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If I had to replace my bike, I'd go deluxe and add windshield and bags. Most people end up w/ a aftermarket shield that's detachable. The stock shield is too tall for vertically impared people like me. I like the stock bags, and they can be had used for not that much. However, I'm looking for aftermarket bags since mine are wearing out and coming apart.
The Deluxe does have a little bit more chrome as JBG said above. The deluxe sits lower, I went through the same thing when I bought mine. Just liked how the deluxe looked. Mine had the windshield and Hard Bags on it when I bought it. Either way I would have still gone with a deluxe
Really does depend on what you want bro first thing i did as soon as i got the deluxe was take the windshield off and throw it in my truck so i could ride it home hahahahahaa.
I own a Deluxe and a Heritage, and once you complete all the mods, the only way to now tell the difference is the "Heritage" or "Deluxe" on the fender.
The one thing nobody has mentioned is that the steering head on the Deluxe has more rake. That changes the look (significantly in my opinion) and is something that is not that practical to modify. That coupled with the lower suspension makes the Deluxe look much sleeker and the Heritage more upright. It's probably the difference you couldn't put your finger on. Look at them side by side with the comparison feature on the HD site (look at specs too). You can throw bags and a windshield on a Deluxe but you can't turn a Heritage into a Deluxe.
I like both the Heritage & the Deluxe...and would own and ride each with pride. Their differences are small but make a large statement.
I bought a Fat Boy Lo.
-I wanted the low suspension
-I can add windshield, bags, lights
-I wanted the PHAT rear tire
-I wanted clean, pinstripe & graphic free
-I wanted NO CHROME
-I wanted the denim paint
I'm a happy biker. And now that purchase has been made...I've created an even longer want list.
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