Ever heard of a motorcycle that can be a cruiser and tourer at the same time? If No, then Harley-Davidson has got a surprise for you. The company has the potential to successfully fulfill the anticipated demands of all types of riders. And if you ride regularly and go on long motorcycle tours more often, the Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic could be your bike.
The Heritage Softail Classic has got a vintage style clinging to the traditional style that has made Harley-Davidson such an identifiable brand around the world. It has maximal chrome defining throughout the body, a low seat especially preferred to taller riders, and studded leather saddlebags to carry all your stuff on motorcycle camping trips.
The Heritage Softail Traditional, designed to evoke the past, is a bike for riders who want the comfort of a modern bike with the classic look of a 1940s hardtail. The Heritage has long been a favorite of those who like its traditional cruiser aesthetics but wish to go on a joyous road trip with their significant other.
Also Read: Reasons You Should Buy a Cruiser Motorcycle
Throughout the years since its invention, the Heritage FLSTC has undergone a few modifications. Over the years, it has gained a bigger engine, better suspension and technology, more comprehensive instruments with a gear indicator, and ABS.
There’s just something about the Softail family that turns riders into committed devotees. All Harley riders get pretty attached to their bikes, but the Heritage Classic seems to inspire a special kind of enthusiasm.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the detailed specifications, background, performance, and much more of the Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage FLSTC.
Table of Content
1. A Brief History of the Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage FLSTC
Harley-Davidson introduced the FXST Softail in 1984, and it was an instant success. The bikes resembled the rigid-frame choppers of the 1970s, but without the torturous ride. Softail has remained an important element of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle line-up ever since. The family has grown, but Heritage Classic remains as popular as it was at the start.
As technology advanced, Harley-Davidson modified the Heritage FLSTC with belts rather than chains, larger tires, the smooth-running Twin Cam, and other components. The underlying concept and aesthetic, on the other hand, haven't changed much. Harley-Davidson began with a bike that was designed and produced correctly.
Having said that, Harley-Davidson made some significant upgrades to the Softail platforms in 2018. The bike received a completely new frame chassis that was constructed from the ground up. Previously, the bike featured two shocks mounted horizontally beneath the frame. The seat now has a monoshock, and the entire frame is lighter and stiffer. In 2018, the Milwaukee-Eight engine was also added to the Heritage Classic. You can choose between a factory 114 and an ordinary 107.
The new Heritage Classic, according to Harley-Davidson, originates "from the shady side of the family tree." It has an ominous vibe with its blacked-out lights, fork, motor, and windscreen. It's no longer a homage to 1950s chrome nostalgia, but it still has a laid-back lock overall that dates back to that era.
2. Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage FLSTC at First Glance
The Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail (FLSTC) is a semi-touring bike that, like the Harley-Davidson Touring line, is exceptionally comfortable over long distances. However, some riders may find it to be more sporty and agile than a proper touring bike.
Furthermore, because it is lightweight, you may expect superior fuel economy and acceleration from this bike. Obviously, the Heritage Softail isn't as huge and strong as a touring bike, and it lacks storage, but it can be a good compromise for riders who desire both long-distance comfort and short-trip quickness.
The Heritage FLSTC has a wonderful sound and is a really smooth bike to ride. It's the Softail family's cruising bike, and it's especially popular with taller riders. All of the most recent models include a cruise control system as standard equipment.
Heritage Classic retains its classic 1970s appearance, which motorcycle lovers adore. It is well-known for its touring equipment. You have enough room for everything you wish to bring, whether you're going for a quick trip around the block or planning a big ride across the country. Furthermore, if you intend to be on the road for an extended period of time, invest in a premium quality luggage bag as well as premium backrests for both the rider and the passenger.
The Heritage Classic looks, handles, and sounds fantastic right out of the box, but what's the fun in leaving well enough alone? If you spend a lot of time on the road, Apes from Harley-Davidson can help keep your back straight and your arms level, resulting in less strain. Mufflers for Street Canons are a performance stage enhancement. They amplify the sound so that inattentive cyclists may hear you approaching.
In terms of appearance, Harley-Davidson offers the Kahuna, H-D Motor Co, Black, Dominion Black, and Willie G Skull Black collections, which look excellent if your bike has the 2018 blacked-out look, as well as plenty of chrome alternatives for older years. The Midnight Crimson, Vivid Black, and two-tone color options are available for the 2022 Heritage Classic motorcycle.
3. Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail: A Buyer’s Guide
3.1 Why is the Softail Heritage Classic One of the Best Motorcycles?
The Harley Heritage Softail Classic is a multi-purpose motorbike that fulfils every rider's ultimate wish. The FLSTC's ability to act as both a cruiser and a tourer is a crucial quality that distinguishes it as one of the best motorcycles in the Harley-Davidson line-up.
