I am Kenny Sagawa, a motorcycle journalist.
This time, I tried riding on a Harley-Davidson's Heritage Classic 114.
This motorcycle is equipped with wire spoke wheel, deep fender, footboard type footpeg to the FL style of 16-inches wheel in Front and Rear. It also features a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscing Harley-Davidson 1950 model.
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This motorcycle inherits these traditions and also adopted the matte series vintage colors. The engine was also painted in black.
The design of this motorcycle has modern style with light feeling.
For example, the detachable shield has been chainged more compact shape and the handlebar has been set in a natural position.
The front and rear 16-inches spoke wheel and triple headlight, saddle seat reminiscent of a horse saddle, and a saddle bag follows the traditional style.
The new model has LED headlight and the side bag has a one-touch type and waterproof specification.
The traces of evolution can be visible at every end of the motorcycle.
And this time, the test drive was done using the Milwaukee Eight 114 specification loaded with a large engine.
There are 2-types of engine, the 107 and 114. 114 is a very powerful engine.
The exhaust sound is muffled but the engine throb is clearly transmitted.
And also, the engine has a thick torque and the acceleration feeling is unique in a Harley-Davidson.
The conventional type was loaded with an engine so called Twin Cam 103.
The engine displacement in a conventional model was 1689cc, and the maximum torque was 125m.
The new Milwaukee Eight 114 has 1868c engine displacement and a maximum torque of 155Nm.
The power of the exhaust sound increases and torque from low speed come out more compared to conventional type Heritage Classic model.
And so, the weight of the motorcycle has been significantly reduced from 347kg to 330kg.
Because of that, I had a very good acceleration feeliing.
The increase on high speed and a torque that rise from low speed are better for a new model.
And, the ease of handling the motorcycle can be noticed immediately.
The shift pedal has changed from conventional seesaw type to a return type.
We can see more on a sporty body than the previous one.
Then, let's go on with Heritage Classic.
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The tourer model is a big body motorcycle but it has a very good foot grounding. This is featured on Harley-Davidson.
The footpeg is in the right position on the footboard.
The handlebar position is just right, and it was down a little.
It is a good position and reachable.
The position of the footboard and handlebar are very natural.
And that makes it very comfortable position.
It is said that it is suitable for long touring from its riding position.
In fact, I tried riding it and I was very surprised.
This motorcycle is very light and I can't even imagine that it was more than 300kg.
And, handling is very neutral and easy to handle.
I thought this is a motorcycle for touring.
It would be difficult to maneuver if using a thick tire like Fatboy or a large front wheel like Breakout.
There is a tendency that handling characteristics tend to come out strongly.
But, it's different with Heritage Classic model.
The atmosphere is classical, but the handling is latest motorcycle.
It is because the front and rear tire are thin with 16-inches small diameter tire.
I think it is because the front tire is 130 and the rear tire is 150.
If you look at it closely, the caster angle stood up and the dimension is sporty.
The rear suspension is a new single shock but the stroke length of the Heritage Classic is longer than the other Softail model.
So, the riding feeling is good and the road surface followability is also good.
I think that it is also related to safety and a sense of security.
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To make it short, I think that Heritage Classic is equipped with a large screen, a seat that can be firmly seated, large type saddle bag. On the other hand, cruise control is a touring model equipped with the essence of a good classic Harley-Davidson model as its name suggested.
But still, it has a sporty lightness which we can't find in touring models.
I think, this motorcycle will best suit for riders who are fun with long distance riding like touring.
See HARLEY-DAVIDSON Moto Index Page
See Accessories for HARLEY-DAVIDSON SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC114
