2018 Harley-Davidson Heritage 5,000 Mile Review

This is my review of my 2018 Harley-Davidson Heritage 114. I have owned this motorcycle now for 5 months and 2 days and have hit my 5000 miles. I am very happy with this bike. As I mention in my video, the only real major complaint I have is that I wish it had dual Brembo brakes up front. Otherwise, this bike has been perfect for me.
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#Gear #Gadgets

[@andyfoley6906]

Good review! Like you, I have 5K + on my Heritage 114, and have nothing but praise for mine. I’ve scrapped my floorboards a few times, but that was into some twisties out here in NC. The vintage designs and colors can’t be beat. And there’s just enough crome. Keep enjoying yours and safe riding!

[@GearsGadgets]

I agree. I think the bike is the perfect balance between nostalgia without just looking old and outdated. One of my favorite Harley designs. I wasn’t a huge Heritage fan until the 18’s came out. Huge difference. Thanks for watching!!

[@FLHCSfan68]

The 2017 and earlier Softails did scrape floorboards very easily. This is one of the reasons I purchased a 2017 Road King Special. I recently traded my Road King Special for a new 2022 Heritage Classic 114 in Redline Red and Vivid Black. I love it

[@markwhatley9955]

I have the 2019 Heritage Classic 114, which I bought used with less than 3k miles. It’s my first Harley and first bike after a 30 year layoff. I added the Custom Dynamics LED’s to the brake light and rear and front turn signals before it left the dealership. Also added the CD Triple Play brake light modulator that has various settings for flashing and strobe effect. I’m 6-1 and 225 and the bike carries me fine. Always solo. I have the mono shock adjusted to my weight with gear. I see a lot more RK’s out there but I really think I got the right bike for me.

[@waltstovall372]

I have the exact same bike. I have just shy of 15K on the bike now. Love the bike. The dummy cap is no Prob for me. I upgraded to LED tail light and turn signals with smoked Lens. Looks Much better. Good Video.

[@GearsGadgets]

Wow 15K, that’s a lot of riding. The dummy cap isn’t a “problem” for me, I just wish they did something with it to make it serve SOME kind of purpose. The LED’s are a must. Thanks for watching!!!

[@rajkumarverma6632]

H

[@thelatenightbar]

Can't go wrong with the Heritage ! Safe travels.

[@thegoblin2684]

You rode six hours to get a piece of pie... Now I feel better about rideing four hours for a cup of ice cream .

[@GearsGadgets]

Haha yeah. Just a good long day of riding with a terrible excuse to justify it to my wife. I got a solid eye roll when I proposed the purpose of my trip. It was totally worth it!!

[@kewintaylor7056]

Why u have to ride that long?lol....there are foods everywhere in Thailand?

[@oldsoldier181]

I think thats a prereq for riders, lol. I have ridden 4 hours for a burger...

[@oldsoldier181]

@@kewintaylor7056 Its about the ride, not the food. There are certain destinations that riders here in America like to ride to. We have a similar ice cream place, its an annual ride for us. It the Dummerston Ice Cream festival, in Vermont. People will ride an entire day, to go to this thing. And, its just ice cream :).

[@levievans9311]

Just give a man uh reason or an excuse to ride his new or Classic Hog.Ride on man.

[@shawncandler1960]

I have a 2018 heritage classic 107 stage 1. And I absolutely love it. Even riding 2 up is comfortable, wife and I done a 900 weekend trip and loved it, ( oh yeah and luggage to.)

[@GearsGadgets]

Yeah the bike is FAR more capable than people like to admit. I DO think a touring bike is better suited for long rides but the Heritage can certainly hold its own.

[@edshultz3447]

What kind of setup do you have for 2up riding ?

[@JP1970]

Love your videos, buddy, and i am getting close to buying this bike. Liked and subbed!

[@Wesleycreardon]

How you liking it JP? Ive seen your comments all over these videos ive been watching. Just picked up a 2019 demo heritage 2 weeks ago. I'm completely satisfied. It wasnt even almost the bike I wanted, but now its the bike I need.

[@GearsGadgets]

Thank you JP1970

[@roberthodges1650]

I have that same bike same color as well. Coming off a metric cruiser this is the best bike I have ever owned does it all for me.

[@GearsGadgets]

Thanks for watching. I love my 2018 Heritage. It really is a great swiss army knife bike.

[@sturgus1]

Hey Bro You are correct. Keep the amber lights up front. Studies from years ago support that. When at a stop light or elsewhere move the handlebars from right to left to help oncoming cars become aware of you. Glad you like your heritage

[@GearsGadgets]

Right on

[@mikep4324]

I have a 2019 107 Heritage since the end of April and now have just over 1,400 miles on it. I'm loving it. I traded a 2017 Sportster for it (Iron 883). I changed the rear signals to brighter LED bulbs and the fronts to LED with clear lenses that work as white running lights and flash orange. I like the extra light up front especially in darker conditions. I'll probably do something with the brake light. The fake cap is not an issue for me. As far as wind buffeting, I don't have a problem with it. I get some updraft that makes my beard stick straight out, but it isn't bothersome. The wind is nothing like having a bike sans windshield. I had a small one on my Sportster and it made a difference especially when compared to my son's Sportster that didn't. The Heritage handles extremely well. It didn't take me long to get used to it. The engine moves this machine. It weighs 160 lbs. more than the Iron with an engine twice the size. I can lean this bike in the twisties as well as the Sportster. I even find the stock seat comfortable. I added a Grasshopper rider backrest. The saddlebags are adequate for my needs. My plans are to add an engine guard and probably do a slip-on exhaust. Overall, I'm extremely happy with this bike.

