calling all 2007 Fatboy owners..
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Joppa, MD
I bought my 2007 used and never noticed the offset until I read this thread, and sure enough I have it. I only have 2,000 miles on the bike so the tire isn't showing wear. To be safe, I logged a complaint with NHTSA tonight. If enough of us do this Harley may take notice. If not, I can get a really nice brand new Honda for half the price and with no offset.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Okinawa, Japan
Ignorance repair-tire wear normal (I think)
What I would still like to know is why did HD off set the front end? And why was it changed the following year? My 07 Softtail Service manual does not identify that different forks are used, which leds me to believe HD did not change forks mid year as earlier mentioned. But I sure would like to know why they did it and why it was changed on later FLSTF models.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 310
Likes: 1
Sounds reasonable. Yes, there is an offset visible, but so what? Looks like it was designed that way. There are no ill effects that I can see. No unusual tire wear. The bike does not pull. Rode with no hands on multiple road surfaces today and she kept going, straight as an arrow...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,257
Likes: 6
From: Leander Texas
i think the point being is harley was asleep when it made the front tire wider and did not expand the fitting from the center as a good engineer would have done. even the 06 svo has the same wide tire but they measured from the center to make it larger and yes they fixed the non issue in 08 because they did screw up. they just wont admit it. they did not need to lower the fatboy price just to recover sales. a company that is so good at marketing could have spent the money to fix the 07 and made a big deal of how they care about their riders and respond to them. now they get the reputation they ignore us.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
i think the point being is harley was asleep when it made the front tire wider and did not expand the fitting from the center as a good engineer would have done. even the 06 svo has the same wide tire but they measured from the center to make it larger and yes they fixed the non issue in 08 because they did screw up. they just wont admit it. they did not need to lower the fatboy price just to recover sales. a company that is so good at marketing could have spent the money to fix the 07 and made a big deal of how they care about their riders and respond to them. now they get the reputation they ignore us.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 786
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan, AR
Ok guys (and gals) once again..... I fixed this problem on my 07, and yes, it does cause uneven tire wear (with over 32k miles on it I would know). The fix is simple, replace the lower fork sliders with 08 versions, and replace the front wheel with an 08 version. It takes the same axel, and I cant remember if the spacers were the same or not because I bought an 08 chrome front end kit so it came with chrome spacers, and I dont think I compared them to the old ones.
I have since traded in the bike on my street glide, so sorry no pics, but I can tell you the bike tracked better after the fix, and the tire wear issue went away.
Go ahead and convince yourselves that the tire problem is from the crown in the road if it makes you feel better, but I can tell you all first hand switching over to the 08 front end makes a huge improvement in tire wear and in the way the bike tracks.
As far as I know, I am the only member of this forum who has fixed this problem correctly, so please dont bombard me with arguments until you have actually talked to someone else who has fixed the problem correctly and is unsatisfied.
If you have any questions, I am the resident expert on this topic, (I did all the research and work myself) and I will be happy to answer any you may have.
I have since traded in the bike on my street glide, so sorry no pics, but I can tell you the bike tracked better after the fix, and the tire wear issue went away.
Go ahead and convince yourselves that the tire problem is from the crown in the road if it makes you feel better, but I can tell you all first hand switching over to the 08 front end makes a huge improvement in tire wear and in the way the bike tracks.
As far as I know, I am the only member of this forum who has fixed this problem correctly, so please dont bombard me with arguments until you have actually talked to someone else who has fixed the problem correctly and is unsatisfied.
If you have any questions, I am the resident expert on this topic, (I did all the research and work myself) and I will be happy to answer any you may have.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Novice
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Derbyshire, UK
I've just found this thread. Many thanks for the information, 1Coastie. That is very useful to know. My 2007 hasn't done that many miles but if I notice abnormal tire wear, I'll go for the 2008 chrome lower fork sliders and 2008 front wheel as you have recommended.
I would also look at getting a chrome swingarm, and I've got a couple of questions which you may be able to answer.
I noticed that in the accessories catalog for 2009, there is one for the 2007 and another for 2008 onwards. Do you or anyone else know what the difference is ? - and if I was to go for the 2008 forks and wheel AND the 2008 swingarm (assuming it fits !), would this "convert" my bike to a 2008 and sort out ALL the problems with tracking and abnormal tire wear - or should I just go for the 2008 forks lower fork sliders and wheel ?
Interestingly, the "2007 only" chrome swingarm also fits the "2007 only" Night Train and Custom. I wonder if these bikes also had the off-set, but because of the skinny front wheel it's not so obvious so perhaps no-one noticed !
I would also look at getting a chrome swingarm, and I've got a couple of questions which you may be able to answer.
I noticed that in the accessories catalog for 2009, there is one for the 2007 and another for 2008 onwards. Do you or anyone else know what the difference is ? - and if I was to go for the 2008 forks and wheel AND the 2008 swingarm (assuming it fits !), would this "convert" my bike to a 2008 and sort out ALL the problems with tracking and abnormal tire wear - or should I just go for the 2008 forks lower fork sliders and wheel ?
Interestingly, the "2007 only" chrome swingarm also fits the "2007 only" Night Train and Custom. I wonder if these bikes also had the off-set, but because of the skinny front wheel it's not so obvious so perhaps no-one noticed !
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,257
Likes: 6
From: Leander Texas
i think the axial size on the rear on the swing arm changed in 08. here is what harley says for all 08 softail models
Hollow Axles: New 25 mm hollow axles are assembled with new bearings, spacers and sleeves inside the wheel help stiffen the rear swingarm for a more stable feel on the road.
Hollow Axles: New 25 mm hollow axles are assembled with new bearings, spacers and sleeves inside the wheel help stiffen the rear swingarm for a more stable feel on the road.