I think you'll be very happy on a Fatboy with bags and a windshield.

 

FWIW, I'm 5' 6" w/a 28" inseam and the Heritage fits me just fine...per my sig pic, mine's set up for riding solo and I like having the bags if I need to pick something up while out riding.

 

As a current owner of a 01 Heritage and a new A.E Limited, and being 5'6" 29" inseam I can relate. If your choice is between a FB or a Heritage I would get the Heritage. Those are the two I was deciding between back in 01. They are almost the same bike, but you get the windshield and bags on a Heritage. I wouldn't worry much about the spokes, other than a PIA to clean and on a Heritage they look right.

If I lived in a urban area and didn't do much long mileage or 2 up, I would not have bought the Limited. But even after getting a nicer seat on the Heritage, I wanted something more comfortable for longer trips.
I must say that on the highway or anything above 50 or so mph, there is no comparison between the limited and the Heritage. The wind protection and ride is much better, plus all the amenities are great. However, my Limited is still stock height and in slow roll areas, especially while two up, it is intimidating. So I can understand your reasoning.

I would check to see what kind of deal the will give you, because I would think that would help in your decision. Life is short, and you need to be happy with your ride.

 

Sit or test ride them both. I've had 2 road kings in the past, and love the touring bikes, but
I decided It was time to trade in and I really like the slightly lighter softail frame and the way the cb engine runs. The softails does have a nice low seat ht, you'll feel like your part of the bike when riding, rather than ON the bike with the touring.

 

Get the Heritage, but I'm biased...

 

I have the Fatboy....But I should have bought the Heritage.
After all the "stuff" (Windshield etc, etc, etc) was purchased, it is basically a heritage now....But cost way more.

 

One more thing to add: I love the Heritage bars, it fits me well.
I switched out both my RK handlebars with heritage bars for comfort.
They're also adjustable fore and aft, to fit riders of diff sizes.
Might be something to add to your comparable list.

 

Indeed, I went from an Ultra to a heritage and love the trade. However, my wife misses the lounge chair that the Ultra provided for sure.

 

as a few have said prior to me......the deluxe is awesome!

 

My buddy rides a heritage and he's ridden that thing all over country. Sturgis, laconia, Daytona. He's got bags and a detachable two up for his wife. It's an 08 and he loves it.