2009 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic Reviews

2009 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic

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First Reviewed August 29, 2009 Found in Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Reviews, Softail

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Considered by many to be the original "Cowboy Bike" the Heritage Softail Classic is a heavy cruiser that has plenty of performance combo'd with classic style and an aggressive attitude.

H-D definitely got the recipe right with the Heritage Softail Classic ever since the late 1980s when the bike was introduced so all the upgrades spread during two decades and the 2009 refinements do nothing else but keeping it up to date in what concerns details. We believe that owners would have taken care of that anyways as no Harley is kept in stock condition for long.

This Harley-Davidson is known for being big boned which adds to the comfort factor enabling it to keep up with the Touring models on long-distance trips. It's more versatile though in that it's possible to shed both the saddle bags and windshield in order to convert the bike into a weekend cruiser devoid of frills.

This touring bike sports one of the lowest positioned seats out there while the floorboards don’t miss and the handlebars are taller on the 2009 model year. This changes the rider’s profile with comfort being a priority and, still, wind protection is ensured by a tall windscreen. A passenger backrest and saddlebags don’t miss either so the long haul is where this bike is craving to go.

The 2009 edition of the Heritage Softail Classic shares the 96 cubic-inch air-cooled V-Twin engine, 6-speed transmission, and electronic sequential fuel injection system (ESFI) with the other models on the Softail lineup, so it's mostly style differences that set this bike apart.

Out front you'll find a heavy weight gas shock fork designed to last for years without significant maintenance. Just above it is the detachable Lexan windshield. The fuel tank has new glass-filled, 3-D badges, is trimmed in chrome, and is topped with a a 'Cat Eye' console and matching retro speedometer face. Half-moon floorboards are standard for the driver with pegs made available to the passenger and a large, oval foot brake pad also nod to the past. Further back comes the leather saddlebags that add a hint of nostalgia when paired to the custom concho designs. The passenger seat and backrest have been revised for more comfort, while the sissy bar has new trim that matches the new two-tone leather console panel. Both the revised saddle bag and seat trim have been restyled.

It would appear that Heritage Softail Classic buyers are into variety because this bike comes available in fully 11 different color schemes. Stock colors include Vivid Black, Pewter Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl, Two-Tone White Gold Pearl/Pewter Pearl, and Two-Tone Red Hot Sunglo/Smokey Gold. New colors introduced to the model this year include Red Hot Sunglo, Two-Tone Deep Turquoise/Antique White, and Two-Tone Flame Blue Pearl/Pewter Pearl. Limited edition custom colors include Two-Tone Black Ice/Blue Ice, Two-Tone Light Candy Root Beer/Dark Candy Root Beer, Two-Tone Big Purple Flake/Brilliant Silver. Color can really make a big difference in the price as some custom options increase the final bill by more than $1,800.

Reviews of the 2009 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic (Model: FLSTC) can be found below. Please write a review of your own if you have any first-hand knowledge of this motorcycle which you can share with other members of the H-D riding community. Remember to email a photo of yours to pictures@hdreviewspot.net and we’ll add it to the ’09 Heritage Softail Classic photo gallery.