fatboy v/s softtail deluxe
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 321
Likes: 1
From: Carol Stream, IL
fatboy v/s softtail deluxe
I need some help in deciding my best options here. I am one of the many vertically challenged harley fans. I like the Fatboy and also like the classic look of softtail Deluxe. I am 5'4" / 5'5" with my riding boots. what would be the best option for me.
1) Lower my ride. If so what route..lowering kit v/s replacing shocks.
2) Does lowering give me less cornering clearance, I would hate sparks flying out while I am leaning in a corner.
3) Do I have to change the handle bars for a better reach. What are the best reach handle bar for someone like me. I would like to sit upright without having to lean forward for the handle bar.
4) which is a better ride of the two fatboy or Deluxe.
I have looked and searched for this info in the forum extensively and have not found all this info to the extent I would like to... this is a make or break thing for me... If not I will have to think about Dynas but I would like softails over dyna.. Please help... Thank you all..
1) Lower my ride. If so what route..lowering kit v/s replacing shocks.
2) Does lowering give me less cornering clearance, I would hate sparks flying out while I am leaning in a corner.
3) Do I have to change the handle bars for a better reach. What are the best reach handle bar for someone like me. I would like to sit upright without having to lean forward for the handle bar.
4) which is a better ride of the two fatboy or Deluxe.
I have looked and searched for this info in the forum extensively and have not found all this info to the extent I would like to... this is a make or break thing for me... If not I will have to think about Dynas but I would like softails over dyna.. Please help... Thank you all..
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 579
Likes: 3
I tend to prefer to work on the seat first to lower my riding height. Everything else does in fact affect ground clearance and handling. Mean City can reduce the seat height 1"-2", you could go even more is you choose to change shock or install a front and/or rear lowering kit. Mean City can even change you to am ore forward sitting position.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Fredericksburg, Va
Honestly, you shouldn't have any problem on a stock Deluxe. If so, there are plenty of seat options out there. I am a huge fan of the Deluxe over a Fat Boy because I like the look ,the passing lamps and the tombstone tail light. Like anything looks are personal preference though. The Deluxe sits prety damn low.
my $.02 cents
my $.02 cents
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
Buy the bike you like, they are both the same basic platform with differences in styling.
The Deluxe is 1" lower stock , but both bikes can be lowered more with a lowering kit or shocks. Seats can be changed as well as bars. You can alter both bikes with the same mods. Anything you do to lower the bike other than the seat will change the lean angle and you will scrape the floor boards earlier. But with these bikes youll scrape once in a while any way
Take a look at the 2010 Fat Boy Lo its supposed to be the lowest seat height
Look at the C & C Seat site for ideas www.ccseats.com and the Wild Ones Handle Bars site for bars www.wild1sinc.com and progressive for suspension ideas.
The Deluxe is 1" lower stock , but both bikes can be lowered more with a lowering kit or shocks. Seats can be changed as well as bars. You can alter both bikes with the same mods. Anything you do to lower the bike other than the seat will change the lean angle and you will scrape the floor boards earlier. But with these bikes youll scrape once in a while any way
Take a look at the 2010 Fat Boy Lo its supposed to be the lowest seat height
Look at the C & C Seat site for ideas www.ccseats.com and the Wild Ones Handle Bars site for bars www.wild1sinc.com and progressive for suspension ideas.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 321
Likes: 1
From: Carol Stream, IL
I just got back from the harley dealership. I love the deluxe and I love the fatboy lo even more.. I sat on both the stock 2010 fatboy and deluxe. I had no problem with the deluxe but what I felt that I had to stretch or scoot to reach the rear brake & shifter..which I hope can be fixed with a seat.. did you have a issue with the shifter and rear brake if so how did you overcome that is there a way I can bring back the shifter and rear brake a inch or so also can the footboards be adjusted to move back inch or half???
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, Orange County, Ca
Anyone know the specs on the new Fatboy Lo? I've got a Deluxe but I'm thinking of trading in my Sportster for another bike and the Lo seems perfect. The Deluxe just fits me...would the Lo be lower and by how much?
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: Issaquah, WA
I just got back from the harley dealership. I love the deluxe and I love the fatboy lo even more.. I sat on both the stock 2010 fatboy and deluxe. I had no problem with the deluxe but what I felt that I had to stretch or scoot to reach the rear brake & shifter..which I hope can be fixed with a seat.. did you have a issue with the shifter and rear brake if so how did you overcome that is there a way I can bring back the shifter and rear brake a inch or so also can the footboards be adjusted to move back inch or half???
The two bikes have a much different look. So go with what you like, and have it adjusted to fit.