2018 Softail Heritage Classic is a Defining Harley-Davidson
Daily Slideshow: The redesigned Heritage Classic is the best it has ever been.
Classic Name
There is a lot of meaning that can be found in a name. Motorcycles called Diablo or Ninja might be cause for concern, but with the Heritage Classic there is little doubt as to its motives. First introduced in 1986, the Harley-Davidson FLSTC Heritage Classic was the second release for the Evolution-powered Softail platform — the first being the FXST Softail in 1984.
Look of Love
The Heritage Classic was an instant success when first unveiled — and with good reason. Its design is archetypal, one that defines 'motorcycle' for even the most unaware individual. Channeling the Hydra Glide and the economic prosperity of post-WW2 America, the thoroughly modern Heritage Classic provided a sense of relief to recession-weary, nostalgia-hungry customers in the 1980s.
Smooth M8
The Heritage Classic was redesigned for 2018 but kept its classic looks. During the past thirty-three years of production, the platform has seen three engine types and a frame change in 2018. Available with either the 107 or 114 cubic-inch Milwaukee-Eight engine, the Heritage Classic keeps the best of all possible attributes with just the right amount of rumble at idle that smooths out at highway speeds.
Get Black-Out
The Harley-Davidson designers refer to the 2018 Heritage Classic as the “Young Elvis” from the “shady side of the family tree.” Trying to buck the “homage to 1950s chrome nostalgia,” the massive fork shrouds are blacked-out, as is the bottom of the windshield. Combined with the Daymaker Projector Headlamp and black-banded LED spotlights the frontend is all 'Dark Custom.'
Past and Present
The Heritage Classic balances contemporary function with retro-styling. Keeping true to the 'Heritage' moniker, the dash and gauge evoke the EL Knucklehead's panel but with digital components and LED indicator lights. The redesigned dash features an LCD display with digital fuel gauge, two tripmeters, an odometer, range to empty, engine RPM, and a clock. The speedometer is still a good old-fashioned analog dial.
Shocking Change
The Motor Company only refined the Softail design. In the mid-1970s, a mechanical engineer called Bill Davis built a prototype cantilever swingarm frame with dual shocks under the seat. Dissatisfied with the design, Davis moved the shocks to the lower portion of the frame. In 1982, Harley-Davidson bought Davis' patent, and the rest is history. In 2018, the new Softail frame now features a single shock under the seat — almost like Davis' original design.
Bag Oversight
Rigid, leather-covered, side bags are standard. In keeping with the new Heritage Classic styling, the signature chrome conchos have been re-envisioned as blacked-out rectangular studs that festoon the seat and lockable side bags. If there are any detractors to the carefully balanced design, it is the glaring mechanical oversight of the side bag latches. The protruding internal loop cuts down the usable space and acts as an annoying catch-all.
Sporty Ride
The Heritage Classic is Harley-Davidson's lightest touring bike on the market. Along with the redesigned rear suspension, the frontend received the all-new Showa Dual Bending Valve setup. Coupled with a lighter and stiffer frame, the new suspension set-up delivers a firm but compliant ride that some dare to call “sporty.” This a far cry from the Heritage Classic of old that was sometimes referred to as “your Grandpa's bike.”
Premium Trip
The Heritage Classic has evolved, if not matured. With the new Softail frame and suspension the Heritage Classic is even more of a versatile machine, with a premium fit and finish that is par excellence in the industry. The Heritage Classic reminds us that a simple approach is best, and if something is not broken, do not fix it — just improve on it.
Country Road
To the critics who say Harley-Davidson styling is outdated, it is important to remember that the Big Twins of bygone years were the everyday workhorses of a nation. The payoff of perseverance and hard work is that motorcycling is now enjoyed as a leisure sport activity. At the core, the 2018 Heritage Classic has 'road trip' stamped into its genes — and that was earned.
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