By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe FLSTN (MY2008) vs Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC (MY2007)
Down in the saddle of the Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe FLSTN, both boots land flat and the big twin isn't a handful anymore. From the Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC's saddle, there's wind protection up front and room for a passenger behind you.
So which one do you buy?
Which one's the smarter buy
Money won't decide it
The Heritage Classic FLSTC costs less, but that gap doesn't make it the clear better buy. Neither bike wins on value alone.
What makes each one tick
Softail Deluxe FLSTN
From a stoplight up to freeway pace, the Softail Deluxe's counterbalanced V-twin pulls on torque alone. Corner entry doesn't feel hurried, since the compliant chassis keeps things simple and the engine likes an easy pace. The rear suspension stays hidden for the hardtail look, and there's still comfort under the seat. Whitewalls stay planted on the freeway.
Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC
Clutch work on the Heritage Classic doesn't take much effort while the helical-cut gearbox shifts quietly. It'll lug a tall highway gear without fuss. Fuel injection keeps the throttle crisp. The tucked-away shocks soak up bumps on long highway days.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Softail Deluxe FLSTN has the lower seat: 24.5 in (622 mm) vs 27.4 in (696 mm).
- The Softail Deluxe FLSTN has the lower wet weight: 724 lb (328 kg) vs 743 lb (337 kg).
- Luggage System: standard on the Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC, not offered on the Softail Deluxe FLSTN.
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Wrong job for both
Daily traffic duty isn't a fit for these two. Keep them for the weekend and commute on something easier.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not its job: Softail Deluxe FLSTN
Mile-munching sits outside what the Softail Deluxe FLSTN is for, so it sits out.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Neither is a natural fit
For back-road fun, both fall short. There are sharper tools for that job.
There's no real gap on character and running costs. Sit on both and let fit and price decide.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Softail Deluxe FLSTN
What owners say
Strengths
- Accessible low seat height
Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC
What owners say
Strengths
- Classic retro styling with modern updates
- Comfortable long-distance cruising
- Light clutch and smooth-shifting 6-speed
Known problems to check before you buy
Softail Deluxe FLSTN
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC
- Positive battery cable chafing (Recall 07V173000) Recall 07V173000 Battery positive cable may contact oil tank weld bead, causing chafing and risk of electrical short. Addressed by NHTSA safety recall 07V173000 with installation of a battery caddy kit.
What they cost used
These prices compare an 18-year-old Softail Deluxe FLSTN with an 18-year-old Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC.
- Softail Deluxe FLSTN
- $9,500
- Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC
- $8,900
At 18 years old, the Softail Deluxe FLSTN sits around $9,500 while the Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC lands near $8,900. The Heritage Classic runs about $600 cheaper. These are recorded figures from the used market, not live listings.
What they share
- Displacement
- 1584 cc
- Engine
- 45° V-twin
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Torque
- 92 lb-ft (125 Nm)
- Fuel capacity
- 5.0 US gal (18.9 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
- Front tire
- MT90-16
- Rear tire
- MU85-16
Where the spec sheets split
| Softail Deluxe FLSTN | Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 24.5 in (622 mm) | 27.4 in (696 mm) |
| Wet weight | 724 lb (328 kg) | 743 lb (337 kg) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Softail Deluxe FLSTN | Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC | |
|---|---|---|
| Luggage System | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
