2012 went to 103 with optional abs/security package

 

2008-2009 IMHO are the best years for the Fatboy. As most said, 2007 was bad, but the first half was the bad setup, and the second half of 2007 goes along with the 2008-09 config. Anything older than that and you're getting the old skinny tire and tiny engine, so I'm assuming you don't want that. 2010 was an off year because they changed the bars, changed up some wiring and the trip meter/hazard setup, then in 2011 went a different direction, then the 103 engine came into play. To me, all those "single config" years are bad news and will be hard to shop for down the line. And I'm not too impressed with the 103 anyway. Not a whole lot of power, and nothing else was upgraded to support it.

This is of course a biased opinion. I have a 2009 and love every bolt and weld of it. I've had 4 issues with this bike in almost five years of having it and riding 82K miles (I do about 20K a year). 1-stator went out at 25K and replaced under warranty. 2-drive belt broke, but it was self inflicted when I damaged it. 3-starter clutch was starting to go at 70K miles and replaced at dealer for $250. 4-stator went out at 80K miles, and replaced at dealer for $400.

 

If I were going to customize a Fatboy, I'd look for a 2002. It is the last year of the Timken Bearing in the crankcase and you can even find one with a carb. It is a great platform to start with IMO.

 

Buy the newest bike, with the lowest miles, and already has the mods you like on it, that you can afford.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I am leaning towards the fatboy lo with the 103 motor. I want to only do some upgrades, pointed ape hangers (shorter ones) an some pipes. In the future maybe do bad dad fender with bags... But not sure yet. There is one guy on this forum that has the lo done up very similar to what I would do.

Cheers,

Cumbacheech

 

Go with 2012 or newer to ensure you get the 103 motor

 

Personally I wouldn't buy any Harley for the size of the stock engine. You could by a Fatboy with an 88" engine CHEAP and build a 95" engine that would easily blow away any Stage 1 103.

 

This is what my mechanic has told me as well. I am planning this upgrade for the winter. I picked up my '04 used, but it had quite a few upgrades, 200mm rear, stage one with Vance and Hines Short Shots, PC 3 and the AK. I like it a lot, runs great, but I could use a bit more power, just to drag my fat *** done the road a bit quicker. hahahah