Harley Davidson FLHC Softail Heritage Classic 2018 Service Manual

Total Motorcycle's own launch copy sums up the transformation bluntly: "the Heritage Classic motorcycle used to be a homage to '50s chrome nostalgia. Take a look at the new one, and you'll see it's anything but that." Rider Magazine's road test pushed the metaphor further, comparing the outgoing model to "an immaculately restored '53 Buick Super: smooth, plush and burbly" against the new bike's character — "a Chevy Bel Air brought back to life with hot cams, tinted windows and modern suspension."

The new precision oil-cooled Milwaukee-Eight 107 is genuinely a second-generation M-8, engineered specifically for the Softail line rather than adapted from Harley's Touring engines — a single camshaft slims the bottom end, and dual counterbalancers make hard-mounting the engine in the frame possible for the first time. Motorcycle.com's spec sheet lists 147.8 Nm (109 lb-ft) of torque at 3,000 rpm, run through a 6-speed gearbox with belt final drive.

Along with the new frame and uprated cycle parts, build quality across the entire 2018 Softail family improved noticeably — Motorcycle News found little cause for reliability concern given the powertrain's roots in Harley's proven Project Rushmore touring platform. High-performance dual-bending-valve front suspension and an easily adjustable hidden rear mono-shock make the Heritage Classic genuinely faster, lighter, and better handling than any of its Big Twin predecessors. Standard equipment includes a windshield and hard saddlebags for light touring, with darkness-defying LED lighting for improved night visibility, and a screen that removes in seconds for a completely different ride. Dry weight comes in at 697 lbs. 2018 pricing started at $18,999.