Everything You Need To Know About The Heritage Classic

The Harley Heritage Classic is a boring motorcycle but...It's got some features that make it fairly unique in the world of touring motorcycles.

[@dougnorwood5447]

Good video. I have a 22 Heritage 114. So far, it fits my needs ideally. I'm 67 and appreciate the lighter weight for easier maneuverability. I only ride solo, local, no overnights. I've added crash bars, LED lighting including the strobe brake lights, heel shifter and tour pak. The 114 offers such good performance, it's not likely I'll pursue performance upgrades, given the leisurely riding I do. Only have 1400 miles on it now, but hope to have many more miles of smiles to come.

[@GusPineda-k2h]

You have a lot of power there , my 91 Evo is nowhere near your engine and it has enough power for me, sounds like you have a great bike ride . ride safe

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

I've done a couple of long rides on my bike. I did put some 14" fat bars on it because my arms are were stretched out a little too far. Now with the bars rotated toward my torso I can sit a lot more comfortably. My shoulders aren't in front of my torso. I also installed engine guards that helped me because I laid it down on the right side. When they installed the higher bars they routed the clutch cable back through the clip on the front of the triple tree cover. That made a sharp right angle that prevented the cable to slide smoothly in the sheath. So the clutch would stay disconnect when the clutch leaver was pulled in and when let out the cable hung up and then released suddenly. So when the steering was turn to the right to the lock position the clutch wouldn't released until at the very end of the clutch lever travel. That caused the bike to lurch and fall over. The engine guards saved me a lot of money. After disconnecting the P=clamp on the cable, it works perfectly now.

[@Peter-k3b]

I'm 67 too and I ride a 2020 heritage 114. So far everything seems perfect but the buffeting effect with the windshield on is almost unbearable... just like someone keep hitting my head...what do you think? Thank you sir.

[@carver7689]

@@Peter-k3b I have a '21 Heritage 114 with a HD Tallboy seat. I switched windshields to one that's 2" taller than stock (to better match the seat) and with a recurve at the top. The recurve makes a big difference on the highway by pushing the air stream a little higher over your helmet. Where the wind used to strike right in my eyes, it now skims over the top of the helmet. I only notice buffeting in really hard crosswinds/headwinds or at unusually high speeds. Mine came from Clearview Shields.

[@lancewhite1758]

I love my 2018 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic with the 114. I have a stage 1 TAB exhaust. I love it.

[@Heritagejim5339]

Just bought a 23 Heritage in Atlas/Silver Metallic. Chromed out ( don’t be a hater😂). Absolutely love it, but I’ve always been a chrome guy Stay safe😎

[@HegshotRides]

lol

[@stevencorry5790]

I done the world record poker run on my 2020 heritage special.....got me into the Guinness Record Book.....3427 miles...would do it again tomorrow....dont let anyone tell you this ain't a long haul bike...and with the lighter weight....faster than the baggers 😅

[@MKandKCCampbell]

Love my 2020 Heritage 114. And I’ve also owned a Road King. Best bike I’ve ever owned. Comfortable doing 80 and very grounded. There is that wind pocket behind the windshield but no buffeting as it hits above my visor. I have easily done a 400 mile day on mine with a Mustang touring seat. And I’ve blacked out the mirrors and gas caps. Love it, love it, love it.

[@MKandKCCampbell]

Oh, and Tab Slipons with Zombie baffles and a tune.

[@rbshedd]

Have this same color scheme on my '18. Previous owner put 14" apes but I changed back to stock. Duel exhaust with V&H slip ons, changed the rear lights, matching tour pack for extended travel. LOVE this bike!!!

[@matthunting1162]

Love my 2021 Heritage in the Deadwood Green/Black, in my opinion it's one of the most iconic models HD ever made. That's why it's still in production. It will do for a 2 or 3 day trip but anything longer than that you'll be wishing you were on a heavier touring bike. When going from first gear to neutral slide your foot a little further under the shift peg so you're lifting it up with your instep instead of your toe. much more control that way.

[@silntstl]

I have that exact same HC. Took one look at the DWG and knew that was mine to be.

