Harley-Davidson has produced quite an eclectic collection of models in this 120-year history. Many have stood the test of time and remain fan-favorites to this day. While others were nothing more than a novelty item that disappeared as fast as it debuted. But one particular model that has remained steadfast and strong through the winds of change is the Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114. This motorcycle is the perfect combination of retro styling with modern conveniences. Just by looking at it, you think backyard BBQ's, rock concerts, campfires, and good times. But don't let its exterior fool you. On the 2023 models, it comes equipped with the mighty Milwaukee-Eight 114 cubic-inch engine, which has gone on to become one of the most manageable high-powered Harley engines in recent years.

One thing you may have noticed about the Heritage is that unlike its fellow softails like the Lowrider ST, Fat Bob, and Street Bob, the Heritage Classic isn't the kind of bike that bathes in the limelight. While this bike does come with its own brand of flashiness, it tends to lean more towards functionality and comfort, than to be an eye-catcher at every motorcycle festival. Since its debut with Harley-Davidson in 1988, the Heritage Classic is a bike designed more for laid-back cruises around town, as well as for embarking on cross-country road trips, rather than trying to out-smoke the crotch-rockets (or as many Harley riders like to call them, "organ donors"). So let's take a closer look at old-school cruiser and why it remains a staple in Harley-Davidson's model lineup today.

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1 Its Well-Rounded Riding Ability

Probably the biggest reason why Heritage Classic riders choose this motorcycle is how it is able to handle every kind of riding environment. As a softail, it is by design a well-rounded bike. It can handle congested urban areas well thanks to its medium-sized weight and lack of bulk when compared to touring bikes. Suburban neighborhoods are a breeze because it thrives on long, winding back roads with the occasional trip downtown. Lastly, it can hang with its bigger touring siblings on the highway for several hours and many miles without any discomfort. As diverse as the softail family is, very few of them can match the Heritage Classic's ability to check off all the boxes in terms of riding locations. If you're the kind of rider who seems themselves in any kind of environment, this could be the bike for you.

2 Lightweight Touring

2023 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 up front and Road King Special in the back
Harley-Davidson

Another big reason why the Heritage Classic has remained a consistent model in Harley-Davidson's lineup of softails is that it has been one of the very few that is purposefully designed to be able to handle long stretches of highway just like the larger, touring bikes can. Basically a mini Road King, the Heritage Classic comes equipped with all the features necessary to roll out on the highway for the day, which includes a larger touring seat with room for two, floorboards, forward controls, mini-ape handlebars, five-gallon fuel tank, a pair of leather-studded saddlebags, and a detachable windshield. Thanks to its softail frame, it is also 80-lbs lighter than a Road King, allowing its riders to reap the same rewards without having to use any extra muscle to control the bike.

3 The Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine

Like many other modern softails and touring models, the Heritage Classic has received an engine upgrade that can satisfy even the hungriest throttle junkies. The Milwaukee-Eight 114 cubic-inch engine rides the line perfectly between riders that want more kick and torque with every gear, but also manageable enough to where it feels like the motorcycle isn't going to leave without them. Specifically, the Milwaukee Eight-114 on the Heritage Classic produces 100.5 horsepower and 119 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. More than enough for aggressive riders that kick it up to fifth and sixth gear on the highway. Additionally, this motorcycle is also the foundation of Harley-Davidson's line of engine upgrades that can increase all the way up to 131 cubic inches! Certainly an impressive amount of power for a traditionally laid-back cruiser.

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4 Comfort

Another big indicator of how the Heritage Classic separates itself from its softail brethren is how it puts a very strong emphasis on comfort in its design. As a capable touring bike, the Heritage Classic will have to e able to keep its rider happy and relaxed for long stretches of time and highway. Even its stock seat is made to be bigger and cushier than that of other softails, and the number of aftermarket options one can choose is another winning market for this bike. Plus, many passengers will have some positive feedback in their riding experience on a Heritage seat versus the rear seat of another softail. The floorboards are another big win for the Heritage Classic, considering that nearly every other Harley-Davidson softail features foot pegs, which concentrate the entire weight of the foot onto a small area. Rather than this, the Heritage Classic utilizes the floorboards to evenly distribute the weight of the foot across a larger, flat surface.

