Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS 2023 vs. Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 2023

The Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS 2023 and the Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 2023 are both chopper/cruiser motorcycles from Harley-Davidson, offering unique features and characteristics.

Starting with the technical specifications, both models have a V-type engine and belt transmission. The Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS has a bore of 102 mm and a stroke of 114.3 mm, while the Softail Breakout 117 has a slightly larger bore of 103.5 mm and the same stroke of 114 mm. In terms of power, the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS produces 95 HP, while the Softail Breakout 117 offers a more powerful 101 HP. The torque is also higher in the Softail Breakout 117, with 167 Nm compared to the 155 Nm of the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS. Both models have a 2-cylinder engine and a displacement of 1868 ccm for the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS and 1923 ccm for the Softail Breakout 117.

Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS 2023

Moving on to the chassis, the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the Softail Breakout 117 features a steel backbone frame. The rake angle is 60 degrees for the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS and 34 degrees for the Softail Breakout 117. The trail is 140 mm for the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS and slightly larger at 145 mm for the Softail Breakout 117. Both models have a single disc front brake and come equipped with ABS for advanced rider assistance.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS has a front tire width of 130 mm and a diameter of 16 inches, while the Softail Breakout 117 has the same front tire width but a larger diameter of 21 inches. The rear tire width is 150 mm for the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS and a wider 240 mm for the Softail Breakout 117, with both models having a rear tire diameter of 16 inches. The wheelbase is slightly longer in the Softail Breakout 117, measuring 1695 mm compared to the 1630 mm of the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS. The seat height is lower in the Softail Breakout 117, measuring 665 mm compared to the 680 mm of the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS. The curb weight is also slightly lower in the Softail Breakout 117, weighing 310 kg compared to the 330 kg of the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS. Both models have the same fuel tank capacity of 18.9 liters. The range is shorter in the Softail Breakout 117, with 240 km compared to the 343 km of the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS. The combined fuel consumption is slightly lower in the Softail Breakout 117, with 5 l/100km compared to the 5.5 l/100km of the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS. Both models come equipped with LED headlights, with the Softail Breakout 117 also featuring LED daytime running lights.

In terms of strengths, the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS offers a classic look, a powerful engine, excellent sound, and practical touring qualities. It also has a strong resale value. On the other hand, the Softail Breakout 117 has a powerful 117 cc engine, an attractive clean and elegant design, and is a great starting point for further customizations. It also offers improved ergonomics and is considered a pure American cruiser. It has an excellent wheel design and also has good resale value.

Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 2023

However, both models have their weaknesses. The Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS has an undersized passenger seat and its chassis and brakes are below average for its class. It also has a high entry price. The Softail Breakout 117, on the other hand, has brakes that cannot keep up with the engine's performance and a mediocre chassis. Additionally, traction control comes at an additional cost.

In conclusion, the Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS 2023 and the Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 2023 offer different strengths and weaknesses. While the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS excels in its classic look and practical touring qualities, the Softail Breakout 117 stands out with its powerful engine and attractive design. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.