I am new to the cycle world and am in the process of buying a bike. I have 2 bikes that I'm trying to decide on. The first one is a 2012 Fat Boy soft tail low with 8,000 miles priced at 14,500. The other is a 2010 Heritage soft tail classic with 5,700 miles priced at 13,400. The heritage comes with saddle bags and a security system. Can anyone offer wisdom on which bike is the better deal and the pros and cons of each model?

 

When i bought my bike last year, the brand new Fat Boy Low, which I was also considering, had a sticker price of around 15,500 if I recall correctly.

Talk to some dealers and see what your otions are for new also, sometimes if you are buying on terms, your monthly payment will be lower on new because if the difference in interest rates.

good luck and have fun

 

the only significant mechanical difference between the 2 bikes is the 2010 will have the 96" and the 2012 will have the 103".

they should ride pretty similarly. take em both for a spin and see which you prefer.

bags arent too expensive and easy to install. the security system can be added in.

 

I agree. The general ride should be similar, but having ridden the 96 & 103, I would definitely want the 103. I guess your ability is going to determine what you're comfortable with, but I don't know anyone with a 103 who has said, "Gee, I should have gone with the smaller motor." It just doesn't happen. So, my vote would be for the Fat Boy. However, like UglyMoFo said, you should also look at prices on new bikes because your payments may end up being lower than buying used.

Good luck, welcome to the forum, and be sure to let us know how you make out.

 

Assuming that you have taken a MSF course, have your cycle endorsement, and this isn't your first motorcycle I would say it comes down to what type of riding you plan to do. The heritage is a bagger meant for both long trips and around down riding. The fatboy in it's stock form is a city bike. Next it will come down to the engine size and if the fatboy comes with ABS. You should also take a test ride on each bike to be sure.

 

2009 Heritage Softail was my 1st Harley and I love mine!!!

 

Heritage... If you like or can live with the leather and spots.. Its the touring bike of the Softails.
It also has IMO the BEST-ERGO's of any Harley in stock form.. Meaning you wont have to buy new bars or a seat to be comfortable on loooooong trips. The stock setup is PERFECT for MOST riders...

While it is also a great handling bike in town or on county roads just putting around...

Got ours new in 07 and since then and 47k miles later, we love it as much now as we did when we brought her home NEW. It is the Best bike WE've owned of all the others, (11) of them in my 47 yrs of riding.

 

I haven't ridden either one but on looks I would get the fatboy.

 

Ask yourself one question, do you need bags? I miss my fatboy

 

All things being equal I'd get the Heritage. I know the 96 vs 103 may be a big deal to some, but in all practical purposes there isn't a tremendous difference. Plus they're asking too much for the Fatboy.

I use bags and would want a windshield. I wouldn't want to overpay for the Fatboy plus add bags and a shield.