Fish Out of Water Here- Deuce Questions...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 11,722
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From: Georgia
Fish Out of Water Here- Deuce Questions...
Hi Softail gurus. I have a question that I'm hoping that you guys can help me with. I'm an touring frame guy, but my dad owns a Deuce that he loves dearly. The problem is that he is getting a little up in age and the bike just doesn't suit him anymore. He's many miles away and retired. He doesn't have a lot left to occupy his time, so I'd like to try to get his bike set up where he can ride a little more comfortably. Balance and stability are my main concerns. I'd like to put some type of mid controls on it and would love to see him go to a fatter front tire that wouldn't be quite as twitchy.
He has V&H Short Shots on it, so that might limit the ability to use mids. I'm assuming I would have to change out his fork legs and front fender to put a fatter front tire on it for him. I know the Deuce is a bit of an oddball among the Softail family. Anyone have any advice? Selling the bike and replacing it, is out of the question.
He has V&H Short Shots on it, so that might limit the ability to use mids. I'm assuming I would have to change out his fork legs and front fender to put a fatter front tire on it for him. I know the Deuce is a bit of an oddball among the Softail family. Anyone have any advice? Selling the bike and replacing it, is out of the question.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 123
Likes: 4
From: Shoreline, Washington
I don't have a good answer for you, but I'm not sure how mid-controls and a fatter front tire would make the Deuce more stable. In most respects, riding a two wheeled machine is what it is. Yes, lighter and smaller is easier, but the basic skills are the same.
I know you said selling and replacing is not on the table, but he should ride a Dyna to see if that set up makes a difference. If "balance and stability" are a concern, maybe the writing is on the wall and it's time for him to get out of the saddle. He may know this and you might be putting him in a situation where he a danger to himself and others.
That's a tough deal and at 62, I'm not there yet. Hopefully not for a long time. But when the show's over for me and riding, I hope to recognize it and be thankful for the memories.
I know you said selling and replacing is not on the table, but he should ride a Dyna to see if that set up makes a difference. If "balance and stability" are a concern, maybe the writing is on the wall and it's time for him to get out of the saddle. He may know this and you might be putting him in a situation where he a danger to himself and others.
That's a tough deal and at 62, I'm not there yet. Hopefully not for a long time. But when the show's over for me and riding, I hope to recognize it and be thankful for the memories.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 134
Likes: 1
From: Wichita kansas
balance
This is just a small part of your issue but I'm 69 years old and for me the biggest improvement in terms of balance was to modify my seat to get me as close to the rails as possible which changes my center of gravity. This was an easy job but made a huge improvement the way the bike handles. Hope this might help in some way.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
my son bought a Deuce in 07 when he was 30.. If he rode for more than 2 hrs his back and shoulders would hurt. I'll add he's in great shape, no injury's, and he hits the gym at least 3 time a week. 6' tall and a solid 190..
he threw over $3K trying to make that Deuce fit him and in the end after 2 yrs he traded it in for a new St-Glide.. now he can ride all day all the time.
Your already know the Famous words that follows a lot of Softail parts in the catalog .. (Fits Everything Except the Deuce..))
Hope you can find the right Ergo set up for your dad without breaking the bank..
he threw over $3K trying to make that Deuce fit him and in the end after 2 yrs he traded it in for a new St-Glide.. now he can ride all day all the time.
Your already know the Famous words that follows a lot of Softail parts in the catalog .. (Fits Everything Except the Deuce..))
Hope you can find the right Ergo set up for your dad without breaking the bank..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6,863
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From: St. Charles, MO
I own a Deuce, but I'm talking out my **** a little here, so bear with me...
Mids would be a difficult and expensive proposition, I think, because (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) the shifter control on mids comes out of the center of the primary. I think in theory it could be done, if you were handy enough to take parts off a dyna to make it happen, but unless you're doing it yourself, could be pricey.
As to a fatter front tire, I'm considering this myself for purely aesthetic reasons. You are correct that it would require a different fender for proper coverage, but I think you could order a wider rim and go up to maybe a 130.
As others have stated, I think the best, easiest, and cheapest solution to balance would be a better seat. I put a La Pera on mine that lowered me another inch, and it seems more stable to me just from that. It also moves you forward a little in the saddle, offering better comfort and easier access to the controls and handlebar. (I'm 5'-9")
Another control option mentioned here is floorboards. You could probably find some floorboards, or you CAN bolt on a Heretige or Fatboy controls that would move them back some (but not as far as mids).
