Obviously, to each their own, but I prefer the silver powdered coated motors over the black and chrome motors. I guess the silver powder coated motors looks more like old school aluminum to me. However I do like chrome and I do like to work on my bike. So although the Custom was not out in '06 when I bought my Standard, I opted to buy the Standard over the Duce, etc., so that I could have a silver motor. Last winter I bought a HD chrome engine kit from M&M cycles and all chrome hardware, which the black and chrome motors don't use, and had a blast doing the work. Now when I see the black and chrome motor with the aluminum bolts, I just smile. I still need to replace the tranny top cover with the chrome one and am looking forward to doing that soon now that the weather is turning to crap.

 

I ride an '05 Standard and love the bike. If I were to buy a Softail today, I'd get the Custom. I love the old school chopper look of the Custom. As far as your being vertically challenged, sit on the Custom and if you can flat foot then you will be fine.

As was said earlier though, the Deluxe is one sweet looking bike and has a low seat height.

Whatever you get, make sure you get a Black bike. They're faster.