Help me keep my '18 Fatboy!
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 227
Likes: 29
From: Atlanta
It's on the short list. I was thinking GTL or Grand America though. I'd prefer to mod the bike I own rather than make payments on a new one.
It's possible I bought the wrong bike, but its bought so I'd like to see if I can make it work. I looked at the new GW, very nice bike but way too tall for me. I've looked at their boards and the seat is as short as it can get, there's no room to shave it down so it's almost a guaranteed no-go. The FB is probably the closest 1-bike solution that exists for my riding desires. I love the looks, it can be modified to be considerably faster than stock, and hopefully there's a seat maker out there who caters to the passenger. If I have to go 2 bikes then it's probably the bimmer and the XDiavelS, but I'd prefer to have just 1 bike.
Not sure why the general angst against my post, I want a comfortable seat for my wife and more torque and power. Seems like pretty reasonable requests. Contrary to claims made by uncle internet cop, there is very limited information on this forum regarding Atlanta tuners -- something like 4 total threads with minimal replies. Also, I probably wrote the most comprehensive seat posting on the forum for '18 Fatboys, I've helped a LOT of people choose a seat, I missed where asking for something back is a crime. Most seat posts focus on the rider not the passenger, so a search inundates me with crap I'm not interested in.
Like others, I'm wondering if you bought the wrong bike. My first reaction was to recommend a Kawi Concours, but probably too tall and too peaky for your liking. Yam FJR or even a Gold Wing might suit you tho.
But before you sell your FB, a cam might provide just the giddyup you need while leaving you the low, lumpy Harley motor you otherwise like.
If your wife wants her footpegs higher, I think there are two more holes further up the frame for that.
But before you sell your FB, a cam might provide just the giddyup you need while leaving you the low, lumpy Harley motor you otherwise like.
If your wife wants her footpegs higher, I think there are two more holes further up the frame for that.
Not sure why the general angst against my post, I want a comfortable seat for my wife and more torque and power. Seems like pretty reasonable requests. Contrary to claims made by uncle internet cop, there is very limited information on this forum regarding Atlanta tuners -- something like 4 total threads with minimal replies. Also, I probably wrote the most comprehensive seat posting on the forum for '18 Fatboys, I've helped a LOT of people choose a seat, I missed where asking for something back is a crime. Most seat posts focus on the rider not the passenger, so a search inundates me with crap I'm not interested in.
Last edited by Mike flies; Apr 1, 2019 at 06:59 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 965
Likes: 297
From: NoVa
It's on the short list. I was thinking GTL or Grand America though. I'd prefer to mod the bike I own rather than make payments on a new one.
It's possible I bought the wrong bike, but its bought so I'd like to see if I can make it work. I looked at the new GW, very nice bike but way too tall for me. I've looked at their boards and the seat is as short as it can get, there's no room to shave it down so it's almost a guaranteed no-go. The FB is probably the closest 1-bike solution that exists for my riding desires. I love the looks, it can be modified to be considerably faster than stock, and hopefully there's a seat maker out there who caters to the passenger. If I have to go 2 bikes then it's probably the bimmer and the XDiavelS, but I'd prefer to have just 1 bike.
Not sure why the general angst against my post, I want a comfortable seat for my wife and more torque and power. Seems like pretty reasonable requests. Contrary to claims made by uncle internet cop, there is very limited information on this forum regarding Atlanta tuners -- something like 4 total threads with minimal replies. Also, I probably wrote the most comprehensive seat posting on the forum for '18 Fatboys, I've helped a LOT of people choose a seat, I missed where asking for something back is a crime. Most seat posts focus on the rider not the passenger, so a search inundates me with crap I'm not interested in.
It's possible I bought the wrong bike, but its bought so I'd like to see if I can make it work. I looked at the new GW, very nice bike but way too tall for me. I've looked at their boards and the seat is as short as it can get, there's no room to shave it down so it's almost a guaranteed no-go. The FB is probably the closest 1-bike solution that exists for my riding desires. I love the looks, it can be modified to be considerably faster than stock, and hopefully there's a seat maker out there who caters to the passenger. If I have to go 2 bikes then it's probably the bimmer and the XDiavelS, but I'd prefer to have just 1 bike.
Not sure why the general angst against my post, I want a comfortable seat for my wife and more torque and power. Seems like pretty reasonable requests. Contrary to claims made by uncle internet cop, there is very limited information on this forum regarding Atlanta tuners -- something like 4 total threads with minimal replies. Also, I probably wrote the most comprehensive seat posting on the forum for '18 Fatboys, I've helped a LOT of people choose a seat, I missed where asking for something back is a crime. Most seat posts focus on the rider not the passenger, so a search inundates me with crap I'm not interested in.
Glad you want to stick by your original decision on your Fat Boy for now. She's a beautiful bike and will probably suit your style (and your wife's delicate bottom
) as soon as you get it sorted out.If you want to keep your warranty intact, recommend you go with the Harley Stage II kit using the torque cam. That will give you 95% of what you're looking for and there's no guess work at all, even for picking a tuner in the Atlanta area.
Did you check out the Harley Sundowner passenger pillion? Looks a lot more broad and comfy. Not expensive either.
