2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic Specifications

Name: 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic
Brand: Harley-Davidson

Touring • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

No images available

Tap to enlarge

2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic Overview

For 2017, Harley-Davidson offers the Heritage Softail Classic as a touring motorcycle. The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic is built around a V2, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.7:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 98.4 x 111.1 mm. Out on the road, the Heritage Softail Classic delivers 125 Nm @ 3000 Revolutions of torque. In everyday use, the 2017 Heritage Softail Classic tips the scales at 347 kg, carries an 18.93-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 690 mm and spans a 1,635 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 36.6 kg heavier than the average touring motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic spec sheet below.

2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic compared with other bikes in the Touring category

Measured against other bikes in the Touring category in our database (up to 465 models, one entry per model), the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic comes out as follows.

With 690 mm, the Heritage Softail Classic has the joint 67th lowest seat height of 465 bikes in the Touring category, 8% below the category average of 750 mm.
Wet weight of 347 kg is heavier than that of 275 of the other 450 bikes in the Touring category.
Narrowing the field to the 236 models within five model years of it, the seat height of 690 mm is lower than that of 192 of the other 235.

Versus the 2016 model

Compared with the 2016 model, peak torque eased from 130 Nm to 125 Nm (-5 Nm). Wet weight and seat height are unchanged.

2017 Heritage Softail Classic - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
Strong front braking: The single disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.
ABS fitted: With ABS on board, hard braking on a damp or gravelly surface is far less likely to end in a locked wheel.
Accessible seat height: At just 690 mm, flat-footing at a stop is easy for most riders - a genuine confidence builder for less experienced owners.
Large fuel range: With an 18.93-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
Low-maintenance final drive: Belt final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the Heritage Softail Classic - condition on any used example comes down to how well it's been looked after.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling on the Heritage Softail Classic comes from fuel injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.

Valve clearance checks

Valve clearances on Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-equipped engines like the Heritage Softail Classic's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.

Brake disc and pad wear

Single disc with ABS and 4-piston up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by Telescopic fork up front and Twin shocks at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Belt final drive keeps day-to-day maintenance minimal on the Heritage Softail Classic - just periodic tension and wear checks rather than the regular cleaning a chain demands.

Handling the weight at a standstill

The Heritage Softail Classic's 347 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.

Heritage Softail Classic - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic touring should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs belt final drive, so check belt tension and tooth wear - a cracked or glazed belt is a clear sign of neglect. Now 9 years old, this touring is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept Heritage Softail Classic settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the Heritage Softail Classic's v2, four-stroke engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. The sump holds 3.30 litres, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. With a 9.7:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Fuel system care

Injector systems like the Heritage Softail Classic's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.

Valve clearance service

There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a Heritage Softail Classic's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.

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 torque does the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic produce?

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 an 18.93-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 315-378 km between stops.

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 with ABS and 4-piston at the front and single disc with ABS and 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	-	-	Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103B?	Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103B?	Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103B?	-	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	-	150.0 km/h / 93.2 mph	45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph	45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph	-	-	-
Seat Height	705 mm / 27.8 in.	-	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)	-	-	130 mm	130 mm	131 mm	131 mm	131 mm

Key Specifications

Engine

V2, four-stroke

Power

Not recorded

Torque

125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 3000 Revolutions

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

347.0 kg / 765.0 lbs

Fuel Capacity

18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons

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

Storage Saddle bags

Ground Clearance (in.) 5.2 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 131 mm

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

Max Torque 125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 3000 Revolutions

Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.2342 HP/kg

Engine Type V2, four-stroke

Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)

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 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

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.