Harley Davidson Heritage Classic first impressions

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  • čas přidán 25. 08. 2024

Komentáře • 55

  • @naturalforlife6741
    @naturalforlife6741 Před 4 měsíci +5

    As an industrial electrician that has also worked on high power lines we use carnauba wax on insulators. Those insulators are always in the weather, rain, sun, snow, cold and heat. That is what I use on my Heritage. I've owned mine for about 2 years and still love it just as much as when I bought it. I've put more miles on it then I did on my 2018 Street glide in the 4 years I owned it. As a 70 year old man being 145 lbs at 5'6" it is perfect for me on long trips.

  • @philipstaite4775
    @philipstaite4775 Před 3 měsíci +4

    I have a '24 Heritage Classic too - currently in the process of breaking it in. A couple of things I've noticed.
    Shifting. For a smooth shift from neutral into first, let the bike warm up a bit sitting still, then pull in the clutch all the way, and let it out. Do this several times, then *usually* it slides right into first gear without a clunk.
    Also, as I've gotten further into the break-in process and more of the rev range is available, I've noticed that it is much happier/smoother shifting at higher rpms. Particularly around 2700 or 2800 accelerating rather then earlier when I was shifting around 2300 or so. Also it seems to want you to shift it slightly aggressively. It seems the quicker I try to shift - a snap roll-off of the throttle, and just a rapid squeeze in/out on the clutch as I toggle it up a gear - the smoother the shifts are. Haven't really found a good way to get a smooth downshift. Rev matching doesn't seem to make it happy. The least clunky I've found is to coast in using engine braking down to about 1500 rpm, then just toggle down a gear with no throttle, let the clutch out briefly, repeat as you come to a stop using brakes.
    The wind screen works great for me right up to about 60 to 65 mph. Then yes, there is some buffeting beyond that. At 55 or 60, idling along in 6th gear it is magic - very little wind or engine noise. Though mine has Rinehart 3.5" slip ons from the dealership. I haven't really gotten too deep into the throttle yet, and I'm currently working with a 3000 rpm limit, but these will let you know when it is starting to work, and will settle down to just about factory exhaust level under light loads. Nice deep but mellow rumble.
    The two tires are apparently nearly equal profile. These work really well together and with the steering setup for rake/trail. A local road is under construction, and the surface has been ground down - leaving the dreaded rough grooves that are uneven vertically and wander side to side. I've ridden over that stretch of road multiple times (intentionally) at different speeds and intentionally changed my line on the grooves. The tires and steering geometry work great. You can feel that the grooves are there, but the bike doesn't feel unsettled at all. Overall it seems very good at holding whatever line you pick, yet is nimble enough to dodge potholes.
    With the all electronic ignition, get a spare CR2032 battery and slip it in a saddle bag. Eventually the key fob will die and being able to replace the battery will be helpful. Along the same lines - check (and change) your security PIN code for the bike.
    I'm only about 100 miles from my 1K break-in service, then I can start riding it "normally." Although I ride well on the gentle/easy side of the bell curve. I picked the Heritage because of the bags and screen - they increase the usefulness of the bike significantly over the naked Sportster I traded in. I could have gone all the way up to a Road King, but this is like a slightly downsized Road King - a better compromise of size for my mostly around-town and rural riding. If I was going to have more highway in the mix I might have gone for the Road King, but I love the Heritage, we are getting used to each other.

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před 3 měsíci

      Thanks Philip. Yes I've noticed it is a bike that likes to be warmed up for a few minutes before you ride. I guess thinking about it that does make sense given it is air cooled. Would take even longer if it was still carbureted.

    • @Eisenhammer78
      @Eisenhammer78 Před měsícem +1

      Thanks for that comment. Taking delivery of mine tomorrow. God bless

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před měsícem +1

      @@Eisenhammer78 COOL ... that's very exciting ... Enjoy the new ride.

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před měsícem +2

      Something else I have noticed as I get further into the run in phase is it is gettting much easier to find neutral.

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před měsícem +1

      @@Eisenhammer78 Congratulations - great choice.

  • @SWATT101
    @SWATT101 Před 6 měsíci +2

    I like the clunk on Harleys... especially the 4 speeds lol It bothered me on the 103 and had to do a bit of work on the compensator...and learn a bit of throttle control lol... very nice ride you got there.

