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2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic Overview
The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic is a touring motorcycle. Under the tank sits a V2, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.7:1. The bore and stroke measures 98.4 x 111.1 mm. 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic delivers 125 Nm @ 3000 Revolutions of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2017 Heritage Softail Classic tips the scales at 347 kg, carries a 18.93-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 690 mm and spans a 1,635 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2017 Heritage Softail Classic - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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Accessible seat height: At 690 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.
Considerations
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Age-related wear: As with any used Heritage Softail Classic, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Throttle response and fuelling
The fuel injection on the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.
Valve clearance checks
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.
Heritage Softail Classic - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Heritage Softail Classic should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any Heritage Softail Classic. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. The sump holds 3.30 litres, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The Heritage Softail Classic's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used Heritage Softail Classic. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has been done.
2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic have?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic is powered by a V2, four-stroke engine.
How much does the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic weigh?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic weighs 347 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic make?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic produces 125 Nm @ 3000 Revolutions of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic has a 18.93-litre fuel tank.
Is the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic suitable for shorter riders?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic has a seat height of 690 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic have?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic uses Single disc. ABS. 4-piston. at the front and Single disc. ABS. 2-piston. at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic use?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic runs MT90-B16 front and 150/80-B16 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
How much oil does the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic take?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic takes 3.30 litres of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.
Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic Spec Evolution
The Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic was produced across 7 model years (1996-2017). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
1996 |
1999 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
| Wet Weight |
- |
- |
341.1 kg / 752.0 lbs |
341.1 kg / 752.0 lbs |
341.1 kg / 752.0 lbs |
347.0 kg / 765.0 lbs |
347.0 kg / 765.0 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
287 kg / 632.7 lbs |
316.8 kg / 698.4 lbs |
326.1 kg / 719.0 lbs |
326.1 kg / 719.0 lbs |
326.1 kg / 719.0 lbs |
333 kg / 734.1 lbs |
333 kg / 734.1 lbs |
| Engine Detail |
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Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103B? |
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103B? |
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103B? |
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High Output Twin Cam 103B |
| Engine Type |
V2 |
V2 |
V2, four-stroke |
V2, four-stroke |
V2, four-stroke |
V2, four-stroke |
V2, four-stroke |
| Top Speed |
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150.0 km/h / 93.2 mph |
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph |
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph |
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- |
- |
| Seat Height |
705 mm / 27.8 in. |
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648 mm / 25.5 in. |
648 mm / 25.5 in. |
690 mm / 27.2 in. |
690 mm / 27.2 in. |
690 mm / 27.2 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
- |
15.90 litres / 4.20 gallons |
18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons |
18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons |
18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons |
18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons |
18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons |
| Ground Clearance (mm) |
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- |
130 mm |
130 mm |
131 mm |
131 mm |
131 mm |
Key Specifications
Torque
125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 3000 Revolutions
Weight
347.0 kg / 765.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons
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Full 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic Specifications
Comments
Windshield
Colours
Vivid Black, Black Quartz, Superior Blue, Black Hills Gold/Black Quartz, Crushed Ice Pearl/Frosted Teal Pearl, Mysterious Red Sunglo/Velocity Red Sunglo, Bonneville Blue/Phatom Blue
Ground Clearance (in.)
5.2 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)
131 mm
Storage
Saddle bags
Seat Height
690 mm / 27.2 in.
Wheelbase
1,635 mm / 64.4 in.
Length
2,405 mm / 94.7 in.
Oil Capacity (l)
3.30 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)
0.22 quarts
Dry Weight
333 kg / 734.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons
Wet Weight
347.0 kg / 765.0 lbs
Bore x Stroke (in,)
3.9 x 4.4 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
98.4 x 111.1 mm
CO2
129.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine Type
V2, four-stroke
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Detail
High Output Twin Cam 103B
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Compression Ratio
9.7:1
Exhaust
Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
Fuel Consumption
5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final Drive
Belt
Gearbox
6-speed
Suspension - Front
Telescopic fork
Suspension - Rear
Twin shocks
Rake
31.0°
Trail
147 mm / 5.8 in.
Instrumentation
Tank-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, RPM/gear display, fuel gauge with low fuel warning light and countdown feature, low oil pressure indicator light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicat
Lighting system
High beam, front fender running lights, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, security system (optional), 6-speed, low fuel warnings
Brakes - Front
Single disc. ABS. 4-piston.
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. ABS. 2-piston.
Rims
Steel laced, optional whitewall tires
Tyres - Front
MT90-B16
Tyres - Rear
150/80-B16
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