The Heritage Softail Classic is a motorcycle made by the famous company Harley-Davidson. It’s loved for its old-school style and modern speed and comfort.
Many people ask which model year of the Softail Classic is the best year for comfort, speed, and looks great. In this article we will explore the best and the worst years of the Heritage Softail Classic.
Best Year Heritage Softail Classic
The Heritage Softail Classic is a timeless model from the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycle line-up.
People love the Heritage Softail Classic because it reminds them of old-fashioned 1940s motorcycles. At the same time, it uses modern technology, perfectly combining the old and new.
The best year for this model is often debated among enthusiasts, but many agree the mid to late-2000s versions stand apart.
Usually, the years 2007, 2008, 2014, 2015, and 2021 are considered the best years for the Heritage Softail Classic.
1. 2007 Softail Classic
This motorcycle stands for the perfect blend of classic and modern features, making it an invaluable gem for motorcycle enthusiasts.
It has a beautifully made thick front fork, which looks a lot like the 1949 Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide, adding a perfect old-fashioned touch.
It features a 1584cc Twin Cam 96B engine, six-speed Cruise Drive transmission, and electronic sequential port fuel injection.
The 2007 model also offers a 5-gallon fuel capacity, ensuring longer rides with fewer stops.
The Softail frame mimics the clean lines of a vintage hardtail frame, offers the comfort of modern suspension.
Arguably, the most striking aspect of the 2007 Softail Classic is its distinctive studded leather saddlebags and seat.
The motorcycle’s classic look is boosted by the easily removable passenger backrest.
The long footboards for the rider and the large Hiawatha headlight, surrounded by shiny chrome, also add to its old-time charm.
The 2007 Heritage Softail, with its classic design, modern performance, and distinctive Harley craftsmanship, is a perfect example of Harley’s heritage fused with modern-day tech.
2. 2008 Softail Classic
It stands out as an exemplary model due to its perfect blend of comfort, performance, and timeless style.
This year’s model marked the introduction of the new Twin Cam 96B™ engine, a 1584cc powerhouse that provides impressive torque and satisfying rumble that riders have come to love.
The 2008 Softail Classic also featured an improved 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, providing seamless gear shifts and making long rides even more enjoyable.
Its iconic design, complemented by a distinctive headlight nacelle, leather saddlebags, and a full windshield, harked back to the classic ’50s cruisers.
However, the 2008 version was equipped with a comfortable and spacious passenger seat with backrest, making it perfect for two-up rides.
The detachable windshield and studded leather saddlebags provide versatility, adding to this model’s practicality.
It also features a raked-back handlebars, a full-coverage rear fender with tombstone taillight, and a large, tank-mounted speedometer.
3. 2014 Softail Classic
The 2014 model is often considered the best year for this iconic Harley Davidson motorcycle line.
This particular model stands out for its blend of classic design elements, modern performance, and unparalleled comfort.
This bike has a look that reminds us of the 1940s, with its big wheel covers and old-style rear light, but it also has new features like a hidden back wheel suspension.
The Softail Classic’s old-fashioned appearance is complemented by advanced options like an anti-lock braking system and a very powerful Twin Cam 103 engine.
This strong engine provides a lot of force when turning (96.9-foot pounds at 3,000 RPM), making every ride exciting.
The 2014 model also excelled in rider comfort, boasting a redesigned, more comfortable seat and ergonomically shaped handlebars.
The motorcycle’s half-moon floorboards and passenger seats with detachable sissy bars make long journeys enjoyable.
In terms of value, the enduring appeal of the Heritage Softail design, coupled with its strong performance and feature set, make it a sought-after model for collectors and enthusiasts.
This classic blend of style, performance, and comfort makes the 2014 Heritage Softail Classic a standout in its class.
4. 2015 Softail Classic
The 2015 Heritage Softail Classic is often considered the crown jewel among motorcycle enthusiasts for numerous reasons.
This model year stands out due to its meticulous blend of classic and modern features, striking the perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation.
One of the reasons for its high value lies in its engine, the High Output Twin Cam 103B™ engine.
This refined powerhouse delivers an impressive torque of 97.4 ft-lb at 3000 rpm, providing riders with a smooth yet robust performance that is hard to match.
Furthermore, its fuel injection system ensures optimal efficiency, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing its long-term value.
The 2015 model also introduced the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as a standard feature, a move that increased the bike’s safety quotient.
This innovation allows riders to maintain steering control during an emergency stop, particularly on slippery surfaces.
The bike’s look adds to its worth. The Heritage Softail Classic’s design reminds me of the good old days of biking with its shiny chrome finish, studded leather bags, and a big, clear screen.
Despite the old-school look, it has a modern, comfortable system for a smooth ride no matter the road condition.
In terms of specs, the bike weighs in at 726 pounds (dry weight), making it sturdy but not overly heavy.
It offers a reasonable fuel economy estimate of 42 mpg, and its 5-gallon fuel tank ensures long distances can be covered without frequent pit stops.
The seat is conveniently low (27 inches) which making it accessible for a wide range of riders.
5. 2021 Softail Classic
The 2021 model stands out for its timeless design that remmebers back to the golden era of motorcycling, yet it integrates state-of-the-art features and technology to ensure superior performance and rider comfort.
