114CI Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic review

I took the 2018 heritage classic out for a ride and wanted to tell you guys some of the things that have changed and some of the things I liked about it. I've never had anything negative to say and the heritage other than I didn't like that you couldn't lock your bags but Harley took care of that. The 2018 Harley Davidson heritage is a real pleasure to ride. I know some people are questioning the new models but this one takes the cake. You wouldn't be disappointed in the heritage classic special! (DISCLAIMER: I do not sell motorcycles, or aid in the sale of motorcycles, this is an opinionated review based on my knowledge).

[@Realhappiness2260]

Great video..just purchased a 19, take delivery shortly. I can't wait to ride it. Really appreciate the thorough analysis of the bike. Well done.

[@OnPointFirearms]

So happy to see another new motovlogger. This bike looks really good in person. Caught up to a guy with this exact same bike yesterday. He was ripping it around. So much for break in period. Gas it up and burn it down.

[@johnnymossville]

I rode both the 114 and 107 yesterday. These bikes are fantastic. I rode over some rough roads and through corners and this thing is well planted. Love the looks as well. Looks like classic Harley, with modern tech. Great bike.

[@fastjax]

John B Yeah the new suspension is fantastic! Does it's job very well and a ton of travel, I think they ride very smoothly and corner great!

[@cjg431]

John B what did you think of the 107 compared to the 114

[@JP1970]

Just bought a 2019 114 in wicked red, and i couldn't be happier! Thanks fr the review. I have some new videos on my channel and will have more coming. Thanks!

[@briancruise182]

Heck of a show room you rode into. Nice bike

[@RustyRelic66]

I had a 2013 FLSTC, I think its an amazing looking bike but just traded it in for the 114 Heritage Classic. It a more modern vintage look and I for one, am happy to see the changes they made. It is an awesome looking bike.

[@Axl_colts]

That bike looks gangster without the shield and bags..... Especially in Black!

[@MrBigbike55]

i own this bike since 2 weeks and it is absolutely great, the best harley I ever had

[@ritchiewoodland3641]

I had the 2017 Heritage and loved it. Traded for the new anniversary model and everything you said on your review I agree with. This thing is much better in every way. I hated the blackout when they first came. I’m now converted and love it. I was going to get a street guide but made the right decision for me.

[@fastjax]

Ritchie Woodland I love the anniversary model! Great buy! I'm with you too, I wasn't really feeling the new heritage aesthetically when I first saw it but now I definitely do!

[@GamezGuy85]

love my 2011 heritage and don't wanna ride the new one cause I know I'll be taking it home lol

[@naturalforlife6741]

Yeah I took a demo ride on the 2022 Heritage and just had to have it. I traded in my 2017 Street Glide in on it. No regrets. I'm already riding it more then I did the Street Glide special. It's so much easier to ride for me and taking curves is much more fun.

[@HDR20]

I rode the same bike and still felt the buzziness in the floor boards and the handlebars that was there in previous generations. I did love the power of the 114,the smoothness,and the handling but i didnt take it home lol. all in all i would still own one but i am waiting for Harley-Davidson to figure out the sumping and transfer issues before i buy one

[@yonceydelatorre3802]

What's the difference other than engine from a 2018 softail deluxe to a 2018 softail heritage?

[@chrisblake1918]

Test rode one of these yesterday. Words nearly fail to describe how sweet this beast really is! #freedommachine

[@fastjax]

Chris Blake that is true my friend, rides like a dream and definitely has the power! The monoshock gives you a hell of ride and the dual bending valve forks as well!

[@jpl8085]

I test rode one of these and really liked it. Smooth ride. How do you think this would do on a 3 hour ride with a passenger? Do you think it would be somewhat close to the street glide as far as comfort for 2 people??

[@amacmotovlogs]

WOW, great bike....Just beautiful...Thanks for making this review!!!!

[@fastjax]

thanks!! and your welcome :)

[@gwaddles]

Nice review and nice Chucks.

