What are the differences between an older 97 fat boy rear fender and a newer 05 fat boy rear fender? Are they interchangeable, or are they different?

 

There's an EVO specific forum where your question may be better awswered: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-classic-models-84/

Good luck with this

 

The older style fenders dont have a cut out for the computer under where the seat would go. and the radius on the fender is completley round compared to the 05 which flattens out under the strut. other than that they are pretty close

 

Thanks guys! I'll look for a newer one.

 

Why do you say that? This is a Softail question, not an engine question.

 

If you made the cut out for the computer, would it bolt right up without any other issues?

 

The softail rear fenders changed quite a bit from '99 to '00. Not only wider but different geometry, they bolt different so they are nos simply interchangeable. I'm sure it can be done but not without chopping and drilling. Why are you looking for a newer rear fender? if you don't mind me asking.

Mimo.

 

Just because the vast majority on this softail forum are riding Twin Cams and are not very familiar with our primitive EVO powered HD's. Everything changed with the Twin Cams. Even though Twin Cams & Evo's are both softails, the bikes are as different as their engines. JMO

 

A 97 Heritage Springer and an 03 heritage Springer fender. Slightly different geometry as said above. The first strut holes are different. The saddlebag holes are the same, but the last are different.

 

Mimo - I want to change to a fat boy rear fender on my 03 train. I have access to an older style fender for free, or I can just pony up and get what will likely fit better. But that was the whole purpose of me starting this thread...looks like I'll just buy a newer one if it'll work better.

hspring03 - which of those is the 03 fender? I like the more 'round' one, not the one with the flat spot at where the top of the tire would be.