Turning Slim into Deluxe/Heritage
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Cruiser
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Turning Slim into Deluxe/Heritage
So this is more theoretical than anything else and came about from browsing softail models on the Harley website.
Anyway, the question is, assuming you did your own work and black vs chrome aside, could you turn a Slim into a Deluxe or Heritage for less than those bikes cost? The base MSRP for a Slim is $15,699 while the base MSRP is $17,399 for a Deluxe and $17,599 for the Heritage. It looks like the main changes would be fenders, seats, bars, and some lighting.
Just food for thought.
Anyway, the question is, assuming you did your own work and black vs chrome aside, could you turn a Slim into a Deluxe or Heritage for less than those bikes cost? The base MSRP for a Slim is $15,699 while the base MSRP is $17,399 for a Deluxe and $17,599 for the Heritage. It looks like the main changes would be fenders, seats, bars, and some lighting.
Just food for thought.
Last edited by RedBen; Jul 8, 2013 at 10:55 AM. Reason: listed lighting twice
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Anyway, the question is, assuming you did your own work and black vs chrome aside, could you turn a Slim into a Deluxe or Heritage for less than those bikes cost? The base MSRP for a Slim is $15,699 while the base MSRP is $17,399 for a Deluxe and $17,599 for the Heritage. It looks like the main changes would be fenders, seats, bars, and some lighting.
..and that's not counting bags and a windshield if you wanted a Heritage.
And then there's the whitewalls...
slim into heritage
If you go that route I would check eBay, Craigslist, and after market companies for parts. I have done several bikes. Make sure you know what you want before buying something. It will save money and your bike will be your own creation.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Florida
I wouldn't say that it's impossible to do it an come out spending less. But I would say that it would require an insane amount of patience and searching to find what you need at a low enough cost. There are deals out there. As someone who has been modifying his bike ever so slowly over the last five years, I should know. But by the time its all said and done, you'll have wondered why you didn't just pay the slightly higher price to begin with and got the bike you wanted. For me, the adventure has been worth it because there is no stock Harley out there that looks like what I want mine to look like. But if the case was that I just wanted to replicate something off the HD assembly line then I would just buy that model in the first place.
Another way I can see this as being feasible is you bought a pre-owned Slim for a less than new price. Still, it seems like a strange approach to getting where you want to go given that there are plenty of good deals out there on gently used Heritage and Deluxe models.
Another way I can see this as being feasible is you bought a pre-owned Slim for a less than new price. Still, it seems like a strange approach to getting where you want to go given that there are plenty of good deals out there on gently used Heritage and Deluxe models.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: new orleans
I'm thinking of converting my softail custom into a deluxe. buying the bike new and converting it would def. be more expensive. buying a used softail standard on the cheap and converting it into what you want might be cheaper then a used deluxe. But again it all depends on the price you pay for the bike.
I'd have to say it would cost at least $2k for all the parts to convert.
I'd have to say it would cost at least $2k for all the parts to convert.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Illinois
I see a "why did I do that" kick in the azz coming in a year or so if you buy a slim and convert it. If you think you can do it for 2k, it's going to cost you 4k because there are so many more little details then just fenders and the likes. You must want a Deluxe or Heritage more than a Slim if you're thinking of converting it. I say buy the bike you want and then customize or put your name on that bike. Thats just my opinion. Also, I don't know where you live but you ain't buying neither of those 3 bikes for those 3 prices that you mentioned any where around here!! I walked by a new Deluxe a few weeks back and the tag hanging on it was a few bucks shy of 20k. I didn't really pay attention if it had addons but nothing jumped out and got my attention either.
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Cruiser
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I mainly noticed the price difference and wondered. Like I said, more theoretical than any real desire to do so. Maybe if you wanted a blacked out bike with Deluxe style it might be one way to go rather than buying a Deluxe and blacking it out. I'm not about to go drop the cash to do that though. The bike I have is paid off and I still like it just fine.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: FL
Here is my wife's Heritage with slim wheels, starting to add more black out, We had Deluxe handlebars installed, powder coated black, recently. She did not like the mini apes and actually like the Deluxe before we purchased the Heritage. But with adding a wndshield and bags it was more cost effective to purchase the Heritage.
Last edited by Badbagger09; Jul 11, 2013 at 05:00 AM.
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I'd say keep it theoretical. Time is money (not to mention riding time) and you'll just eat up a lot of time turning a Slim into a Heritage.
If you'd really love a Heritage, get one and make it your own with a few mods.
Just my 2 centavos. YMMV.
If you'd really love a Heritage, get one and make it your own with a few mods.
Just my 2 centavos. YMMV.