2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw?
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2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/21/2006 2:26:24 PM
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Broken Leg Rider
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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?
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/21/2006 3:01:34 PM
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Waltman
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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.
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/21/2006 3:18:17 PM
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Unibomber
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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........
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/21/2006 7:59:05 PM
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Broken Leg Rider
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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.
< Message edited by Broken Leg Rider -- 8/21/2006 8:45:47 PM >
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/21/2006 8:36:19 PM
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dugan
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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.
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/21/2006 8:52:01 PM
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barneyz71
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I saw the same thing on a dealer bike... Flaw or not... I would not buy one for that reason alone. (even if it didn't have that stripe across every tin!!!)
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/21/2006 8:52:11 PM
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Mr Wonderful
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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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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/22/2006 9:06:27 AM
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nutsy
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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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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/22/2006 9:58:51 AM
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Mr Wonderful
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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.
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'04 RoadGlide, 95", gear driven 26 cams, DD6, etc., etc. and I just can't leave it alone.
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/22/2006 12:27:31 PM
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dugan
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Mr Wonderful
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.
and for those of us that do have the 07 FatBoys.....I can only hope that they do a recall and remedy this flaw.
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/22/2006 8:38:14 PM
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nutsy
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this reminds me of when i bought a new 04 1200 custom sportster. i got 1 of the 1st ones. at bottom of chrome strip on tank was a rivet with a lock washer,looked like shit. i brought back to dealer and he said they noticed it right off. couldnt miss it on top of tank. they also thought something like a cover fell off but it was supposed to be like that. then the later 04s had 2 way tape to hold chrome on. looked much better but couldnt believe thet designed something like mine. bike was beautiful, all except for that. dont know what they were thinking.
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/22/2006 10:05:36 PM
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pococj
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There have been front and rear wheels offset on bikes for years. Used to lace 5.00x16 wheel rims to Sporty hubs 30 years ago. We'd have to offset them to get clearance. Never was a problem. Is this a problem on these FatBoys? Beats me, but so far there is nothing but rumors about it. Does anyone have anything definite, as in something in writing from HD?
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/22/2006 10:50:18 PM
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Broken Leg Rider
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quote:
ORIGINAL: pococj
There have been front and rear wheels offset on bikes for years. Used to lace 5.00x16 wheel rims to Sporty hubs 30 years ago. We'd have to offset them to get clearance. Never was a problem. Is this a problem on these FatBoys? Beats me, but so far there is nothing but rumors about it. Does anyone have anything definite, as in something in writing from HD?
I would expect this on a jackleg chopper, not on a Harley Fatboy. The Fatboy was my dream Harley. Not this one, though. That's why this issue interests me so.
Jackleg choppers handle badly and everyone knows it. Even so, no-one with any sense would have the wheels missaligned. Let go of the handlebars and watch it veer
There are offsets that become necessary when a large rear tire is used. But these offsets are to the drive chain or belt. They do not move the tire with respect to the frame. Of course, the ideal is to have no drive line offset. The more you have, the more distortion of the frame will occur with high torque.
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/23/2006 2:59:07 AM
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Ghostwolf
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I take delivery of my new 2007 Fat Boy this Saturday. As a SERIOUS buyer, not only am I not worried about this rumor I'm a little skeptical. While it's possible there could be a design flaw as with any new product, it's unlikely that the engineers on the design team at Harley missed such a glaring flaw as the one described. All this and then to be discovered by some guy at dealer whos a friend of a friend after eluding the actual designers of the machine??? Not to mention the fact that if your running around bottoming out the forks on your bike, your going to have a lot more serious problems than scratches on your fender. Lastly I've spoken to 3 different Harley dealers and while they could be lying to me, none of them have heard one word about this and all say the dealy is due to a shortage of parts for the new model. Even the guys on this forum who own that bike say they have had no problems yet. Frankly, after watching this topic for awhile I'm a little suprised I'm the only one seeing problems with this story. While I hope it's totally untrue (design flaw) and have to believe it is, I have total faith that Harley and my dealer will make it right if this is the case. While the graphics are FUgly and the rumors are swirling, this bike mechanically looks to be superior to last years model in many ways. Having put no money down I have the option of going with an existing 06 (plenty out there just sitting at a discount) or this 07 and I'm sticking with the new 07.
