A few years ago I was all about touring bikes if I was to consider an HD. But at age 70, 5'9" and 180 pounds, I decided my 875 pound metric was getting to be a bit much backing it out of the garage, away from gas pumps, etc. Just bought this very model and can't say enough about the comfort, style, handling and looks of this retro classic. I grew up riding Trumph Bonnevilles and Daytonas before the metrics hit the stage. This bike is a throwback to that era, but with twin cams, EFI, ABS, electronic cruise and a 6-speed tranny. A gem of a bike with really outstanding chrome, paint and engine. You won't set any speed records on the Tail of the Dragon, but you will ride a relaxed cruiser with a sweet rumble, impeccable road manners and vintage great looks.
I have ridden this bike..I couldn't own one..My older back couldn't take the pounding.. Great video and I love the way you tell it like it really is.. Most dealers would rave about how well it handles the rough going..
Matt, Love your honest reviews of all the Harley models. As an owner of several Harley's including an FLSTC, FLHTC, XL and FL, got to tell you I love my FLSTC. Ride it to work 35 miles each way and it still turn heads because of the old school look. No white walls just D402's. Put a Boom Audio (Bluetooth) on it and man sweet is the word. Keep these reviews coming.
A friend of mine had a Heritage and rode all over the country on that bike. He loved it but eventually sold it and got a Street Glide. Great Vlog Matt.
I have a '15 Heritage 103 and love it. The best thing you can do before you even leave the dealership (or private if you buy used) is get the rear shock adjuster wrench and set it to your weight with all your gear on, including helmet. After doing so it will ride like a Cadillac. I ordered the wrench the a couple of days before I picked mine up at the dealer and took it with me to pick up the bike. Or ask the service dept if they can do it for you, but do it!
Guys, something I forgot to include in the video that is an important point to mention. In 2016 the softails all went to throttle-by-wire. As a result, the Heritage has electronic cruise control as a standard feature.
CrimsonBlades 10 That's correct unless they can attribute a failed engine component to your aftermarket exhaust (which I've never seen) then it will still be covered.
Great review Matt. I have a 2017 Softail Heritage Classic Harley-Davidson and love it. The bags do require a lot more maintenance, but that's part of the love of the bike. I'm 6' 203# and love the seat height and layback. The bike for me is very comfortable and easy to ride.
Dennis S., Richmond VA - Bought this exact bike (teal/ice, a/k/a '57 Chevy 2-tone) in Dodge City on a cross-country tour with a buddy VA to CA and back this summer 2017 (traded a chromed-out '98 evo Heritage). Absolutely love it: fit, handling, balance, retro style, bags, studs, chrome, 103B twin cam torque and power, etc. Perfect timing, too, as the 2018 re-design is NOT a Heritage "Classic" in any sense of the term -- and the Milwaukee 8 does nothing for me (it will take Harley a few years to "get it right" with the new engine). Over 8,000 miles now on the clock -- bike has seen everything from Pacific Coast Highway thru Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Yellowstone, Beartooth, Black Hills / Sturgis, KY blue grass, and VA Blue Ridge. I am 65 and hope to ride this bike many years "into the sunset." Peace to all, ride with Spirit, travel easy.
Another great video, Matt. I love my Heritage and the looks are precisely why I wanted one to begin with. I'm a big guy and would probably be better suited on a Road King or bigger touring bike as you said, but I'm a Heritage guy through and through.
Hi from UK JUST bought a lovely soft tail heritage waiting for it to be shipped from Miami port it`s an Evo engine correct me if i`m wrong, about 3 years back I was looking at harleys but wasn`t sure what I wanted then I saw a Victory highball man I was hooked within a month or so I got one and will never part with it I`m 62 years old so for 50 years always wanted a harley and since buying the highball I discovered that anything with white wall tyre`s has me droolin like fool and pulling ￡notes out of my pockets so all I can say is my dreams from 50 years ago are coming true and those two bikes will look great in my garage the soft tail is dripping in chrome so it will only come out in the best of weather ride safely anyone who reads this.
