Can somebody please give me some insight on the difference between the 2018 and 2019 primary covers on a Softail lowrider? My understanding is the 2019 lowrider has a narrower primary cover than the 2018 lowrider is this true?

 

Yes, it's the reason I had tins switched from a 2018 to my 2019. It's the only difference between the two years AFAIK.

 

Is it an easy swap?

 

I don't know.

 

It is a fairly easy task, you only need a few hand tools such a Allen & Torx keys, you will need to remove the left foot rest.
I did it on my wife's '18 Deluxe, what you need to remember is you also need to get a smaller derby cover and gasket. The new outer cover also means ​​​​ the primary will hold a little less oil so don't over fill it!

It does give a bit more clearance when you have your left foot on the floor.








That primary will hold a little less oil so don't over fill it!

 

Why do you want to change to this smaller primary cover ? is it just for the looks ?

 

My wife found when she swapped her 2013 Deluxe for the '18, the seating position must be a bit further back in relation to the outer primary and when stopped with her left leg down it touched the outer case which gets hot, with the narrow cover it does not!
Problem solved!
I can see no other advantage to the narrow cover and I have no issue with the wide one!