[@fastjax]

Drax68 thanks brother

[@bernadettebeauchamp6599]

Great review! Very informative!

[@fastjax]

thank you!

[@markmcintosh7095]

I bought one yesterday in 115 anaversity colors. I'm surprised how nice it rides and corners.

[@123JumpingJacks]

Great review. Liked and subbed. Loved the references to the 2017 as I was considering one. I am now convinced I want the new one. I did a few softail reviews recently. Would love your opinion. Hot me up.

[@djshadow9269]

can you do a review on the 2018 road king special

[@mixalis6168]

Hated the older heritage turns ! 18 looks magic, good review !

[@fastjax]

yeah being a bit taller with the new suspension makes it handle much better

[@douglasswendsen5020]

mixalis i have the new 2018 heritage 107 its all around bad ass love it

[@no1up]

Looks like a modern pan head. I love it.

[@slyguyaction]

Great review. Liked and subbed. Keep it up...

[@fastjax]

thanks brother!

[@j.d.thompson3505]

Probably Harley's best softy right now. I am sure it would look killer w/o the windshield and luggage too. (I wish someone would post pix or video without.)

[@dcdell2008]

I test rode this Heritage SC 114 last weekend and it is without a doubt one hell of great softails made...I also rode the Fat Boy S 114 back to back after the Heritage SC, and for me the Heritage wins hands down over the FBS, especially when canyon curving , it is just so natural...the FBS, I have to work little bit to on corners and curves...however, the looks of the FBS is a real killer and bad ass, especially the huge 240 rear tire does make a statement... But for overall functionality, the Heritage has it all, remove the windshield, saddle bags, & passenger seat, and you have a nice comfy boulevard cruiser...I just wish Harley upped the read tire to a 180 as that would have looked awesome...thanks for video review and for sharing

[@fastjax]

dcdell2008 yeah I thought the heritage handled the best by far than the others I ridden so far, they did a nice job on it. I wonder how it would handle with a 180. I haven't thought about it but it would look good for sure. I only got the chance to ride the FBS for a second because it was sold as soon as it came off the truck but I'll do a video when we get another one.

[@alj.granda8252]

180 rear would be perfect for this model. Works great on all the baggers, so I would expect the same with the Heritage.

[@tonyc2912]

Great review! Not sure about that red denim color. Vivid Black on that Heritage and some black mirrors would be nice.

[@fastjax]

Tony C thanks! And yeah I like the silver fortune!

[@MrPerrogaton]

Hello Fast, I am 6 feet tall and I felt a little cramped in my Street Glide even with a 10" Paul Yaffe handlebar. Do you think I will be better in the Heritage? Probably difficult to have a test ride here in Spain. Thanks a lot!

[@fastjax]

Javier Rodriguez one thing I like about the heritage over the street glide is how much easier it is to really dial the bars in. You can't just push the bars more forward by an inch if you need to on a street glide without it being an all day affair and even then with the fairing you may not even be able to get them where you need them. I think the heritages rider triangle can be alter more. But you can buy an aftermarket kit that moves your floorboards up 2 inches for both models

[@MrPerrogaton]

Fast-Action Jax thanks a lot, I think that apes are higher than mine and moving it forward will be a much better position. Sold a Softail before cause did not like the feeling and the Glide was almost perfect but sold it to have a boxer. Now I want to get back to the Twin. Best regards.

[@Bradington]

The heal shifter is great for getting into second gear quickly when pulling away from a stop. The toe shifter takes greater precision to slide a boot between the floorboard/peg and shift pedal, particularly when shifting into second where the left leg transitions from standing the bike up at a stop.

[@Gibson1954]

What would your personal pick between the 2018 heritage classic the 2018 road king special?

[@fastjax]

actually that is a real tough one for me, I really like both bikes. before 18 I probably would have went with the road king but with the redesigned bags and m8 motor in the heritage I would probably go with the the heritage.

[@Gibson1954]

Fast-Action Jax thanks for the input!