I bought the 2012 model new back then with the 103ciu looks exactly the same as this 2017 my only gripes were the brakes they didn't stop sounds like HD have improved the braking and the handling wasn't great either apart from those 2 things it was okay they have got pretty good resale value stay safe and upright love from Australia 🦘🌏
Thanks for vid. I have a 2011 heritage and love it. I’m 6ft, average weight and this bike is a great fit for me. I’m from England so not usually on bike for hours and hours but do find it extremely comfortable. Love the old Skool look with modern tech. The bags are huge so great for just throwing in stuff, I keep my coat, tool kit, gloves etc and still have like loads of room. Enough power to keep me happy and the 6 speed gearbox is nice for cruising on our motorways
This was a truly great test ride video. Most motorcycle ride videos, I can stand about three minutes while I scrub for the info I want. I watched this entire video and learned a lot.
I currently own a 2019 Slim. I love the bike. Great ride. However, my knee can not take the cramped position so I'm trading it in for a 2014 Heritage which I did test drive today. Trust me, there is no comparison to the feel of the ride. The Heritage is like riding on a soft cloud flying in the air. It is so responsive, comfortable and powerful. It feels like a bigger bike and it handles better. The controls, seat, and leg room fit me perfectly. A classic Harley feeling to it. Tomorrow I'll take a longer test ride and ride the freeway. I'll buy it this weekend. Love the Heritage.
I've never owned or ridden a Heritage but I have sat on them and for me, they have the most comfortable riding position of any motorcycle I've ever been on. I'm 5' 8" and the riding position and bars are perfect.
Softails used to have more than two suspension options. Before 2007 you could get a FXSTS from the factory. Those came with springer front ends. I know you are just talking about the new bikes but I want newer riders to know there are more options out there. Love what you do, Matt, love your channel.
Great description of the Heritage. I test rode one a few months ago, it was a very firm ride, a bumpy road does make a little harsh. I do love the styling.👍
Great video no matter how old it is. You hit my wheelhouse exactly. I'm too short for the Road King (5' 5") after trying one that my friend owns. He also has a UC - way too heavy for me. So, I bought a 2007 Fat Boy as my first ever Harley and just love it. Now, wanting ABS and Cruise Control, I added a 2017 Heritage Classic to my garage. I will probably sell the Fat Boy soon, keeping the Heritage Classic for long hauls and my 2016 Indian Scout 69 for the backroads.
Matt; really enjoy your videos. Thanks for taking the time and effort in educating the public on the different models. I'd like to know more about the different engines, performance and reliability, which you touched on in this video. Thanks again for the sharing your expert views, has help a lot in my understanding of the Harley Line up.
I really appreciate your depth of knowledge of the Harley Davidson's of today's design. The knowledge for folks that maybe taller/bigger is greatly appreciated Thanks!
Matt, thank you so very, very much for this review. By far, your reviews are the most helpful and insightful that can be found. I am about to buy the exact bike you demonstrated. Here is my take. As you mentioned, I prefer the classic look. I am 6' 2" 260, but am taller above the waist. I was comparing a 2018 Deluxe versus the 17 Heritage. The 17 has a better position for me because of the handlebars. Most of my riding is in town cruising and at longest a 30 mile ride to the casinos. The 17 Heritage Classic is perfect for me. Your review helped me greatly. Thanks.
Mine has the Vance & Hines long gun pipes and they are loud. My tires are white walls and it really makes the bike look good. Love the bike in town and on the road.
