I like the versatility of my 2010 Heritage (city/highway/rural/windshield on or off). Good enough storage with the saddlebags and the addition of a windshield bag.

As others have said, it's an easy bike to ride. I also like the balance and the seat height. On top of that, it has enough power to get away from cages when necessary.

Try other HD bikes during your test rides. You will know which one you like once you ride it. Good luck on your search!

 

I just bought a 2014 Heritage on Friday. It is still at the dealer getting add-ons installed. So, I can't really tell you lots about it. What I can say is I rode a friend's back in 2008 for probably only 4-8 miles and fell in love with it immediately. I have wanted one ever since. I decided this year was the year to trade in my Street Bob and was going to consider the Fat Boy Lo as well as the Heritage. I am not sure I was even in second gear before I decided there was no reason to try the Fat Boy. I just knew the Heritage was it. I never felt that with the Street Bob. So, I agree with what has already been said. Test ride until you find the one that is perfect for you. Don't buy until you do! Have fun with the search and good luck!!!

 

The Heritage is a great value and comes with a lot options already added on such as the windshield and bags. Other models can be set up like this if you want a different look or variation. Not cheap mind you.
I did this with my Deluxe but you can do the same with a Fatboy for example as well.





Here's mine:

 

So to answer some questions.

First I will probably not mod the engine. Right now I have a 650cc engine, it is enough for me but I am looking forward to going 65 down the road at a lower RPM. My 650 is at about 3100 rpm on the highway and it blows around when windy or behind big rigs.

I like to customize but like to keep the stock look. I want that classic Harley sound but I don’t know how to obtain that at this point. Lighting is also one thing I will be adding, lots of lights.

I am going to stay with a 2007 or newer bike just because of the 6 speed transmission. I also like the console on the 2009 and up bikes. I am also trying to figure out what the Security System on a bike is? I’m sure you guys know?

I will most likely be buying a used bike, if you can count a bike with 2000-3000 miles on it used. I have found a lot of bikes with low miles so it shouldn’t be a problem with me finding a like new bike. My budget will be around $13,000 and I know I can find a fairly new bike for that price. I will probably be waiting until the fall because I think I can get a pretty good deal right before winter.

 

I think the security system varies a bit by year. My 2006 Street Bob had one with a fob that you had to click to engage and disengage. It would disable the starter, but no alarm or siren (I think the sirens are useless anyway - drains the battery and who really pays attention to them). My 2014 Heritage Classic has a proximity fob. No clicking necessary. It automatically engages and disengages the security alarm when the fob is nearby and the starter **** turned.

 

If you ride only locally and no more than two hours, the Heritage is perfect. Great bike, well balanced, very comfortable. Not as good as the Road King if you are touring or doing a lot of in two up riding.

 

don't let it intimidate you... if your a good rider you can ride anything, im only a little over 5' 7" and have owned about 20 bikes all the way from supermoto's, 600, 1000cc super sportbikes, to 9' long raked out 300mm rear tire choppers, and most everything in between. i think the softails are very easy, forgiving and comfortable rides.

also 2012+ has a 103 motor... if that matters to you.

 

Great thing about the heritage is you can strip it down to look like a delux if you want to ride solo. Then quickly put it back to look like the classic for road trips with your partner. Harley has all sorts of detach hardware and ad on's.

 

Well, I agree with the other Dude, if you can ride a bike, period, you will be just fine on a Harley. I taught my Son to ride years ago in the dirt on up to the present day when I let him ride this bike too. It is his 1st ride with apes and with apes and a passenger too, his G/F, my Grandsons Mommy though.

So I told him it's just like learning to ride again. I told him he is in control, not the bike. I told him when taking off and turning or turning it around in a parking lot with and without putting his feet down to slowly "walk" it until he actually takes off.

I tell him to stay in a comfortable envelope and that if he goes down it's because he got outside of that envelope. It's also going to be his 1st time out on the road with a passenger too. That concerns me most but I trust him. So, you know how to ride already so you will have zero issues on Harley, I'm betting. Take it slow, get out there and have fun!!! Just ride safe and stay within what you are comfortable with and nothing more.

I always say, "I am in no hurry to get hurt" and I been riding 40+ years.

 

That's nothing for a Heritage. My dad used to ride his 2008 up to Sturgis every year (and much more). The only reason he traded it was because my mom wanted more comfort and a better stereo. Even though his long trip cruiser is now a big decked out Electra Glide Ultra Limited, if you asked him "what's the best bike that Harley makes?" he would say the Heritage, without hesitation

That said, I highly recommend you go and test ride some. Try a Heritage, a Fatboy, a Breakout...hell, try some other branches too. Try a Dyna and a Touring bike. Notice the differences. You'll see that the Softail family does not shake at idle and that you sit more "into" the bike. You may feel that the Dyna turns a little better. Maybe the Touring ones will feel better to you at 75+ mph, and you'll notice you sit more "on top of" the bike