Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe vs Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy

The Harley Davidson launched the Softail frame in 1983, with a hidden mono-shock at the rear, lower seat height, and a hard-tail frame. Sooner it became a trademark for the Harley Davidson motorcycles. The HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL DELUXE that is currently known by people was first released in 2005 with a 103 cubic inch (1,690-cc) engine and remained in production till 2022. Many changes have been made to the Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe since its first release.

The SOFTAIL FAT BOY was first released in 1990 and since then it is continued in production. Numerous changes have been made to the Fat Boy since then. The latest 2022 Fat Boy share many traits with its predecessor models and is also equipped with a modern touch as well.

The SOFTAIL DELUXE is a classic vintage-style cruiser motorcycle that is chrome painted except for the fuel tank and mudguards. It has three headlights with a big one in the center and two small ones at the sides. It has full vintage-style mudguards, unlike the other Softail models. It has a solo set and floorboards for the rider. It has wider HANDLEBARS and a lower seating position. At the front, it has inverted fork shocks with single disc brake and tire size of MT90B16 72H. At the rear, it has a hidden adjustable mono-shock with a single disc brake and tire size of MU85B16 77H. Like other Softail models, Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe does not have any SADDLEBAGS , CRASH BARS , or sissy bars .

The SOFTAIL FAT BOY has the looks of a traditional cruiser motorcycle. With its wide HANDLEBARS and bulky frame. It has dual seats with floorboards for the rider and standard footrests for the passenger. The whole motorcycle has a chrome finish except for the fuel tank and mudguards. Like many other Softail models Fat Boy also does not have saddlebags or CRASH BARS attached to it and like other cruiser motorcycles, it has dual exhausts on the right side of the motorcycle. Also, at the front, it has a 49 mm telescopic fork with a wheel travel of 130 mm (5.1 in), 300 mm dual disc brakes, and a tire size of 160/60R18 70V BW. At the rear, it has a 43 mm adjustable hidden mono-shock with a wheel travel of 86 mm (3.4 in), a single 292 mm disc brake, and a tire size of 240/40R18 79V BW.

With a four-stroke, V-Twin engine of 107 cubic inches (1,753-cc), the HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL DELUXE has a very efficient engine that can deliver the maximum horsepower of 100 hp. With a stroke size of 111 mm (4.374 in) and a bore size of 100 mm (3.937 in), it can produce a maximum torque of 109 ft-lb (147.78 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm. It operates on a low-maintenance belt drive train resulting in an efficient motorcycle. With a fuel tank capacity of 5 gal (18.9 L), it has a good fuel mileage of 47 MPG (19.9 km/l).

With a four-stroke, V-Twin engine of 114 cubic inches (1,868-cc), the HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOY has a very powerful engine that can deliver a maximum horsepower of 94 hp. With a stroke size of 114 mm (4.5 in) and a bore size of 101.6 mm (4.0 in) it can produce a maximum torque of 119 ft-lb (161 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm. It operates on a low-maintenance belt drive train resulting in an efficient motorcycle. With a fuel tank capacity of 5 gal (18.9 L), it has a good fuel mileage of 47 MPG (19.9 km/l).

The SOFTAIL DELUXE heavyweight motorcycle handles pretty well mainly because of a lower center of gravity. It has a lower seat height of 657.8 mm (25.9 in) with a length of 2,415.5 mm (95.1 in). It provides a relaxing riding position to the rider. Because of its heavy weight and longer length, it is not a recommended motorcycle for short riders and beginner riders. It has a good ground clearance of 114.3 mm (4.5 in) providing good stability to the rider.

The SOFTAIL FAT BOY has an overall weight of 699 lb (317 kg) making it a heavyweight cruiser motorcycle. However, with such a heavyweight it has an overall length of 2,369.3 mm (93.3 in) and a seat height of 657.8 mm (25.9 in). To provide a comfortable riding position and good aerodynamics it has a trail of 104 mm (4.1 in) and a rake angle of. Although it is a heavyweight cruiser motorcycle, it provides great stability in driving even at higher speeds. Because of its heavyweight and bigger dimensions, this is a very good option for tall and heavyweight guys.

The top speed of the HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL DELUXE depends on the condition of the motorcycle, and the weight of the rider on the motorcycle. It is not a sports motorcycle but it can easily go over 100 MPH and in ideal scenarios, it can reach around 140 MPH.

The Fat Boy is a model of the Softail series of Harley Davidson. HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOY was first introduced in 1990 and continued in production since then. Like Softail Fat Boy all the other models of the Softail series have a hidden mono-shock at the rear. All the details and questions regarding Softail Fat Boy are discussed in the article above.

Softail Fat Boy has a bigger engine capable of producing 161 Nm of torque and 94 hp of horsepower. Keeping in mind Softail Fat Boy is a heavyweight cruiser motorcycle and difficult to handle. Softail Fat Boy is a good option for riders who are looking for a brand-new cruiser motorcycle with great engine performance and very comfortable to ride over long rides. Remember the fact, Softail Fat Boy is not recommended for new riders.

Lowering the rear suspension affects very much there will be lesser wheel travel of the shocks and hence the rider will feel jumps every time the motorcycle hit any bump on the road. Another main issue caused by lowering the rear suspension is motorcycle feels difficult in taking corner turns.

Both are powerful heavyweight motorcycles with some slight differences in terms of engine & performance, design, and chassis. However, both have all the power anyone would need from the motorcycle for long rides. Both have great front suspension however the rear suspension may feel a bit uncomfortable for heavyweight riders. Both share very much the same dimensions the main difference arises in terms of price and engine performance. Although both are expensive, they have reliable engines and require very less maintenance if they are kept in accordance with the service manual. Many riders prefer to buy LUGGAGE and EXTRA ITEMS before going to tour on these motorcycles.