Matt thanks for review and insights on these well established and proven machines decided to go back to 2013 Heritage Classic from 2021 Road King Standard failing knees just makes my confidence keep me riding longer as I get older. Ride on
I just bought the 2006 version of this bike. Same colors too... I rode it home from the mountains of North Carolina to right outside of Charlotte in Concord. It wasn't too bad of a ride. I find it to see if my ringtone to my legs and numbs them out a little bit. But I've also got a bulging disc. I currently had a Dyna Glide and a Night Train from Harley and the Honda Fury which I sold and bought the Honda Sabre for everyday bike. I did upgrade the sabre with a Corbin leather seat, Cobra intake Cobra exhaust, and saddle bags, its a great ride! And after 5 years only thing I'm doing this money or stuff like spark plugs tires oil and gas... Alibaba this Harley with 31,000 miles but it seems to be in pretty good shape except for some Rust starting. I'm going to detail it this weekend though so not too big of a deal.
I always enjoy your reviews Matt, especially on the heritage softail classic because I own one, and I am about 5'8" 190 lbs and I do enjoy "retro" so this bike is a perfect fit for me , anyway be safe and like I said, I always enjoy your reviews.
Hey Matt - Just came across your channle and this video. What a great find! Thanks. I just bought this bike and took possession on Saturday here in Illinois. So far I'm really pleased - I fall into that 5'6" 160 lb group and for me, the bike is perfect - at least so far with limited riding. I hear you on the clearance during turns though - I already scraped the board for a sec on a right hander. I'm used to a greater lean on my older bike so I will definitely have to retrain myself. Thanks for taking the time to do this video. Now that I've found you, I look forward to catching up on the other material you've uploaded. CHeers.
Thanks man; appreciate it. Should you ever have any other thoughts, tips, suggestions or the like on the 2017 Heritage and recommended upgrades, adds, or customizations, please drop me a line and let me know.
I very much enjoyed your honest video. I own this identical FLSTC in Sydney Australia...only with the whitewalls...and a Stage I kit. I enjoy riding it SO much. In all honesty, I am very happy with the suspension, but I still bought a set of Progressive 422's which are waiting for me to have some time to install. The 2017 Hertiage is a smile-maker.
Had my Heritage 4 years and rode all the me too sg bike s.Change suspension to progressive front n back .Set a cams ,pipe, and will be smooth as baby's ass.Great vid Matt.You love touring bikes and you most likely have a street glide like most.Heritage Rocks and the upgrades are endless.Hard bags on Heritage looks awesome too
I have owned both a 2013 Heritage and a 2017 Road King. I am 5'10" and I prefer the Softail frame to the Touring frame. You are correct that the Road King is better on the slab compared to a softail, but it is as you state all about how you prefer to ride. Now I ride a 2016 Slim and love that bike.
I liked the 2016 way more than the new 2024 ones! So I bought a used 2016 with 9k miles on it rather than a new one. The old heritage just feels better to me and is more planted on the highway. The new one felt smaller and more cramped. Yes they corner better and stuff but I’d rather have the old comfy heritage so I bought the old model
A nice bike that I've taken a long, hard look at. I've always liked the the Heritage Classic. However, I tend to agree with you about the bike's saddle bags and, because of that, prefer the look of the Deluxe.
If you add in the passing lamps, the Heritage gives you at least $2,000.00 in upgrades that many people purchase afterwards. It was one of the main reasons I chose the Heritage over the Fat Boy. I knew my wife would be riding a lot, so you have the bags, backrest, windshield and passing lamps ALL included with the Heritage. Was a no brainer for me.
BTW, I agree 100% with your assessment regarding the comfort of the Road King vs the Heritage on long tours. I don't think anything can beat the comfort of the touring chassis although, I ride my Heritage through the mountains (Blue Ridge Pkwy) many times a year and it's plenty comfortable for long rides. (Although I do have the top of the line Mustang touring seat which is more like a recliner! LOL) Again, great job Matt, keep the vids coming!!!
I know they changed em for 2018 but that is a BEAUTY of a bike! My Favorite! I've told several salesmen before.. "it's too damn pretty to ride".....Keep riding safe Matt!
