As an easy example, the main frame is the same on all of the new Softails and what differentiates the wide tire models from the standard models is the swing arm which is just a simple bolt on piece.

 

Cool article,man that ugly FXR looks better all the time..
HawRee DaveeSan,you go girl...
Kidding ! (a little bit)

 

And the frame width at the swingarm... and the neck rake...

 

This is a pretty good explanation of the frame.

 

Yeah, I saw that one.

 

That's a good article. I remember being around during those times and I recall that the reason they stopped the FXR was because "the loyal" all said it "looked too jap". The Dyna was an attempt to keep the handling, while having it look more like a traditional FLH frame. I don't believe they every matched the handling.

Are you sure about that? There's no reason it couldn't be a standard with at the frame and just have that piece bow more to accommodate the wider tire.

 

He's right. It is mentioned in the video above. They have 3 different steering heads to weld onto the backbone of the frame and a wider variation near the swingarm for the Fat Bob and Breakout. Guess that will also be a piece they can just weld on. Lot of thought went into the design.

 

after 14x,xxx the only way MY bike can go up in value...... is when I fill the fuel tank....
LOL

 

I think you mean Fat BOY and Breakout, as they're the models with a 240 rear tire.

 

Interesting article.

Guy down at the local dealership is trying to talk me into trading in my Diavel for one of the new 18 Fat Bobs, but that ain't going to happen.

That said, I am thinking about adding to the stable. At the moment I'm considering the old Low Rider S or the 18 Fat Bob. I guess I need to ride it and see what my hands-on impression is.

Just from photos, I don't like the light on the new FB and I'm not sure how easily that could be modified. I'm also not 100 percent sold on the new engine.