    • @ready2ride7
      @ready2ride7 Před 6 měsíci

      Thanks ... I'm very happy with the bike and the clunk :>)

  • @markmcintosh7095
    @markmcintosh7095 Před 6 měsíci +1

    It's my favorite Harley of all times. I have a Low Rider st and a Road King. I don't ever plan on selling it. I put a Corbin seat and stage 2 since 2018.

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před 6 měsíci

      Thanks Mark. All three are great bikes. A Low Rider is definitely on my radar as well.

  • @DonJoiner
    @DonJoiner Před měsícem +1

    Get fork mounted wind deflectors for buffeting

  • @donaldsoncole3095
    @donaldsoncole3095 Před 6 měsíci +2

    Sharp presentation with a unique perspective! I am planning on purchasing this bike, but would swap out the rims and tires for tubeless white walls and rims to match the upgrades! Also , swap out front brake for more bite and add heated grips , done !!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před 6 měsíci +1

      Thanks Donald. I'm planning to put some white wall tyres (Aussie spelling here) on mine as well as I think they would really look great with the Vivid Black and add to the retro look of the bike. I think I'll stay with the tubes and spokes though. Would love to see a photo of yours when those things are done.

    • @donaldsoncole3095
      @donaldsoncole3095 Před 6 měsíci +1

      @@motorcyclingdownunder - I will be corresponding this summer !!!

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před 6 měsíci

      That's awesome@@donaldsoncole3095

  • @yankinoz1956
    @yankinoz1956 Před 5 měsíci +2

    I have a 2020 Heritage 114 I bought new and it’s easily the best bike I’ve ever owned and I’ve owned 6 Harleys! I ceramic coated mine. One thing you will have to pay very close attention to is the spokes. They rust very quickly!! Mine were rusty after 6 months. My detailer got most of it off but I’m looking at getting them respoked soon. The guy my Harley dealer sends them to says the spokes aren’t chrome but zinc and that’s why they rust. My dealer says it’s a common thing with the Harley spokes. Anyway just subbed ! I’m an American living in Perth. Looking forward to more videos. Happy trails!

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před 5 měsíci

      Thanks for the excellent feedback. Yes I love mine already. Given that information about the wheels I might wipe my rims and spokes down with fish oil which has worked well at preventing rust on my other bikes with spoked wheels.

    • @barrybarnes96
      @barrybarnes96 Před 5 měsíci +2

      I always hit my spokes with car type carnuba wax on a buffing rag ..couple of times during the summer and never had any rust.

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před 5 měsíci

      Great tip@@barrybarnes96 Thank you

    • @robertdaley1194
      @robertdaley1194 Před měsícem

      Spokes rusted very quickly ,I don’t know whether to change out wheels ..

  • @barrybarnes96
    @barrybarnes96 Před 5 měsíci +3

    Nice. Wish Harley would style the seat and bags more like the new Icon Hydra-glide.

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před 5 měsíci

      Love the look of the new Hydra-Glide

    • @thelatenightbar
      @thelatenightbar Před 4 měsíci +1

      yeah, that would be pretty sweet.. definitely an upgrade over the newly modeled Heritages.. 2018 >

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před 4 měsíci

      @@thelatenightbar would be easy for them to do now they've done it for the Hydra-Glide

  • @ThrottleDownunder
    @ThrottleDownunder Před 4 měsíci +1

    Great video mate. I'm close to pulling the trigger on one of these and you may have got me across the line.
    Love the South Coast too

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před 4 měsíci +1

      I was tempted to go the Lowrider S instead with better brakes, bigger engine, more lean angle and tubeless tyres. But the classic looks and comfort of the Heritage tugged at the heart strings more. It looks even better in real life than pictures and videos ... and every time I open the garage it makes me smile with that satisfied feeling of knowing I made the right choice.

    • @ThrottleDownunder
      @ThrottleDownunder Před 4 měsíci +1

      @@motorcyclingdownunder my thoughts have been exactly the same. But I love the old school look.

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před 4 měsíci +1

      @@ThrottleDownunderand how good does the new limited edition Hydra Glide look ... fortunately it was announced after I took delivery of the Heritage so I didn't have to make that difficult decision. I guess it would really come down to whether you want to pay $10,000 more in Australia for that bike.

