Everything 2018 FatBoy thread
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 200
Likes: 38
From: Belgium
So I recently sold my Low Rider S. Didn't like the seating position, the harsh front suspension and some other minor things which took the enjoyment out of the bike for me. I'm 173cm tall and weigh 70kg, so not a big guy. Anyway, the LRS is gone and I got myself a whole different brand/type for longer rides. But I do miss the "Harley feel" and am looking into a Fat Boy 2nd hand (2019 model for sale close to me). Will probably not be used for daylong trips or twisty stuff, just for short rides with my friend (owns a Breakout) and small trips with a max 1 hour ride at a time. Still, how is the Fat Boy for comfort, especially suspension wise? I don't want/need a sporty/stiff ride, just something that feels nice and plush on less good roads. Always wanted and liked a Fat Boy, it's a big bike for sure but I'm used to large bikes (never had an issue with the LRS).
So, would appreciate your input. I rode my friend's Breakout for a bit, and kinda liked the seating position although it was a bit too much forward leaning for me but also found it pretty stiff on the front. So mainly looking for info if the Fat Boy is better. There's no way for me to test ride one, nor will the person selling his let me ride it (which I appreciate/understand, too much risk)
So, would appreciate your input. I rode my friend's Breakout for a bit, and kinda liked the seating position although it was a bit too much forward leaning for me but also found it pretty stiff on the front. So mainly looking for info if the Fat Boy is better. There's no way for me to test ride one, nor will the person selling his let me ride it (which I appreciate/understand, too much risk)
HDF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 3,392
From: Seattle
What's the stock bar's rise on the fat boy?
Stock riser height is 2 1/2 inch iirc.
I'm trying to figure out if I can install a 7inch set of mini apes with a 1 1/2inch riser without having to replace any of the cables.
Stock riser height is 2 1/2 inch iirc.
I'm trying to figure out if I can install a 7inch set of mini apes with a 1 1/2inch riser without having to replace any of the cables.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 214
Likes: 79
From: Maryland
Im believing that you can. I thought you could put on a set of 12" apes and keep stock cables. Dont quote me but im pretty sure.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 611
Likes: 204
From: Long Island, NY
Never seen it but I am gonna do the 260mm Rear tire.
Some people have said with the breakout and fat boy if you put a 260 rear on your bike it gives the rear tire a more aggressive profile and makes the bike corner better.
My bike has the original set of tires on it and so I uh definitely need to get new tires out of safety reasons alone. Old tires=bad grip. Original owner nor dealership cared to check the tires, so it falls on me. Such is life.
Some people have said with the breakout and fat boy if you put a 260 rear on your bike it gives the rear tire a more aggressive profile and makes the bike corner better.
My bike has the original set of tires on it and so I uh definitely need to get new tires out of safety reasons alone. Old tires=bad grip. Original owner nor dealership cared to check the tires, so it falls on me. Such is life.
A wider tire is not going to make it handle better. That's why so many complain about the Fatboy. The wide tires are what make it a bit more difficult to lean then other bikes. We as owners understand that it's a cruiser and not a sport bike and that it's also about the look. Once you are use to it I think it handles very well but you can never say it's nimble...lol
But I think if you want the look of the 260, go for it but don't expect it to handle better.
My 2 cents
Steve
HDF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 3,392
From: Seattle
A wider tire is not going to make it handle better. That's why so many complain about the Fatboy. The wide tires are what make it a bit more difficult to lean then other bikes. We as owners understand that it's a cruiser and not a sport bike and that it's also about the look. Once you are use to it I think it handles very well but you can never say it's nimble...lol
But I think if you want the look of the 260, go for it but don't expect it to handle better.
My 2 cents
Steve
But I think if you want the look of the 260, go for it but don't expect it to handle better.
My 2 cents
Steve
It's the same effect of putting a more aggressive profile of a tire on any kind of motorcycle. The more aggressive the tire profile the more easily the bike will lean into a turn.
This isnt just an idea for the m8 fatboy, people do this with the breakout VROD and other non harley bikes like the Suzuki M109R.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 443
From: PNW
The downside to this Bob, with this particular bike and these tires which wear out pretty darn quick is that putting 4 additional pounds of air in them will cause them to wear just that much quicker.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 80
Likes: 34
From: Orlando, FL
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Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Orlando, FL