After three decades away from motorcycles, I finally decided it was time to get back on two wheels — and I couldn’t be happier with the bike I chose. If you’re new here, welcome to Throttle Reborn, where I share my journey returning to riding, my experiences with Harley‑Davidson ownership, and the lessons I’m learning along the way.
This is the story of how I ended up with my 2019 Harley‑Davidson Heritage Classic, why it spoke to me instantly, and what I’ve done to make it my own.
A Rider Reborn After 30 Years
Motorcycles have been part of my life since childhood. I grew up on a farm riding trail bikes — the kind of carefree riding that shapes you early and sticks with you forever. In my early twenties, I moved onto road bikes, starting with a Suzuki 250 Across, which was perfect for getting my license and learning the ropes on the street.
Eventually, I upgraded to a Kawasaki Ninja ZXR 750, a bike I absolutely loved and rode for a couple of years before life took me back to cars. Even though I stopped riding, I kept my motorcycle license all these years — just in case.
Now in my early-to-mid 50s, that “just in case” moment finally arrived. I was ready to ride again.
Why the Heritage Classic?
When I pictured myself returning to riding, I knew exactly the kind of bike I wanted: something with classic lines, vintage charm, and that unmistakable Harley‑Davidson presence.
I’ve always loved ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s muscle cars, and the Heritage Classic captures that same timeless aesthetic. The full fenders, the triple‑headlight setup, the stance — it all feels like a modern tribute to the golden era of American motorcycles.
I originally thought I’d end up with a Harley‑Davidson Deluxe, but the moment I saw this Heritage online, everything changed. It had the look, the character, and the uniqueness I was after.
A Rare Colour Scheme That Sealed the Deal
One of the first things that grabbed me was the colour. This bike came in a two‑tone Billiard Blue and Billiard White scheme — something I hadn’t seen anywhere else. It was an optional upgrade when new, and it gives the bike a standout presence without being flashy.
To complement the paint, it came with whitewall tyres, which tie in beautifully with the white fender trim. It’s a small detail, but it transforms the whole look of the bike into something truly classic.
The 114 Engine and Blacked‑Out Styling
This particular model is the Heritage Classic 114 (FLHCS), which means it comes with the Milwaukee‑Eight 114 engine and a blacked‑out finish. The wheels, engine components, and air cleaner all lean into that darker aesthetic — a nice contrast to the bright paintwork.
It’s not the chrome-heavy look you’d find on a Deluxe, but for this bike, the blacked‑out style works perfectly.
What the Bike Came With — and What I’ve Added
The previous owner had already fitted a few accessories, including:
- A mustache crash bar
- Aftermarket heated grips
- A set of comfortable, stylish hand grips
Since bringing the bike home, I’ve added a few touches of my own:
- Reinhardt slip‑on exhausts
- A rear drop guard — a bit of extra peace of mind after being off bikes for so long
- A Harley‑Davidson layback LED tail light
Other than that, the bike is mostly stock — and honestly, that’s one of the things I love about the Heritage. It doesn’t need much. It already looks incredible straight from the factory.
The dealership also replaced the rear tyre before delivery, though they didn’t match the thick whitewall on the front. That’s something I’ll fix down the track, but I’m trying not to throw money at upgrades I don’t truly need.
The Obligatory Harley Start‑Up
No Harley video — or blog post — is complete without mentioning that first start‑up. With the Reinhardt slip‑ons installed, the bike has a deep, satisfying rumble that feels exactly how a Harley should sound. I’ve got a full comparison video showing the difference between the stock pipes and the new setup.
What’s Next on Throttle Reborn
This first episode was all about introducing myself, sharing my background, and giving you a look at the bike that brought me back into the world of riding. Over the coming episodes, I’ll be diving into:
- What it’s like returning to riding after 30 years
- Why I chose Harley‑Davidson over other brands
- My experiences with the Heritage Classic
- Tips, opinions, and insights for riders in a similar position
If you’re thinking about getting back into riding — or you just enjoy following someone else’s journey — I’d love to have you along for the ride.
Thanks for checking out this post, and I’ll see you in the next one.