Rode the 18 Heritage last week! Will I be able to modify my 15 suspension to replicate the wonderful 18? What suspension modifications are available to improve the 15.should I give up and buy an 18?
just picked up this bike in the Left over 16 stock at my local shop one thing I really like is Harley put cruise control on it will make a nice local bike while the 17 CVO will handle tour duty 😎
Matt I appreciate the detailed information you provide. I am currently trying to decide between the Heritage and Roadking. I noticed in the specs the Heritage only holds 3.5 quarts of oil compared to 5 on the touring. Will this equate to the engine running hotter and/or need changing more often?
Another great video- thanks.Years ago all I wanted was a Heritage. Looks awesome. When I finally purchased a Harley Davidson I got a Fat Bob. You video is so good to explain what bikes are for what purpose and to that end I do not want to own a Heritage as originally desired I rode a Fat Boy and it was not to my liking- the Fat Bob was just for me. You explain why someone would and would not like a particular model and compare. Great for newbies and even experienced HD owners. Thee is nothing to not like on any Harley- just bikes each with a different purpose I look forward to the day when I can also pick up a touring bike RK or SG - cannot decide which I like the most but will after a ride or two. My wife says to me - why do you want another bike as you love your bike (which I do - it's awesome for me). You have her answer and so do I. Keep the videos coming please. 👍👍👍
Matt Laidlaw I am pumped to say that my wife just did her learner training yesterday & today and yesterday we picked up a new bike for her. It's an awesome feeling to see her go from pillion to rider. She rode her bike for the first time about 2 hours ago and loves it. It's not a Harley as here in NSW Australia the only Harley is the Street 500 that a learner can legally ride. I think she will look sick on a 1200 custom and look forward to that day. 👍👍👍
Im saving up currently to buy a 2017 exactly like that wen u said it would be good for people around my hieght and weight 5'9 160 lbs i was like thank god i ride alot is this a good bike for all year i even bundle up when the roads are clear in the winter to ride or sometimes get stuck in the rain does it do well in rain
I feel like I am borderline between the Heritage Softail and the Road King. I'm 6' and 215 pounds with a 30" inseam. I have sat on a Roadking and found it to be a bit too wide when flat footing the bike parked. I haven't sat on a Heritage yet, but my assumption is that the Heritage is slightly narrower. I used to own a 2015 Street Glide Special, and it rode like a brick. My hope is that the Heritage has better ride quality even though your video suggests that the touring frame is better for the highway. One of these days I want to swing into a Harley dealer and see if I can test ride both and have a better comparison. The Street Glide, however, I was not very happy with. My wife also disliked it with the same argument that the ride was horrible for her as a passenger. These are just my thoughts. Would love to see a reply if you get a chance to maybe clear some things up that maybe I am mistaken on. Great video, and beautiful bike!
Youre getting things right now. I had some debate disputes with you several month back and it looks like you studied what I told you and got it right. The softail is longer than your other Harleys. You now showed proof of these specifications on your chart I see. The softail line is also the Harley fat boy which is softail. For the record if a person wants a Harley that can satisfy all needs whether OTR or local that allows the option of having all accessories, it is the best choice of the Harley line. My knowledges are the engineering realities and geometrics of these machines and has nothing to do with styles. I also own a 2002 with the twin B counter balancers engine. And they are smooth!
Matt, I am 5’9 and about 215. I am on an 06 Dyna Super Glide right now. I test rode a 103 High Output King. Guess I am used to the performance of my Dyna. If I wanted something more comfortable for longer rides and is someone what close to my Dyna in performance, would the Heritage be my better option?
I like your videos. I am watching this video on my tv. On my phone typing this message. I just got me a Road King Classic and it does ride nice. I test ridden a softail Harley but did not work for me. Although I've always loved the look of the Heritage Softail Classic. I also loved the look of a Road King Classic too. It's a dream cone true to own one. I also have a Victory which is a nice bike too.
Of all the Harleys I've ridden, the Fatboy has been my favorite. Not crazy about the look though. I had wondered about the shock travel on these as it's never listed. Ground clearance is and the Fatboy has about an extra half inch if memory serves. Unclear why the Heritage is lower with the same shocks and frame. Maybe tire profiles? I thought the suspension was just about right on the Fatboy. Not as floaty as some of the older tourers and not overly stiff either. Didn't hit any sharp bumps with it at high speed though. It did soak up some low speed rough pavement way better than a Road Glide I tested the same day. I thought the RG was going to shake itself apart. I think part of the comfort issue with the Heritage are those sit up and beg handlebars. All the shock goes straight up the back. The Fatboy allowed a mild cant forward that transfers some of the shock to the legs. One thing I'm wondering about is the Profile wheels. Those look so much nicer and being aluminum should be lighter. The lack of that unsprung weight should help both the suspension and make the bike a bit lighter steering. They also have the benefit of running tubeless tires. Thing is, I hardly see dealers get any of the Softies so equipped anymore. Road Kings quit coming with them years ago. Figured they must have had issues with them or they just got too expensive for Harley to make money on.
The only thing I don't like about this bike is the passenger backrest. What options would you recommend in lieu of that huge pancake of a pad? Great reviews BTW!
Is there any model in particular which you would suggest for someone which is totally new to Harley? What models do first time buyers tend to leave the dealership with the most?
Just got back into riding after 27 years. Bought an 883L 2 years ago and have been looking for something the wife and i can enjoy together. We are both 5'5" I am 170 and she is just over 200. Not looking for cross-country, but longer than 2 hour trips. Would this be good for us?
Hey Matt ive ridden almost every harley. im leaning toward a roadking but the thing is i hate the fact that taking the bags off looks terrible. can i give a heritage the suspension and handling of a roadking through upgrades. thanx
Matt-I know I’m 5 years late, but I just got my first HD second hand. 2006 FLSTCI BWB. I am looking for the handlebar measurements that are on this bike you are reviewing. They appear to be 10” or 12” mini apes. The stock bars for mine were too low, so I got 4” risers with 1.5” pull back. Still don’t feel right compared to when I sit on a bike with the bars in this video. Help Brother!
I got a 2016 heritage. I liked the old version like we have better than the new ones. The new ones are stiffer and corner better but the old ones ride more plush I think. They float down road like a Cadillac and that’s what I like
What do you think about the Heritage for a 6'3" 215-220 new rider. I'm retired and interested in getting one. The one I'm looking at has the 114 engine.
I’m 6’3 and 210lbs. I bought a Heritage bec that’s what I felt most comfortable on. I like how you sit down deep in the bike. At my height I actually felt more comfortable on he heritage hence me buying one. I got a 2016 in same color as bike in this video. Only had 9k miles on it. But my height hasn’t been an issue. BUT they changed things a bit on the 2018 and newer heritage. For some reason I didn’t feel like I sat down as deep on them. Also felt pushed forward more on them. That’s a big reason I bought a used 2016 old style heritage and not a new one. And price of course. I scored mine on private sale. Paid 11,500 for it instead of 26k for a new one
Hey Matt I did my 1000 mile service on my new m8 street glide myself and my dealer said that they had to do the 1000 mile service to keep the warranty is this true.
6’2 and 260 lbs..... What Harley’s would best fit my size? I love the heritage! Most my miles logged will be in and around town. Not many highway miles. Anyone’s opinion?
Matt great review on 2017 I am looking towards the new heritage for 2018 I hear big changes for for the new mono shock system am 73 and looking for the loss in weight of my standard flhti.
