IF YOU are going to put the name "Heritage" on a bike it has to convey the looks of the past. Few new bikes summon up days gone by as well as the Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic.

Sit an Elvis lookalike on one and it's like a trip back in time.

But looks are as far as it goes. The Heritage (as I'll call it for short) goes like the proverbial choo-choo and is an extremely comfortable bike for all day touring or round town riding - believe me.

Comfort is as big a part of the bike as its links with the past, with studded saddlebags, footboards and a windshield it may look like a restored 50s bike, but the Heritage is a bike for today.

The 1,450cc Twin Cam 88B engine has two counterbalancers to remove vibration; this allows the rider to relax as the bike cruises all day at motorway speeds.

But it's no slouch either. The electronic fuel injection engine produces shovels full of power from low down - give it some go and things happen surprisingly fast.

For many riders, though, it's the ease of riding that makes the Heritage so popular. The screen keeps the weather off the rider and the combination of saddle and footboards provides a position that doesn't tire the rider.

The saddlebags aren't for show either; they will accommodate enough kit for a long foray or just a trip to the shops. Don't want the shield on all the time? A few seconds and it unclips for the wind-in-your-face experience, but I do think it gives the finishing look to the Heritage.

The Heritage may look large and ungainly, but looks can deceive. I found feet-up slow-speed handling sweet, and loved the balance of the bike. It felt planted to the road and took bends with surprising ease.

In short it's a fun bike to use. Don't treat it as a delicate icon, because it's not.

Due to the production schedule of Harley-David-son stocks of the Heritage are limited, so if you want one then get down and try one soon to avoid a waiting list. The Heritage Softail Classic is available from Dockgate 20 for £13,500 including a two-year unlimited guarantee and a free year's Harley Owners Club (HOG) membership.

Those who know are saying we'll have a hot summer. Get out and enjoy it.