calling all 2007 Fatboy owners..
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 786
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan, AR
I'm not sure what youre trying to say here, if youre talking about the back wheel, they may be the same, I havent checked although I have a 08 rear wheel out in the shop.
If youre talking about the front wheel....... your wrong, I have personally made this upgrade, I have personally measured the wheels, I have personally done the research and I know what I'm talking about.
Once you have actually completed this upgrade feel free to dispute my findings..... however I know for a fact, because I have done this (and you havent) that you wont dispute my findings after completing the upgrade because you'll find that your wrong.
Hey I take back what I said. After reading this thread further I found what you guys are talking about and my 07 is doing it bad. I took some pics to show you all and is this what your talking about?
Stage II
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I honestly dont know the reason for the offset; it may be that they were trying to align the wheels; however the 06 SE Fatboy has the exact same size wheels, same swing arm, and no offset. Also the 08 rear wheel has not been moved to either side, yet the front wheel is now centered, it could be that they were trying to solve a non-issue by aligning the wheels. It is also possible that when they had the foundry forge the front wheels they simply got the offset wrong and ended up with a bunch of odd front wheels, so they changed the lower legs to account for the offset and let it ride until they ran out of these odd front wheels, and finally put the new correct front wheels on the 08's. I dont know...... All I can tell you is that a 08 front wheel and lower legs will fix the problem with no adverse affects.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 786
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan, AR
Just to be clear, have you checked the tracking of your bike after the change to see if both tires centerlines are indeed lined up now? It seems to me that moving the front tire to the left the 1/2 or 3/4 of an inch that it takes to correct this offset will cause the tires to follow two different paths down the road if they were already lined up as delivered from the factory. Also, did you have to change the brake caliper to the 08 version?
The brake caliper off the 07 worked fine on the 08 lower legs because the mounting pads on the lower legs are what sets the alignment for the brake caliper.
This is really a no brainer as far as modification goes. I did all the work myself and I'm not a mechanic.
Rest assured, I wouldn't provide all this information and lead numerous fellow riders down a mistaken path. I can understand your caution and skepticism when it comes to this mod, its expensive, and most parts people and service techs at HD dont know anything about it.
I know most people on here dont really know me, but trust me I would never recommend you do anything to your bike that would reduce its ridability, value or safety.
This is an improvement to your bike.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 786
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan, AR
Yes...
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 786
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan, AR
????? Everone has what??
Look, I'm sure you thought I was giving you a little attitude after going back and reading the post I replied to you on, and maybe I was.... a little.
If I was a little overbearing, I apologize.
I just dont want anybody on this thread to get the wrong information, this is an important topic, and an expensive modification (that HD sould have to pay for).
I get frusterated when people come on here and give incorrect advice.
Look, I'm sure you thought I was giving you a little attitude after going back and reading the post I replied to you on, and maybe I was.... a little.
If I was a little overbearing, I apologize.
I just dont want anybody on this thread to get the wrong information, this is an important topic, and an expensive modification (that HD sould have to pay for).
I get frusterated when people come on here and give incorrect advice.
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
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Delta, BC. Canada
I realize this is an old thread but I'm interested in making the front end swap to a '08. As I understand, moving the front wheel to the center of the forks "does not" affect the tracking? Both front and rear wheels are lined up? This is confusing because if moving to an '08 front end and centering the front wheel keeps the front and rear wheel aligned and tracking straight, that would presume that the original setup has the tracking off and the wheels not aligned?? The only other changes are to the wheel axle and or bearings and spacers? What about the fender, how did you center the fender on the forks?
Because this is an older thread, and I can't find much about a fix for this issue, has any new info been released or a better fix?
Because this is an older thread, and I can't find much about a fix for this issue, has any new info been released or a better fix?
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Joppa, MD
I have an 07 and was also concerned about the offset but I'm not any longer. I have 4,800 miles on the bike and just had the 5K checkup done at the dealer. My front tire has no signs of wear. I had them specifically check this out. I'm going to stop losing sleep over this and enjoy my Fat Boy!
Last edited by cliffhusn; Jan 20, 2010 at 07:38 PM.