The main difference you will experience is the handlebars. The Deluxe bars are made for us of short stature and the FatBoy has really wide bars that, for me any way, are not a bit comfortable and made for guys with long arms. Otherwise the bikes are fairly similar in the way they handle and ride.

 

Im a Deluxe owner and I love the them. Im also short and I found the Fatboy to be uncomfortable. The bars didnt feel quite right, when I sat on the Deluxe it was all over.

 

Both bikes are nice! but I would not worry aboutpushing a Deluxe around I'm only 5'3" and I push it around OK as long as I'm not trying to push up hill.

 

WIfe is only 5'3" and she handles the Deluxe with no problem. I ride it occasionally, and after owning a Fatboy for 3 years (2003) I like the way the Deluxe rides much better. Lower center of gravity, means better cornering, and a real feeling of being part of the bike, and not just the rider.