Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic vs Triumph Thunderbird LT ABS (2017)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classicstacks up against the Triumph Thunderbird LT ABS. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson Heritage Softail ClassicTriumph Thunderbird LT ABS
Model year20172015
Price$17,549$16,999
Engine1690 cc1699 cc
Horsepower78 hp94 hp
Torque125 Nm146 Nm
Weight333 kg349 kg
Seat height27 mm28 mm
Fuel capacity5.0 L6.9 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission6-speed6-speed
Front brakesSingle disc. ABS. 4-piston.Double disc. Nissin 4-piston fixed calipers. ABS.
Rear brakesSingle disc. ABS. 2-piston.Single disc. Brembo 2-piston floating caliper. ABS
TiresMT90-B16 / 150/80-B16 120/70-R19 / 200/50-R17

Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic vs Triumph Thunderbird LT ABS — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic and the Triumph Thunderbird LT ABS usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic brings 78 hp in a 333 kg package, while the Triumph Thunderbird LT ABS counters with 94 hp at 349 kg. On price, the Triumph Thunderbird LT ABS has the lower MSRP.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: