It might be a 2024 model, but the Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 is still listed on the H-D website, and at $38,995 it’s $1k less than the updated MY25 117 model. So what is it like?
The Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic is one of those motorcycles that evokes a visceral response the moment you lay eyes on it. Walking into the garage and seeing this bike is enough to make you want to throw a leg over it… whether you’re up for a ride or not. It blends timeless Harley-Davidson styling with modern performance and for many enthusiasts, myself included, it stands out as a favourite in the Harley range.
The Heritage Classic screams retro cool. It boasts a nostalgic, old-school cruiser vibe that Harley-Davidson has perfected over the years. The quality paintwork is immediately noticeable, with the Billiard Gray finish on our testbike offering a refined yet understated look. The pinstriping on the mudguards and the black rims with chrome spokes add to its classic appeal, as does the black hub cap on the right-hand side of the front wheel which, no doubt, is meant to look a bit like a drum brake, although you’ll find a single disc brake with a Harley-Davidson-branded caliper when you wander around to the other side of the bike.
The rims and hub cap are black because our test bike came with the optional Black trim package ($215), which replaces many of the chrome finish components with blacked-out ones, including the engine, exhaust pipes, side covers, air filter cover, forks, headlight bezel and mirrors. This blacked-out look gives the bike a more modern and aggressive edge. However, if you prefer a more traditional look, the chrome finish is standard and equally eye-catching. And if the Billiard Gray (standard) is not to your liking, other colour options include Vivid Black ($280), Alpine Green ($430) and two-tone Red Rock/Vivid Black ($845).
Regardless of the colour chosen, or whether or not you go for the chrome or black trim package, the attention to detail is fantastic.
ERGONOMICS AND COMFORT
The riding position on the Heritage Classic 114 is relaxed and comfortable. The high-rise handlebar provides a laid-back feel without excessive reach. The seat is plush, wide and supportive, with a distinct kick-up at the rear making it ideal for long rides, and it is low at 680mm, making it easy to plant your feet on the ground.
The pillion seat is well padded but not as generous in size as the rider’s pew, and while reasonably comfortable, it lacks grab handles. The leather-look hard cases add to the bike’s vintage charm. These lockable panniers open from the top and, while not massive, offer practical storage space for commutes or weekend trips, and proved waterproof in some pretty atrocious weather.
An analogue speedometer is mounted on the tank, with a small LCD display providing additional information such as fuel level, trip meters, tachometer and a clock. Although you have to look down to check your speed, you only need a quick glance to do so, but the LCD screen, on the other hand, can be difficult to read, especially in bright sunlight.
I do have a couple of other gripes. First, the windscreen, which is at the wrong height for my modest stature, meaning I look through it rather than over it, and which seems to provide little in the way of wind protection anyway. Second, while the sidestand is easy to access, getting it down on uneven ground can be challenging unless you’re stopped on a flat or leaning-to-the-left surface. Fortunately, the windscreen is easy to remove and I reckon the Heritage Classic looks better without it anyway. Removal is simply a case of slipping a soft cloth over the headlight and pulling the screen forward; no tools are required and popping it back on is just as quick and easy. As for the sidestand, once you find level ground and get it fully extended, with the bike leaned over it, it locks into place like all Harley sidestands.
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
At the heart of the Heritage Classic is the Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin engine, delivering that unmistakable Harley-Davidson rumble. This ninth-generation Big Twin engine features a modern design while maintaining the iconic Harley traits; displacing 1868cc (114 cubes), it produces a mountain of torque from just above idle along with a broad powerband. The air/oil-cooled engine incorporates a four-valve head, dual spark plugs per cylinder for efficient combustion, and a single chain-driven camshaft.
Considering the capacity of the V-twin, peak power is a relatively modest 69kW (93hp) at 5020rpm, but it’s the abundance of torque that is its defining characteristic, peaking at a claimed 155Nm at 3000rpm. As well as that meaty midrange, there’s plenty of mumbo down low and the engine pulls strongly and cleanly from just 1500rpm. When you’re cruising along at just above idle and you want to get a wriggle on, just crack the throttle open without downshifting and the big V-twin will build revs without fuss.
