The Softail Heritage Classic proves itself a versatile, comfortable cruiser that honours tradition while confidently meeting modern riding expectations... Photos: Incite Images
One of the stars of 2025 is Harley-Davidson’s iconic Softail Heritage Classic, a model that was heralded by many media who spent time aboard the cruiser as one of the best and most versatile models of the Softail lineup, which is hard to argue against. Here’s our test.
More power, cooler running, chassis refinements, a new exhaust and mega electronics suite – with classic looks…
Instantly recognisable with a pure soul of Harley-Davidson nostalgia, the 2025 Softail Heritage remains true to its roots whilst receiving a good old-fashioned spoonful of technological updates that ensure it remains relevant in these crazy times we live.
Check out the 2025 Harley-Davidson Run-Out Sale info here…
Harley-Davidsons 2025 Softail Heritage remains a real eye catcher with classic retro charm and classic custom touches blended seamlessly with the latest modern technology straight from H-D’s spiritual home in Milwaukee.
Full LED lighting across the bike complement the other high-tech additions to the heavily revised Heritage.
The classic LED headlight assembly gives the perfect nod to the past whilst combining the latest lighting technology available. In fact, this is the first year that Harley-Davidson have provided a complete LED lighting package, including indicators, on any model in the Softail range.
It is the seamless integration of new and old which makes the Heritage so special to the Harley faithful. That unwavering character which again is finished in some stunning colour options including the Whiskey Fire/Vivid Black combo our test bike was adorned in.
LED taillight, re-tuned shock, spoked rear wheel and newly designed lockable panniers.
Sitting aboard the Heritage and gazing over the beautiful chrome headlight nacelle at the road ahead, you can’t help thinking to yourself how well Harley-Davidson does paint and finish and we would go as far to say they do it better than any other motorcycle brand.
“We spent a fair bit of time cruising around the Central Coast on the double demerit Christmas holiday period utilising Road mode”…
Oh, and did we mention spoked wheels are back. We don’t care what anyone says, including Harley-Davidson themselves, the Heritage should not be sold with any other wheels period, they just do not do justice to the model and that is a non-negotiable from us. The new tubeless spoked wheels are neat.
Read our 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Range Review here...
The Heritage’s saddlebags/panniers, whichever term you prefer, although pleasing to the eye, were a bit of a let down for us. Storage capacity wasn’t brilliant, and care needed to be taken when closing, we did have a couple of mishaps with this and found ourselves pulling over to fasten correctly.
While we are talking aesthetics, brand new hand controls have been bestowed upon the entire Softail range this year. The look will take a little getting used to, but the buttons are still nice and large, easy to the touch and easy to engage.
AJ loved the ergonomics of the Heritage and the finish and quality of the paint and chrome.
We particularly like the new design of the cruise control function, which seems a lot more robust, while still having simple operation. With the addition of riding modes which we will get to in a hot minute, the tacho has been updated as well with a classic 5-inch TFT display which indicates all rider info both clearly and effectively without complication.
A classic 5-inch TFT display which indicates all rider info both clearly and effectively without complication…
The 5-inch TFT works beautifully and for 2025 even has Tyre Monitoring Pressure incorporated, however the fact that heated hand grips are missing as a standard feature on a nearly 40k motorcycle is a little disappointing.
“The Heritage boasts the best ergonomics in the entire 2025 Softail lineup as far as I am concerned.”
On the road, the Heritage provides the perfect platform for cruising; a plush seat, floorboards to stretch the legs out on and a tall windscreen to minimise the wind buffeting. Essentially the Heritage boasts the best ergonomics in the entire 2025 Softail lineup as far as I am concerned.
Harley-Davidson’s 2025 Heritage Classic is quintessential retro cruiser, as if it had just been ripped off the pages of a rock magazine. It represents a nostalgic aura, paying tribute to the foundations of what appeals to the Harley-Davidson enthusiast.
“Tipping in and out of corners seemingly better than on models that had come before it even though the hard figures do not suggest that.”
Paired with the Street Bob they form part of what Harley has dubbed the Softail Classic range, with this version of the 117 cubic inch Milwaukee Eight producing 91hp and 156Nm of torque which incidentally is a four per cent increase over the outgoing 114 and is a perfect package for cruising and eating up those country kilometres.
Read our previous Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic review here…
With that in mind, that’s exactly what we set about doing. You are never in a rush on this bike with the ground clearance (27.4 degrees each side) tipping in and out of corners seemingly better than on models that had come before it even though the hard figures do not suggest that.
“The three new riding modes Rain, Road and Sport influence the available throttle response and power output.”
The Heritage now comes with rider modes as we touched on before which can be engaged on the fly. The three new riding modes Rain, Road and Sport influence the available throttle response and power output. Road delivers a smoother riding experience with less aggressive throttle response, and we spent a fair bit of time cruising around the Central Coast on the double demerit Christmas holiday period utilising Road mode.
Out on the back roads, Sport brings all of the Milwaukee Eight muscle to life and is a lot of fun, however for cruising and city riding, Road Mode is more suited with a smoother power delivery and less snappy throttle response.
There are also a significant number of technical updates that have trickled down from last year’s launch of the Harley-Davidson touring models that have debuted on the 2025 Softail models.
