Harley Davidson Heritage Softail - The Best All Around Harley? Part I

[@Hoglife]

I own a 2003 Heritage Softail Classic,100 year anniversary edition,love her!!just rode here from Ohio to N.Myrtle Beach and what a beautiful smooth ride

[@NateBeck]

You have a 100 year anniversary edition! Score!! What route did you take? Hit the Blue Ridge Mountains well?

[@Hoglife]

@@NateBeck 77 south then it was different routes GPS took me! Thanks for the shoutout Nate,appreciate it

[@Hoglife]

@@NateBeck did ride through blue ridge as well

[@NateBeck]

@lanehawg Nice! I rode my Sportster across the country a few years ago and did the Tail of the Dragon, bit of the Blue Ridge Pkwy and hit Wheels Through Time in Maggie Valley. Such an EPIC area to ride!

[@Hoglife]

@@NateBeck the tail of the dragon looks very interesting to ride,it looks like it dares you to try her!

[@zwastiunburzy3688]

I bought a brand new 91 Heritage, and that beautiful blue bike took me all over Australia, following the work. Not once did it let me down, and it made the perfect long distance tourer. Got a 06 Softail Standard now, my second new Harley, I love it, but I still miss the Evo powered Heritage.

[@NateBeck]

What a great story! I’d love to own or even ride one of the Evo Heritages. Still my favorite motor Harley ever made. Catch you in the wind!

[@zwastiunburzy3688]

@@NateBeck She was an awesome bike, and yeah, those Evo's were bulletproof. The only issue, and it was very minor, was a weepy base gasket after a 3 day, 3500km stretch, and even though it was out of warranty, the MoCo covered the warranty and replaced it at no cost to me. The issue was with the gasket material, nothing to do with the actual barrel bases, and HD changed supplier after that. May the winds be in your favour, and don't forget to keep the shiny side up!👍🇭🇲

[@NVlax2010]

Great review. This is exactly why I just got my first Heritage. The 2022 with the 114. It's truly a dream. I was looking to go bigger for longer rides than my old sportsters. But I didn't want to lose maneuverability. You are so right. The Heritage can do a little of everything very well!

[@NateBeck]

Thank you for your kind words! Enjoy your 114'', it's a hell of a good motorcycle!

[@basyachana]

Me too! 😀

[@AlmostLakai94]

Think I'd get similar experiences with a Softail standard? Or are these a decent/worthy upgrade? 😯

[@basyachana]

Matt Laidlaw did a pretty thorough asessment of the Heritage 114 a while back. One statement that stood out was that the Heritage does 90% of everything. That's why I chose to go with the Heritage 114 and couldn't be happier. Just completed a stage 1 (pipes, air, map) mostly for the sound. That 114 just pulls and pulls and pulls.

[@NateBeck]

Nice! It really is such a fantastic choice. I always keep my eyes posted for a deal on one

[@StaceyMarmolejo]

THANK YOU! My husband says he needs more than one bike because there 'isn't a bike that does it all.' Now I can tell him otherwise :) Plus, this is the bike I chose when we went to the dealership to look :)

[@NateBeck]

It really is a fantastic bike that does everything really well. I've always had a great time riding them and they're hard to beat unless you have a very specific need in a bike.

[@tylerthrash3155]

I love mine its the Harley Swiss army knife of bikes

[@NateBeck]

@@tylerthrash3155 Yes! Great way to put it!

[@NateBeck]

@@BaronvonOldenbiker The Pan America is a fantastic bike. I was lucky enough to get to try it at HD in Milwaukee when it was released and was impressed by its versatility although for me it loses points in the styling department. If I was going to go for an on and off road bike I’d probably go your route and go with a Triumph Scrambler and leave the Harley’s for the pavement.

[@kennyh3443]

Nice video. I have a 2018 107 Heritage Softail Classic in Vivid Black. I've done some modifications (stage II for more torque) to mine and added some accessories (tour pack, engine and saddlebag guards, passenger foot boards, LED lights all around, different style handgrips, coil cover, etc.). I love the bike! My wife rides with me the majority of the time, and she enjoys the ride. If you have a passenger, I'd suggest getting a thicker passenger seat. H.D. sells the same studded style seat but more thicker than the stock one. All in all, I think I made the right choice in choosing this bike over the other models. The ride is comfortable and maneuvers very well. I highly recommended it! For an old disabled veteran such as myself, this bike fits me like a glove--lightweight and easy to handle.

[@NateBeck]

Hello Kenny, first of all thank you for your service! Like you said, I agree this is the best all around bike HD offers. Lightweight and easy to handle while still being comfy and heavy enough to sit well on longer trips. Yours must rip with a Stage II upgrade!

[@jadamec]

I Love the small seat ! Wife no longer rides with me, since she lost the "Stratolounger" she had with a ElectraGlide ! Although the $$$ spent on a back rest and floor boards was a waste. Yea, I'm a meenie.

[@ronrobertson59]

Sold my 02 FLHSTC and my 2000 Roadking in 2020 when my late wife had a lot of medical bills. I kept the 72 FLH the 98 Fatboy and my 46 Chief. I'm buying a 2009 FLHSTC with 29K on it next week. (11-30-23) I missed mine.

