the 12" mini apse keep me upright.
i added HD mustache guards and they look great. If i waited and look at the aftermarket i saw similar mustache bars with sharp edges that look awesome..For some odd reason it seems to even stabilize the front of my bike when i'm on the freeway.
outside of my stage 1 for cosmetics i'm planning to do the following:
1) replace the signal light bar with aftermarket ones ( reason..if you take you bags off ..that bar stands out and not in a good way...
2) i'm thinking of adding quick release for my bags and back rest
3) there is another accessory for your stock bike bags to prevent it from sagging and comes with a lid insert that you might be taking about.
4) switching my 12" inch stock to 16" full apes (at 5"11 this feels even better for me) with my height i don't look like i'm hanging off a tree..my arms are slightly above my shoulders.
5) I currently have rush 1.75 slips on and look great but i've been tossing around the idea of maybe going true duel..just not sure if there is any mechanics shops that will do the install for me in northern california.
6) replace my stock bags, seats with something that does not have studds..i did get use to them thou
I want my bike to cool when in cruiser mode or touring mode and be able to switch between quickly.
I just purchased a 2011 heritage, and the main reason i picked that over a road king was the seating position for me. the deep bucket seat in addition of the 12" mini apse keep me upright.
i added HD mustache guards and they look great. If i waited and look at the aftermarket i saw similar mustache bars with sharp edges that look awesome..For some odd reason it seems to even stabilize the front of my bike when i'm on the freeway.
outside of my stage 1 for cosmetics i'm planning to do the following:
1) replace the signal light bar with aftermarket ones ( reason..if you take you bags off ..that bar stands out and not in a good way...
2) i'm thinking of adding quick release for my bags and back rest
3) there is another accessory for your stock bike bags to prevent it from sagging and comes with a lid insert that you might be taking about.
4) switching my 12" inch stock to 16" full apes (at 5"11 this feels even better for me) with my height i don't look like i'm hanging off a tree..my arms are slightly above my shoulders.
5) I currently have rush 1.75 slips on and look great but i've been tossing around the idea of maybe going true duel..just not sure if there is any mechanics shops that will do the install for me in northern california.
6) replace my stock bags, seats with something that does not have studds..i did get use to them thou
I want my bike to cool when in cruiser mode or touring mode and be able to switch between quickly.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
As for a comfortable ride, I don't think anything is necessary. The factory seat is VERY comfortable. I added in a Corbin solo seat when I made the purchase, and had to wait two weeks for it to arrive. During those two weeks, I did a lot of riding on the stock seat, and then regretted spending all the money on the Corbin. I do have the Corbin seat on the bike most all the time, because I do ride solo and don't need the pillion. If you remove the pillion and leave the stock seat, the bolts are ugly and there is no low back support so if you plan on solo only, you might want a prettier seat.
I added the mustache bar and it really lets me change foot position whenever I want. I do recommend it, but not because of the Heritage, but for any bike so you can move around.
I did add the windshield lowers cause I think they look good and they help with some wind, but the wind isn't an issue on the Heritage like it was on all my other bikes. Usually the wind comes up from the road and goes right up my nose, but not with the Heritage, it is very nice!
I did a stage one with pipes, AC, and a PCIII, really only for the sound, I didn't really notice any seat of the pants power increase.
I keep hearing about saggy bags, but mine is an 07 that I bought new. Always garaged though unheated, and I have no problems with the bags at all. No other parts or support brackets or anything, just factory bags, and they still look great. I suppose if you kept it out in the sun a lot, you might need something as it seems a lot do, just not my experience.
Go for the Heritage!!!! I can't ever see me riding anything else. I often ride without the bags, backrest, and back seat, but usually keep the shield because those bugs hurt and the wind is LOUD, lol. I have the best of both worlds, can go SOLO all stripped down, or load her up and go touring.
I added the mustache bar and it really lets me change foot position whenever I want. I do recommend it, but not because of the Heritage, but for any bike so you can move around.
I did add the windshield lowers cause I think they look good and they help with some wind, but the wind isn't an issue on the Heritage like it was on all my other bikes. Usually the wind comes up from the road and goes right up my nose, but not with the Heritage, it is very nice!
I did a stage one with pipes, AC, and a PCIII, really only for the sound, I didn't really notice any seat of the pants power increase.
I keep hearing about saggy bags, but mine is an 07 that I bought new. Always garaged though unheated, and I have no problems with the bags at all. No other parts or support brackets or anything, just factory bags, and they still look great. I suppose if you kept it out in the sun a lot, you might need something as it seems a lot do, just not my experience.
Go for the Heritage!!!! I can't ever see me riding anything else. I often ride without the bags, backrest, and back seat, but usually keep the shield because those bugs hurt and the wind is LOUD, lol. I have the best of both worlds, can go SOLO all stripped down, or load her up and go touring.
another thing for style and this is my personal preference. when you decide to make changes to the engine.
1) i love the look of the heavy breather (or similar aftermarket air kits)
2) true duels look also awesome on a heritage
3) the two mentioned and a kick *** paint job..