2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 Review

2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 Review

Do you want to know the most classic-looking modern Harley-Davidson motorbike currently produced? It is the Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic 114 . As the name suggests, this bike carries the heritage of the iconic American motorcycle brand Harley. The H-D Heritage Classic 114 gives you true classic vibes from every angle. From its exterior, this bike looks like it is inspired by an original Harley motorbike from the 1950s.


The 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 is a perfect example of a modern classic Harley. Its performance characteristics, ride quality, and comfort are all tuned to offer riders an amazing riding experience. The ride quality and comfort are top-notch. Every small bit of this motorbike makes it more desirable.


Let’s find out what makes the 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 stand out. Continue reading this article to learn more about the 2024 Heritage Classic 114’s performance, design, comfort, and handling.

1. 2024 Updates: Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114

For those Harley-Davidson users expecting a makeover or an upgraded Heritage Classic 114, you will be disheartened to know that nothing new is available in 2024.

  • The 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 is a carryover model with only a few aesthetic changes.
  • The color options for the new 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 are new, but the new model has fewer paint jobs than the 2023 model.
  • We have Alpine Green as a new option, but those attractive dual-tone options are gone, except the Red Rock/Vivid Black option.

2. 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 Specs

2024 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special Detailed Specs
General Info
Maker Harley-Davidson
Model Heritage Classic 114
Model Year 2024
Motorcycle Type Cruiser
Introduced in (Year) 1988
Warranty Info Two-Years Factory Warranty with Unlimited Mileage
Base MSRP $22,499
Engine & Performance
Displacement 114 cu in / 1,868 cc
Engine Type 45° Milwaukee-Eight® 114 V-Twin Engine
Engine Cooling System Air and Oil-Cooled
Peak Torque 161 Nm / 119 ft-lb at 3,000 rpm
Peak Horsepower 94 hp / 70 kW at 4,750 rpm
Engine Torque Testing Method J1349
Stroke 4.5 in / 114.3 mm
Bore 4.016 in / 102 mm
Compression Ratio 10.5:1
Fuel Delivery System Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Consumption 47 mpg
Fuel Economy Testing Method Estimated City/Highway
Valves Per Cylinder Four Valves-Per-Cylinder
Valves Configuration OHV - Pushrod
Starter Electric
Exhaust Two-Into-Two Shorty Dual Exhaust System
Mufflers Separate Dual Pipes on Right Side; Catalyst in Muffler
Drive Train
Transmission Six-Speed
Final Drive Belt Drive
Clutch Wet, Multi-Plate Assist Clutch
Primary Drive Chain, 34/46 Ratio
Gear Ratios
1st 9.311
2nd 6.454
3rd 4.793
4th 3.882
5th 3.307
6th 2.79
Chassis
Frame Tubular Steel Frame
Suspension
Front Fork 49 mm Telescopic Dual-Bending Valve with Aluminum Fork Triple Clamps and Dual Rate Spring; Features “Beer Can” Covers
Front Wheel Travel 5.1 in / 130 mm
Rear Shocks 56 mm Stroke, Hidden, Free-Piston, Coil-Over Mono-Shock with Hydraulic Preload Adjustability
Rear Wheel Travel 4.4 in / 112 mm
Brakes
Front Brake Dual 300 mm Floating Hydraulic Discs with Four-Piston Fixed Calipers; ABS-Equipped
Rear Brake Single 292 mm Disc with Dual-Piston Floating Caliper; ABS-Equipped
Tires and Wheels
Front Wheel 16-inch Steel-Laced Wire-Spoked Wheel (Available in Both Chrome or Black Finish)
Rear Wheel 16-inch Steel-Laced Wire-Spoked Wheel (Available in Both Chrome or Black Finish)
Tire Brand Dunlop® Harley-Davidson Series, Bias Blackwall Front and Rear
Front Tire 130/90B16,73H,BW
Rear Tire 150/80B16,77H,BW
Dimensions
Seat Height (Laden) 26.3 in
Wet Weight 728 lbs
Dry Weight 697 lbs
Ground Clearance 4.7 in
Wheelbase 64.2 in
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) 1,160 lbs
Payload Capacity 432 lbs / 196 kg
Length 95.1 in / 2,415 mm
Height 53.9 in / 1,370 mm
Width 36.6 in / 930 mm
Trail 5.5 in
Rake 30.0°
Fuel Tank Capacity 5 gal
Oil Capacity with Filter 5 qt
Standard Storage Capacity 1.5 cu ft
Lean Angle (Right) 27.3°
Lean Angle (Left) 28.5°
Electronics
Lights All-LED
Headlamp Signature Position Headlamp with Low/High Beam
Tail / Stop Light Incandescent Zeppelin Tail Lamp
Turn Signal Lights Incandescent Bullets Lights
Gauge Fuel-Tank-Mounted Traditional-Style Gauge
Speedometer Analog
Gear Indicator Digital
Odometer Digital
Fuel Level Indicator Digital
Clock Digital
Trip Meter Digital
Range Digital
Tachometer Digital
Rider Safety Enhancements
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Standard
Cruise Control Standard
Standard Equipment
Saddlebags Standard
Passenger Seat Standard
Rider Floorboards Standard
Windscreen Standard