[@bradwilliams4921]

Rode one from Fort Lauderdale to Key West and back in 1day (almost 400 miles) and felt no fatigue when I finished the ride. Great bike. My normal bike is a Fatboy. The Heritage was a rental.

[@jaredtomochak4946]

OK since you have both I've always wondered what is the difference in the two other than the wind shield and wheels

[@bradwilliams4921]

@@jaredtomochak4946 Hi Jared. The seating position and handlebars, aside from sheet metal, are the biggest differences that I could discern. But if you are looking at new models you'll also notice that there is a difference in the tire sizes.

[@MKandKCCampbell]

I have a 2020 Heritage 114. I blacked out the mirrors and fuel caps. Put Tab 3.5s with Zombie baffles. LAF. They are Chrome though. I like the mix of black v. chrome I have now. You didn’t talk about the power to weight ratio but at 728 lbs. it flies. I ride at 80 on the highway and I feel it’s very stable. Obviously, I’m a huge fan.

[@MKandKCCampbell]

Oh, and I replaced the taillight and turn signals with custom dynamics and gave it a tune.

[@walterlee3839]

Began riding since the very early 90's. Had a 2001 HSC and enjoyed it. I've owned 2 SG's, 1 Ultra Limited and 3RG's since. At 69 years of age, the big baggers were more than I wanted to handle any longer, move around the garage, etc. I went with a 2024 Heritage 114" and feel like I'm reborn in my motorcycle life. It dawned on me quickly why I liked the bike so much from 2001. I'm really enjoying the bike. Every one of my baggers were blacked out. I'm really digging the chrome again. The HSC has always been a heavily chromed bike since yesteryear. HD has not done anything different, so it's not as though chrome on a HSC is a new thing if you've been around long enough.

[@velikijoxotnik]

Just traded my secondary bike ('17 Sporty Custom 1200C) for a new '23 Heritage Classic 114... and am loving it. My primary is a '22 RGS. I laid down over 30K miles this past calendar year, and love the RGS for those long road trips. The Heritage will be my around-town bike and for solo rides that are 2-hours or less (but I'm not afraid to take the Heritage for longer rides... I thiink that she'd be just fine). I love the chromed-out Heritage (my RGS is blacked-out and love it blacked out... I love having one chromed and one blacked bike). ON my Heritage, the things that I'm changing immediately: Slip-on pipes (Rush w/ 2.5" cat-less baffles), blinkers and tail light to LED, high-flow air filter (and will retune), adding a stomp (heel) shifter. I haven't decided about a seat upgrade. I may go with a rider-only Mustang and a luggage rake in place of a pillion. When my wife rides, we'll be on the RGS; so, I don't mind letting the pillion go away. So far, after a week of riding her, I'm extremely pleased to have her in the stable.

[@Cohiba6969]

JES Custom accent wind deflectors will take care of wind turbulence. Redline transmission oil with shockproof will make finding neutral a breeze. Did both to my heritage, it’s a different bike now!

[@paulfreespirit]

I'd buy the Indian Springfield as it has LED lighting all round, keyless ignition, central locking bags and here in England a 5 year warranty!

[@GusPineda-k2h]

I have a 91 heritage with no bags and I have Hollywood handlebars , no radio just pure win and sound I rode across 3 state's love everything about it , I will never get rid of my Evo heritage

[@stevedoran3376]

Had an 89 Heritage, still regret selling it. Did thousands of miles on it, bought an Indian Chief Dark horse. Worst move I made.

[@bramblr]

have 06fatboy cvo very comfortable have done long weekends great bike for the riding I do mostly day trips

[@bradlozano2571]

This Bike is the HD i will be getting in the near future...It has everything i need on Bike to do everything....From a Daily rider to Touring....

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

I love my 2022 Heritage. The lean angle is 28.5" which is improved on. I traded in my 2017 Street Glide sp. for this bike. I did 1700 miles on it with no issues.

[@dcxplant]

I wish the Touring models had a factory radio delete option.

[@markmason7019]

I have an 09 Heritage and absolutely love it. I have other bikes for longer distance and adventure riding but the Heritage is a great bike

[@jaredtomochak4946]

I have an 06 heritage classic and love it i so keep the windshield off most of the time and love it the only thing i don't like is it doesn't have that 6th gear could really use it feels like the bike is really working on the highway

[@foreverfrederick]

I had a 2019 in blk w the 107 . Loved that bike . Had the seat padding trimmed down to lower my feet .