On the highway, the bike cruises effortlessly. At 100km/h, the tachometer shows a relaxed 2250rpm, making it a fantastic long-distance tourer. And the V-twin is smooth, with minimal vibrations to further enhance comfort over extended journeys, minimising rider fatigue and making it a well-sorted companion for touring. The cruise control is easy to operate and it holds the set speed well.
The six-speed gearbox ain’t the smoothest around, with audible clunking between shifts, but it slides up and down the ratios with ease, never missing a gear… except when you’re looking for neutral. It can be a real chore when you pull up at the lights and you want to release the clutch, and on several occasions I found myself in first, second, first and second again before finally finding neutral.
HANDLING AND RIDE QUALITY
Despite its hefty appearance, the Heritage Classic 114 is surprisingly easy to handle. At low speeds, it’s incredibly manoeuvrable. The combination of a low seat height, wide handlebar and forgiving geometry makes it feel more agile than you’d expect from a bike of this size, while the clutch is nice and progressive, albeit slightly heavy, which aids slow-speed manoeuvring and makes tight turns a breeze.
Out on the open road, the suspension is well tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps and rough road surfaces with ease. The front fork is non-adjustable, but it doesn’t need to be, as it offers a well-balanced ride with a good compromise between compliance and control. The rear suspension preload is adjustable, but the stock setting provided a plush ride even on rough roads.
Tipping the Heritage into corners requires little effort and there’s more ground clearance than you might expect, allowing you to hustle through the twisties at a decent pace. Sure, there’s plenty of weight there when you want to flick the bike from side to side, but changes of direction are aided by the small-diameter 16-inch wheels running Harley-branded Dunlops – a 130/90B16 up front and a not-too-fat 150/80B16 at the rear.
I scored a mixed bag of weather conditions while I had the Heritage Classic on test, and the tyres performed well in all conditions, including the seemingly obligatory belting-down rain I copped just before returning the bike to Harley’s HQ.
Braking performance is best described as solid rather than exceptional. The front brake, with its 300mm single disc and four-piston caliper, offers reasonable feel and decent stopping power considering the bike’s weight, while the rear brake – a 292mm disc with two-piston caliper – is particularly effective, providing excellent control in low-speed situations and helping to tighten lines through corners.
FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY
When it comes to technology, the Heritage Classic 114 is almost as old-school as it looks. Sure, the Milwaukee-Eight packs some clever tech, but there are no electronic rider aids such as selectable ride modes or even traction control (NOTE: the MY25 117 model comes equipped with cornering ABS and cornering traction control, as well as selectable ride modes). In fact, ABS, cruise control, a smart key and self-cancelling turn signals is all she wrote in the tech department for the 114.
The lighting is a mix of old and new, with LED headlight, DRL (daytime running light) and driving lights, but incandescent globes for the turn signals and taillight. Likewise, the handy smart key means you can leave it in your pocket to start the engine, but you’ll need to dig it out to operate the steering lock, as well as to lock/unlock the pannier lids. Oh, and there’s no lock on the fuel cap which seems an oddity in this day and age.
As with all modern Harleys, the switchgear is well laid out and high quality, with big switches for gloved hands. The right switchblock has ignition on/off, engine start, hazard light and right turn-signal switches, while the left side has headlight, driving light, left turn signal, horn and cruise control switches, as well as a switch to scroll through the display on the small LCD screen.
One area for improvement is the non-adjustable brake and clutch levers; while they’re not a huge stretch for smaller hands, some riders may appreciate the ability to fine-tune the lever positions.
The mirrors are small but provide a clear, vibration-free view.
PRACTICALITY AND TOURING RANGE
The Heritage Classic 114 is a surprisingly practical bike. Its low seat height and well-balanced weight distribution make it accessible to a wide range of riders. The lockable panniers provide useful storage space, and the comfortable seat encourages long rides.
Fuel capacity is a generous 18.9L, and the bike’s fuel efficiency ensures a respectable touring range. On test I bettered the claimed 5.5L/100km, recording a fuel consumption figure of just 4.6L/100km, which I can only assume was due to the double demerits that were in place while I had the bike on test rather than any concerted effort on my behalf to ride it conservatively. Based on these figures, you can expect a touring range in the vicinity of 340km to 400km depending on how judicious you are with your throttle hand.