Honestly, glad to have you here, Bro. Mike, and want you AND your bride to enjoy your Fat Boy.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 227
Likes: 29
From: Atlanta
Don't worry too much about anybody getting on your case. I don't think they meant much by it anyway.
Glad you want to stick by your original decision on your Fat Boy for now. She's a beautiful bike and will probably suit your style (and your wife's delicate bottom) as soon as you get it sorted out.
If you want to keep your warranty intact, recommend you go with the Harley Stage II kit using the torque cam. That will give you 95% of what you're looking for and there's no guess work at all, even for picking a tuner in the Atlanta area.
Did you check out the Harley Sundowner passenger pillion? Looks a lot more broad and comfy. Not expensive either.
Honestly, glad to have you here, Bro. Mike, and want you AND your bride to enjoy your Fat Boy.
Glad you want to stick by your original decision on your Fat Boy for now. She's a beautiful bike and will probably suit your style (and your wife's delicate bottom
) as soon as you get it sorted out.If you want to keep your warranty intact, recommend you go with the Harley Stage II kit using the torque cam. That will give you 95% of what you're looking for and there's no guess work at all, even for picking a tuner in the Atlanta area.
Did you check out the Harley Sundowner passenger pillion? Looks a lot more broad and comfy. Not expensive either.
Honestly, glad to have you here, Bro. Mike, and want you AND your bride to enjoy your Fat Boy.
I have tried every single seat HD sells for this bike. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...sterday-4.html Unless they've come out with something new in the last year I'll have to go to the aftermarket for something better. I do have a good friend from college with a big brain and 3D printer, you'd think you could just print the seat of your dreams wouldn't you? I bought my bike shortly after it was released so the warranty is 3/4 done anyway, that's no longer a major factor for me.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 211
From: Manila, Philippines
Problem with the softtails is that limited aftermarket one piece seats. All I have seen are two piece. Maybe not use the rider backrest for yourself and throw a sheepskin over the pillion seat might help her.
Plenty of ways to make the bike go faster, but why bother if you cant be comfy on it.
Plenty of ways to make the bike go faster, but why bother if you cant be comfy on it.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 21
Likes: 2
From: Houston,TX
Does this convince you to keep the Fat Boy?
Comfortable.for 2 up...
I'm confused with your question... the Fatboy 114 should be perfect!
I went from a 1997 VMax to a 2005 Fatboy CVO with the 103.
The decision was for comfort and 2 up riding. No regrets... still love the bike. I run the city streets 'near posted limits' and the highways 'within the law'...?!?!
1. Seat... I have the Sundowner... haven't had one complaint since my divorce!
2. So, you do mostly 35-50 mph and never over 80?!?! Don't f#$k with the Fatboy 114 cam. Stage 1 will get you sound without too much $$$
..and the 114 should be plenty fast, for the riding you described.
(My buddy put a cam + xxx? On his Street Glide and regrets it. It runs great at 80 mph, but rough as hell trying to cruise with friends.)
3. Loud but not enough to wake neighbors?!?! I run VH Big Radius. Some have complimented me on hearing me a mile away on the Houston 610... I haven't heard anyone in my neighborhood complain. Although some look constipated when I ride out of my suburban hood... not sure what they ate, if it's the big titty broad behind me, or the VH pipes?
Last edited by Blackdog.tx; Apr 2, 2019 at 03:16 AM.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 227
Likes: 29
From: Atlanta
. The gentleman who answered said due to the Fatboy design they can't modify what they currently have and it was unlikely they'd have a seat by the end of the year.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 965
Likes: 297
From: NoVa
Thanks.
I have tried every single seat HD sells for this bike. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...sterday-4.html Unless they've come out with something new in the last year I'll have to go to the aftermarket for something better. I do have a good friend from college with a big brain and 3D printer, you'd think you could just print the seat of your dreams wouldn't you? I bought my bike shortly after it was released so the warranty is 3/4 done anyway, that's no longer a major factor for me.
I have tried every single seat HD sells for this bike. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...sterday-4.html Unless they've come out with something new in the last year I'll have to go to the aftermarket for something better. I do have a good friend from college with a big brain and 3D printer, you'd think you could just print the seat of your dreams wouldn't you? I bought my bike shortly after it was released so the warranty is 3/4 done anyway, that's no longer a major factor for me.
No personal experience, but Bill Mayer gets major kudos in the BMW world: https://www.billmayer-saddles.com/
Lot of other folks with good experience. Even Corbin will do totally custom work, but it will take months.
Last edited by AJ88V; Apr 2, 2019 at 04:49 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 338
Likes: 44
From: Colorado
First - thanks for original post - I was also an early purchaser and still also still seat hunting. Ultimate originally promised one by last May but that obviously didn't happen. I hadn't seen any mention of modding your current(or stock) seat(s). I had mean city mod my old dyna LR seat and it was a great improvement. They'll do rider and/or passenger -- gel or now up/down, backward/forward within what is possible for given seat. Not sure about widening but that might also be possible?? -- worth asking about. I got a new mustang with rider backrest before winter hit so haven't had any seat time with it so no evaluation yet.
Good luck with your continued search.
Good luck with your continued search.