3. Design and Aesthetics: 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114

3.1 Old-School Vibe

Design and build-wise, the 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 is one of the most old-school-looking Harleys. The blacked-out trim gives it a modern-classic vibe.


However, most Harley enthusiasts still prefer the chrome trip due to its true classic vibe. If you prefer to ride a Harley-Davidson with an original 1950s design and style, try the 2024 H-D Softail Heritage Classic 114 in a chrome trim.

3.2 Classic Features

Talking about features, the 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 is not a fully-loaded bike with modern equipment. It is kept simple with only the necessary parts and features.

Hiawatha Headlamp

Towards the front end, the Heritage Classic 114 features an all-LED Hiawatha headlamp. Two auxiliary headlamps are installed on both sides of the main headlight, ensuring improved visibility.

Easily-Removable Large Classic Windscreen

A large and wide classic-looking windscreen provides good wind protection while cruising on touring in windy conditions. This windscreen is easily detachable for a better stripped-down cruising experience and city traveling.

Wide Mini-Ape Hangers

The tall mini-ape hangers make the 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 more unique. This bike comes with a two-up vintage-style saddle for comfortable two-up riding. The rider’s seat is a tuck-and-roll style saddle with adequate cushioning.

Old-School Lockable Sealed Stock Saddlebags

To complement the overall classic look of this bike, it also comes with stock lockable sealed saddlebags with an adequate storage capacity for carrying riding gear and snacks on longer rides.

Vintage-Style Fenders

The 2024 Heritage Classic 114 is known for its large and heavy front and rear fenders. They are beautifully chopped with little chrome bits and a “Heritage” signature on either side of the front mudguard.

Gas-Tank-Mounted Gauges

As found on most classic Harleys, the gauges are mounted on top of the gas tank.

16-inch Steel-Laced Wire-Spoked Wheels

The 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 has 16-inch front and rear steel-laced wire-spoked wheels in black or chrome.

Fat Dunlop Tires

Meanwhile, the sufficiently wide and fat Dunlop® Harley-Davidson Series bias blackwall front and rear tires give this bike a unique character and road grip.

3.3 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 Color Options

2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 Color Options
Paint Scheme Trim Price
Billiard Gray Chrome $22,499
Black $22,499
Vivid Black Chrome 22,849
Black 23,849
Alpine Green Chrome 23,149
Black 24,149
Red Rock/Vivid Black Chrome 23,349
Black 24,349
Atlas Silver Metallic Chrome 23,149
Black 24,149

4. Engine & Performance: 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114

Engine & Performance: 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114
Photo Credit: Harley-Davidson

4.1 Performance-Wide Modern Cruiser

The 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 may be the most classic-looking bike in the Harley lineup. However, performance-wise, it can beat any modern cruiser. It is powered by one of the most notable engines ever produced by Harley-Davidson.


The Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine has an engine displacement size of 114 cu in / 1,868 cc, ensuring a horsepower of 94 hp and an efficient torque of 119 lb-ft / 161 Nm at 3,000 rpm.

