Heritage Softail Classic (FLSTC) review
For a comfortable, tourable Harley without going the whole Hog (sorry!), this model makes a lot of sense
This is one of the jewels in the Harley-Davidson range. Yes, it’s still pricey, but it is a bit of a budget tourer.
Check out the spec. You’ve got a very useful screen that does its job, soft panniers, a backrest for your other half and the tank should be good for around 150 miles.
Sure, the Road King costs less and has a more substantial fairing, but to be honest, the Road King doesn’t have the Softail’s (ahem) classic good looks, does it?
Top speed is just over the ton, and also an irrelevance. The 60+bhp delivers a lazy tug towards the horizon in a relaxed cruiser manner, while handling isn’t too bad at all thanks to the weight distribution being fairly low. And remember this baby is lighter than both a Road King and an Electra Glide.
This is one of the jewels in the Harley-Davidson range. Yes, it’s still pricey, but it is a bit of a budget tourer.
Check out the spec. You’ve got a very useful screen that does its job, soft panniers, a backrest for your other half and the tank should be good for around 150 miles.
Sure, the Road King costs less and has a more substantial fairing, but to be honest, the Road King doesn’t have the Softail’s (ahem) classic good looks, does it?
Top speed is just over the ton, and also an irrelevance. The 60+bhp delivers a lazy tug towards the horizon in a relaxed cruiser manner, while handling isn’t too bad at all thanks to the weight distribution being fairly low. And remember this baby is lighter than both a Road King and an Electra Glide.
This is one of the jewels in the Harley-Davidson range. Yes, it’s still pricey, but it is a bit of a budget tourer.
Check out the spec. You’ve got a very useful screen that does its job, soft panniers, a backrest for your other half and the tank should be good for around 150 miles.
Sure, the Road King costs less and has a more substantial fairing, but to be honest, the Road King doesn’t have the Softail’s (ahem) classic good looks, does it?
Top speed is just over the ton, and also an irrelevance. The 60+bhp delivers a lazy tug towards the horizon in a relaxed cruiser manner, while handling isn’t too bad at all thanks to the weight distribution being fairly low. And remember this baby is lighter than both a Road King and an Electra Glide.
| Length (mm) | 2400 |
| Tank (litres) | 5 |
| Dryweight (kg) | 316 |
| Seats | 2 |
| Seat Height (mm) | 696 |
| Suspension Front | 41.3mm telescopic with 'beer can' covers |
| Suspension Rear | Mild steel, rectangular tube section swing arm |
| Wheels Front | 16 inch laced |
| Wheels Rear | 16 inch laced |
| Brakes Front | Four piston caliper, 292.1mm expansion rotor |
| Brakes Rear | Four piston caliper, 292.1mm expansion rotor |
| Tank Capacity (litres) | 18.9 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1638 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 129 |
| Trail (mm) | 147 |
| Chassis | Mild steel tubular frame, rectangular section backbone, stamped, cast and forged junctions, forged fender support, MIG welded |
| Length (mm) | 2400 |
| Tank (litres) | 5 |
| Dryweight (kg) | 316 |
| Seats | 2 |
| Seat Height (mm) | 696 |
| Suspension Front | 41.3mm telescopic with 'beer can' covers |
| Suspension Rear | Mild steel, rectangular tube section swing arm |
| Wheels Front | 16 inch laced |
| Wheels Rear | 16 inch laced |
| Brakes Front | Four piston caliper, 292.1mm expansion rotor |
| Brakes Rear | Four piston caliper, 292.1mm expansion rotor |
| Tank Capacity (litres) | 18.9 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1638 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 129 |
| Trail (mm) | 147 |
| Chassis | Mild steel tubular frame, rectangular section backbone, stamped, cast and forged junctions, forged fender support, MIG welded |
| Cubic Capacity (cc) | 1450 |
| Max Power (bhp) | 63 |
| Bore (mm) | 95.18 |
| Stroke (mm) | 101.52 |
| Valve Gear | DOHC |
| Compression Ratio | 8.9 |
| Cooling | Air cooled |
| Fuel Delivery | Carburetion or electronic sequential port injectio |
| Stroke Type | Four Stroke |
| Drive | Belt |
| Cubic Capacity (cc) | 1450 |
| Max Power (bhp) | 63 |
| Bore (mm) | 95.18 |
| Stroke (mm) | 101.52 |
| Valve Gear | DOHC |
| Compression Ratio | 8.9 |
| Cooling | Air cooled |
| Fuel Delivery | Carburetion or electronic sequential port injectio |
| Stroke Type | Four Stroke |
| Drive | Belt |
