handling difference deluxe vs fatboy
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,625
Likes: 1,665
From: Blairsville GA
Minor differences you may not even notice. The wider tire of the Fatboy will slow down turn-in in the twisties. Neither bike is what you would call "nimble", but by virtue of it's wider tire the Fatboy will be less so. The advantage, although you may never use it is that the Fatboy has a slightly deeper lean angle. I've had Softails with both the 16" and 17" tires and my personal opinion is that the 16" have a cushier ride.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 134
From: North Texas
they should be virtually the same to ride being two softails of the same traits and characteristics only diferrentiated by the accesories and rims.
ALTHOUGH the disc wheels of the fatboy do affect handling during transversal winds u can feel it on the handlebar since the wind won't pas thtough the front tire as it would on the spoked deluxe, but this is not so harsh,when an 18 wheeler passes by u, u can feel the bike shake from the wind and u have tokeep it steadier,but that's about it,it's no real concern,I drive a fatboy and that sort of thing has never affected my riding,hope it doesn't keep u down.
Never the less,it's a difference between both
ALTHOUGH the disc wheels of the fatboy do affect handling during transversal winds u can feel it on the handlebar since the wind won't pas thtough the front tire as it would on the spoked deluxe, but this is not so harsh,when an 18 wheeler passes by u, u can feel the bike shake from the wind and u have tokeep it steadier,but that's about it,it's no real concern,I drive a fatboy and that sort of thing has never affected my riding,hope it doesn't keep u down.
Never the less,it's a difference between both
You can't be for real...
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
I have a 2009 Fatboy, and I think the 17" radial tires handle excellent. I'm not a big fan of the 200mm rear tire, but it handles great. They will last much longer (mileage) than the old tube-type 16" tires the deluxe has. And, if you needed to "plug" a tire out on the road, you could with the tubeless tires vs. the old tube type. Just my 2 cents.
I have 11,714 kms (7,278 miles) on my 200mm tire and it is on the wear bars. No, I have never done a burnout with it.
A roll of 2 ply toilet paper would have lasted longer.
You are in for a surprise unless your 09 is a garage queen.
lee
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
Likes: 40
From: Los Angeles, CA
As everyone else has said they are virtually the same bike, tire size aside. Buy which ever you like better. But know what thAT THE deluxe IS LOWERED 1 INCH FROM THE FACTORY WHICH COULD AFFECT YOUR LEAN ANGLE. THE FATBOY LO IS TOO. The regular fatboy is not. Drew
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,257
Likes: 6
From: Leander Texas
mine handles great. the radial tires did it for me. I hear the low evens handles better.
I do have a low profile front tire and that made it handle like a sport bike
I do have a low profile front tire and that made it handle like a sport bike
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,257
Likes: 6
From: Leander Texas
the fatboy i had was harder seat then a sportster until i changed it to mustang. tire brand makes a difference too. the rear i have is from 2010 crossbones and it is same tread as heritage