I've been comparing the specs of different models on HD's website and I think there might be some mistakes.

1. Comparing a Fat Boy and a Slim, it makes no sense for them to be the same length. One would think that they could have the same length if they had different rake, but they have almost the same wheelbase. Clearly, by looking at the pictures the rear fender/stoplight of a Fat Boy should make it longer than the Slim.

2. There is a similar situation in the Sportster family. If the Custom and the Forty Eight are compared, the 48 is supposed to be longer. Again, their wheelbases are equal and they even have exactly the same tires. Logically, the Custom should be longer because of the rear fender/spotlight.

Has somebody by any chance compared the actual motorcycles to check the specs?

 

I am willing to bet the specs are right. I know that before I gotta Rocker I had a Honda Shadow amd was comparing lengths to determine if it would fit in my tight corner reserved in my garage. To my astonishment the specs on HDs website told me that they were within inches of the same wheelbase. I wouldn't have guessed that but sure enough they are very close.

 

Maybe you're measuring at different points than they are...

 

I knew it! MoCo corrected the tech specs and the lengths of the models have been amended.

 

Looks can be deceiving

 

Wheelbase is exactly that wheelbase not total length. The wheelbase is front tire to back tire...Not fender to fender or light or whatever else.