To suit the enthusiastic needs of Harley riders, the business has included a pair of luggage bags with the bike. Furthermore, the Heritage Softail Classic includes a 5-gallon gasoline tank, allowing ramblers to plan a long riding trip without hesitation. It boasts a massive and powerful Milwaukee-Eight engine that generates enough power to satisfy your motorhead soul while riding on highways.
3.2 What is the Difference b/w Fatboy and Softail?
The Softail line includes several models, including the Fatboy. It is distinguished by a huge fuel tank and solid or slightly perforated holes around the disc wheel's outside edge.
The main difference between a standard Softail and a Fatboy Softail is that the first has standard parts on a soft tail frame, but the other has fatter parts on a soft tail frame, making the Fatboy somewhat heavier. The Fat Boy also has larger wheel discs than the normal Softail, which has typical spoked wheels.
3.3 Which are Harley's Different Model Ranges?
Harley-Davidson has been around for a very long time and has presented a huge line-up of motorcycles including the Harley Sportster , Dyna , Touring , Softail , and Street ranges.
This huge range of motorcycle series is produced while keeping in mind the rider’s demand and style. Although, all Harley's latest models are based on the vintage Harley style with the touch of modern technology, which makes it even more demanding than any other motorcycle in the market.
3.4 What Does “FLSTC” stand for?
Like the other Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the “FLSTC” is an acronym or model code for Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic motorcycle.
4. Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic Specifications
4.1 Dimensions
Length | 95.1 in. |
Seat Height, Laden | 26.3 in. |
Ground Clearance | 4.7 in. |
Rake | 30 |
Trail | 5.3 in. |
Wheelbase | 64.2 in. |
Front Tire Specification | 130/90B16,73H, BW |
Rear Tire Specification | 150/80B16,77H, BW |
Tire, Type | Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series, bias blackwall front and rear |
Fuel Capacity | 5 gal. |
Oil Capacity (W/Filter) | 5 qt. |
Weight, As Shipped | 697 lb. |
Weight, in Running Order | 728 lb. |
Luggage Capacity-Volume | 1.5 cu ft |
4.2 Performance
Engine Torque | 119 ft-lb |
Engine Torque (RPM) | 3000 |
Engine Torque Testing Method | J1349 |
Lean Angle, Right (DEG.) | 27.3 |
Lean Angle, Left (DEG.) | 28.5 |
Fuel Economy Testing Method | Estimated City/Hwy |
Fuel Economy | 47 mpg |
4.3 Engine Specs
Engine | Milwaukee-Eight® 114 |
Bore | 4.016 in. |
Stroke | 4.5 in. |
Displacement | 114 cu in. |
Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 |
Fuel System | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
Exhaust | 2-into-2 shorty dual, catalyst in muffler |
4.4 Drive Trail
Primary Drive | Chain, 34/46 ratio |
Gear Ratios (Overall) 1st | 9.311 |
Gear Ratios (Overall) 2st | 6.454 |
Gear Ratios (Overall) 3st | 4.793 |
Gear Ratios (Overall) 4st | 3.882 |
Gear Ratios (Overall) 5st | 3.307 |
Gear Ratios (Overall) 6st | 2.79 |
4.5 Chassis
Front Fork | Dual-Handling valve 49mm telescopic with aluminum fork triple clamps; dual-rate spring; “beer can” covers |
Rear Shocks | Hidden, free piston, coil-over monoshock; 56mm stroke; hydraulic preload adjustment |
Wheels, Optional Style Type | Black or chrome, steel laced (based on trim) |
Wheels, Front Type | Gloss Black, 9-spoke cast aluminum |
Wheels, Rear Type | Gloss Black, 9-spoke cast aluminum |
Brakes, Type | Solid, uniform expansion rotors |
Brakes, Caliper Type | 4-piston fixed front and 2-piston floating rear |
4.6 Electric
Gauges | 5-inch analog speedometer with digital gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, range, and tachometer indication |
Lights (As Per Country Regulation), Headlamp, Tail/Stop/Front Signal Lights | All LED, high beam, low beam, and signature position lamp, Incandescent Zeppelin tail lamp, Incandescent bullets, Incandescent bullet light bar |
5. Aftermarket Luggage and Modification Options for Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage FLSTC
The Heritage Softail Classic has got a vintage style clinging to the traditional style that has made Harley-Davidson such an identifiable brand around the world. It has maximal chrome defining throughout the body, a low seat especially preferred to taller riders, and studded and leather saddlebags to carry all your stuff.
As a matter of fact, H-D always keeps that vintage Harley look in the whole line-up that can push back your attitude toward being a Harley rider. But, you can always update that classic Harley look and convert it into a customized motorcycle by adding some aftermarket luggage and modifications.
Adding a pair of high-quality saddlebags can give your motorcycle a whole new gaze. Moreover, you can install a sissy bar at the seat end if you are planning to ride along with your old lady.
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