4.2 Robust and Powerful Performance

The Milwaukee-Eight 114 powerplant is a robust engine manufactured by Harley to ensure powerful rides. The horsepower figure may not be impressive, but the 161 Nm of torque makes rides more exciting and meaningful.


The amont of power and torque the 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 produces is ideal for quick acceleration for overtaking and enjoying best cruising experience. The smooth power delivery across the whole rev range makes this bike perfect for city traveling and long-distance touring.

4.3 Smooth

The 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 is a heavyweight motorcycle. However, the smooth power delivery ensures balanced and controlled rides. Though it is not a pure touring bike like the H-D Street Glide and Road Glide, it still ensures a smooth and comfortable touring experience.


One of the most original-looking classic Harley-Davidson motorbikes, the H-D Heritage Classic 114 produces an addictive rumble. The deep exhaust note will make you fall in love with this motorcycle.

4.4 Exciting Throttle Response

The Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine installed on the Heritage Classic 114 ensures you never get bored with this bike. It takes you forward with good speed as soon as you twist the throttle.


The M-8 114 engine is the H-D powerplant that powers most Harley touring bikes. However, the Heritage Classic is considerably lighter than the large touring models, which makes this bike more powerful and fast.

5. Handling & Cornering: 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114

5.1 Balance & Stability

The 2024 H-D Heritage Classic is well-known for its stability. This bike is lower to the ground with a low seat height of only 26.3 inches. The low center of gravity also ensures better balance.

5.2 Cornering

The 2024 Heritage Classic 114 is one of the heftiest cruiser in the Harley lineup. Also, this bike has quite a low ground clearance of 4.7 inches. Due to being heavyweight and lower to the ground, the Heritage Classic is not ideal for leaning and cornering sharply. The lack of cornering clearance can make it difficult for riders to ride this bike aggressively around corners.


Besides the limited cornering clearance, the Heritage Classic doesn’t shy away from being ridden on twisty roads. It takes corners very well. However, you must slow down before entering a curve and make sure you don’t hear a scrapping sound down below.

5.3 Suspensions

The suspension technology installed on the 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 is also quite decent. The 49 mm front telescopic dual-bending valve with dual rate spring suspension has a 5.1 inches (130 mm) wheel travel. Meanwhile, the rear 56 mm hidden, free-piston, coil-over mono-shock offers hydraulic preload adjustability and has a wheel travel of 4.4 inces (112 mm).


Overall, the suspension is of good quality and readily absorb bumps and obstacles on the road, making rides smooth and comfortable.

6. Comfort & Ergonomics: 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114

6.1 Seat

The seat installed on the 2024 Heritage Classic is one of the most comfortable on Harley-Davidson. It is well-padded and allows the rider to sit very comfortably on both city and long-distance rides.


The 2024 Heritage Classic 114’s seat is very soft, allowing comfortable rides. However, most riders who love to go long miles do not prefer soft seats on motorcycles, as they can get pretty uncomfortable.

6.2 Riding Position & Rider Triangle

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 offers one of the most comfortable riding positions in the Harley lineup. It is equally suitable and comfortable for both average-sized and taller riders.


The rider can sit comfortably with an “Upright Back Position”, making it perfect for long-distance touring. The tall and wide mini-ape hangers allow riders to position their arms comfortably, making them to sit with a straight back.

6.3 Rider Floorboards

The Heritage Classic also features floorboards, which allow riders to sit comfortably while cruising on open roads and highways. The front-mounted floorboards also provide decent legroom space.


The floorboards on the Heritage Classic 114 are long and wide enough for riders to move their feet. The riders can also have a mid-controlled foot positioning feel by placing their feet back on the floorboards.


Overall, the rider triangle offered by the 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 ensures a relaxed riding position, ideal for continuous long rides.

6.4 Passenger Comfort

The 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 is tuned to provide comfort to the passenger. It is one of the most perfect cruisers for two-up long-distance riding. The rider seat is also quite comfortable and offers a good seating position and space.

7. Braking: 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114

The 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114's stopping power is quite reliable. The dual 300 mm front floating hydraulic discs and a single 292 mm rear disc brake, along with the standard ABS, provide adequate and safe stopping power in most conditions.

