HARLEY-DAVIDSON HERITAGE CLASSIC (2018 - on) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £180
Power: 86 bhp
Seat height: Low (26.3 in / 668 mm)
Weight: High (697 lbs / 316 kg)

Prices

New £17,995
Used £13,000 - £16,500

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Move over Street Glide and Road King, the ‘40s-style ‘bagger’ is now here. Improved dynamics, performance and detailing are added to great comfort and a fresh new style.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The focus of the new Softail family is the all-new Softail frame (so-called as it hides the rear suspension giving a classic hardtail ‘look’) which now uses an inclined single shock, Yamaha LC style, in place of dual shorter units previously mounted beneath the transmission. The new tubular steel double cradle is also claimed to be substantially lighter, stiffer and comprise far fewer components. Three different head angles, two shock lengths and two widths of swing arm are also employed in a modular approach to create the eight different models.

In Heritage form the ride itself is comfortable and the handling is surprisingly light and nimble.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

As with three other members of Harley’s new Softail family, the new Heritage Classic now uses the four-valve, partially oil-cooled ‘Milwaukee Eight’ 107ci V-twin, as introduced in its 2017 touring range, with the option also of the 114ci version. Both are modified for Softail use via a new oil cooler subtly positioned between the downtubes and, as they’re rigidly mounted in the new Softail frames (in the tourers they’re rubber mounted) come with two, not one, balancer shafts.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Along with the new frame, uprated engine and cycle parts and new equipment such as lights and clocks, the build quality of the new Heritage Classic, and indeed all the 2018 Softail family, has been noticeably improved.This powertrainis based on that of the proven ‘Project Rushmore’ touring family and quality seemingly raised throughout, we’ve little cause for concern with regards to reliability.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Harley ownership never comes cheap. On the positive side, the Heritage Classic, of all the 2018 Softails, best delivers that elusive blend of style and practicality. It might not be as much of a crowd-stopper as the new Fat Boy, or as punchy as the Fat Bob, but the new Heritage goes and handles well, looks good and is impressively practical as well.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Engine and chassis apart, the biggest news with the new Heritage is a complete styling makeover. Where the old Heritage was a ‘50s-style chrome ‘n’ tassles cruiser complete with plexi-screen and studded panniers, the new goes for a more ‘40s, WWII, look where black replaces chrome and a military vibe takes the place of a Wurlitzer one. So, along with the new frame and uprated engine are a new screen, revised panniers, new LED headlights, stylish new clocks and more. OK, there’s still no electronics and little by way of luxury but it is a classy machine and Harley have noticeably raised their game.

Specs

Engine size 1746cc
Engine type 45º pushrod V-twin
Frame type Tubular steel double cradle
Fuel capacity 18.9 litres
Seat height 668mm
Bike weight 316kg
Front suspension Showa telescopic forks, no adjust.
Rear suspension Mono shock, adjustable spring pre-load
Front brake 1 x 275mm disc, four-piston caliper. ABS
Rear brake 275mm two piston caliper. ABS
Front tyre size 130/90 x 16
Rear tyre size 150/80 x 16

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption -
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £180
New price £17,995
Used price £13,000 - £16,500
Insurance group 17 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year

Top speed & performance

Max power 86 bhp
Max torque 107 ft-lb
Top speed 110 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range -

Model history & versions

Model history

2018 - all new model

Owners' reviews for the HARLEY-DAVIDSON HERITAGE CLASSIC (2018 - on)

6 owners have reviewed their HARLEY-DAVIDSON HERITAGE CLASSIC (2018 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HARLEY-DAVIDSON HERITAGE CLASSIC (2018 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Engine: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Equipment: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £180
5 out of 5 Heritage softail classic
Yesterday 11:28 by Anthony izzard

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £150

Fantastic comfy ride good quality finish brilliant looking machine Brilliant handling for todays roads with extra big tyres a pure smile factor

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Good comfy ride brakes good for weight of bike

Engine 5 out of 5

No vibration good performance quality performance good torx

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Very good quality product

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Very good

Equipment 5 out of 5

Excellent accessories

Buying experience: Very good bought from quality dealer

4 out of 5 It's an enigma, but I think it's a relationship that will last.
18 October 2022 by Graham Snowden

Version: 114, stage 1 tuned

Year: 2020

An enigma of a motorcycle, my wife has always loved Harleys and is now very happy. But after a tour of Scotland and 3660 miles of a summer tour covering Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain and back to France before heading home to NW England. So what's it really like. Well I am not really a cruiser type of rider but its got a cracking engine sat in a frame that handles quite well so long as you relax and read the corners as you approach. and it caries enough gear. I like it and we are planning next years trip to Croatia, IOM TT and up to Shetland.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

It accelerates very well for a big un and it handles very well, its been through the Alps and Pyrenees and does long sweepers and the switch backs very well. its not a sports bike but I am learning to ride it at a good lick. its different to other bikes I have ridden it has low down weight, its long and it has loads of torque. so its not an average ride but its very involving and a great experience. The vibration is less than on most bikes and we did some 7 hour plus days without many stops in reasonable comfort it is generally worse for pillion comfort. Distances between stops depended on road type I would guess on Motorways 3 hrs was ok but from the off we rode for longer then towards the end of the day we needed more stops. Stops were generally short and where no different or better than what we did on the BMW. The brakes work and stop a heavy bike very well. I have had a little judder from the front but that was going fast into downhill switchbacks and it was nothing significant. so far I am more than happy with them.

