I had a 2006 1200L Sportster with a Scream'in Eagle stage 1 intake Vance and Hines pipes. Heat shields kept coming loose. Traded it on a 2012 Fatbob with the 103 engine. I honestly think the 103 engine is way over hiped. My Sportster had just as much power and would go just as fast 120 mph. I just thought if I was spending more $ on a bigger bike it would perform much better. The Fatbob was a very good looking bike, Tough looking. Dual front disc were very touchy. I think I'm going to get another Soprtster and and just invest a little to juice it up. I'm not posting this to start a fight with anyone. As I have experienced in the past. Just looking for other opinions.

 

The fat bob is a much bigger bike than a sportster. I'm sure most folks don't buy a fat bob to be a fast performer. Bigger engine isn't going to mean much, like I said, it's got a lot more weight to haul around.

 

You also have to remember the 103 has the same crappy cam as the 96". Not much to brag about.

 

The Sporty is much lighter. The power/weight ratio has to be an advantage. That said, a stage 2 103 will pull away from a stage one sporty pretty good after 60 mph or so.

In the end though, the Fat Bob is just bigger, roomier and more comfortable on longer runs. It comes down to what you want from your bike though. A heavily modded Sporty will go really fast.

 

Does your Fat Bob also have a Stage 1 upgrade? I know mine felt like it was being suffocated before the Stage 1. I am not saying it will run with your Sportster but it will wake up the 103 a little.

 

I kinda thought the same thing about my dyna with a 96 in it and I came from a sporty with a 883 in it. If you haven't already, put a 2-1 exhaust, open A/C, and buy a quality tuner. If it is tuned properly I think you will be happy. A simple stage one won't blow a 1200 off the line but I think it will take it later on the freeway.

If it's stock, it's a slug. But a much more comfortable then a sporty

 

You're on the wrong brand of bike if bolt on speed is a priority...

 

My street bob with the 103 and stage 1 screams. It was ok as stock, but the stage 1 made a big difference imo. I had a deuce with stage 1 on an 88, and it pulled real nice, but the 103 wants to yank my *** out of the seat if i get on it hard. I've been very pleased with its performance. The power to weight does make a difference, but open up the 103 and see if it changes ur mind.

 

I think after reading, I'm going to invest in a cam. Stage 2 intake. New pipes. I like the bike, don't need or want a rice burner. I like and have always had Harley's for 40 years. The ride gives a very secure feeling. Its a tuff bike with a bad *** ride but some times I like to get on it on interstate at 2am coming home from work. Thanks to all for the ideas and help in deciding what I want to do.

 

You could always test ride a vrod if you like the looks of them that would be faster then a fatbob.