[@carver7689]

That back-and-forth feeling you got on the freeway probably comes from those tall ape hangers. Your mirrors were way up there in the breeze like sails. I have the same bike but with stock handlebars, and I haven't noticed any steering weirdness. Incandescent bulbs are kind of cheapo, but overall it's a good bike. Remove the windshield & bags and it looks really good for short runs. You can really see the Hydraglide styling cues like that.

[@matthewbodnar3510]

Another great video. I’m glad you mentioned the looking up and down because I have a Heritage and I do it all the time. I was curious to hear what you thought about the 114 compared to the 107 on the previous Heritage you rode. The first thing I did when I got mine was change the turn signals and brake lights to LED. The stock windshield sucks so I changed mine to a Freedom Shield and buffeting was reduced significantly. I recently did 90 mile ride, 2.5 hours thanks to traffic. The ride down was fine, but riding back was miserable. A touring bike will be my next bike in a few years. I’ve heard from others this is the Swiss Army Knife of the Harley lineup and I agree.

[@atomicwedgie8176]

I always thought the Road King was the Swiss Army Knife. JMO

[@kowal789]

The lean angle is the only thing I didn’t like finding out about this bike, considering I used to drag boards hard on my Vulcan all the time. Besides that, this is my dream bike. I just bought a 23 but can’t ride where I’m at until probably April or May. Being optimistic, but I think the lesser lean angle will simmer be down a bit. Lord knows I need to 😂

[@MartyMiller-b6f]

I have a 22 heritage s&s 475 cam dyno jet tuner bootlegger 2into 1 and dyno tuned 111 hp 122 fpt ive been on a 600 mile trip it did just fine i love my bike

[@tbthomp2]

Yes. They are aftermarket Ape-Hangers. No. That stock seat isn't comfortable. Ride for a few hours on that seat (especially after the seat has been well broken in) and you won't be saying it's comfortable. Don't know why anybody cares about incandescent turn signals. Sure. LEDs are all the rage, but incandescent signals have worked fine since the beginning of time... and hey... it's a Heritage. A vintage bike doesn't necessarily need to be all lathered with modern tech. If you need more lean angle on public roads, well... If a quick glance at the tank speedo is a problem for someone... well... they got bigger problems. The all blacked out thing is a fad that is getting old. Better to have a mix of chrome and black for the contrast. Plus it's a Heritage. Chrome and Heritage kind of go together.

[@johnbreslin3082]

Trying to get into nutral is a pain ,Now i'll have to put on a foot&heal shifter.I have the 2023 Heratage Classic Anniversary.I have to find a low sissy bar,a pad with ra

[@michaelschaefer3124]

Incandescent turn signal bulbs is just a silly thing to complain about, they’ve worked for many many years. As far as the turbulence from the windscreen, a lot of the turbulence is coming up from the bottom of the screen, and can be fixed by installing a set of the fangs on the fork tubes. And as far as the lean angle, if you ride the motorcycle for its intended purpose, the lean angle is not a problem. In fact, you can get this bike through turns pretty damn quick if you know how. Practice grasshopper.

[@SPMiller]

Hi my name is Sean. thank you for all your reviews. I was just curious. besides a Sportster.what is the easiest Harley-Davidson to ride and handle at low speeds. Thank you

[@Hoglife]

I have an 03 Heritage Softail Classic,100 year anniversary edition with the 88B and the bike is amazing,I treat her good and she makes my life a lot better,there is NOTHING else better than being on a Harley Davidson

[@davidpate2237]

I love my 2022 heritage classic 114 should get up and go down the road with no problem

[@robertdaley1194]

I have a 21 .had it 2 years now ,thinking about Stage 2 ,and alloy wheels, definitely getting heated grips.

[@Sanguine_Addiction]

Always wanted a Heritage Classic. Only thing that's stopping me is I'm 5'4" and not sure if she'll be too heavy to maneuver.

[@terrybowles6278]

I’m 5.5” and 80 years old. Riding a 2023 Anniversary Edition Heritage. It’s very easy to ride. My other bike is 06 CVO v rod. Both are easy to ride but Heritage is way more comfortable!

[@Sanguine_Addiction]

@@terrybowles6278 appreciate the info thanks for the reply!

[@michaelphillips5786]

The Heritage and lowrider ST are the best all around bikes Harley makes.

[@brettcreech3490]

Good video man.😎

[@HegshotRides]

Thanks man

[@mikevincent1190]

I have a 21’ road king and I would say without a doubt it is the best all around bike, slow speed around town and a comfortable ride on a trip. Have done 1600 mile rides in 3 days, average 500 to 600 hundred miles a day with no problem, have done 726 miles in one day and was a little beat but that would be the case on any bike I think

[@gregkeller80]

Love mine but I’d take incandescent and an evo any day over it!

[@stevencorry5790]

Incandescent and evo......some people are just wired different

[@jeremycross632]

Hey, this is also the gun guy I watch lol

[@johnanderson9735]

Great video, thanks. The Heritage has a problem competing when it goes up against the Indian Super Chief Limited with its electronics package.

[@andytommy2046]

What sissy bar is that !? And where can I get it

[@rogershinton7483]

Handlebars aren't stock on that particular bike !

[@wooddawg4868]

Just put some engine guards on with foot pegs and it's on.

[@Mike-e5h]

Been riding for over 6 decades and riding a 2009 Heritage Classic I purchased new. Great motorcycle IMO. Short or long highway riding...just not one complaint from me. I prefer it over the Ultra Classic I had. I can tell by the opening shot that I would not like the windshield blocking out the road. Doesn't make sense to me. Easy to fix that BS.

[@GearNDown]

I have this bike and I love it but the suspension is trash. It needs to be upgraded if you are any kind of a aggressive rider. I experience speed wobbles all the time at freeway speeds. All and all I think Harley could have done allot better on this bike. It should have the same touring suspension as the road king.

[@richardfincher2335]

But the fuel gauge indicates a 1/4 tank

[@cbdyna]

Ground clearance difference between an older Heritage and today's is what? 1/4 of an inch? Meh. You want to crazy take corners in those mountains, get a different bike. It is a Heritage. Think I'll review a pickup truck wanting it to have corvette capabilities.

[@slickjames939]

I can ride the twisty's on my 18 without touching the footboards. This guy don't know what he's talking bout!. Never mentioned the Heritage lost 30 lbs & the momo shock is under the seat.

[@simongilbert2704]

not very good are you

[@bobwarren7735]

I love my 2012 Heritage. I do think a newer one would be better on long rides,though

[@nero887]

Heritage is EVO.

[@karlhovelmann]

je viens d'acheter une heritage classic 2022 et je ne suis pas déçu, après avoir hésité entre une ultra limited, la street glide et celle-ci. En Europe, elle convient mieux à la morphologie de nos routes. Je la trouve légère et très maniable, avec un freinage efficace. Bref que du bonheur !

[@JamesSmith-qx2mz]

I’ve put 21,000 miles on my ‘19 Heritage. One highway trip to Paducah Kentucky from Columbus Ohio. No problems, love it.

[@mkelley51]

I just bought a Heritage. I love it. It’s all chrome! Agree about the lights and the kick stand. Great video!!

[@curty85]

I’m gonna tell you about this bike that I don’t own and never ridden. Here are the blinkers…. And it has a seat.

[@algee0218]

I like your content.

[@stephenvogel9930]

bought a new ‘23 Heritage in Gloss Black and Chrome. Smoothest and beat looking classic cruiser on the street. But hated the $750 “factory covid” charge and $1,999 shipping and setup up. Plus it only came with one starter fob. Guess that the CEO is trying to get profit anywhere he can. Shame on them.

[@michaelfralix3820]

Love my Heritage Classic 2014 with Hogworkz hard saddlebags.

[@thelatenightbar]

Can't go wrong with the Heritage

[@KoHokCheung]

Agree with you about the incandescent lights. I have changed mine plus indicators to Led. But what annoyed me the most was the spokes that rust. I had to swap to stainless steel spokes. I have changed so many things to transform it into a decent bike that i have lost count. I guest it is part of the fun owning a HD.😊

[@sportify4849]

I like the Sport Glide even more. Modern look, upsidedown fork, modern wheels. They should have put minispeakers and gauges from the Sporster S 2022 and onwards or nighster special in order to have a small infotainment system. Indian has them as well on their "cruiser" line up. Why does harley only have a infotainment system on their most expensive touring models. Harley should go ahead with time and become more competitive with indians cruiser line up not just increase the cubic inch every year to keep customers buying the softail line up.

[@djangor4969]

Okay. Looks nice. Sounds nice. Now lets get down to the nitty gritty. Is the Harley Davidson Heritage Classic engine fitted with those disasterous cam chain tensioners that came out on bikes like the Dyna, the Low Rider and the Sportster?

[@scoutandscooter]

They ruined this several years ago. And still no brakes.

[@johney4484]

Those handlebars look stupid on that bike. It does not add to the classic look.

[@richardfincher2335]

Why can't I get more than 3.5gallons of fuel in my 2018 heritage 114?

[@JohnnyRebKy]

Because you’re filling up before you have burned enough gas to put more than 3.5 gallons in it 🤷🏻‍♂️ If you get a low fuel warning they still have a gallon or so left. It’s to keep you from pushing the limit and running out of gas. But when the warning comes on you still got 50 miles of fuel left or 1 1/2 gallons or so most likely. Best way to find out is just carry a bottle of fuel in your bag and ride the bike until it actually runs out of gas. THEN you know how many miles you got on a tank. Pour your bottle of fuel in and then go fill up.

[@Samuel10463]

To stop wind buffeting you need to install lower wind deflectors. That air turbulence, you were complaining about, comes from your knees level, where air stream being sucked in by the low pressure created behind the windshield. And that caused the turbulence around your torso and helmet buffeting as you noticed. Lowers will not allow that stream to enter the cockpit from down below and you'll be riding in capsule of still air. In other words: Main windscreen pushes air upward, lowers push air downward... Harmony. But they both need to be installed.

[@ceedee863]

Lots of great information. A few weeks ago I bought a 2023 black and chrome Heritage. I haven't had a chance to ride it much yet so I appreciate your view on riding the bike.

[@BobbyAbernathy]

Thank you for the review. I have a 2018 Clastic and love it. It rides so good. Staying at 70 ish on the interstate is the best. I haven't done anything to it but will be changing the lights. Very comfortable on day rides.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Im not old but im also not dumb. Im sick of fighting tall bikes. It just removes soooo much of the fun when you cant just whip a bike around with total confidence. I went in looking at a new road glide and the guy listened to me and showed me this... Now this is what Im getting. You sit on one of these and your a shorter person with lots of experience riding? Your gonna buy it.

[@PabloOfRivers]

what do you think about this? Heritage 114 2023 or Springfield (classic) 2023?

[@charleyrider9775]

I have a 22 Heritage and I love everything about it. I added the matching tourpak and use it for everything. If I have to go farther than I feel I can go on it I'll drive my micro car.

[@turtle19dad]

I looked at the 2022 in Reef Blue and it did have a heel shifter.

[@Timandlisa123]

Man. I love my 2021

[@firefly17292]

Great review thanks

[@thomasreyes2857]

The real heritage Softail classic the last one was made in 2017. That's nowhere near or looks nowhere near close to a classic😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@robertjones7792]

People today are so fat and out of shape they blame the motorcycle and then when they get off they blame their shoes. If you do not exercise and diet correctly and keep yourself up you will have a miserable ride on the best motorcycle ever made no matter the brand or the size, Men road Sportster size Harley's for years and years across country before touring bikes were ever thought of with little or no problems, why because they were not as fat and out of shape as people are today.

[@shaglioni]

Well stated.

[@markusmarkus98]

I have the 2018! Agree with your comments on view of speedometer and hitting 80 verses 70ish. Nimble bike! Hard to find neutral until its more broken in. Hate the fake drum brake up front. Not a fan of the studs, I changed the sheets made a difference. Changed the lights to LED, thats crax=zy and stupid from Harley. Handle bars are not stock on the one you had. Love my Heritage but did some work to it but you do that to any bike!