[@markmcintosh7095]

I traded my road king s in ppm my 2018 heritage 114. I ride mostly back roads and is just more fun for my use. I'm a big fan of the 2018 softail models . I have a fat bob and sport glide also.

[@Gibson1954]

Which would you pick between your heritage and the sport glide?

[@adrianrubi5012]

Should the rider's line of sight be through the windshield or should the top of the windshield be just below the rider's line of sight?

[@fastjax]

The riders line of sight should be through the windshield of a Heritage Classic.

[@MrPerrogaton]

Adrian Rubi , I have read perfect height is under the mouth, over your lips. So you can see over, but the wind will not bother you. Anyway I think line of sight through the windshield is ok too.

[@fastjax]

Javier Rodriguez most riders just are not that tall, I'm 6 foot and my line of sight is directly through the windshield, also besides wind they are for protection of the elements like rain when your caught in it. Either way tall or short the heritage windshield is fantastic. It's when you get into the street glides and road glide that you really need to play with height. For instance I can't use the oem windshield on a street glide. I get horrible buffeting

[@adrianrubi5012]

Fast-Action Jax .....so for the Road King the rider's line of sight should also be through the windshield?

[@fastjax]

Adrian Rubi yes, that's why Harley doesn't make dark smoke windshields for those models in standard height and doesn't make dark smoke windshields for flhx and flrt over 7 inches, because Harley believes it's unsafe to have a line of sight through a dark smoke windshield. Also they do make shorter windshields if you'd prefer you line of sight be over it.

[@Thebeerhistorian]

I wish I could buy one of these.

[@tylerthrash3155]

I love mine, I like to be different. You see road Kings and street glides all the time. I just wish harley would put the sissy bar standard on the softail like they did in the past

[@snakebite6511]

Excellent review! Here is the part i don't get, Harley has been losing sales big time over the 1st 2 quarters of 2017 and in response to this, they decide it would be a good idea to raise prices even higher. My wife and i are in the market for a couple new bikes, she has not had a new bike since 2002. I like the 2018 CVO Street Glide and she likes the 2018 Harley Heritage but $65k for the 2 bikes is a tough pill to swallow when Harley is rated near the bottom for reliability. Together, my wife and i make good money, but i can't justify spending $65k for the 2. Yamaha Star series bikes are rated at the top for reliability and i can pick up a new 2018 Yamaha Star Venture $32k and a 2018 Yamaha V Star 1300 Deluxe SE for $15k totalling $47,000 not including the fact they will negotiate the price, I'm betting i can get the 2 for $44-45k all in. That is $20k less than the 2 Harley's and top ratings for reliability compared to low end rating with Harley. I have several bikes now, we have 2, 2002 Yamaha v star's 650 (wife's) & 1100 (mine) we got new, never any issues except 1 in 2016 with the 650 where it was having difficulty starting after storing all winter, turned out to be i forgot to get fuel stabilizer for that bike and in the spring it wouldn't start and stay running, needed to have the carbs cleaned and plugs replaced, cost just under $600 but that also included an oil change. Also have a 2008 Harley Rocker C, 2003 Indian Spirit Roadmaster and a 2014 Indian Chief Vintage. If i don't get the 2018 Yamaha Star Venture TC, i will be seriously looking at the 2018 Indian Chieftain Elite.

[@snakebite6511]

It's a beautiful bike.

[@snakebite6511]

Again, it's a beautiful bike and pried better than Harley.

[@snakebite6511]

Wayne Smith Who said anything about a bargain, Indian is certainly not a bargain? Nor am i hating on Harley, i said in my initial comment that Harley is not worth the $65,000 that it will cost me for the 2 bikes. Indian is just as much Indian as Harley is Harley. You do realize that the original Harley was sold several times. As for Yamaha, you really need to expand your horizons and get on one, Yamaha Star series bikes are rated #1 for reliability whereas Harley is #8 As for your comments about Indian's being fugly, you are wrong again, the Indian motorcycles are a beautiful piece of machinery just like the Harley's and the Yamaha's. My only problem with Harley is their pricing compared to what you get. I have 2 Indians, 2 Yamaha v stars and 1 Harley and 1 Honda CBR F4i in my garage now, i am open minded enough that i can enjoy all bikes from cruiser to to sport. You need to get a life dude, stop hating everything because its not Harley. Harley has been losing market share since 2014 when Indian came back and Yamaha stepped up their cruiser game.