Thanks a lot for the full info ….I’m thinking on getting one exactly like this 2017 and came to search more info about it .. I’ll make an offer :) thanks again 😃👍🏼🙏🏼👋🏼
Matt this is the bike that got me into Harley I dream about it all the time I've always wanted this bike - i love this bike so much i almost bought one but i went with the Breakout and the Street Bob instead because i want to feel young again lol. I think Harley marketed this bike very badly - for a retro look they shouldn't charge $1500 more than a Harley Breakout in Australia. If this bike was $2500 more affordable than the Harley Breakout i would have bought one straight away.
Hey Matt, Your reviews are by far the best and most comprehensive of Harley's on RU-vid. I too am a tall guy and my query is, are there forward controls specific to this bike to lengthen it out a little for tall fellers? Although I wish it came with The Milwaukee 8 engine, the Heritage by far is my favorite Harley. Absolutely beautiful bike.
I enjoy your videos very much, you may have already answered my question in other videos, so here goes Since I last rode a motorcycle 30 years ago during my Navy Days, Would The Heritage Softail Classic be a good Motorcycle to get back into riding again?
I'm in the same boat brother. I'm 52 now and haven't rode a bike in 22 years but I am really impressed with this one. I am also 5'7" so even though it's heavy, it might be a great fit.
Hello Matt,good video,I am 50 yr old,I'm 5ft7 173 pounds I ride a Suzuki Boulevard C50,I'm looking to trade and get a Harley,I'm torn between the street glide and Road king,the Road King kinda sits like my Suzuki Boulevard,don't really care for the fairing,or music,so which one would u Recommend for me.
You are the same size as me and I love my '15 Heritage (same as '16) I didn't like the RK either because you sit on top instead of in it like the Heritage
Heritage and road king kind of feel similar to me as both bikes has same specification and features, almost I guess. But your observation based on suspensions on long highways and rough roads with high speeds makes me curious about heritage.
Manoo Shaw dim a bit confused as the heritage and the road king are two completely different bikes. In what way are the speciation the same? The chassis is completely different.
vulcanman64 I know they are different in every way but by comparing them makes them alike in usage and purpose. Simply you cannot compare heritage bike with customs, glides and fat boys.
I’m a brand new rider 6’1 235lbs , meaning I have only rode for about 14 lessons . I’m looking for a bike now . I saw a 2016 HERITAGE THAT I WOULD LIKE TO BUY . Any opinions on this , should I start with something smaller ?
Matt - I just bought one of these. I'm a short guy. I have a hard time reaching the kick stand. I really like the kick stand on the Limited Low because it has that tab that helps you reach it. Is there such a thing for the Softail? Could you put the LL kick stand on a Softail? Also, mine has no security. Can that be added after the fact or does it have to come from the Motor Co?
Beenosteve Yes, there is a kick stand extender that works just like the limited Low kick stand. Yes, you can add security at the dealership and it's identical to the one installed at the factory.
Beenosteve I suppose you can take them off but then the fender will look like something is missing. You'd have to change the whole fender to make sure it looks clean.
Hey Matt your videos are great thanks. I’m about to buy a softail heritage 2008 105 anniversary, Do you have a video for that mod? Or would you make one? Thanks.
I am 69 years old. Had a 2011 Heritage with no cruise now have a 2017. The cruise is great mounted on the left side. The bags are a cheaper material than the 2011. I have had mine for about 6 months and the sides of the bags are collapsing already. My 2011 never did is. I did put an after market rider back rest on but it should come standard. All in all it's a fine bike for a short 5' 8" person like me. I put snaps on the bag straps to hold them down. They come out of the loops in the wind. I'm thinking H-D is using cheaper material, going up on price especially trim parts and I probably will not buy another H-D.
great video as always. my 08 heritage has that small thumb wheel under the throttle. was using it yesterday for cruise control. worked well but would be nice to have the electronic cruise control.
Just test rode a 2017 Heritage. Strongly considering the bike. It was weird that I couldn't feel the motor running. The 103B is almost too smooth, lol. Also, I was scraping in the corners. Maybe I'm spoiled from my 2005 Road King Police lean angle. Nice bike overall though for sure
