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

[@zwastiunburzy3688]

Mate, back in 91, when I bought mine from the only dealer in South Australia, the demand was so high, there were none on the showroom floor. I had to choose mine from a catalogue, and I chose the Heritage Softail Classic, in a stunning "Candy Sapphire Sunglo" paint colour, which looked absolutely amazing. Oh yeah, I had to wait six months for my bike to arrive, every single new Harley had been pre-sold in Australia. Ever since the time when I was around 5 years old, and my Dad took me with him to see his mechanic, I spotted an ElectraGlide in the carpark, it was blue (yep, just like in the movie). From that instant I knew that one day I would have my own Harley. Fast forward a quarter century, and that dream came true. By then I'd owned my share of Jap bikes, Kawasaki Z900, a Honda "Leadwing",(that's what I called it anyway), and what I consider the best Jap bike made at the time, an '88 Yamaha FJ1200. Great bike, but it wasn't a Harley. That's the bike I used as a trade-in on the Heritage. I really wish I could afford two Harley's, because I'd hunt my original Heritage down and buy it back. There was just something magical about that primitive, carburettored Evo 80cube engine, the "cold start ritual", choke out full, two twists of the throttle, ignition on, hit the start button, and she'd fire up. Let her warm up enough so you could feel the warmth in the rocker box, choke in, and putt away, careful not to open it right up until 10 or so km's down the road, and THEN you could give it some. That was living.

[@NateBeck]

Love it mate! Do you know where your old Heritage is now?

[@zwastiunburzy3688]

@@NateBeck I do. Unfortunately, the guy I sold it to moved interstate not long after. I do have photos, my favourite one is the one taken on the day I took delivery of her.

[@NateBeck]

@@zwastiunburzy3688 at least the bikes still in AUS. A bunch of the classics are being bought by people in Japan and shipped over there.

[@GARamblinMan]

Great video and beautiful California scenery. I had a 2020 Heritage for about 3 years and loved it. Agree with all your comments on the Heritage and I too think it’s Harley’s best overall motorcycle. I sold mine earlier this year and bought a lighter BMW F750 GS. Just needed a lighter bike now that I’m getting older. Just turned 68 and still riding. Got my start riding motorcycles when I was at Vandenberg AFB on the beautiful central California coast back in the early 80’s. Great place to ride. Keep up the good work.

[@NateBeck]

@@GARamblinMan thank you! And thank you for your service!

[@GARamblinMan]

@@NateBeck I was actually a civilian with the US Army Corps of Engineers back then when we were building Space Shuttle facilities for the Air Force , but when the Challenger exploded the Air Force scrapped the whole program and stuck with their unmanned rockets to launch their satellites out of Vandenberg. It was still a great experience and I loved living on the central coast.

[@NateBeck]

@@GARamblinMan Its a gorgeous hidden gem. So many great rides!

[@rowlinstoned3715]

I absolutely LOVE my Heritage. I got a few aggravating things to fix on mine but I'll ALWAYS keep this bike!

[@KSRider66]

I love my Heritage for the very reasons you mentioned. I can only afford to have one bike and it does all things well. Great bike.

[@NateBeck]

Nice! What year is your Heritage?

[@ronrobertson59]

I'm 70 still riding my late wife weighed like a 100 pounds and was an excellent passage. Even on my 72 FLH with the old school buddy seat you couldn't tell she was there. Buying another FLHSTC next week.

[@NateBeck]

They’re great bikes to ride two up on

[@dougfielding8215]

You will love it, it's a great all around choice.

[@ozziejim8472]

How’s the new ride going?

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

i agree. This is the best bike Harley makes.

[@NateBeck]

Cheers! Thanks for watching

[@hdmoto3875]

You are correct, the heritage softtail is the Swiss army knife of motorcycles.

[@NateBeck]

Well said!!

[@peterwilliamson4296]

Like how you put that.

[@robertcurtis9449]

Nice bike Nate!

[@NateBeck]

Thank you Robert!!