[@GearsGadgets]

Thanks for the comment (Sorry for the late reply, trying to catch up on old comments I missed)

[@sturgus1]

Stock road king shocks and all stock H-D shocks suck big time. This mono is terrific as I’ve had numerous FLH Bikes and spent almost 3 grand on aftermarket shocks. I’ve ridden a few hundred miles on the heritage mono shock and is terrific.

[@GearsGadgets]

I agree. The mono shock is leaps and bounds better.

[@MrTurnone]

Great review and totally agree with the Heritage vs RK as I went through the same thing. I love the RK but my Heritage is fantastic. I have the previous frame (2015 103) and the best thing I bought for it was the wrench to adjust the shocks underneath to my weight and riding style (somewhat aggressive). What a difference from the factory setting...amazing change. Any of you with a Heritage adjust that suspension! Matt Laidlaw did a good video on setting the preload on the newer mono shockers

[@GearsGadgets]

Thanks Mr.Turone Laidlaw has a ton of good content.I actually have left my suspension pretty stiff and I like it.

[@markgiles8527]

I know using the Highway is a quick and easy way to get around but if I had a bike like that I would not be in a hurry to get anywhere and I'd take the roads less travelled to get to where I want to go. Highway riding just sucks in my opinion. But each to his own. Love that bike!

[@GearsGadgets]

Fair enough. I actually love highway riding but that’s just subjective

[@williamhyland4253]

Check out one of Matt laidlaws latest videos. One of his techs just got a heritage and did a lot of cool stuff to it.

[@GearsGadgets]

Thank you William Hyland

[@biglee6053]

I wish they made the new prodigy wheel for this bike. That and dual front disc brakes.

[@GearsGadgets]

Agree!!

[@thomasdstuart]

you have to live close to me. I know exactly where you are almost every clip. Great video!

[@GearsGadgets]

Sorry for the super late reply Thom Stuart. I appreciate that you stopped by the channel and apologize for not responding WAY sooner.

[@kevinf7016]

For anyone with experience on this, would you consider 5000 miles a 2 year old Harley too high mileage if considering buying used from private seller? Thank!

[@GearsGadgets]

No not at all. That’s kind of perfect actually. Enough miles that it’s ”shaken down” for anything to break and be covered under warranty work but not too high mileage that it matters. My 18 Heritage has 20K and it still feels brand new

[@kevinf7016]

@@GearsGadgets Appreciate the insight! Thank you!!

[@KoHokCheung]

Hi. Nice bike. Considering having one. Tires are tube type right. Any issues with them? Cheers

[@GearsGadgets]

I would highly recommend it. Yes tires are tube type. I haven’t had any issues with them.

[@miguelagomez4351]

I have plans to buy a motorcycle. I live in Phoenix AZ. My question is whether air cooling system is fine, specifically in somer time. Thx.

[@GearsGadgets]

Miguel A Gomez if you are going to commute daily and possibly get stuck in traffic in temps over 100 I would recommend liquid cooled. Couple times I had to ride the shoulder like a tool bag because the bike head temps pushed 350 degrees. If I could I would probably trade to a Limited for the liquid cooling. My heritage has been much better tho after getting the UltraCool oil cooler installed so I would at-least recommend that.

[@michaelohara2161]

The amber lights should only be on only if the turn signals are on. Since it is illegal to have ambers in the back, that stay on. I highly recommend the red lens and convertor kit , that allows the red turn lights in the back, to operate as running, stop, and turn signals.. It installs in 15 minutes and it makes your bike way more visible. Three tail lights, always on, instead of one. The Harley lens and convertor kit cost around $70. Money well spent, in my opinion. I also added a strobing brake light, called The Bright As# Light. I enjoyed your video.

[@GearsGadgets]

Michael O'Hara I appreciate the comment. My rear ambers are turn signals only so they only light up when the blinkers are on. The brake light does the rest which is red. I appreciate the comment and thanks for watching!!

[@kewintaylor7056]

I agreed that..Its front brake wont match its power and weight... Why the hell harley give only one front disc!??

[@GearsGadgets]

Yeah im not sure why they did a single disc up front. I have gotten on the brakes hard and they do have a lot of bite but just feels like it should have dual disc up front.

[@mariolastra9709]

Was this your first bike?

[@GearsGadgets]

Yes it is

[@jackchristodoulou197]

Do you think you could tour 2 up on this bike

[@GearsGadgets]

Personally I wouldnt. It would be a bit much for the bike and not really super comfortable for long runs for the passenger.

[@danielcruz4521]

Dope bike

[@GearsGadgets]

Thanks!!!

[@danielcruz4521]

@@GearsGadgets 👍

[@jeffomspaugh6691]

Did you add the heel shifter?

[@GearsGadgets]

protect your 2nd yea I did. Got tired of wrecking/scuffing up boots from upshifts on a daily commuter bike.

[@jeffomspaugh6691]

@@GearsGadgets I've never had a heel shifter before so I don't miss it on a 19 heritage. I don't know if I would like it or not. Never had floor boards before either and I do like those.

[@bdraidian6280]

Does anyone ride this bike on longer rides with 2up Edit: longer trips as in weekend trips.

[@GearsGadgets]

If that is your plan I would go with a Touring bike. That is coming after I have 13,000 miles on this bike now and did a 2400 mile trip on it. I wouldnt want to do it 2 up frequently.

[@bdraidian6280]

Gears & Gadgets ok cool. Thank you for the reply.

[@prafulshirke5565]

yea , first time being first one to watch , comment n like....on a youtube video.whahaha ...

[@GearsGadgets]

Haha thanks!! I appreciate it. Thanks for watching!! Feel free to subscribe for future videos as well if you would like.