5 Customization

Even though the Heritage Classic favors comfort and functionality over being overly-flashy when it leaves the factory, once it's in your hands, how it looks and/or performs is entirely up to you. If you really want to bring out this bike's tribute to the chrome-heavy hot rods of its heyday, there are loads of shiny options you can do to make this bike really shine from its handlebars down to its exhaust. You can even make it more ideal touring bike by upgrading its seat, suspension, and windshield to put it on par with the Road King and other touring models. Then, you could always crank up its engine power by upgrading it all the way to a Stage 4, along with some loud exhaust pipes, and lots and lots of torque. And, if you are feeling very ambitious, you could always try to do all three!

6 Appeal To Female Riders

At first, motorcycling was almost strictly a boys' club. But as time moved on, so did the demographics of people that love and appreciate saddling up and cranking that throttle. As more women began flocking to Harley-Davidson dealerships to have a bike of their own, there were noticeable differences in their model choices when compared to men. Generally, because women tend to be shorter, having a gigantic bike like a touring model can feel a bit overwhelming. While the more experienced female riders would have no problem operating a touring bike, there are noticeable preferences in what the average female rider has in mind. Because for those that still wanted the touring capabilities of a Road King, minus the extra weight and size, that is where the Heritage Classic came in. Not has muscly, yet 100% fully capable of riding alongside it.

7 Saddlebags

Another mandatory feature of any touring model, saddlebags have always been something a rider would rather have and not need instead of need and not have. Because you never know when you need to have a place for extra clothes, snacks, camping gear, and emergency equipment for when you're on the road for a long time. Out of Harley-Davidson's current lineup of softails, the Heritage Classic and Lowrider ST are the only models that come with saddlebags already equipped. Anyone that has noticed the evolution of the Hertiage will have also realized that the style of bags have changed over time. Before, they would be made of high-grade leather with chrome studs in an unintentional nod to every Judas Priest fan. Now, the newer models take on more of a contemporary design with all-black studs, forging a new path of style for a new generation of riders.

8 Affordability

If you are familiar with the phrase "you get what you pay for", then you should have no problem with the 2023 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114's MSRP starting at $21,199. For a new softail, it is a little on the higher side. However, given all the additional features and touring upgrades that come with this bike already, you are really getting a package deal. Because if you were to take another softail model, and purchase the seat, floorboards, saddlebags, windshield, larger fuel tank, etc., you would be far past the asking price. And if a new bike isn't your bag, not to worry. You can always find at least one pre-owned Heritage Classic at any Harley-Davidson dealership in good condition and a fair price that is ready for you to ride it home.

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9 Blend Of Modern And Retro Styling

Harley-Davison Heritage Classic 114 2022 cruiser
Harley-Davidson 

While some newer Harley-Davidson models aim to stand out on their own terms, the Heritage Classic is the perfect blend of new and old styling. Fans of the old-school will be happy to know that there are loads of new and pre-owned units that play very favorably into the shiny chrome. It's like a modern-day throwback to a time when there was no internet, people had to talk to each other face-to-face, and if you wanted to buy music, you would have to walk into a physical record store and pay with cash. But if you are a fan of the newer art direction of the Heritage, recent models have also begun to include more blacked-out features and bolder colors, leaving the chrome in the past. Thankfully, there is no wrong answer, and everyone can express themselves through their Heritage however they want.

10 Longevity

2023 Harley Heritage Classic
Harley-Davidson

Like any bike that you give the proper amounts of care, maintenance, and love, the Heritage Classic will be your travel companion in the long-run. Because this bike has the wherewithal to handle any kind of riding environment, it has been proven to be a very durable and well-rounded softail for the last 35 years. Its very concept of being a touring-capable softail has also been a big indicator of its value to prospective customers. It has everything a particular audience of riders are looking for in a motorcycle, and more. Because every motorcyclist can confess to being particularly picky when it comes to choosing a new motorcycle. But because the Heritage Classic casts such a wide net, it is no surprise that many owners will experience love at first sight.