Deluxe questions
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 7
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From: Ohio, West Virginia
Deluxe questions
I'm thinking about getting a Softail Deluxe and I have many ideas for little things that I'd like to change/customize, which is where I have questions. First, I'm looking at getting different handlebars. Ideally, a bar like the Flanders C4 29" broomstick bar (or other related drag-style bars). Has anyone done this, have pics? If so, do you like the new riding style? Second, I am looking at getting a D&D Fat Cat exhaust for it. Anybody have one and were you pleased with your decision? I'm also looking at gettting a smaller seat (like a Mustang Solo Only or Day Tripper); any feedback on working with Mustang and the quality of their product? Also, has anyone removed the two driving lights in order to give the front end the look of a Fat Boy? If so, what all is involved? And finally, I've read on a few instances that Deluxes have a history/tendency to run a little to hot and subsequently require thousands of dollars worth of engine work to rectify the problem...is this only in the older models? Has this issue been addressed in the newer ones ('09's)?
I know it's a lot, but any comments, help, pictures, etc. that you guys have would be greatly appreciated
I know it's a lot, but any comments, help, pictures, etc. that you guys have would be greatly appreciated
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
I am of no help with the bars. I have only read about the fatcat, but hear that it is oen of the nicest pipes out there. I have a mammoth choppers seat but hear that mustangs are very nice. Taking off the passing lamps should not be too difficult. If you want to sell them let me know. I want some for my bike. As far as running hot, Harley's do the way they come from the factory. If you are putting on exhaust already might as well get an open air filter and a power commander or some other sort of fuel remapping device to adjsut the way it runs a bit. My bike ahs 35K miles and no problems whatsoever. I think it really depends on who you talk to about this issue, and what they have done to their bike. Also, the kind of riding you do and where you live could obviously affect this.
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 2
From: Florida Panhandle
The Deluxe is a beautiful slate to work from with its classic lines. I went with the beach bars look. I have used a Mustang Solo for about 30K miles. I eventually moved over to Corbin though and wouldn't go back. The heat issue will get resolved for the most part with the Stage I upgrade. Get some pics posted so when you can so we can enjoy your handiwork.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 340
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
On the temperature issue, I don't think the Deluxe is any worse than other HDs. In fact, although mine shows 250 on the dipstick guage regularly, and my Nightster never went above 220 or so, the Deluxe seems to run better. The Nightster pinged a lot, even after a pipe, a/c, and Stage 1 d/l.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 2
From: WA - The State
And finally, I've read on a few instances that Deluxes have a history/tendency to run a little to hot and subsequently require thousands of dollars worth of engine work to rectify the problem...is this only in the older models? Has this issue been addressed in the newer ones ('09's)?
I spent right around $1000 for PCIII, Samson pipes, and a K&N air cleaner kit. Installed them all myself, and the only part that was hard was installing the rear head pipe on the duals. Even that wasn't bad. Good excuse to work on the bike and drink beers.
And if you're wanting to change that much on a Deluxe, you might be better off just buying a base model Softail and then adding what you want.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 7
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From: Ohio, West Virginia
Thanks for all the input so far everyone! As to why I wouldn't just get a Fat Boy or another Softail model is because, first and foremost, there is NO other motorcycle with body lines like that of the Deluxe (one of the main parts are the fenders). Also, I prefer the look of spoke wheels, which the Fat Boy doesn't come with. Paint scheme is another issue...I like the black and white and the plain vivid black, one other thing the Fat Boy doesn't offer. As to the other Softail models, as I said before, they just don't have the flowing lines like the Deluxe...especially towards the back end and the rear fender.
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Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
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From: Los Angeles, CA
The Heritage comes with spoke wheels, bags, and a windshield and looks great with or without both. I believe the fenders are quite similar to the deluxe as well. That being said I prefer the Deluxe as well.
