Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail FLSTC 2012 Review

The times are a-changing from polished chrome and studded leather to a grungy look of matte black and fat front tyres.

It's a custom bike trend that has left behind the blinded-up Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail that used to be one of their top sellers.

But to those who love its lashings of gleaming chrome, wide running boards, relaxed riding position and big leather saddlebags with tassels and studs, it remains a timeless classic.

VALUE

Favorable exchange rates have meant price reductions on many models. The Heritage has dropped about $2000 to come in under $30,000. With its long-distance capabilities and comfort it makes a good value alternative to a Road King tourer.

Adding to its value is the quick-release windscreen that turns it from a tourer into a cruiser in seconds. Two-tone paint adds glam and $500 while custom paint costs an extra $1000. Even though the Heritage already comes with plenty of bling, there is a book as thick as the Bible filled with parts and accessories to further individualise your ride.

TECHNOLOGY

All Softails now get the big 103cu (1690cc) engine from the Touring family which further enhances the "big-kay" capacity of this machine. Despite the extra torque the bigger engine provides, it still yields fuel economy of a respectable 5.6L/100km which can provide more than 300km of range, depending on whether you have a pillion and luggage on board.

The LCD info screen now includes trip meters, odometer, range meter and a gear indicator and digital taco, all controllable from a toggle switch on the left handlebar.

SAFETY

The ABS works with a discreet magnet in the wheel bearings which senses wheel revolutions. Rather than an ugly mechanical ring, it doesn't spoil the look of the big steel-laced wheels. It is a smooth and effective system with more stopping power on the rear than the front thanks to the low and rear-oriented centre of gravity.

Your pillion will feel secure thanks to a thick and supportive sissy bar. However, there are no grab handles, unless you count the rider's "love handles".

RIDING

Unless its raining or really cold, leave the windscreen behind. There js far too much wind buffeting even from about 70km/h. At higher speeds, it can also cause oscillation through the bars, especially when a semi passes in the opposite direction.

And looking through the windscreen can be annoying when it is littered with bugs, or if you are tall and are peering through the top section where your vision is distorted. Without the windscreen, the big bike feels light and nimble in the front end for convenient low-speed maneuvres and provides clean air to the rider which doesn't cause fatigue unless riding long distances at 110km/h.

Clearance is a problem even at carpark speeds with a lean angle of only 24.4 degrees on the left and 25.9 on the right. However riders will learn to slow down and lean out to keep the bike more upright. It may also be necessary to bolster the under-side of the big floorboards to prevent them disintegrating with time as they scrape away at the road.

If you are not in a hurry, it is a relaxing and comfortable ride that will turn heads wherever it goes, even though it may not be the latest trend in custom bikes.

VERDICT

Old-school riders still have a great affection for this bike and with the addition of ABS and a more muscular engine, it is an attractive two-up proposition at under $30,000.

Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail FLSTC
Price: $29,495
Warranty: 2yr/unlimited km, roadside assist
Service Interval: 1600/8000km
Engine: 103 (1690cc) Twin Cam V-twin, 132Nm
Transmission: 6-speed, belt drive
Fuel: 5.6L/100km, 18.9L tank
Dimensions: 2405mm (L), 955mm (W), 1635mm (WB), 690mm (Seat), 131mm (Clearance)
Weight: 341kg