  • @robertdaley1194
    @robertdaley1194 Před měsícem +1

    I have a 21 Heritage ❤

  • @gambietti
    @gambietti Před 3 měsíci +1

    I have a 21 black 114 Heritage. I polished it and ceramic coated it. After every ride, I use a rinseless wash to keep up with it

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před 3 měsíci +1

      Thanks. Mine is purely a recreational vehicle for my riding pleasure. I only ride it occasionally which means it will be easy to do the same after every ride. :>)

    • @gambietti
      @gambietti Před 3 měsíci +1

      @@motorcyclingdownunder imo, it's the best way to protect and keep up with it

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před 3 měsíci +1

      @@gambietti thanks

  • @lawrencestark8983
    @lawrencestark8983 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Sharp looking ride you have

  • @JohnnyRebKy
    @JohnnyRebKy Před 2 měsíci +1

    You should ride the old heritage classic before they changed them in 2018. They were a Cadillac! The new ones corner better and are more sporty but the old one is more planted on the highway and just feels bigger and more comfortable. I think the changed design wasn’t for the better but that’s just me. I’d rather have a road king when it comes to new models. But the old heritage was more comfortable than both the new ones

  • @paulbutler5067
    @paulbutler5067 Před 4 měsíci +1

    what a beautiful motorcycle! I ride a 1998 Road King and really enjoy the bike. I was actually hoping to buy a new one soon but Harley decided to remove the RK standard from the lineup. I am not as fond of the RK special, And then I also started to think about maybe a lighter bike as I will be 65 this year and not getting any younger. It appears that the Heritage is about 100 pounds lighter than the Road King. The only thing I don't like is the lace wheels. I wish there was a cast wheel option. This is personal preference of course. The lace do look good but are much more work to maintain. The black with black trim looks great with just the right amount of chrome trim. One of the things I love the most about the RK is the ability to easily remove the windshield which I do most of the time. I assume you can remove the windshield just as easily on the Heritage? Hope you enjoy your new motorcycle.

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před 3 měsíci

      Thanks Paul. Yes the windshield is easy to pull on and off and the Heritage is 100 pounds lighter but doesn't have the rubber mounted engine. A year or two ago it did have a cast wheeled option but not the 23 or 24 model. But you could probably pick a low mileage one with cast wheels up on the used market.

  • @rolandjosef7961
    @rolandjosef7961 Před 5 měsíci +1

    I LOVE THE all black Heritage Classic. But I cannot go over the design of the bags.

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před 5 měsíci

      I lived in the Northern Territory for four years and the bag and seat design reminds me of a crocodile.

  • @robertdaley1194
    @robertdaley1194 Před měsícem +1

    Ive had mine 3 years now,I’ve never used cruise control (to scared)😮

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před měsícem +1

      I have a friend who has never used theirs in their car either. If you ever do it does work really well. :>)

  • @thelatenightbar
    @thelatenightbar Před 4 měsíci +1

    can't go wrong with the Heritage... and when you want, take off the windshield, take off the saddlebags.. take off the passenger seat.. and you lookin' at a completely different bike , and a good bit lighter. safe travels.

  • @michaeljoseph9881
    @michaeljoseph9881 Před 5 měsíci +1

    I use carbox and then I use with a couple ship that has uh carbota wax and soap top clean in everything like that so that's busting. I've ever found ceramic isn't nearly as nice business too Harsh um unless you gotta bay a new brand new bike. You're anything like that but I would stay away from ceramic.

  • @wooddawg4868
    @wooddawg4868 Před 2 měsíci +1

    When I hear people complain about buffing of air etc I say your riding a motorcycle right. Get a full face helmet or get a taller shield and move on from that.

    • @motorcyclingdownunder
      @motorcyclingdownunder  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Agree. Most of the bikes I own are nakeds ... I've only had a few bikes with screens over the years ... I always wore an open face helmet when I was starting out ... and have to say I love the feel of the wind in the face that gives. But I do appreciate over longer distances on faster roads some wind protection does help. I've only had once bike where the buffeting was unbearable ... so I removed that screen and it was much better. Thanks for your message.