Engine 5 out of 5

It starts, it sounds great, it has tons of torque, open the throttle and it picks up extremely well there are no negative aspects to power delivery. there is less vibration than other bikes I have rides, the cruse control is great and easy to use. its economical about 56mpg, Its fairly accessible and easy to clean. It has used 1L of oil in about 6000 miles

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

It looks spectacularly good! Initial inspection reveals good quality finishing of paint and chrome, but the plastics don't fit as flush as they might, the seat lets water in and the dealers think that is acceptable. the clock steams up again no dealer support even though its in warranty the pannier rivets are coming loose and the pannier lock fell to pieces near Paris. and finally the domed nuts holding the mirrors are starting to rust as are some of the spoke nuts, its used about 1.0 L of oil so far. but it starts every time and I think I will iron out the niggles as we go along.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

well it cost best part of 20K, and I would have expected it to be made in America but it comes from Thailand. it seems to be averaging about 56mpg which I am happy with and there was no significant increase in insurance cost over the BMW 1150 RT I was running. the tyres are not showing significant wear and the oil used was not to expensive. In order to tour I fitted a sissy bar, rack and a sundowner passenger seat. I have a little screen add-on that lifts the wind over the screen so we can ride with open faced helmets at reasonable speed. I bought a 70L dry bag that sits on the rack and also rests on the panniers allowing us to carrie 16.5 kg in the bag and still use the panniers for bits n bats.

Equipment 4 out of 5

I have added a sissy bar, rack and a small screen extension to lift the wind I also fitted a sundowner pillion seat and the bike came with Vance and Hines exhaust and had been appropriately tuned to stage 1. I love the cruse control. The panniers are not practical they are moulded to a set shape with the opening smaller than the inside and they are permanently fixed so they stay outside on the bike when you book into your B&B. also why no remote adjustment to the rear pre-load?

Buying experience: Warrs of London were brilliant they sold me the right bike at the right price, I paid the advertised price, I thought the price was good and competitive and I had new tyres fitted and they gave it a service. We did the deal over the phone and were very supportive as I am new to Harley I had a lot of questions and valued their patient support. However I am based in NW England and have found the nearest dealer to be less than supportive even though I spent a good sum on a new Jacket for my Wife and there was the prospect of them doing the servicing.

4 out of 5 Better than I thought it would be
12 May 2019 by Alan

Version: 107 with Stage One

Year: 2018

Great comfort; I like to ride long distances and this is the best bike I've had for long distance comfort and every day usability. I did add a rider's backrest. Floorboards are great. The bike handles remarkably well.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

I came from a BMW GS, which has great suspension and brakes. The H-D is fine, but not in the same league. A particular annoyance is having to take the front seat off to adjust preload.

Engine 5 out of 5

The best bit of the bike. Huge torque, good fuel consumption.

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

The jury is out. Rattling fuel cap and speedo housing misting up are both known problems on these. I've got both problems and HD are repairing under warranty, but I worry they will not be effective fixes.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

I've not had to pay for a service yet, but so far the service dept. has been very helpful when I've made a few modifications.

Equipment 2 out of 5

Cruise control is very good. Not much other equipment.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer. Excellent service, unlimited test rides of different models to help me make up my mind, no pressure to sign.

4 out of 5 Test ride sold it incredible ride
27 May 2018 by Tom

Version: 114

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £250

I fell in love with the bike on the test ride. It handled like a smaller, lighter bike but had smooth, confident power. I felt immediately comfortable.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Dual front brakes would slow the power of the 114 more securely but the stock single is adequate. Ride is nimble and comfortable. The wind screen is too low for me leaving considerable head buffeting so upgrading to a taller screen soon.

Engine 5 out of 5

Incredible power, smooth and vibration-free, instantaneous acceleration in any gear.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Build appeared flawless and solid.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Hard bags are big improvement and the snap-on backrest and especially Tour-Pak make touring a real possibility.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer. Overall experience was just OK. The sales guy was uninterested in helping until he felt I was a sure buyer and then he rushed to do anything and everything but his interest felt hollow and insincere.

5 out of 5 Why buy a Road King, when the Heritage Classis does it all.
04 May 2018 by PhillT

Version: 114

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £150

Feels like modern bike, almost.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

The new Showa suspension soaks up the bumps and gives great confidence. The single disc up front is adequate but I find I use more rear brake than I'd usually use on a modern machine.

Engine 4 out of 5

The Milwaukee 8 is the smoothest engine Harley have made. The 114 cubic inch version has torque enough to give acceleration in any gear.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Quality has improved dramatically with the 2018 softail models.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Only needs servicing every two years unless you rack up the miles.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Screen, panniers and LED lights are all standard. Add a top box our Tour Pak as Harley call them and you've enough room for extended touring.

Buying experience: Dealers are keen to offer demos and know their product range well. You'll struggle to get much off the ticket price on new models but great deals are available on accessories.

5 out of 5 2018 hd heritage classic.
11 February 2018 by appldr2001

Version: milwaukee eight 107

Year: 2018

This bike handles like a dream. The rider handles the bike not the bike handles the rider-very smooth. suspension is nice and balanced. The 107 has plenty of torque throughout the rpm's. The bags could be just a tad larger. The most enjoyable bike to ride i ever had.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

I can ride the bike several hundred miles, take a break and go again. This bike is at its best when you have country roads and then in town.

Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Backrest and luggage rack would be o.k. My favorite features of the bike are color scheme-denim grey/denim black and handling.

Buying experience: I bought from a hd dealer. the price was . $ 19,999 plus 9.5% sales tax. That was the advertised price.

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