calling all 2007 Fatboy owners..
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 6
From: Spokane, WA.
I know the front end looks a wee off. I think HD had there thumb up there azz for making a production bike look like this, and I feel they should offer to fix ALL of the 2007 bikes so they are not a one off cluster for that year. My 07 has 8K on it, and I can take hands off at speed and no issues. IMO i think the front suspension could be way better but that is just me. I have not noticed uneven tire wear yet, still running stock front tire.
One would think that the MoCo would have done a better job.
One would think that the MoCo would have done a better job.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 786
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan, AR
[quote=telecaster;5497249]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 swing arm, 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 swing arm (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 swing arm 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! [/quote]
I cant provide any info on the swing arm deal, as I never had a problem back there, and I never got around to upgrading to a chrome swing arm. I can tell you that switching to the chrome front end and wheel alone fixes the tire wear problem, and that I didn't have any tracking problems with the bike after the modification. I think the 07 swing arm works fine, and I'm not sure if you would see any difference by switching to the 08 version.
As far as the Night Train and Custom question is concerned, "no" the front wheel is not offset on these bikes. And although I never thought about it until now, seeing as they have the same 07 swing arm (and frame) as the Fatboy, they actually support my point that all that really needs switched is the 08 front end parts (they are running a non offset front wheel on a 07 softail frame and swing arm).
Hope this helps, if you need any info on the swap I'll be happy to share any info I have.
By the way if anybody needs one, I still have the 07 front end parts including front wheel, and a 08 rear wheel in the garage, make me an offer.
I would also look at getting a chrome swing arm, 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 swing arm (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 swing arm 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! [/quote]
I cant provide any info on the swing arm deal, as I never had a problem back there, and I never got around to upgrading to a chrome swing arm. I can tell you that switching to the chrome front end and wheel alone fixes the tire wear problem, and that I didn't have any tracking problems with the bike after the modification. I think the 07 swing arm works fine, and I'm not sure if you would see any difference by switching to the 08 version.
As far as the Night Train and Custom question is concerned, "no" the front wheel is not offset on these bikes. And although I never thought about it until now, seeing as they have the same 07 swing arm (and frame) as the Fatboy, they actually support my point that all that really needs switched is the 08 front end parts (they are running a non offset front wheel on a 07 softail frame and swing arm).
Hope this helps, if you need any info on the swap I'll be happy to share any info I have.
By the way if anybody needs one, I still have the 07 front end parts including front wheel, and a 08 rear wheel in the garage, make me an offer.
Novice
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Derbyshire, UK
1Coastie, tk353, Many thanks for your replies. All the evidence seems to point to fact that for whatever reason (and I dont think well ever know !) they simply got it wrong with the 2007.
I wouldnt be surprised if the entire frame and swingarm is the same for the 2007 and 2008 apart from the rear axle diameter particularly as its shared with the Night Train and Custom. There is no visible offset on the rear wheel of my 2007 as its in line with the center of the rear fender, seat and tank etc. and Ill bet the same applies to the 2008s onwards.
Thanks again for your replies . and in the meantime Ill keep an eye on the wear on my front tire and continue saving up for the 2008 chrome front end and wheel !
I wouldnt be surprised if the entire frame and swingarm is the same for the 2007 and 2008 apart from the rear axle diameter particularly as its shared with the Night Train and Custom. There is no visible offset on the rear wheel of my 2007 as its in line with the center of the rear fender, seat and tank etc. and Ill bet the same applies to the 2008s onwards.
Thanks again for your replies . and in the meantime Ill keep an eye on the wear on my front tire and continue saving up for the 2008 chrome front end and wheel !
Correction on my post. I have the same problem. I asked my HD dealer and they said they were aware of the problem. then the owner said he wished HD would have sent a letter out with every purchase of a 2007 Fatboy.
Last edited by ski917; Jan 19, 2010 at 06:34 AM.
R.I.P. BROTHER
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 6
From: Colorado Springs
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.
Decisions...Decisions....
I know what I would do!!!
Behold the power of FURY!!!!
3 thousand Gay **** stars on the west coast surely cant be wrong!!!
Last edited by Chazmanian; Sep 7, 2009 at 11:11 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,257
Likes: 6
From: Leander Texas
put your finger between the fender and the left fork...... now try it on the right side
Stage II
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
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 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
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 786
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan, AR
I have an 07 Fatboy and noticed the offset front fender after reading about it here. It appears that in order to fit the wider rear tire and still have enough room for drive belt clearance they just shoved the tire to the right. In order to keep the tire centerlines lined up the front wheel had to be moved an equal amount to the right also. My question is, if you replaced the front lower forks and wheel with the 08 version wouldn't your track now be out of alignment without making similar adjustments to the rear tire location?