VERDICT
When it comes to Harley-Davidsons, the Heritage Classic 114 is near the top of my list for riding enjoyment. It is a beautiful, character-filled cruiser that delivers on every front. It’s easy to ride, fun, and dripping with classic Harley-Davidson style. The combination of old-school charm and modern performance makes it a standout in the cruiser market.
The optional Black trim package adds a contemporary edge to the bike’s appearance, but the standard chrome finish is equally appealing for traditionalists. With its comfortable ride, practical features and iconic design, the Heritage Classic is a bike that you’ll fall in love with every time you see it.
Sure, there are a few minor niggles, such as the recalcitrant neutral and the small LCD display, but they aren’t enough to detract from the overall experience. The Heritage Classic is a bike that makes you want to hit the open road and keep going.
Quite simply, I bloody loved riding this bike. It’s easy, fun and incredibly cool. The blend of black and chrome, the subtle pinstriping and the iconic V-twin soundtrack make it an absolute joy to ride. It’s a bike that stirs the soul and reminds you why you love motorcycles.
MILWAUKEE EIGHT
Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee-Eight was introduced in 2017 and it marked a significant evolution in the company’s storied Big Twin engine lineage. As the ninth-generation V-twin, the Milwaukee-Eight was designed to provide improved power, efficiency and rider comfort while preserving the unmistakable look, sound and feel that have defined Harley-Davidson for decades.
At launch, one of the most notable features of the Milwaukee-Eight engine was its increased power output compared to the previous Twin Cam engines. At launch, the Milwaukee-Eight was available in two displacements: 107 cubic inches (1750cc) and 114 cubic inches (1868cc). The 107 was claimed to accelerate 11 per cent faster from 0-60mph than the Twin Cam High Output 103, while the 114 version offered an eight per cent improvement in 0-60mph acceleration compared to the Twin Cam 110.
The Milwaukee-Eight is now available in a 117-cubic-inch capacity and a 121 c.i. version is currently used in the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models.
In addition to the increased displacement, the Milwaukee-Eight’s higher compression ratio and four-valve cylinder heads contributed to its improved performance, with a claimed 50 per cent greater intake and exhaust flow capacity, while the dual spark plugs per cylinder ensure efficient combustion.
Harley-Davidson says it also prioritised rider and passenger comfort in the design of the Milwaukee-Eight. One key improvement was the engine’s heat management system, which reduces heat absorption and increases heat rejection. Depending on the model, the Milwaukee-Eight engine uses either oil-cooled or liquid-cooled cylinder heads to manage temperature – oil-cooled in the case of the Heritage Classic.
The inclusion of an internal counter balancer is claimed to reduce primary vibration at idle by 75 per cent, while the rubber-mounted engine minimises fatigue from vibration.
The new engine design also features a slimmer primary drive cover and a low-profile air cleaner cover to improve rider legroom and make it easier for riders to reach the ground.
SPECIFICATIONS
Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled V-twin, OHV, four valves per cylinder
Capacity: 1868cc
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Engine management: EFI
PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 69kW (93hp) @ 5020rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 55Nm @ 3000rpm
Fuel consumption: 4.6L per 100km (measured)
TRANSMISSION
Type: Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Chassis: Tubular steel; rectangular section backbone; stamp, cast and forged junctions
Front suspension: 49mm telescopic fork, 130mm of travel
Rear suspension: Double-sided swing arm with monoshock, preload adjustable, 112mm travel
Front brakes: Single 300mm disc, 4-piston caliper
Rear brake: Single 292mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Tyres: Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series, F: 130/90B16 (73H), R: 150/80B16 (77H)
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Rake: 30°
Trail: 140mm
Claimed wet weight: 330kg
Seat height: 680mm
Wheelbase: 1630mm
Fuel capacity: 18.9L
ELECTRONICS, RIDER AIDS & CONVENIENCE FEATURES
ABS, cruise control, smart key
ETCETERA
Price: $38,995 plus on-road costs
Colours: Vivid Black, Billiard Gray and Red Rock/Vivid Black; Chrome or Black trim
Testbike supplied by: Harley-Davidson Australia
Service intervals: 8000km/12 months
Warranty: 2 years, unlimited km
Website: https://www.harley-davidson.com/au/en/motorcycles/heritage-classic.html
