Deluxe or Heritage
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 797
Likes: 166
From: MA
When I sat on the Heritage with mini apes, they seemed a bit to high...I suppose with a thicker seat (like a Mustang) that might improve it......what do you think?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
The heritage classic is the softail's line tourer. If you plan to do some moderate touring than the heritage is the best bang for your buck. I also looked at the Deluxe and the deluxe is the best looking stock Harley Davidson model IMHO but the heritage is beautiful as well and already set up for touring with the saddle bags, more suspension travel, more lean angle, windshield, sissy bar, and mini apes (even though I changed them out for 16's). The heritage is the easiest, most enjoyable motorcycle I have ever ridden or owned. I've done 10 hours days in the saddle and wasn't fatigued at all. If I was just ridding local I would have gotten the deluxe.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 818
Likes: 1
From: Central NY
I'm only 5'4, and I wouldn't touch the bars, personally. They are so much more comfortable than the stock bars on a sportster, height wise. You'll just need to try them out and find what fits you best, although, I'm betting they'll be nearly identical.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver
You can turn the heritage into de luxe by using Harley detach kits. The fat boy Bibb fits the rear fender, add the round bar rack & your riding solo. You can roll the bars & controls back to suit your comfort.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 797
Likes: 166
From: MA
@Tails: And that is the rub - I don't really expect to do much long distance touring (multiday)....this was discussed at the dealership as well. My guess is that I will be riding locally (day rides) three quarters of the time, with passenger maybe 20% and the rest local back roads for an hour or so...of course all this being a WAG.
@dragon: I currently ride a sportster and I found the Heritage bars to be much higher...FWIW.
One additional comment: the salesperson noted that given my anticipated riding profile either ST would be more than I would ever need......the main motivation being quality of ride (bad back)...again FWIW.
@dragon: I currently ride a sportster and I found the Heritage bars to be much higher...FWIW.
One additional comment: the salesperson noted that given my anticipated riding profile either ST would be more than I would ever need......the main motivation being quality of ride (bad back)...again FWIW.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 875
Likes: 10
From: Corp of Discovery trail, Missouri
I knew when I bought mine I wanted a windshield and bags and looked at the Heritage but I like the little details that to me make the Deluxe a little sexier. The tombstone tail light and the looks of the bullet style turn signals. I liked the colors that the Deluxe was available with and I like the stock handlebars on the Deluxe, at 5' 9" the bike just fits me.
I added the shield and the bags and sure I spent more than what I could have with the Heritage but I was able to choose the looks of my bags. I am not a fan of the spots all over the Heritage seat and bags. This bike is a keeper for me and I wanted everything the way I wanted it.
Everything comes off in less than 2 minutes and then it looks almost stock.
I bought what I really wanted and have no second thoughts. Buy what it is that you want and have piece of mind on not second guessing your purchase.
I added the shield and the bags and sure I spent more than what I could have with the Heritage but I was able to choose the looks of my bags. I am not a fan of the spots all over the Heritage seat and bags. This bike is a keeper for me and I wanted everything the way I wanted it.
Everything comes off in less than 2 minutes and then it looks almost stock.
I bought what I really wanted and have no second thoughts. Buy what it is that you want and have piece of mind on not second guessing your purchase.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 818
Likes: 1
From: Central NY
there's no doubt, the deluxe has better paint combos! I wanted the windshield and bags as I'm going to commute this summer 148 miles a day on the bike. I wanted safety and comfort, and my sportster wasn't going to do it for me! the quick detach will make your bag removal nice and easy. You can roll the bar for your comfort too. I love the height of my bars now, maybe you just need to try them out?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
If you're stuck on a ST, we have both a Heritage and Deluxe in the family.
The Heritage has the most comfortable stock seat of any HD I've ever demoed. For day trips I wouldn't see much need to change it out to a touring seat like a Mustang.
The Heritage also has a much more comfortable pillion than the Deluxe and I think they improved them more after my 08.
The Heritage has an extra inch of shock travel on the rear which adds to the riding comfort of both rider and passenger. The Deluxe will bottom out more than the Heritage.
If you decide to put hardbags on the Heritage you should have no problem selling the OEMs for a decent price. Or you could hold on to them in case you sell the bike down the road.
If you can get away with not changing bars that would be another consideration in making a choice. Again, if you're just going to be a day tripper you can probably get away with a less than ideal fit.
As far as looks go, I think the Deluxe has much better styling features than the Heritage.
The Heritage has the most comfortable stock seat of any HD I've ever demoed. For day trips I wouldn't see much need to change it out to a touring seat like a Mustang.
The Heritage also has a much more comfortable pillion than the Deluxe and I think they improved them more after my 08.
The Heritage has an extra inch of shock travel on the rear which adds to the riding comfort of both rider and passenger. The Deluxe will bottom out more than the Heritage.
If you decide to put hardbags on the Heritage you should have no problem selling the OEMs for a decent price. Or you could hold on to them in case you sell the bike down the road.
If you can get away with not changing bars that would be another consideration in making a choice. Again, if you're just going to be a day tripper you can probably get away with a less than ideal fit.
As far as looks go, I think the Deluxe has much better styling features than the Heritage.