This popular model is loved for its beautiful mix of old and new looks. It has classic features like a removable windshield, leather saddlebags, shiny chrome finishes, and wired wheels.
These are contrasted with modern features like a sleek LED lights system and a high-performing rear mono-shock that’s cleverly tucked out of sight.
Under the hood, the 2021 Softail Classic boasts a powerful Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine.
This V-Twin powerhouse, the most potent street-compliant engine Harley has ever created, provides impressive torque and acceleration, making the Softail a joy to ride on open roads.
The 2021 Softail Classic is not just about looks and speed. It also has a great sound system that works with Apple CarPlay to make your ride more fun.
It has easy-to-use features like not needing a key to start, control for maintaining speed, and a system to prevent theft.
This makes the motorcycle convenient and ensures that you can relax.
Years To Avoid For Heritage Softail Classics
When it comes to investing in a Heritage Classic, knowing the years to avoid is critical.
This iconic Harley model, renowned for its blend of vintage charm and modern performance, has had its share of ups and downs over the production years.
While some years stand out for their superior design and reliability, others have been less impressive due to mechanical issues or subpar components.
The years 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013 are considered to be the years to avoid the Heritage Softail Classic.
1. 2009 Softail Classic
The 2009 Softail model is considered less desirable by many Harley-Davidson enthusiasts due to its problematic engine.
The year saw the transition to a new motor, the Twin Cam 96B, which was caught with issues.
Many owners reported excessive vibration and increased engine displacement, which was aimed to boost power but instead led to discomfort during long rides.
The 2009 model suffered from an issue with the bike’s automatic compression release (ACR) system.
This system, designed to make starting easier for larger engines, often malfunctioned in the 2009 Softail, causing hard starts or, in some cases, no start at all.
These models also had issues with their fuel systems. Many users complained about the fuel injection system, which led to poor throttle response and inconsistent engine operation.
The issue was significant enough that it often resulted in a costly trip to the repair shop.
Due to these persistent issues, potential buyers are often advised to avoid the 2009 Softail Classic.
2. 2010 Softail Classic
The 2010 model is often listed among the models to avoid due to a series of issues it had faced over time. The first and most significant issue was with the bike’s engine.
Owners reported that the Twin Cam 96B engine equipped in this model had a tendency to run hot, which led to premature wear and tear and, in some cases, complete engine failure.
This was largely due to inappropriate cooling system design, resulting in excessive heat and insufficient airflow.
Another notable problem with the 2010 Softail Classic was with the bike’s suspension.
Despite the Softail’s iconic hidden rear suspension design aimed to replicate the clean lines of a vintage hardtail frame, the 2010 model fell short of delivering a comfortable ride.
Owners found the ride to be harsh, with the suspension struggling to cope with bumps and potholes effectively.
The 2010 Softail Classic had issues with its six-speed Cruise Drive transmission.
Riders reported instances of hard shifting and transmission slipping, a major concern from a safety perspective.
This problem seemed to be particularly prevalent when the bike was operated at highway speeds over prolonged periods.
3. 2011 Softail Classic
The 2011 model year is often listed among the models to avoid due to several reported mechanical issues. Firstly, many owners have reported excessive heat generation from the Twin Cam 96 engine.
This not only results in rider discomfort, but the extreme temperature can also potentially lead to premature wear of engine components.
The 2011 model also had problems with the clutch. Sometimes, the clutch wouldn’t let go completely, which made changing gears and controlling the motorcycle difficult.
This could also cause the motorcycle to stop suddenly and unsafely.
Furthermore, there have been complaints about the electrical system, particularly with the charging system and the ignition switch.
These issues can lead to the motorcycle failing to start or even stalling out during a ride.
Some owners have reported problems with the suspension system. These issues mainly revolve around the front fork, with reports of excessive bounce and poor handling, particularly at higher speeds or when negotiating turns.
4. 2013 Softail Classic
Many Harley fans often doubt the quality of the 2013 Heritage Softail Classic and sometimes even suggest not buying it. The primary reason for this advice lies in the problematic engine design.
This model year incorporated the Twin Cam 103 engine, which had a reputation for experiencing cam tensioner failure.
This failure led to significant damage to the motorcycle’s engine and resulted in costly repairs or even engine replacement.
This model was often known for the stator breaking down more than usual.
The stator is a key part of the motorcycle’s system that charges the battery and can cause problems if it breaks.
It could leave you with a battery that’s died or even damage other electronic parts. The 2013 Softail Classic also suffered from transmission issues.
Riders reported that the six-speed transmission was clunky and sometimes had difficulty shifting gears, which led to serious safety issues at high speeds.
The 2013 model also had issues with excessive heat from the catalytic converters, which was uncomfortable for riders on long trips.
The heat shields were less effective in this model, causing discomfort during rides.
Talha Younas, the brains behind the influential motorcycle-focused website, TwoWheller.com, is a dedicated and passionate advocate for biking culture. Born and raised in a family of motorcycle enthusiasts, his love for two-wheeled transportation was ignited at an early age. His commitment to providing in-depth reviews and helpful tips for riders has established him as a respected figure in the motorcycle community.