[@electricritual4197]

Snake Bite Harley never went out of business. This is the fourth incarnation of Indian. That's why I can't stand all their since 1901 baging. It a lie.

[@snakebite6511]

Wayne Smith - It's awesome you know what you want, but there are far more better bikes out there than Harley. Yamaha Star series cruisers are rated number 1 and they are half price. Personally i like the Indian's and i have a couple. Not sure if you have been reading the news, but Harley has been taking a beating on the stock market, in the market share and substantially reduced sales. The market is now flooded with people selling their Harley and they are certainly not holding their value like they once did. There are just too many for sale right now and its not because people have purchased another Harley because the sales of Harley dropped almost 10% People are moving to Indian & Yamaha and seeing better value and technology Indian is growing, 2014 they had 3 bikes, 2018 model year they have 17 bikes and have been growing at double digit numbers, while Harley has been losing market share from a high of 58% at the end of 2013 to now 47% as of July 2017 and i will guarantee that when figures are released again in October, harley will have another decline in sales and market share. 2017 & 2018 model years for Harley was extremely important because they came out with the M8 and yet, the Harley Loyalists have not been upgrading because sales are way down and the forecast is to stay down for some time. I hope you enjoy your Harley as much as i enjoy my Indian's and Yamaha's, thats all that matters.

[@sboy1955]

Any heat issues with that 114?

[@fastjax]

its actually better, the 103b was always a little hot in the crotch. I didnt even notice much heat when I was riding. I think the head shape and being a little further away makes it better.

[@sboy1955]

Fast-Action Jax - good to hear 🤙🏼

[@poohead4360]

Those taillights and turn signals have been around for over 15 years. Time to grow up HD.

[@stinde666]

Love the Heritage but they are stupid expensive here in finland , so will flye around whit my Sporty :-D

[@joeguzman3558]

i was just going to buy a new heritage classic but they changed a lot from looks to lighter colors ,I'll just go to Indian Springfield

[@Thebeerhistorian]

Joe Guzman the Indian is nice but they're so stuck on vintage looking colors schemes. IDK the red denim is kind of cool.

[@no1up]

I like the Indian Springfield, but the vintage look of the new heritage is awsome. Looking through old pics of vintage Harleys you can really see this bike in them. Thr soul is still there. The Indian is made by Polaris a recreational vehicle company. Look at used 2015 Indians (especially the leather) and tell me what you think.

[@michaelwinter3132]

I was hoping for an increased wheelbase.

[@jefferyturner4675]

I was finally able to ride one today; I was not impressed. The bike vibrated too much; the suspension was horrible; acceleration was iffy. I was expecting something that would rival the Indian Chief Vintage, but Harley has a loooong way to go before that happens. I was thoroughly underimpressed with the Heritage.

[@frogmanjack8790]

Where is this dealer located good video

[@fastjax]

we're in panama city beach florida! and thanks brother!

[@bbusigful]

Awesome bike. Nice review. Your wristwatch...is that an Invicta?

[@Iwasneverhere7]

You from the Burg or Philly?

[@fastjax]

Florida raised, spent some time in indianapolis and chicago

[@Iwasneverhere7]

Fast-Action Jax You say a few words like your from PA... Thanks for the review !

[@mkviz]

I test rode one and found the bars and floorboards buzzy. And some serious throttle lag. Not a really good touring bike

[@fastjax]

Mark Vizcarra heritage classic is not a touring bike. Although many like to think so and use it for such

[@wooddawg4868]

Harley Davidson finally did their mega up grading which was long overdue starting in 2017 with the M8 motor. The LED lighting, wireless throttles, cruise control and suspension are all huge but late in the game compared to Honda and Yamaha-motors. I had a 2001 harley sportster and now a 2017 street glide special and i can say I only ride american because I am american, with that said HD cannot let overseas cycles makers get ahead of them again.