[@TraceGonzales]

I was watching this video and all of a sudden you drove right by my house, pretty funny coincidence

[@NateBeck]

Hahaha hey neighbor!

[@CarlosSouzaArqtecto]

Beautiful machine, I have a 2011. I liked the jumpsuit, do you have a link to recommend this jumpsuit?

[@NateBeck]

Hello Carlos, Yep here you go. They're Carhartt insulated bibs seen here www.carhartt.com/product/104031/loose-fit-washed-duck-insulated-bib-overall---3-warmest-rating?categoryCode=default&colorCode=DKB_SW and then just a Carhartt jacket

[@obtomSD]

Fine video. Thanks.

[@NateBeck]

Thank you.

[@markhenry192]

I have a 107 Low Rider because I could not afford more. However, bags, mini apes and some floor boards... Enjoy the short no nonsense videos.

[@NateBeck]

Thanks man. Love a Low Rider, adding bags, mini apes and floor boards and I bet its a mile muncher!

[@jeffshultz3883]

The only way I would get rid of my Heritage is to buy another Heritage. It's all I need!

[@willyb933]

Very Nice Bike for all the right reasons. I think the Road King has a place in this same Genre.

[@NateBeck]

Absolutely! I was fortunate to be able to ride a Road King back in 2018 to the Grand Canyon and would love to check out the 2022 RK and see how it’s evolved.

[@jeffshultz3883]

I agree! If I got rid of my Heritage it would be to get a Road King.

[@gradbuckie]

The Heritage = Fun.. is there any other reason to ride?.My fav bike hands down

[@NateBeck]

Exactly! It just consistently puts a smile on my face more than any other bike. Cheers Buck!

[@whizwerx]

SO you didn't really talk about how it worked 2 up. How many turns of the shock compression, does it make the front wander?

[@NateBeck]

The seat that was on the bike wasn’t a stock seat nor a very good one. 2 Up wasn’t very comfy so I didn’t want to remark on the bike based on an aftermarket upgrade.

[@kennyh3443]

I ride 2-up with my wife almost all of the time. I purchased a more comfortable seat for her, and no complaints. The bike is as fun to ride whether I'm riding solo or 2-up. I love this bike!

[@NateBeck]

@@kennyh3443 which seat did you go with?

[@whizwerx]

@@kennyh3443 I love my 2019 Heritage too! My wife likes riding on it but I am thinking of getting floorboards for it. Might make it a bit more comfortable for her. She hasn't really complained of the seat too much but, I do 80% solo riding. She might have more to say after a long ride.

[@kennyh3443]

@@whizwerx I purchased the H.D. studded seat, same style as the original but has more padding. I also purchased H.D. half moon passenger floorboards and a tour pack, which has a high backrest. My wife really liked all the upgrades for her comfort. You can get H.D. accessories for a better price on-line at Surdykes H.D. rather than purchasing them from H.D. directly.

[@markgiles8527]

I'm not having a go at you, you're not the only one who does this, but riding and giving your view about a motorcycle is not the best form of entertainment. I have watched several video today and all bar two have been doing this style of video. Riding a bike and talking. Not showing anything of the actual bike is not really entertaining for me personally. I'm actually watching because I'm interested in the bike and what you have to say about it. Mr Darcy & the Ol' Man do it well. Also, Matt Laidlaw's videos. In a lot of ways they are similar. But, you're doing well. Thanks for sharing.

[@NateBeck]

Hey Mark, thank you for the suggestions! I'm always looking for way's to grow and will take this into account as we are soon to head into the 2023 model releases. I wish you many fine miles on two wheels! Cheers.

[@markgiles8527]

@@NateBeck Hopefully something new next year by way of models. HD Homecoming. 120th anniversary. Surly some special motorcycle.

[@StaceyMarmolejo]

What did the rider think of the ride?

[@NateBeck]

Very comfortable for day rides all things considered. For serious touring or long multi day rides an upgraded seat would be ideal though.

[@mondeacid5610]

I have a 2020 FXDR no back seat or foot pegs for passenger, wife is hinting for a CVO, oh yeah, I don't mind, lets go😆

[@NateBeck]

Hahaha yeah!

