2022 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic Buyer’s Guide [Specs+]

August 25, 2022

Of all the motorcycles in the Harley-Davidson lineup, the Heritage Classic may be the most recognizable to the non-cognoscenti. Its fat tires, triple headlights, valanced fenders, windshield, and big pushrod V-twin captures the essence of a motorcycle. The chrome versions of the 2022 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic provide a more traditional look—particularly when adding the $400 wire-spoke wheel option. The black finish (an $850 upgrade) gives the bike a contemporary appeal.

Aside from the new aesthetic options this year, the big news is that the 2022 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic comes standard with the Milwaukee-Eight 114 powerplant—last year’s 107 is no longer a choice. Although it produces more intense vibrations, the 114 does crank out a muscular 119 ft-lbs of torque, which are especially welcome when riding two-up.

There is an impressive array of standard features on what appears to be a more basic motorcycle, and that’s reflected in the starting price of $20,799, plus the $750 Surcharge reflecting supply chain price increases. In addition to the big-inch V-twin, ABS, cruise control, and a security system are standard.

Although it has saddlebags and a windshield, the 2022 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic uses the Softail chassis, putting it in The Motor Company’s Cruiser lineup. Certainly, it does double duty, looking good for urban rides, while at the ready for weekend (or longer) trips. Suspension travel is generous, and the floorboards don’t touch down prematurely. Sure, dual discs on the 16-inch front wheel would be nice. However, this motorcycle is about taking in the world around you with the aggressive look of mini-apes, rather than being designed for riding as hard as you can.

We have tested the Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic

Studio photography by Clutch Studios
Location photography by Scott Toepfer

2022 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic Specs

ENGINE

Type: Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin
Displacement: 114ci
Bore x stroke: 4.016” x 4.5”
Maximum power: 94 horsepower @ 4750 rpm
Maximum torque: 119 ft-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Valvetrain: Single-cam w/ pushrods; 4 vpc
Exhaust: 2-into-2; catalyst in muffler
Cooling: Air and oil
Lubrication: Dry sump
Transmission: 6-speed
Clutch: Web multi-plate w/ assist function
Primary drive: Chain
Final drive: Belt

CHASSIS

Frame: Tubular mild steel w/ rectangular section backbone
Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable Showa Dual Bending Valve 49mm fork; 5.1 inches
Rear suspension; travel: Spring-preload adjustable shock; 4.4 inches
Wheels: 9-spoke cast aluminum (wire-spoke optional; $400)
Front and rear wheels: 16 x 3.00
Tires: Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series D401
Front tire: 130/90 x 16
Rear tire: 150/80 x 16
Front brakes: 300mm disc w/ fixed 4-piston caliper
Rear brake: 292mm disc w/ floating 2-piston caliper
ABS: Standard