[@buckgreatdane372]

My God how many tattoos do you have.should I look at them or read them.

[@fastjax]

Buck Great Dane I only have 1 tattoo 🤣

[@gabbyhayes1568]

The upgrades are hard to find fault with, but they destroyed the look of the classic Heritage IMHO. But then again opinions vary.

[@fastjax]

No, I agree with you 100 percent but I think Harley has stayed in their comfort zone for years and years. I think they knew it was time for a change and the new bikes are growing on me a lot. I wasnt sure at first until I rode them and the more I look at them the more I like them

[@rl6319]

My 2017 heritage came with cruise control

[@fastjax]

Yes 2017 was the first year they came standard with cruise control, stating they now come standard with cruise doesn't mean it's the first year, but it still new enough that not everyone may know that.

[@grayboo212]

Naw man, 2016 was the first year for standard cruise control on a Heritage.

[@adrianrubi5012]

First!

[@Tyler2Wheel]

Good video but my god the ads....

[@fastjax]

BoGuSknowsBeSt Yeah sorry, in the videos I can't control the ads on they are a bit excessive, I think they have to be longer than 15 minutes to insert yourself.

[@oklahomahank2378]

Could you feel air on your head? I see you are 6 feet, I am 6'3".

[@markhenry192]

Great bike just pig ugly (particularly when compared to the old model)

[@brianfisher3774]

I wish I could buy a motorcycle but I don't have the money or job that can give me a chance to buy a HD Motorcycle

[@brianfisher3774]

poo head really you really a fuck up aren't you

[@christoperbrandon1311]

#pleasesavethedynasmodels

[@560lds]

Between the primer brown paint & blacked out everything, that is the dullest new bike I have ever seen! Then throw on the ugly seat & uglier bags ..... Wow! It's like something for the military that they don't want to stand out or be seen. It sure better ride & handle great..... cause it's pretty homely!

[@Joesmoothdog]

WTF!!! Blacked out shield??? Jeezus!! Get a fairing scoot. My '15 RK laughed. Almost $23k. The bags look like crap and scuff too easily. Showroom bike had a bag scuff that doesn't look buffable. Harley!!! WTF!?

[@dimensionalencounter3689]

Looks like a Harley interpretation of Katlyn Jenner

[@no1up]

Jamie York looks like an old Knuckle head or even a pan head, brought up to date..

[@RCAddix]

Personally I think the bike you were riding today looked Hideous.

[@bobscott1809]

Please tell me you're joking and this is not the 2018 Heritage this thing is ugly where's the Chrome Heritage is supposed to be chromed out hate the bags hate this bike time to get it Indian

[@fastjax]

bob scott the Indians are just as black out my friend, this is the denim red specials, the still have some nice colors for '18. Harley knew they had to take a risk and move outside of their comfort zone because their bikes have baseline looked the same for 50 years. They tried to switch it up and still stay close to their roots. I wouldn't personally buy a Polaris over it but we're different

[@devonriley110]

This is what most classic Harley's looked like. All the extra chrome was excessive and modern, I do agree about the bags though, they don't look retro at all.

[@no1up]

Devon is correct. Most old Harleys are black, or just plain stainless steal with a little chrome. The gobbs of chrome is 80s and 90s. Going black is just going back to thr start. I love the pan head look of this bike. The power and handling are outstanding. I traded my 2018 fat Bob for the 2018 heritage.. I took a good loss but I don't care, love my bike.

[@no1up]

I will add that I was looking at the Springfield Indian. But until Polaris proves it's going to stand behind the name I won't buy in. They need a running track record. Plus most used 14s and 15s I've seen look terrible. Crappy paint and leather turning green!