I'm looking to buy a 2012 fatboy right now. However, i'm adding things like the auxiliary lights, sissy bar, and saddle bags... which makes it look similar to the heritage classic...and I understand they are both in the softtail family... but doesn't the fatboy sit different? I know the handlebars are different. But whatelse is different between them?
The heritage seems to sit higher... but is that an illusion or a shock adjustment? or an actual difference. I like the fatboy because it seems like you are IN the bike...?

 

Unless you have a particular affinity for the Fatboy wheels and little front fender... I would adivse that you get the Heritage is you want bags, lights, etc...

You're going to want to change the seat and stuff anyway. Start off ahead of the game.

 

Looking here http://motorcycles.findthebest.com/c...oftail-Classic
they appear the same except tiresize, handlebars, wheels, and exhaust (and of course accessories like saddle bags, lights, and windshield..and of course emblem.....)

 

So there's no difference in the frame or angles or anything like that? Just the seat, which is replaceable?

So changing out the seat and the handlebars would make it ride like a fatboy with extra stuff on it???

 

I agree...go to the Heritage, you'll be SO glad you did if you are already adding bags and a light bar and a sissy bar before you even drive it home! instead, put quick releases on the bags, buy the quick release sissybar bracket and you have the best of both worlds...I've owned both over the years, and of the two, the Heritage is my personal choice for comfort running around town, riding the twisties or two up touring...and it looks great doing any of the above!

 

I'm no expert... but... major differences are the wheels and fenders. The newer Fatboys come with a 50mm wider rear tire as well.

Seat height is virtually the same on both... if there's any difference, it's just in the different seats.

 

I ended up choosing a Fatboy for 3 primary reasons. First, I liked the wide rear tire. Second, I wasn't excited about cleaning spokes. Third, to me the Fatboy has a cleaner, less ornate look. Just my 2 cents.

 

I will tell you right now there is a huge difference on how the Heritage and fatboy fit you. I was really leaning towards the Fatboy when I was looking for a new bike but I did not like how the handlebars fit and the reach was way too long for my short arms. Also the fatboy gave me a different footing than the Heritage. Don't know if it was the seat or height but I do know it was different. The Heritage absolutely fit me perfect (well, after the salesman loosened up the risers and brought the bars back a half inch or so) the seat fit me perfectly as did my reach to the floor. It was a no brainer for me.

 

Same bike. I believe, even the rear swingarm is the same. As others have mentioned, just different wheels, seat, fenders. Heritage sits a LOT taller because of that comfy seat and I wouldn't be surprised if the shocks where a tad taller as well. My bike, when stock, was TALL. Hated it.

 

The FatBoy is fat, the Heritage is classic. Pretty much sums it up...