Just found a 2014 Deluxe, 3000 miles, real good deal. We use our 2011 Heritage mostly for long rides. Are the shocks on the deluxe shorter travel or can they be adjusted up to increase travel ? Don't want wife to complain. Also are parts like the square tube sissy bar off a Heritage and bags ( change to true duals) easy swap or am I looking at more trouble than it's worth. Thanks for any input
If your 2011 Deluxe has "Stock OEM" shocks they cannot be adjusted for height. Only preload.
Last year I worked on a riding buddy's 08 Deluxe. Many issues needed to be sorted out including ride height. The roads in our area do not lend themselves to lowered bikes and he constantly bottomed out or scrapped floorboards. After researching and comparing stock numbers I found that the shocks on the Deluxe have a different stock number than (Same Year) Fatboy's or Heritage's. The Swing Arm and front end including fork springs were universal for all 3 models. From this information I concluded that it was only the different length (Longer) shocks which gave the Deluxe its lowered stance.
After installing a spare set of Fatboy shocks on his Deluxe the bike sat almost an inch higher. Ride comfort and handling actually improved.
In the attached photo are Deluxe and Fatboy shocks. The Deluxe shocks are marked "Rod". You can clearly see that the canisters of the Deluxe shocks are longer.
If you want to increase ride height and wheel travel on your new Deluxe, find a set of Fatboy or Heritage shocks and swap them. Note: The service manual list a separate drive belt setting for the deluxe. If you change the shocks, do Not adjust the drive belt to Deluxe specifications. It will be to tight. Adjust the belt to the specifications of the Fatboy or Heritage.
olongopo1, thank much for the correct info. Now if I can find out if the other parts and bags will work , I have to make a choice if it's worth it or go with a newer Heritage.
I own the '14 Deluxe and have no suspension issues. I posted that link so you would know the shocks are adjustable. Most in here go to air shocks eventually with their Deluxe when they upgrade wheels. The pic below is from the service manual, didn't have time to address your other questions. My thoughts are maybe you should stay with the Heritage if you feel the Deluxe is too low.
Tampa fatboy, thanks for the info. I am thinking the Deluxe may not be the best idea but it is hard candy purple and is beautiful !! I'm done with touring bikes--sold the ultra last year and really like the softail ride and ease of handling
11-10-2015 | 02:27 PM
2014 Deluxe part interchangability
