Ok, am trying to decide on a new bike. Am 53 and my riding has always been dirt and adventure type riding. Love cruisers to and thinking of picking up a Harley. I don't take trips as most of my riding is back roads and mountain roads here in Arkansas. All my riding is one up as my wife doesn't ride. I really like the 1200c with the fat front tire and overall look. Demo'd it a little bit on short rides and know would probably have to do some shock work. But is something too I can mess with as love bobbers. The other bike I like as the fatboy. But would probably have to change out the solid wheels as not a huge fan. Price really isn't a big deal but they are about $8 grand different if I change out the wheels on the factory customization. As said most of my riding is local and most would be 3-4 hours on weekend rides but most is 1-2 hours at a time on the bike. I did try the slim but sits way to low or at least feels that way after being on adventure bikes. Am 6' and about 190 so either feels ok.
Any thoughts if anyone has had similar bikes or experiences. Am also going to rent each for a day and get a feel for longer seat time. Oh, would add ABS on the 1200 and figured that in to the customization.

Thanks.

 

A 1200c Sportster vs a Fat Boy is a crazy comparison. They are way different bikes. If you are 6ft the Sportster may to too small. The FB is way heavy compared to a Sportster

You are comparing extremes. How about the Street Bob with a 103 and forward controls.

That seems like a Sportster in the direction of a Fat Boy - but not to an extreme.

In any case, ride each for a full day and come back and tell us what decision you made.

 

Comes down to heavy and slow or light and fast, age has nothing to do with it, on back roads I would prefer the sporty better handling and easier to hold up - perfect of solo riding. Now if there is a chance you might someday two up and take longer trips the Fatboy would be a better choice, in my book.

 

+1

Sounds like what you are after is a Street Bob... go to the dealer and take a look.

 

I know seems like a crazy comparison. Problem is I like all bikes. Will take a harder look at the Dynas.

 

I would say you have to ask yourself what you really want. If you want a sporty because you want to go the bobber route. You should be aware that typically you will drastically reduce the comfort of the bike bobbing it out. A sporty is raw, it shakes ticks and runs like a raped ape. It's pure motorcycle with no bells and whistles and very little comfort. If you are only going to be doing short rides that are less than 6 to 8 hours you will be fine. If you plan on longer rides go the fatboy low route and bob it out. You will have more comfort but you won't have that dirtbike raw motorcycle thrill you miss.

 

Highly recommend renting. Made my desire for a street bob pretty much fizzle out and i was so sure it's what i wanted.

 

I love my Sporty, but the reason I can love it so much is because I have a Road Barge for long hauls, and two up. If I was limited to one single motorcycle, it wouldn't be a Road King OR a Sporty, it would be a Fat Boy or a Dyna.

 

Fat Boy. But in the end, it's your decision.

 

Might have to also check out the Honda CB1100.