Cruisers

2016Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic

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The 2016 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic is a cruiser designed for riders seeking classic American styling with modern reliability. Known for its retro aesthetic, comfortable riding position, and versatile carrying capacity via saddlebags, it combines nostalgic charm with contemporary features like electronic fuel injection and ABS braking. Best suited for cruiser enthusiasts who prioritize style, comfort, and manageable performance over aggressive acceleration.

Capacity: 1338.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 333.0 kg
Seat height: 690 mm
Power: 74.8 HP (54.6 kW) @ 5000 RPM

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What’s new for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic

vs the 2015

Spec	2015	2016
Power	73.8 HP (53.8 kW) @ 5000 RPM	74.8 HP (54.6 kW) @ 5000 RPM
Dry weight	326.1 kg (718.9 pounds)	333.0 kg (734.1 pounds)
Wet weight	341.1 kg (752.0 pounds)	347.0 kg (765.0 pounds)
Front brakes	Single disc. ABS. 4-piston	Single disc. ABS. 4-piston.
Rear brakes	Single disc. 2-piston	Single disc. ABS. 2-piston.

Other years 1996 1997 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering35%

City riding45%

Daily riding55%

Touring90%

Two-up80%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed highway cruising and weekend touring in classic Harley style rather than outright speed or sport riding.
Built for: A traditional heavyweight cruiser with retro styling, deep torque delivery, and a laid-back, chrome-laden character that rewards a relaxed riding pace.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or high-speed sport performance.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 690mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2016 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1338.0 ccm
Power: 74.8 HP (54.6 kW) @ 5000 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 130 CO2 g/km
Torque: 130.0 Nm (13.3 kgf-m) @ 3000 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2246 HP/kg (dry)
Compression: 9.6:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Performance

Top speed: 155.0 km/h (96.3 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1635 mm
Overall length: 2405 mm
Seat height: 690 mm
Dry weight: 333.0 kg
Wet weight: 347.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres
Ground clearance: 131 mm
Oil capacity: 3.30 litres
Carrying capacity: Saddle bags

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Twin shocks
Rake (fork angle): 31.0°
Trail: 147 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. ABS. 4-piston.
Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS. 2-piston.
ABS: Yes
Front tyre: MT90-B16
Rear tyre: 150/80-B16

Other

Color options: Black Magic, Amber Whiskey/Vivid Black, Crushed Ice Pearl/Frosted Teal Pearl, Cosmic Blue Pearl, Brilliant Silver Pearl, Vivid Black, Purple Fire/Blackberry Smoke, Olive Gold, Superior Blue, Billet Silver
Comments: Windshield

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1996	2013	2014	2016	2017
Capacity	1338 cc	1688 cc	1688 cc	1338 cc	1338 cc
Dry weight	287 kg	326 kg	326 kg	333 kg	333 kg
Seat height	705 mm	648 mm	648 mm	690 mm	690 mm
Fuel capacity	15.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L