Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic 2017 — Specifications

The Heritage Classic carries more than just saddlebags and a windscreen. In the motorcycle landscape, it’s a blend of delightfully retro old Cadillac, a Palm Beach ride, and weekend nonchalance. Before considering the Touring range, it's interesting to sample the most road-oriented of the Softail models. Especially since it has benefited from a few improvements since 2016.

Softail models crave power. And evidently, the 103 cubic inch engine is no longer sufficient. So, they all adopt the High Output version. With a specific camshaft and improved breathing, the Twin Cam is announced to deliver around 5% more power. Not quite enough to give the Heritage wings but a more powerful stride when accelerating its 347 kilograms (fully fueled).

A subtle makeover, which will not escape the notice of connoisseurs, graces this 103+ version. Fewer studs on the passenger seat and the leather saddlebags, a raised passenger seat at the end of the seat, a new tank badge, etc... The style remains old school, directly related to the Hydra-Glide models of the 1950s. Enjoy the calm or Eole with the removable windscreen, offer whitewall tires on the spoked rims to perfect the look, and pack in the storage compartments enough to entertain you on the weekend. Incidentally, the suitcases benefit from a new internal structure to better maintain their shape.

In 2015, attention was turned to braking. The front disc was widened from 292 to 300 mm. The caliper and master cylinder were redesigned, the latter also benefiting from a design improving performance. With the high-friction material of the pads, the lever effort has been reduced by almost half. Harley announces 40% less effort to achieve optimal braking. A cruise control is now part of the standard equipment, in addition to the H-D Smart, ABS, and all the charm of a classic idea.

M.B(photos constructeur)