[@NateBeck]

Nice! I used to have a 76 FLH.

[@jadamec]

Back in "20", while on my semi-annual trip to a dealer for Tour Pak Hinges {Electra Glide} I took a short walk thru the showroom, chuckling at the new stuff designed to hook the new younger crowd. Surprise ! A Salesman pops out. We chat for a while. After a bit he walks me outside and says "Sit on This". A "20" Heritage Classic. MISTAKE ! Those hinges wound up costing over 20K! Love the Bike! Wish I would've got it sooner, since I don't spend the time I have in the past, just hit 10K miles a few weeks ago. My only main gripe about the bike, not sure if it's model specific, the Instrument Cluster. Bottom 1 1/2" or so,fogs up ?! Covering up the Tach, and any info you can scroll thru. Took it to a couple Dealers, with the same result. Suck on it! Yes it will happen from time to time, that's the way they were designed, and there's nothing that can be done about it. Yes, it clears up in a couple hours, but is still a pain! Well, Ok, not too thrilled with the battery placement either. I'm not a Mechanic!!!!!! 1st bike I've ever owned, take to a Dealer to have the battery replaced! Didn't understand that either. Needed a new one on year 3 ?! But like I said, Love It ! Perfect Bike for an Ol' Fart !

[@NateBeck]

@@jadamec congrats on your fresh ride!

[@boxofmoles4057]

The Swiss Army knife of bikes.

[@NateBeck]

Absolutely!

[@andrewkitchenuk]

Having owned a Sport Glide for the last 3 years I'd say that's the best all rounder especially if you're 6' + tall.

[@NateBeck]

Nice good to know! I have still yet to try one. Cheers Andrew!

[@daveshepard9154]

Nice. I've owned 30 plus bikes, including many Harleys, with the latest being a 16 RGS (which was fantastic, by the way). i sold that nad am looking at something a little more "Swiss Army Knife" and a little less "Total Long Haul Bike" since 90% of the time, it's me on a 50-90 mile weekend ride.

[@NateBeck]

Nice! That must be awesome being able to have ridden so many different bikes. I haven't ridden a RGS so I cannot comment on that but in my opinion the Heritage is a great "Swiss Army Knife" for people looking to ride on average 400 miles or less per ride. It's nimble enough to zip around but steady enough for good rides.

[@daveshepard9154]

@@NateBeck I have to agree. My sons, who've ridden all their lives and are at the top of their powers on bikes right now, were sort of shocked that the thing was that good in corners. it ain't a Duc or a Speed Triple, but for 90% of the riding we all do, it's pretty good.

[@Toni62R]

Cool video - like the heritage too - have since 2017 a Dyna Low Rider 103 - and look for a possible successor...

[@NateBeck]

Heritage is a great option. It’s a bit more cushy than the Dynas but still has some guts, especially with the 114”

[@Toni62R]

@@NateBeck Thank you - and Harley-Greetings from Germany!

[@NateBeck]

@@Toni62R Greetings! Cheers Toni

[@bradlozano2571]

Yes...i am the guy who can only afford 1 bike...Iam the guy who would love to have a Heritage 114...I wish i pulled the trigger on it in 2019....But i didnt....now iam not in a position to do so....I will have to enjoy what i have until my position changes again...

[@NateBeck]

Have you ever ridden an older Heritage before they went monoshock and M8? I'd be curious to try the two side by side.

[@bradlozano2571]

@@NateBeck Yes...But the newer is better it has a tighter suspension...The older one kinda floats over bumps like a old Buick...But its a great Old School Bike...it does have bigger saddlebags

[@NVlax2010]

@@bradlozano2571 I just got the 2022 Heritage with the 114. It's an absolute dream.

[@bradlozano2571]

@@NVlax2010 Thats great...Your are a lucky guy with a great Bike

[@Furutoteni]

5:14 according to you which is the bike bike?

[@davidscottcurtiscurtis775]

I want a 2004 heartage but people talk about the sting acid dripping. But they are the best looking in my choice

[@davidBarrel]

Why there is no wind on your chest or sleeves ...nothing is moving, is it because of the massive headlight?

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

I think the FLHR is the best all arounder. Very similar to the heritage. Just more stable on the hwy and for me .. I really love those hard bags bc I’m always carrying lots of shit with me. From long runs to running errands to commuting to work every day possible. Rain or shine. And the missus loves the road king for riding with me vs the fatboy I had before

[@NateBeck]

FLHR is a close second for me! The tank felt a bit wide for me comfort wise and I thought the Heritage performed better in the corners. To your point though the FLHR is definitely more stable on the highway and the hard bags are a nice plus! How would you compare the Fatboy to the RK? I’ve never gotten a chance to ride a FB.

