Fat Bob 103 vs 120r?
#1
05-02-2013, 08:05 AM
Fat Bob 103 vs 120r?
Hi guys, I think I am going to buy a Fat Bob and I went to my local dealer and had a look. I was thinking of a new 103 bike but he had a used 120r Monster in stock. The bike is stunning. Screaming eagle intake, V&H big shots, upgraded oil cooler, fuel lines and brakes, heavy duty clutch, gear shift light etc. The bike looks stunning and sounds like a V8 Drag car!
I know that is an expensive engine and it only has 1500 miles on it. The previous owner bought it on looks and it was too much for him. Too lumpy and heavy in the clutch. He was 60 though.
The dealer said the clutch is really heavy and is a but of a handful with 135hp around town and said I would want to be sure before buying as most people prefer a 103 with a few mods as it cruises better and has a 2 finger clutch and would suit me better for the riding that I would do.
My head says he's right but the 120r is just stunning!it wasn't taxed so I couldn't ride it so I need some advice.
I can get it for around the price of a 103 bike with full stage 1.
What should I do? Be sensible or buy the beast?
http://www.edinburghharley-davidson.co.uk/mobile/usedbikedetail.php?make=HARLEY-DAVIDSON&model=FXDF&year=2011&ref=2c9296673da4f155 013dcf097c775bc9
I know that is an expensive engine and it only has 1500 miles on it. The previous owner bought it on looks and it was too much for him. Too lumpy and heavy in the clutch. He was 60 though.
The dealer said the clutch is really heavy and is a but of a handful with 135hp around town and said I would want to be sure before buying as most people prefer a 103 with a few mods as it cruises better and has a 2 finger clutch and would suit me better for the riding that I would do.
My head says he's right but the 120r is just stunning!it wasn't taxed so I couldn't ride it so I need some advice.
I can get it for around the price of a 103 bike with full stage 1.
What should I do? Be sensible or buy the beast?
http://www.edinburghharley-davidson.co.uk/mobile/usedbikedetail.php?make=HARLEY-DAVIDSON&model=FXDF&year=2011&ref=2c9296673da4f155 013dcf097c775bc9
Last edited by Big Tav; 05-02-2013 at 12:02 PM.
#2
05-02-2013, 08:56 AM
IMO it will depend on what type of riding you plan on doing. I have a Fat Bob & it is a BLAST to run around town, in the twisties & even short trips. If you are looking for something to scratch an itch of quick accelerating, then the 120r is probably it.
#3
05-02-2013, 09:07 AM
Elite HDF Member
Is this a Fat Bob with a 120? that would be cool.
BTW, the dealer telling you that 135 hp is "a bit of a handful around town" is obviously someone who has never ridden a modern non harley motorcycle....for instance, I owned and rode one of these http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...1000f%2087.htm . This is an '87 model and is considred obsolete, way obsolete. It had 132 hp.
Point being, 120s are cool and having one in a bike like an FXDR is boss, but I get a little tired of dealers and builders talking BS about their engines being so powerful. For a HD, yes, but let's not say things like "handful around town" unless they are saying that it overheats in traffic....
BTW, the dealer telling you that 135 hp is "a bit of a handful around town" is obviously someone who has never ridden a modern non harley motorcycle....for instance, I owned and rode one of these http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...1000f%2087.htm . This is an '87 model and is considred obsolete, way obsolete. It had 132 hp.
Point being, 120s are cool and having one in a bike like an FXDR is boss, but I get a little tired of dealers and builders talking BS about their engines being so powerful. For a HD, yes, but let's not say things like "handful around town" unless they are saying that it overheats in traffic....
Last edited by jakenok; 05-02-2013 at 09:12 AM.
#4
05-02-2013, 09:23 AM
Road Warrior
Is this a Fat Bob with a 120? that would be cool.
BTW, the dealer telling you that 135 hp is "a bit of a handful around town" is obviously someone who has never ridden a modern non harley motorcycle....for instance, I owned and rode one of these http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...1000f%2087.htm . This is an '87 model and is considred obsolete, way obsolete. It had 132 hp.
Point being, 120s are cool and having one in a bike like an FXDR is boss, but I get a little tired of dealers and builders talking BS about their engines being so powerful. For a HD, yes, but let's not say things like "handful around town" unless they are saying that it overheats in traffic....
BTW, the dealer telling you that 135 hp is "a bit of a handful around town" is obviously someone who has never ridden a modern non harley motorcycle....for instance, I owned and rode one of these http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...1000f%2087.htm . This is an '87 model and is considred obsolete, way obsolete. It had 132 hp.
Point being, 120s are cool and having one in a bike like an FXDR is boss, but I get a little tired of dealers and builders talking BS about their engines being so powerful. For a HD, yes, but let's not say things like "handful around town" unless they are saying that it overheats in traffic....
#5
05-02-2013, 09:27 AM
Elite HDF Member
don't get me wrong, I would love to drop one in my FXDR. Seldom a substitute for more power. I just have to laugh at these dealers.....
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#8
05-02-2013, 10:05 AM
Extreme HDF Member
No warranty with the 120r right? Not sure if that would be a concern to you or not. Also who did the motor install, the dealership? Are you familiar with their work? I've seen some dealerships that i would never let change my grips let alone install a 120r for for me.
#9
05-02-2013, 10:05 AM
He wasn't trying to BS me or anything. The guys are really nice and since I work for the company he is being straight with me and give his honest opinion. He knows I can buy either bike. He was just saying the 120r is basically a drag/race motor and has a really heavy clutch and big cams so it is not as nice to cruise around on or rise in town as the 103. He said it still has the 96 starter motor as well as he had to crank it twice for it to fire up. It is on display though so could be a bit low in battery charge.
I wanted to ride it but since it wasn't taxed I couldn't while I was there. My heart says buy the big one but would the novelty wear off? Btw I know there are 180hp bikes out there and I had a VRSCDX with around 130hp but it was a totally different engine and nowhere near the same torque. This bike sounds like a drag car. The other owner traded it after a few months so that is why I'm asking for opinions on the 120r in a fat bob.
I wanted to ride it but since it wasn't taxed I couldn't while I was there. My heart says buy the big one but would the novelty wear off? Btw I know there are 180hp bikes out there and I had a VRSCDX with around 130hp but it was a totally different engine and nowhere near the same torque. This bike sounds like a drag car. The other owner traded it after a few months so that is why I'm asking for opinions on the 120r in a fat bob.
Last edited by Big Tav; 05-02-2013 at 02:35 PM.
#10
05-02-2013, 10:14 AM
I am going to go back when it is taxed and they have a 103 demo in and see.
Basically I'm trying to decide if the idea of the 120r is actually more appealing than what it would be to live with. I hope that makes sense.
Basically I'm trying to decide if the idea of the 120r is actually more appealing than what it would be to live with. I hope that makes sense.