Harley Davidson Softail & Heritage Softail

The Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic is a superior bike and a blast from the past.  In the 1950s, Harley makers did not have the technology or engineering know-how to craft soft, comfortable rear suspension.  As a result, bikes then were for the most part hardtails--in short, uncomfortable on the rear.

Harley currently markets a number of softail frame hogs, including the Heritage Softail, the Nitetrain, and the Fatboy.  Consider the 1997 Heritage, which has a wheel base of 62.9 inches, a seat height of a little more than 25 inches, and a fuel tank that holds 4.2 gallons with just about half a gallon in reserve.  This old-time beauty is composed of real metal, so it is no surprise that it tops 700 pounds on the scale.

The key to finessing the softail ride while maintaining the 1950s retro look is a pair of shock absorbers hidden beneath the bike's transmission.  The shiny chrome offers a great visual addition, but do not expect to cruise at very high speeds on this bike.  Even though the Heritage comes well-equipped from the factory, most riders are enticed to soup up their vehicles with specialized components.  Large aluminum fenders, a V-Twin OHV Evolution engine, and a displacement of 1340CCs make the Heritage Softail a fun, smooth ride for operators.

The transmission is a five-speed constant mesh device, and you get an accelerated pump and a bore and stroke of approximately 3.5 x 4.2 inches.  You can add on components from K&N, Rush, and the Cobra FI to create a ride that suits your style.  Still, to avoid vibration, you may want to keep your motorcycle under 70 miles per hour.