That's what's nice about the Softail line. You can innerchange parts/accessories to customize the way you like.

 

I also got the 2007 Deluxe for it's looks and riding position, very comfortable for the under 5'10 crowd. But you will absolutely spend significant $$ to make it all it can & should be. You will need a new seat. I got the Harley Sundowner Deep Bucket. A big improvement over stock but would have goten a Mustang if they were available back then (they are now). Next a windshield, next V&H pipes, next K&H Air Filter, next K Grips. I ordered a sissy bar luggage bag (in the mail). The difference in the bike today vs stock is unbelievable re comfort & power. I haven't even started on the chrome yet. As to riding 2 up, my wife & I have taken several medium long trips (ie 180 miles) and she hasn't complained. But I never rode a RK so can't compare it to the baggers. Bottom line, pick the bike you like the most, then get ready to spend to set it up right. Unless you're planning to take trips across state lines, I think the Softails will work just fine. If you're thinking about a RK you ought to check the threads re tranny noise on the 07 baggers. That's still an issue which doesn't appear to bother the Softails.

 

The heritage looks like a good choice given its price and all that's include as stock. However, the styling of the seat/saddlebags don't look as good as some the others I've seen in my opinion.

 

I second that one!!!

 

I agree with all of these except I've done cross-stateline rides without dying on the fatboy, though the seat had to change after the last one bigtime. The ars was barkin' a bit too much after a 400 mile day on a lepera solo.. What was I thinkin'.. I asked for it. But pretty much an FL softail is pretty much an FL softail.. It depends on how you want it "appointed".. The Heritage is ready for miles right off the showroom floor.. If you swap exhausts for large bags, the fatboy and deluxe both will be as well, with addition of a windsheild and sissybar (for two up or luggage).

I'd say the Heritage is the one that has NOT changed too much over the years and hopefully won't.. It's the perfect touring softail, I say. Who needs a dang 200 rear tire on a Heritage for Pete's sake. Don't get ya from A to B any better does it.

The Deluxe has some serious Eye Candy with the paint schemes and the bling bling on the bullet lightbar and front lightbar. Gorgeous bike.

The fatboy.. (my opinion here).. They tried.. I think "Nike Swoosh" with the paintjobs and they shifted the whole drivetrain over from center in order to accomodate a marketing push to fat rear tires.. That worries me. eh. (sorry new fatboy guys.. no offense intended.. it's one shmo's silly opinion). But if I wanted a fat rear tire, I'd get an Ironhorse (correction: make that an Exile) with a 250 to 300 and be done with a full blown custom instead of trying to retrofit "custom" into a perfectly good classic FL softail platform. So if I had that fatboy to chose from, I retract previous.. I'd probably buy one of the other two and drop the seat, bars and pipes before it left the dealer.. unless I'd be hard pressed to sit a bit more on a wide glide. Just to confuse things a bit.

Could always just pick three (one of each) that you liked and roll the dice.. Make it fun!
1 or 3 gets a fatboy,
2 and 4 gets a deluxe,
3 or 6 gets a heritage.

.. hehehe I dare ya! If you do, let us know how the dice rolled with pics of your new scoot.

 

What is the difference between a Deluxe and a Fatboy. I thought they were basically the same bike but just cosmetically different?

I've got a Fatboy w/ detachable windshield, saddle bags and backrest/luggage rack. Works for me!

 

Works for me too. C'mon springtime.. Enough with this winter weather.

Full front FL fender on Deluxe.
Rear bullet lightbar on Deluxe vs strut mounted bullets on Fatboy.. Which allows the Deluxe to accomodate larger bags stock with removal of stock shotgun exhaust.
Chrome fender trim on Deluxe.
Tombstone taillight on Deluxe.
Lightbar with passing lamps on Deluxe.
Stock bars, risers, seat, exhaust are different.
200 rear tire and fatter rear fender on the new Fatboys.
Paint schemes.
I think also the Deluxe is lowered from the factory 1" (could be wrong there).
Solid vs spoke wheels.
White walls standard on Deluxe.
Front wheel / fender off-center along with rear wheel on the new 200 rear-tire fatboys.
Basically custom-retro styling verses custom-hotrod styling.

 

Don't worry, I'll let you all know as soon as I make my choice. Don't know when that will be tough!!!

 

For what it's worth, I just went through a similar learning curve and buying decision with regard to my first bike in over 34 years. One thing I noticed, reading reviews, is that almost EVERYONE loves their bike. That tells me that you really can't go wrong either way. The comment about the wife being happy is very valid too, although in my case the wife was against it from the get go. I just had to make a decision and face her wrath . . . she got over it. As a general rule though, if she's happy, I'm happy.

Having said all that, I went with the softail heritage classic, but I ordered quick disconnects for the sissy bar, luggage rack, and bags because I wanted a bad street cruiser in addition to a comfy touring machine. I haven't ridden it yet, but I'm ready. It's due to arrive in February. Good luck with your choice.

 

If you are planning to ride with your wife get a touring bike, maybe a Street Glide, they come with CD players!I'm sure she'll like that! I like my deluxe, but that's because my wife doesn't like riding, maybe cause I cruise ate 100 mph, yeah that could be it. Anyway, a Classic Road Kingwould be another wise choice! Good Luck and post some pictures when you make your choice.