All new 2025 Softail models score engine upgrades which include the introduction of new four-valve heads, oval intake ports, and a revised aluminium intake manifold for smoother airflow and improved combustion. Add to the mix a reworked air/oil cooling system, circulating oil through frame-mounted coolers and the cylinder-heads, and you get better thermal/heat management, which is evident especially in stop/start traffic.
The 2025 Heritage Classic receives some cool rider aids this year which Harley like to refer to as RDRS, which is essentially some electronic wizardry that assists the rider in less than ideal situations, making use of technologies such as cornering ABS, Traction Control and Cornering Drag Torque Slip Control, with cornering features thanks the the IMU.
The rear suspension also cops a major upgrade across the entire model line up with the previous progressive suspension a thing of the past and is replaced with straight rate springs and the difference is a vastly improved ride, with less squat under acceleration. The forks get straight rate springs too, reducing initial dive on the brakes without too much of a compromise on bump absorption.
Two-into one exhaust, revised rear spring rate, tubeless spoked wheel.
Gone are the spine jarring effects of hitting a bump at speed and replaced by a notably softened experience with improved performance when pushing hard through the bends or just cruising and taking in the sights. We have not tested riding two up as yet but will provide a further update later this year when we test.
There is a lot to like about the 2025 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic. The timeless vintage looks will make most Harley enthusiasts froth at the mouth, while its undeniable street appeal is close to unmatched. The comfort from the big plush seat looking out through the two-tone windscreen at the road ahead, cruising for miles feeling like the coolest person on earth as you thump through the six-speed box that is matched to that big lump of 117 cubic inches of Milwaukee muscle is soul defining.
The pure beauty however is how these modern new finishes deliver the rider a much improved riding experience without detracting from the character of the iconic model or its nostalgic soul. Smooth and predictable power delivery, better rear suspension and pure motorcycling beauty wrap up the best way to describe the 2025 Heritage and if you want more, you can always visit the Harley-Davidson parts and accessories catalogue to take it to the next level.
And of course, that is where yours truly would be headed, new pipes for an even gruntier soundtrack, although the standard pipes do offer much better audible pleasure than previous years and of course some personalised bling to truly finish the Heritage the way it deserves.
Pricing for the 2025 Harley-Davidson Heritage starts at $39,995 ride away for the Billiard Grey variant with the laced (spokes) wheels setting you back another $750. All other colour option will set you back between $280 and $845 depending on your preference and how far your budget will stretch. Harley-Davidson’s 2025 Softail Heritage is backed by a 2-year unlimited kilometre warranty.
For individual specifications on each of the Harley-Davidson 2025 Softail range, click here…
2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic Specifications
Price: From $39,995 Ride-Away
Warranty: two-years unlimited km
Colours: Billiard Grey, Vivid Black (+$280), White Onyx Pearl (+$480), Iron Horse Metallic (+$430), Whisky Fire/Vivid Black (Tested, +$845).
Claimed Power: 91hp[68kW]@5020rpm
Claimed Torque: 156Nm[115ft-lbs]@2750rpm
Wet Weight: 326kg
Fuel capacity: 18.9L
Consumption: 5.5 l/100km (claimed)
Service: First 1600km every 8000km thereafter
Engine: Milwauke-Eight 117 V-Twin, 1923cc, 103.5 x 114.3mm bore x stroke, 10.3:1 compression ratio, ESPFI, 2-into-1; catalyst in muffler
Gearbox: Six-speed, Chain Primary 34/46, Final belt drive 32/66
Fuel Consumption: 5.5L/100km
Chassis: Mild steeltubular frame, rectangular section backbone, stamped – cast and forged junctions, Mild steel, tubular sections, stamped x-member, forged axle junctions; MIG welded; removable belt spacer.
Rake: 30° Trail: 140mm
Suspension: Dual-bending valve 49mm telescopic with aluminum fork triple-clamps; dual rate spring; “beer can” covers, N/Amm travel, Hidden, free piston, coil-over monoshock; 43mm stroke; hydraulic preload adjustment, N/Amm travel.
Brakes: Four-piston fixed front 300mm disc and two-piston floating 292mm rear disc
Wheels & Tyres: Chrome Steel Laced, 16in, Dunlop Harley Series, 130/90 – 16, 150/80 – 16
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1630mm
Seat height: 690mm
Ground clearance: 120mm
Overall Length: 2415mm
Overall Width: 930mm
Overall Height: 1370mm
Lean angle: L, 27.4º R,274º
Instruments & Electronics: 127mm (5-inch) analog speedometer with digital gear, odometer, fuel level, ride modes, heated gear, traction control, ABS, TPMS, cruise control, clock, trip, range and tachometer indication, LED lights, ABS, TCS, DSCS, TPMS, C-ABS, C-TCS, C-DSCS.
2025 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic Gallery
Ratings | Bike Review | 2025 Harley -Davidson Softail Heritage Classic
Timeless
Blending timeless Harley-Davidson nostalgia with meaningful modern upgrades, the 2025 Softail Heritage Classic proves itself a versatile, comfortable cruiser that honours tradition while confidently meeting contemporary riding expectations today globally.
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