8. Controls: 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114

The controls on the 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 are quite traditional and simple. These traditional controls make riding pretty easy. If you are used to riding a Harley-Davidson motorbike, you will not find any problem riding the Heritage Classic 114.

9. Instrument Cluster/Gauges: 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114

The 2024 Heritage Classic 114 has a basic instrument cluster. There are no latest electronics on this bike. There is no navigation, speakers, LCD screen, or modern ride settings.


The Heritage Classic 114 has a classic-looking gas-tank mounted analog gauges. It gives a pretty attractive look to the bike. However, the rider may find it pretty uncomfortable to look at it during the ride. Riders will need to look down a great deal every time if they want to have any of the ride information.

10. Tech Package: 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114

Regarding modern rider aids, the 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 is quite basic. It is only equipped with a standard ABS and a cruise control.

11. Cost and Value for the Money: 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114

The 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 is available at a base price of $22,499. However, if you want a more fashionable color option, the price will go higher. Considering the type of the bike, style, and performance, the 2024 Heritage Classic 114 is a great bike for Harley cruisers and touring bikes fans.


However, the price range may not attract young riders looking for a more modern bike with tremendous rider aids and features. The lack of top-end tech-package makes this bike a bit expensive.


What justifies its price tag of $22,499 is its classic Harley’s heritage and styling. Also, the availability of a variety of aftermarket parts for the H-D Heritage Classic and multiple options to customize this bike make it one of the most popular Harleys.

12. Pros & Cons: 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114

2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 Pros 2024 H-D Heritage Classic 114 Cons
Vintage look Still a heavyweight bike
Most classic looking Harley Not ideal for beginners
Highly comfortable Expensive cruiser
Upright riding position Basic tech package
Stock windscreen, saddlebags, and floorboards No ride-by-wire throttle or ride modes
Powerful engine Low ground clearance
A variety of aftermarket parts are readily available Low cornering clearance
Good acceleration and throttle response There is no new update for the 2024 model year except for new colors
Smooth ride quality
Offers a stable and balanced ride

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

13.1 Is the Heritage Softail Classic a Good Touring Bike?

The Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic is a pure cruiser with vintage styling. However, it still can be used comfortably for long-distance rides. The seat is comfortable; the bike has a wind protection; forward floorboards, and stock saddlebags for a comfortable touring experience.


Though it is more geared towards city traveling and highway cruising, you can still use it as a touring bike.

13.2 What Is the Fuel Range of Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic?

Despite being a large and heavyweight cruiser, the 2024 H-D Heritage Classic ensures a good fuel mileage of 47 mpg (claimed). This bike comes with an electronic sequential port fuel injection (ESPFI) system and a gas tank capacity of 5 gals.

13.3 How Heavy Is a Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic?

The 2024 Heritage Classic 114 is a large and bulky cruiser, having a wet weight of 728 lbs (330.2 kg). It is not a lightweight cruiser and is as heavy as an H-D Grand American Touring bike. This bike has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 1,160 lbs and a payload capacity of 432 lbs (196 kg).

13.4 Is a Harley Softail Heritage a Good First Bike?

The Harley Softail Heritage Classic is not a good first bike. It is substantially heavy, powerful, and quick enough for beginners. Being built on one of the most powerful Milwaukee-Eight 114 engines, this bike is perfectly suited for expert and trained riders.

13.5 Is a Heritage Classic an Old Man Bike?

Considering the style, character, and overall persona of the H-D Heritage Classic 114, it can be referred to as an old man bike. However, its performance can impress both young and old generations alike. It does not compromise on its powerful performance and quick throttle response. One must not make the mistake of considering it only antique. It is quite capable of impressing most riders who love modern bikes with tremendous capabilities.

14. Verdict

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic 114 is among the most popular Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It is a cruiser motorcycle with the ability to be ridden long miles. This bike is comfortable and powerful enough to be used as a touring bike. Features like an easily-removable windscreen, saddlebags, comfortable seat, and torquey engine make the Heritage Classic 114 a great touring option.


The 2024 Heritage Classic 114, unfortunately, is the same as the previous year model. There is nothing new on this bike except the color schemes. This is not what people expect from Harley-Davidson in the current circumstances when the company isn’t doing well in terms of sales.

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