The 2010 Harley-Davidson Softail was developed in the early 1980s, revolutionizing the motorcycle industry. The term ""soft tail"" has long been associated with any motorcycle that has a rear suspension, as opposed to the rigid designs that relied on the minimal suspension of the flexing of a rear tire. Riding comfort relied on a couple of springs stretching from the seat to the seat pan and a little extra padding in the seat for the rider. Harley-Davidson was able to capture the classic, clean, and crisp look of a rigid motorcycle, while offering a very comfortable, full suspension ride; these bikes became the Softail line.
The 2010 Harley-Davidson Softail line includes a handful of bikes appealing to the tastes and riding styles of nearly any Harley-Davidson enthusiast. The flagship of the Softail line has long been the Harley-Davidson Softail - Heritage Softail Classic. It's a mouthful. To H-D enthusiasts, this is most commonly referred to as the Heritage Classic, Softail Classic, or Heritage Softail. Mechanically, it is classified as the FLSTC.
The 2010 Heritage Softail Classic continues a long tradition of being the best dressed motorcycle of the Harley-Davidson line. There are those who would argue, but the Heritage Classic comes dressed to the nines: leather on the tank, saddlebags, a windshield, optional studs, tassels, a passenger backrest, floorboards, laced wheels, robust fenders, white wall tires, and lots of chrome—there is no mistaking the Heritage Classic for anything but a Harley-Davidson. The color variables present schemes that appeal to any palette.
In terms of performance, the standard 96 cubic-inch, push-rod operated, fuel injected V-Twin rumbles with a definitively low, Harley-Davidson tone. It is pure American muscle on two wheels. Just as the name suggests, the Softail Heritage Classic offers a soft and smooth ride, easy handling, and impressive maneuverability for a bike weighing in at over 760 pounds (wet). The short ape hanger handlebars are well disguised by the instrument panel, which rises from the dual fuel tanks for easier visibility.
The stock saddlebags look great and serve an excellent purpose for packing clothes, a few groceries, or a modest-sized tool-kit. The Heritage Classic is great for tandem riding, whether on a short joyride, a longer day trek, or an overnight trip. Tested at over 50 mpg highway, this bike will allow for quick and easy getaways without a lot of stopping for fuel.
The biggest drawback of the 2010 Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Softail Classic is the fact that it is not a beginner's motorcycle. It is easily admired by any motorcycle enthusiast, but best operated by the experienced cruiser rider. Another drawback is the typical radiating heat of an air-cooled engine on hot days or when stuck in traffic. When cruising, such issues are hardly noticeable.