I hope my ramblings help.
Mids would be a difficult and expensive proposition, I think, because (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) the shifter control on mids comes out of the center of the primary. I think in theory it could be done, if you were handy enough to take parts off a dyna to make it happen, but unless you're doing it yourself, could be pricey.
As to a fatter front tire, I'm considering this myself for purely aesthetic reasons. You are correct that it would require a different fender for proper coverage, but I think you could order a wider rim and go up to maybe a 130.
As others have stated, I think the best, easiest, and cheapest solution to balance would be a better seat. I put a La Pera on mine that lowered me another inch, and it seems more stable to me just from that. It also moves you forward a little in the saddle, offering better comfort and easier access to the controls and handlebar. (I'm 5'-9")
Another control option mentioned here is floorboards. You could probably find some floorboards, or you CAN bolt on a Heretige or Fatboy controls that would move them back some (but not as far as mids).
I hope my ramblings help.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Georgia
Thanks guys. I made him an appointment with Mean City Cycles. He's in NC so that will be the first part of making the bike work for him.
As to the mids and tire theory... My thought was that the mids would put him in a tighter riding position and make it easier to come off the boards, or pegs at a stop. When I ride his bike, I tend to come off the pegs too soon approaching a stop, because it doesn't feel as natural as the board placement I'm used to. I notice him doing the same. The tire is kind of self-explanatory. A wider tire has a larger radius and will make the bike turn in slower.
He rides great at speed, but doing the slow speed maneuvering around the driveway and parking lots makes me nervous. Some of you may be right. It may be time for him to hang up the leather, but I really hate to see him lose the last thing that actually gets him off the couch and keeps him moving. I don't want him in danger, but if I can do something to help him keep riding safely, I would like to do it.
As to the mids and tire theory... My thought was that the mids would put him in a tighter riding position and make it easier to come off the boards, or pegs at a stop. When I ride his bike, I tend to come off the pegs too soon approaching a stop, because it doesn't feel as natural as the board placement I'm used to. I notice him doing the same. The tire is kind of self-explanatory. A wider tire has a larger radius and will make the bike turn in slower.
He rides great at speed, but doing the slow speed maneuvering around the driveway and parking lots makes me nervous. Some of you may be right. It may be time for him to hang up the leather, but I really hate to see him lose the last thing that actually gets him off the couch and keeps him moving. I don't want him in danger, but if I can do something to help him keep riding safely, I would like to do it.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
A wider front tire wont make a difference. The amount of rubber touching the ground isn't really that much different in a way that will make the ride easier. I'd say the weight of a bigger tire would make more difference than the side. Keep us posted, I ride a deuce and it's always cool to see.
There a few people who have put fatboy tires on the front with no mods.
there's a great facebook page for deuce owners. good luck to dad, hope he's got many miles ahead on a comfortable ride!!
There a few people who have put fatboy tires on the front with no mods.
there's a great facebook page for deuce owners. good luck to dad, hope he's got many miles ahead on a comfortable ride!!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
Rode a friends Deuece and was surprised how easily it wants to fall into turns. His bike is setup with Race Tech Springs and Emulaters in front with minimum sag of 1 1/4" and Ohlins in rear raised a bit taller then stock, providing maximum ground clearance.
I have to agree with dig above, not sure how much a wider tire will change things. Lowering seat seems like a good, easy start. Then perhaps lower front and rear suspension, lowering center of gravity. Used rear lowering shocks can be found used cheap, even I have a set I'd sell. Installing front springs is much easier in a deuce then touring and other softails bikes. Race Tech springs are only about $100.
Another thought, lowering the rear only changes the bikes rake/trail, making a bike a little lazier, slower in turning, and adding increased straight line stability. Try lowering the rear 1" with stock softail lowering shocks first. The deluxe comes standard with these.
Good luck, ride safe!
I have to agree with dig above, not sure how much a wider tire will change things. Lowering seat seems like a good, easy start. Then perhaps lower front and rear suspension, lowering center of gravity. Used rear lowering shocks can be found used cheap, even I have a set I'd sell. Installing front springs is much easier in a deuce then touring and other softails bikes. Race Tech springs are only about $100.
Another thought, lowering the rear only changes the bikes rake/trail, making a bike a little lazier, slower in turning, and adding increased straight line stability. Try lowering the rear 1" with stock softail lowering shocks first. The deluxe comes standard with these.
Good luck, ride safe!
Last edited by KumaRide; Jun 6, 2015 at 10:49 AM.