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

@@NateBeck the fatboy I had was a 2010. 96 TC. Sounded AMAZING with the VH pipes. It was a bike that felt as bad ass to ride as it looked. When u ride one of those … it’s like u get a certain feel. I don’t ride bc I’m a tough guy (won’t take shit but it’s not why I ride … I ride bc I need it).. but the FB or at least the ones before 2018.. they make u feel and look like some hard case. But it did beat me up pretty bad when on the hwy. it doesn’t have much suspension travel. And the seat wasn’t that comfy and the riding position is slightly more clamshell .. not as good for posture as the heritage or DEF the RK. I know what u mean about the wide tank.. it makes the bike look bigger than it feels. I have a jacked up back and the RK is my most comfortable vehicle I own. My car I could drife over a dime and tell if it’s heads or tails. The RK irons out any road imperfections and I like how the suspension is so easy to change the preload.. the air pump Went away 2014. You get the dial-a-shock too now yes ? I’d love to have ridden a new heritage. I suspect I really wpilda liked it. I hear they’re better on the hwy and more comfy to ride. I’m sure the FLHR is just a bigger heritage essentially. Anyway.. we BOTH got some bad ass bikes that anyone would give their left nut for .. I dreamed of owning or even RIDING bikes like I’ve had. I’m sure u too. We are living the dream (well I’m missing the nice climate part .. Chicago is a bitch. Jan and Feb a lot of years are no fly months.. single digit and below, Snow and ice. I can ride 30s all day and even upper 20s if the roads are safe but can’t deal with -5 lol . *the first bike I ever reallly lusted after and what made Me fall in love with HD was an evo heritage.. was 14 and working at the hardware store in town and some dude road up on one. Asked what it was and from then on.. GOAL. Just didn’t line up for me to get a heritage. I woulda gotten one instead of the FB if I found a good one witu decent miles on my budget. I got my 2019 FLHR this summer for $15,500. 4K miles. Couldn’t pass it up. And I always had a thing for the FLHR. Didn’t really see myself owning one until I rode it.. thst is when I was like THIS is the ultimate all purpose bike

[@alexanderatick3810]

Hi, what bike you choose heritage 2021 o heritage 2012 to 2017 ?

[@NateBeck]

Hey Alexander, thats a tough call. I like the twin motor more than the Milwaukee 8 only because its air cooled and has 2 spark plugs (instead of 4 in the M8) that you can change without removing the gas tank. That being said, the new softail platform that Harley introduced in 2017 is VASTLY superior in terms of handling and comfort. If you want to be able to work on your own bike more, I'd go with an air cooled twin cam. If you want the best performance in terms of handling and comfort I'd go with a newer Heritage. Ride safe and enjoy the road!

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

@@NateBeck truth on the TC vs M8 If I coulda gotten a 2016 FLHR 103TC I woulda done that over the 2019 I got. I alreay got a couple m8 issies. Bike currently in the shop after crank sensor fried in December and left me stranded at work after when it was dark out and 29*F out. Turns out a QT of oil sumped the crank case and fried the sensor Getting Daytona oil pump, and sinxe they’re in there I’m having them doing a cam, head pipes, and a tune and some other bottom end work to make my ride bulletproof and sound like a Harley ! And it’ll run way cooler and smoother and more efficient and more powerful with these mods. And be more reliable. M8 has its teething issues STILL somehow. The 2016 was the last year the FLHR got the TC. And by then the twin cam was way dialed in And they sounds correct

[@NateBeck]

@@geraldgoodiii6993 Harley really departed from the tried and true when they went to the M8 with adding 2 additional plugs, cooling, etc. so I can see why they’d have some issues but to your point, they’re still teething which is disappointing but hopefully it’ll be buttoned up within the near future.

[@BillLaBrie]

That rear suspension has 1.5 inches of travel and since most of these bikes have bags, there is no advantage to it over dual shocks whatsoever. But you do get to say “softail” so there’s that.

[@thelatenightbar]

Yes, just can't go wrong with the Heritage !

[@NateBeck]

You truly cannot!

[@Nucklehead-mm9gf]

Heritage is probably the best all around bike but it's not the best looking. The best all around bike that has everything and the best styling as well is the Sport Glide (ok, you need to get a taller windscreen for $150 to make fairing have wind protection but thats it) but Harley removed it from American market cuz they won't sell any Heritage with Sport Glide in lineup. That pisses me off, let us choose for ourselves! Europe and Middle East still have Sport Glide in market and it's the hottest seller for Harley. Why are they limiting Americans choices especially when Sport Glide is probably the perfect American bike for American roads!? I want the Sport Glide but every year they don't make it available in America since 2021 and I want a new one!

[@NateBeck]

Have you checked out the Lowrider ST? Similar kinda vibe but bigger engine.

[@Nucklehead-mm9gf]

@@NateBeck Yeah to be honest I like all the bikes but I don't want an all blacked out bike this time. I'm sick of the look. I like a mix of chrome and black so that limits my options. Another reason I love Sport Glide is because of the nice chrome offset on black.

[@NateBeck]

@@Nucklehead-mm9gf totally agree. The color options these past few years leave something to be desired.

[@mattdonaldson4439]

Cali is so beautiful. It's a shame the dems sank the state. Broke and beautiful

[@UnapologeticAhole]

Why don't you buy one

[@theconfused_fisherman]

Ah, California, explains why no exhaust