[@bradlozano2571]

When you said it will work...That is exactly what my Generation is all about...Baby Boomers..Easy Riders with Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper...You get a Bike you can afford make it yours and hit the open road...You make it work!

[@NateBeck]

Exactly! Everyone said when I got my Sportster years ago I would outgrow it and let it sit. I made it mine and ended up riding it across the country because it was the only bike I had. Get a bike, make it yours and hit the open road. True spirit of the biker right there.

[@bradlozano2571]

@@NateBeck 👍😎

[@thegreatnorthwoodswithbb2863]

I like how we can just drive between cars... Pretty sure where I come from it's not even legal... Positive it's not safe

[@NateBeck]

Splitting is legal in the state of CA while filtering is legal in AZ, HI, MT, and UT. 7 other states are discussing making it legal as well. Heres an interesting article to read on its safety if you're interested in learning more. ridermagazine.com/2023/06/16/split-decision-are-lane-splitting-and-lane-filtering-safe/

[@MrBigbike55]

Heritage what else

[@truthbetold-jq8iw]

I am a rider of 50+ years and I hate it when I see someone cut through traffic. It gives everyone riding a bad name and causes road rage against someone who maybe hasn't done anything wrong.

[@NateBeck]

In California it’s actually legal and encouraged to do so. Helps with traffic flow and studies show when done with care and caution its safer than being a sitting duck in traffic. There are some great articles on how the benefits outweigh the risk.

[@argonwheatbelly637]

My problem with lane-splitting are cars. Up here in New England, they change lanes at the drop of a hat with no signals, and close the slot randomly. I've seen cars kiss, and watched a few bike nearly get splinched. Proceed with caution. It's not legal up here, so you usually only see it happen with street bikes that are upset that they're going under 100. Be safe. Ride.

[@TJ22_83]

Love my heritage... also don't like riding with a passenger. Bike gets sluggish, feels like your steering an old Buick around turns. Would much rather ride solo. Just my opinion.

[@dharleyfan1]

The Heritage is a nice bike, but it's NOT the best all around bike, that Harley makes. That title belongs to The Road King.

[@NateBeck]

Hey DHarleyFan1! Welcome! The Road King is an amazing bike and it’s neck and neck with the Heritage. I did a couple long trips on the monoshock RK and the best way I felt about them was the RK was a bagger with a bit more agility and the Heritage was a cruiser/new version of the Dyna with a bit more comfort. I found the agility with a bit more comfort was easier overall to ride daily when mixing up short trips, fun tips and long hauls vs the RK. Long trip absolutely RK but an every day bike that’ll do short errands, hard canyons plus ability to go multi state long distance perfectly for me is the Heritage. Wish ya many fun miles!

[@SMIRNO7]

As my 97-year-old grandpa says ' road king is for girls, heritage is for men'.

[@UberVike]

Road King is a better bike for the same price. 1. Better brakes 2. Touring chassis 3. Better lean angle 4. Rubber mounted engine (less shake) 5. Better suspension with more travel 6. Better bags 7. I could prob go on but will stop here.

[@NateBeck]

That's true, on paper it does check out. I've ridden both extensively on thousand mile/multi state trips and each time I find the Heritage more enjoyable, which does come down to some personal preference as does any choice when it comes to bikes. The extra hundred pounds on the Road King, touring chassis, the wide gas tank always make the bike feel more like a bagger and more cumbersome which to me doesn't offset the minimal differences in comfort that's now provided with the monoshock platform on the Softails. Obviously both bikes are wonderful but it seems to me the Road King caters to people who want a stripped down bagger vs maybe Dyna fan's who want a more touring friendly Softail. Enjoy the road! Cheers man.

[@dougfielding8215]

Those extra lbs are top heavy pounds. The low centre of gravity of the Heritage makes it way more maneuverable and manageable. On the Heritage you sit in the bike rather than on it.

[@macriggs3667]

soft tails suck, real men ride road glides.