I have lost count of the times I’ve been advised not to judge a book by its cover — yet I still do. My initial impression of the 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 Cruiser was that of a bulky, awkward tourer, seemingly incapable of delivering an engaging ride.
However, after covering a hundred miles, I admit I was mistaken. While it maintains some classic design cues from its predecessors, the riding experience has improved dramatically — even compared to its most recent version.
2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 Cruiser – Features
Engine
Beneath the tank lies a redesigned version of Harley’s Milwaukee-Eight engine, first introduced in the 2017 touring range, generating 114 lb-ft of torque. This engine’s designation also reflects its displacement of 114 cubic inches, equivalent to 1868cc in metric terms.
The 92.7-horsepower engine unmistakably sounds like a Harley, despite its solid mounting designed to minimize vibrations. Peak torque arrives at 3,000 revolutions per minute, while the engine revs just shy of 6,000 rpm.
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Power is ample, allowing you to keep the bike in third or fourth gear as you navigate corners confidently, knowing you can accelerate quickly when exiting turns.
Handling
The 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 Cruiser rides on the same new frame used across the 2018 Softail lineup, which is lighter and more rigid than previous versions. However, the bike remains heavy, tipping the scales at 330 kg wet.
For a heavyweight touring bike, the 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 Cruiser is surprisingly nimble, and with raised footboards, it gains a 1% increase in maximum lean angle compared to its predecessor. While this might sound minimal, it makes a significant difference on tight turns, though the footboards still tend to scrape.
When stationary, the bike feels much heavier than when on the move. The mid-height handlebars require a firm effort to keep the bike upright, and maneuvering it around could quickly become tiring.
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Suspension
The front suspension consists of a new dual-bending valve fork, which is more than sufficient, while a new rear monoshock features preload adjustment — a valuable addition for riders who frequently carry a passenger or luggage.
Brakes
Stopping power is where the 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 Cruiser falls short. The rear brake feels progressive and practical but lacks power, and the front brake could be much sharper. Considering the bike weighs 330 kg and may carry an additional 250 kilograms, including rider, passenger, and luggage, a second front disc would be beneficial.
ABS is standard, but traction control is not offered. Harley-Davidson states that these bikes do not require traction control due to their low center of gravity and large contact patch. However, the absence of traction control was noticeable when riding this bike in heavy rain.
Equipment
The 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 Cruiser is priced at £19,195 in black, or £750 more for the two-tone model tested here.
However, you get significant value for your money. In fact, it’s like owning two bikes: remove the large windshield and the solid, lockable panniers, and the bike transforms into a completely different machine.
The 18.9-litre fuel tank combined with a fuel economy of 42 mpg gives the bike a respectable range, and the comfortable seat ensures you won’t be eager to stop. The rider ergonomics are generally good, though at 5 ft 8 in, I found the gear shift and rear brake too far.
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Harley-Davidson has addressed this with over 300 additional options for the new Softail range, including seats, footpegs, and handlebars designed specifically for shorter riders.
Standard features throughout the Softail lineup include a USB port on the steering head, keyless ignition, and a security system.
We like
This bike is a joy to ride, capturing the classic Harley-Davidson spirit in a refreshed, darker style. You receive excellent value with numerous customization options available.
The trio of new LED headlights up front is a welcome update that brings the bike into the modern era.
The 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 Cruiser’s versatility is commendable, with the windshield removable without tools and the panniers being similarly easy to detach.
We don’t like
Harley-Davidson aims to reach a younger audience in this 2018 Softail range, but the company may have missed the mark.
Although the stripped-back chrome adds a more authoritarian personality, the large windshield and studded panniers are not particularly attractive.
Nevertheless, this bike is likely to satisfy longtime Harley riders within a lineup that is far from traditional.
The absence of traction control is frustrating but not necessarily a deal breaker.
2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 Cruiser – Price
The price of the 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 Cruiser is $22,499.
2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 Cruiser – Technical Specifications
Dimensions
| Length | 95.1 in. |
| Seat Height, Laden | 26.3 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 4.7 in. |
| Rake | 30 |
| Trail | 5.5 in. |
| Wheelbase | 64.2 in. |
| Tire, Type | Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series, bias blackwall front & rear |
| Tires, Front Specification | 130/90B16,73H,BW |
| Tires, Rear Specification | 150/80B16,77H,BW |
| Fuel Capacity | 5 gal. |
| Oil Capacity (W/Filter) | 5 qt. |
| Weight, As Shipped | 697 lb. |
| Weight, In Running Order | 728 lb. |
| Luggage Capacity -Volume | 1.5 cu ft |
Engine
| Engine | Milwaukee-Eight 114 |
| Bore | 4.016 in. |
| Stroke | 4.5 in. |
| Displacement | 114 cu in |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel System | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Exhaust | 2-into-2 shorty dual; catalyst in muffler |
Performance
| Engine torque testing method | J1349 |
| Engine Torque | 119 ft-lb |
| Engine Torque (RPM) | 3000 |
| Horsepower | 94 HP / 70 kW @ 4750 rpm |
| Lean Angle, Right (DEG.) | 27.3 |
| Lean Angle, Left (DEG.) | 28.5 |
| Fuel Economy Testing Method | Estimated City/Hwy |
| Fuel Economy | 47 mpg |
Drive train
| Primary drive | Chain, 34/46 ratio |
| Gear Ratios (Overall) 1st | 9.311 |
| Gear Ratios (Overall) 2nd | 6.454 |
| Gear Ratios (Overall) 3rd | 4.793 |
| Gear Ratios (Overall) 4th | 3.882 |
| Gear Ratios (Overall) 5th | 3.307 |
| Gear Ratios (Overall) 6th | 2.79 |
Chassis
| Front fork | Dual-bending valve 49 mm telescopic with aluminum fork triple clamps; dual rate spring; “beer can” covers |
| Rear Shocks | Hidden, free piston, coil-over monoshock; 56mm stroke; hydraulic preload adjustment |
| Wheels, Optional Style Type | Black or chrome, steel laced (based on trim) |
| Wheels, Front Type | Black or chrome, steel laced (based on trim) |
| Wheels, Rear Type | Black or chrome, steel laced (based on trim) |
| Brakes, Caliper Type | 4-piston fixed front and 2-piston floating rear |
| Brakes, Rotor Type | Solid, uniform expansion rotors |
Electric
| Lights (as per country regulation), Headlamp, Tail/Stop/Front Signal Lights | All-new LED, low beam, high beam, and signature position lamp; Incandescent Zeppelin tail lamp; Front Incandescent bullets; Rear Incandescent bullet light bar |
| Gauges | 5-inch analog speedometer with digital gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, range, and tachometer indication |
Rider Safety Enhancements
| Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) | Included |
