2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw?
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 887
Likes: 1
From: New Orleans
2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw?
A friend of mine was at the daeler on Saturday trying to buy an 07 Fatboy. The salesman, a friend of his, warned him away after demonstrating the following flaw in the new Fatboy design.
It seems that that the 2007 Fatboy front fender is 1/2" off center. Also, when the front shocks bottom out, the fender gets struck and scratched.
Has anyone looked closely at this on an 07 Fatboy?
It seems that that the 2007 Fatboy front fender is 1/2" off center. Also, when the front shocks bottom out, the fender gets struck and scratched.
Has anyone looked closely at this on an 07 Fatboy?
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 257
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw?
By design and in order to accommodate the front brake rotor, which is on the left side, not only the fender but the wheel and tire assembly are all offset a bit from the left front fork. The gap between the right fork and the front fender is less than that from the left.
I ride mine every day here in L.A. (aka pothole world) and I just checked my fender and no scratches found at all. Bike rides like no other HD I know, brakes are awesome and steers with no flaws. I just love it. Of course I'm still braking it in and not going over 50 mph, but that's just fine with me.
I ride mine every day here in L.A. (aka pothole world) and I just checked my fender and no scratches found at all. Bike rides like no other HD I know, brakes are awesome and steers with no flaws. I just love it. Of course I'm still braking it in and not going over 50 mph, but that's just fine with me.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 584
Likes: 2
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw?
This is not a surprise by any means, there is always ALWAYS !!! going to be issues with new model year bikes that have new mechanical features, not sure why anyone is suprised. Im waiting for the 96" engine issues to start rearing their ugly head also. Thats just the name of the game. Next years bikes will have all the kinks worked out, just how it is in mass production........[sm=chairshot.gif]
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 887
Likes: 1
From: New Orleans
RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw?
There can be no good reason for this. Having the wheel off center of the forks means physically the one handlebar must travel further than the other in a turn. It means there will be asymmetrical steering. Also, impact loading on the front end will not be distributed evenly between the two forks. These are just the physics of the arrangement and of the materials being used.
I like my suspension to be symetrically ballanced all around, so when I am taking a turn and hit bumps, the frame does not flex or wobble. It's the safest way to go.
I like my suspension to be symetrically ballanced all around, so when I am taking a turn and hit bumps, the frame does not flex or wobble. It's the safest way to go.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw?
so is it a flaw or not???? I noticed the spacing difference on my 07 FB but it appears on the fork brackets (or whatever holds them on) that one side is wider than the other, hence, the offset.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,167
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw?
It IS the bracket spacing, and in my eyes, it is a glaring design fauxpas. The dang fender needs to be centered. Who's idea was that? Willie G is probably snapping #2 pencils at his desk right now! If you look at an '06 Fatboy, it's centered, and there is a provision (bolts in the hub) for a rotor on the opposite side of the stndard single rotor. On the '07, the provision isn't there on those new wheels. Dumb.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 315
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw?
UNBELEIVABLE. how could harley release a bike into production with such a major flaw. i was thinking on gettin 1 but ill wait till i see next years.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,167
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw?
Not so fast! I believe they noticed this and are doing a recall on the fork leg, and not allowing anymore out the door without the proper leg. Don't take this to the bank, but I've heard delivery of the '07 Fatboys have been delayed a bit......this might be the reason if it is true.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 34
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From:
RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw?
I have a 07 with 800 miles on it. Now I am a newbee, but have not noticed any problems. Just went out and looked at the bike ad you guys are correct. It is offset just a bit. What problem am I going to run into down the road? Handling? Wear and tear? ect.... Will be going in next week for my 1000 check up and oil change and I will talk to the service department about this. I am sure they will tell me everything will be fine and don't worry, trust us. 
Overall I am very happy with the bike and love it.
Overall I am very happy with the bike and love it.