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/23/2006 3:01:50 AM
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Ghostwolf
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I take delivery of my new 2007 Fat Boy this Saturday. As a SERIOUS buyer, not only am I not worried about this rumor I'm a little skeptical. While it's possible there could be a design flaw as with any new product, it's unlikely that the engineers on the design team at Harley missed such a glaring flaw as the one described. All this and then to be discovered by some guy at dealer whos a friend of a friend after eluding the actual designers of the machine??? Not to mention the fact that if your running around bottoming out the forks on your bike, your going to have a lot more serious problems than scratches on your fender. Lastly I've spoken to 3 different Harley dealers and while they could be lying to me, none of them have heard one word about this and all say the delay is due to a shortage of parts for the new model. Even the guys on this forum who own that bike say they have had no problems yet. Frankly, after watching this topic for awhile I'm a little suprised I'm the only one seeing problems with this story. While I hope it's totally untrue (design flaw) and have to believe it is, I have total faith that Harley and my dealer will make it right if this is the case. While the graphics are FUgly and the rumors are swirling, this bike mechanically looks to be superior to last years model in many ways. Having put no money down I have the option of going with an existing 06 (plenty out there just sitting at a discount) or this 07 and I'm sticking with the new 07.
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/23/2006 9:54:57 AM
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nikonf8
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I am also from the school that you NEVER buy any thing the first year its put out. I agree with the member who said he was waiting for the problems to show up on the new 96 CI engines. They can test all they want at Harley but its us the riders who will make these flaws show up. As far as the fat boy issue with the fender any thing can be. Its like newspapers and magazines no matter how may people check it for typo's they still show up. Good luck 07 fat boy owners also to any one with the new 96 engine
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/23/2006 9:56:11 AM
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Broken Leg Rider
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Well, I admit my first alert was heresay. It was from what I consider a reputable source, however - and a SERIOUS buyer. Yet even in this thread there are three eye witnesses. How then do you rationalize this as a rumor I wonder? Because the big cash outlay wants comfort?
The guys who actually design and build the bikes are under pressure to save money and maximise bottom line margins. The bean counters have undue clout these days.
How much is saved by removing the second brake option and offsetting the forks? Maybe the same amount that a certain very reputable car manufacturer saved on gas tank brackets? Less than a dollar each I believe that was. Then, how many people died because the gas tank exploded?
You need not worry, though. If it is a problem you can always replace the front end with an 06 front end for just a little more money.
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/23/2006 3:43:34 PM
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Carolina Fatboy
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Anybody got any pics of this offset condition? I'd like to see what everyone is talking about.
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/23/2006 9:52:43 PM
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DRenoK
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I think there is some paranoia in the room. This design flaw rumor is nothing but absurd. Spoke in depth to my dealer today about the subject. One of the largest dealers in the Northeast and he said the rumor is nonsense.
He explained to me that the wheel is slightly offset due to am engineering design improvement over last years model because of the specs on the new bike. You guys think that the engineers at Harley overlooked something as glaring as this offset? Your nuts if you believe that.
Also, I have a deposit tranferable to any bike in the dealership. My dealer has three 06's loaded that hed love to sell. Like the gentleman before me, I am buying an 07 Fatboy. Until someone substantiates this rumor, I am going to laugh it off as a few guys buying into propaganda.
Good luck boys and ride on.
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/23/2006 9:57:46 PM
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DRenoK
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Broken Leg and a few others seem a bit upset that maybe they have an 06 with an 06 tranny and engine. On the other hand, I totally agree with the idea that bugs always need to be worked out on bikes and cars in the first and second model year. Also, if you guys love the 88's and are looking for 06's they are starting to make unbelievable deals here in the northeast. Good luck.
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RE: 2007 Fatboy has a Design Flaw? - 8/23/2006 10:36:54 PM
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Broken Leg Rider
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This evening I spoke face to face with several people who saw the 07 Fatboy in a local dealership. By all three accounts, the fender is almost up against the right side, 3/4" off set from the other fork. When the prospective buyer got on the bike, he was able to make the fender strike the upper slider since it was too close, by hopping on the bike. This was observed with two bikes at different dealerships.
Anyone who thinks you will not reach full fork travel while riding has not ridden much. The prospective buyer has been told that the entire tree, brace and other components are being changed out by Harley. This offer was made to him as well, and Harley made him a good offer for his Dyna. He REALLY wants an 07 FatBoy, but this has shaken his confidence.
Since Harley is in the process of changing the trees, etc. on these bikes, some may be fixed while others not.
To call me paranoid is an insult. It is also just popycock to try and gloss this over. I would be wary of the motives of anyone who does this.
Following Update on August 24.
One of the fellows who was with the buyer at the dealership has sent me a pdf copy of Harley Davidson Service Bulletin M-1195 dated August 18, 2006. This pdf shows that Harley is putting a bandaid on the problem by basically replacing the right slider cover and other parts so that it will not damage the fender. Apparently there is a now recall to correct any existing damage and put the bandaid on. This does not subtantiate what I was previously told about the triple trees, so that may be wrong. With this bandaid, the 3/4" offset will remain after the recall. If I can figure it out, I will attach the pdf.
< Message edited by Broken Leg Rider -- 8/24/2006 12:31:43 PM >
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