I have a 2005 FXSTDI; bought used with low mileage, bone stock early 2006. Now 95", 104TQ/94HP, runs great but I should have bought a Fatboy and have wanted one ever since. So, thinking about selling/buying or trading the Deuce for a Fatboy. Not many "pre-owned" '12 or later models available with the 103" motor so I am thinking an earlier model makes sense. It will not remain stock but will definitely go to 103" or 107", headwork and cams.

My other bike is an '02 FLHT and I am pretty much up to speed with the year to year changes to the touring line but not so much the softails. Aside from the 103" upgrade in 2012, is there any other upgrades that would point me to or away from a particular model year? For instance, when were ABS brakes available? when was the 200mm rear tire available? I know there were some issues with the six speed but those were sorted out by '08? Does the Fatboy Lo have the same rear travel as the Fatboy? How did they get the drop?

All suggestions are appreciated.

 

As a fellow Deuce owner, all I can say is that if you really want a FatBoy, the Deuce won't satisfy you. I don't think you'll regret going to the FB...at the very least, you won't have to deal with the "except FXSTD/FXSTDi" that plagues us Deuce owners in all of the parts catalogs. LOL

 

I know, I have owned a Deuce since early '06. While I love the Deuce, I also own an '02 FLHT, built all bore 107" motor and in the slow process of some some custom modifications to give the old FL a bit of Streetglied look. There are some features that the Fatboy has that make it more of a "touring" cruiser than the Deuce while still being a hot rod. I just have to figure out what model year Fatboy to go after.

 

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong... but the major Softail changes were all in the 2007 model year. 6spd, 96" and 200mm rear tire.

 

that is correct suntower.

07's are somewhat of a bastard yr, the parts books always seem to say except 07 FLSTF, but fits 08 - 10. i have a 07 FB myself and have found some of those "except" listings to be correct, others no.

 

Every time I think about trading the Deuce she makes me smile.

 

Correct 96'' and 6th. FB's did get a 200 rear but not all 07 Softies got one.



.

 

I dunno about the "touring" capacity of the Fatboy... but I do 3-500 mile days on mine pretty easy. Only limiting factor is not being able to carry more than a few days worth of socks and undies... he he he.

The 88 TC's can pretty much be made into the post 2007 bikes EXCEPT for the 200mm rear end... I guess anything is possible... but it won't be cheap.

I personally hate the look of the wider fender so I opted for the pre-2006 models when I looked for mine. I was fortunate (and patient) enough to find one that already had the mechanical upgrades I wanted.

Happy searching!

 

Big +1

 

just fatten up the deuce and keep it