Harley Davidson Heritage Classic

With the new Softail lineup, Harley-Davidson finally has worthy contenders to the cruiser segment that have other formidable players like Indian Motorcycles. The new Softails are lighter, more dynamically competent and now come with the more refined and powerful Milwaukee Eight V-twin powerplants. The Heritage Classic sits on top of the Softail food chain and as the name implies, has retro design elements. It is a tourer with a large detachable windscreen. a set of auxiliary headlamps and weatherproof and lockable saddle bags. While the Heritage Classic does not get rider modes of for that matter, even traction control, it gets cruise control.     

The 1,745cc air and oil-cooled V-twin is a gem. It offers a high degree of refinement and loads of torque at low revs, making the bike quite quick for its size and weight. This is a bike you can cruise at 120kmph in sixth all day long. And in supreme comfort at that. The armchair riding position is helped with a good ride quality that seems to flatten out rough roads. It handles quite well, thanks to the more rigid frame and new Showa suspension. 

The Heritage Classic is priced at Rs 19.71 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). If you want something similar but more stripped down and vintage, you could check out the Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe that is priced lower at Rs 18.65 lakh.  Competition comes in the form of the Indian Chief Vintage which is priced at Rs  25.32 lakh (ex-Delhi)