Are the touring models built on a different chassis than the Wide Glide models? I have seen a couple of WG's on the freeway recently and they seem smallish compared to the EGs, RKs and Softail Heritage. Or is it an illusion due to accessories? I really like the looks of the WG but will be doing a lot of 2 up riding and don't want to feel crowded. Thanks!

 

Yes. WG were predominately built on the FXD - Dyna frame (a few were FXR's - IIRC). All the touring bikes, including the RK, are built on the touring or FLH/FLT frame.

 

Wide Glides started out in 1980 on the old four-speed Big Twin frame common to all big bikes at the time. That model ended after '86 model year (I think). It was brought back to life via the Dyna frame in 1993 and has been a Dyna model ever since, except for skipping the '09 model year. No FXR Wide Glides were ever made.
The FXR and FLH frames were quite similar, until the changes made to the FLH for the 2009 model year.

 

I don't think they were able to make a FXR Wideglide. Something about the frame wouldn't allow it for some reason....at least thats what I think I read sometime ago.

They did make some FXR versions with the 21 Inch wheel....but it certainly wasn't a Wideglide though.

 

So it should be possible to mix and match a few things like the seat, bags, and front fender to come up with a combination of the two? There are things I like about both types. I realize some mechanical aptitude would be required of course.

 

Anything is possible, but to answer your initial question, touring bikes and the wide glide model have not shared a frame design since touring went rubber.

Wide glide is also rubber now, but a different series.

There will be no "factory intentional" direct interchange of parts, and probably no easy "interfitting" at all.

Some wide glide accessories may resemble touring parts, but would be made to fit the WG, not the tourer.

 

Not sure what was meant............FXR - IIRC......?

 

There would be very little mixing and matching between Dyna and Touring. They are almost totally different.

 

IIRC = if I remember correctly. IMHO of course!

 

MD = me dummy !!!

Hi grbrown!