Fat Bob or Heritage
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2nd Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
Fat Bob or Heritage
Hey everyone!
I’m looking to buy my first Harley and have come here seeking help. First for a little background, I’m in my late 20s. I’m 6’4” and around 230 lbs. I live in Lexington, KY which means I will be driving in a city more often than not, but I am from the mountains of eastern KY and do travel back and forth a few times every month. I also am married. Majority of the time I will be riding solo, but I am certain she will occasionally want to ride with me. I am also looking for something that will be good for everyday use. My commute to work ranges between 5 – 35 miles. When it is close it is stop and go in the city. When it is further out it involves highway and interstate. My riding history involves majorly off-road riding. I grew up racing motorcycles but have just been a casual rider through the mountains the past few years.
I am going to a dealer to start the process later this week. I am open to any and all suggestions, but from my research on here and other websites, my top two choices right now are a Fat Bob or Heritage. I know that before I come to any conclusion I will test drive both of them, and any others recommended, but I am extremely interested in hearing the different opinions and experiences you all have had.
Also wanted to add that my budget is around $18k. I've been looking at used 2018 models.
I’m looking to buy my first Harley and have come here seeking help. First for a little background, I’m in my late 20s. I’m 6’4” and around 230 lbs. I live in Lexington, KY which means I will be driving in a city more often than not, but I am from the mountains of eastern KY and do travel back and forth a few times every month. I also am married. Majority of the time I will be riding solo, but I am certain she will occasionally want to ride with me. I am also looking for something that will be good for everyday use. My commute to work ranges between 5 – 35 miles. When it is close it is stop and go in the city. When it is further out it involves highway and interstate. My riding history involves majorly off-road riding. I grew up racing motorcycles but have just been a casual rider through the mountains the past few years.
I am going to a dealer to start the process later this week. I am open to any and all suggestions, but from my research on here and other websites, my top two choices right now are a Fat Bob or Heritage. I know that before I come to any conclusion I will test drive both of them, and any others recommended, but I am extremely interested in hearing the different opinions and experiences you all have had.
Also wanted to add that my budget is around $18k. I've been looking at used 2018 models.
Last edited by lajs1; May 26, 2019 at 11:51 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
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Likes: 1,348
From:
The Heritage is a great all-arounder. The bags and windshield come in handy more than you might think.
While i am generally not a fan of spoked wheels - I have not heard of many problems with them ... just harder to keep clean than other types.
While i am generally not a fan of spoked wheels - I have not heard of many problems with them ... just harder to keep clean than other types.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 245
From: Triune, TN
I would agree with this. In my opinion, any of the new bikes are mechanically capable to handle your needs. Its up to you to find one that is comfortable and has the means to carry the gear you will need. I am different than most and do not like bags on my bike. My preferred method for carrying gear is a bag strapped to a sissy bar. This works for a lunch box or a large sissy bar bag with three days of gear. Ride the bikes and find one that is comfortable.
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2nd Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
What would you consider a bike more my size?
Ive also been wondering that it being my first street bike, if I should find a cheaper Honda or another brand to get started on before purchasing an expensive HD. I love the look of the HDs though and I would rather put my money into something of better quality.
Ive also been wondering that it being my first street bike, if I should find a cheaper Honda or another brand to get started on before purchasing an expensive HD. I love the look of the HDs though and I would rather put my money into something of better quality.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,194
From: Maryland
This notion that either bike is too small for the OP is B.S. in my opinion. You can go over to xlforum.net and find dudes his size happily riding Sportsters. I got a colleague at work that's the OPs size and rides a 2018 Heritage. He loves that bike - no size issues for him.
As the choice between a Fat Bob and a Heritage... Depends on what the OPs needs are. Personally, I think the Heritage is better all-rounder. If the OP wants to take his wife with him from time to time and wants her to be happy, then I'd say the Heritage is a better option. From where I'm standing, mods will be needed on the Fat Bob (re. the seat and lack of a backrest for starters) to make it livable for a passenger for anything more that a short jaunt. If the bike is going to be used to commute to work, then bags are a nice thing to have. Also, make no mistake, the Heritage is no slouch. The Heritage has the same suspension and is a very good handling bike (go check out reviews).
Of course, the Fat Bob has it benefits too (it also gets great reviews). So, it boils down to how one really wants to use the bike.
The OP might also consider the Sport Glide.
As the choice between a Fat Bob and a Heritage... Depends on what the OPs needs are. Personally, I think the Heritage is better all-rounder. If the OP wants to take his wife with him from time to time and wants her to be happy, then I'd say the Heritage is a better option. From where I'm standing, mods will be needed on the Fat Bob (re. the seat and lack of a backrest for starters) to make it livable for a passenger for anything more that a short jaunt. If the bike is going to be used to commute to work, then bags are a nice thing to have. Also, make no mistake, the Heritage is no slouch. The Heritage has the same suspension and is a very good handling bike (go check out reviews).
Of course, the Fat Bob has it benefits too (it also gets great reviews). So, it boils down to how one really wants to use the bike.
The OP might also consider the Sport Glide.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 245
From: Triune, TN
This notion that either bike is too small for the OP is B.S. in my opinion. You can go over to xlforum.net and find dudes his size happily riding Sportsters. I got a colleague at work that's the OPs size and rides a 2018 Heritage. He loves that bike - no size issues for him.
As the choice between a Fat Bob and a Heritage... Depends on what the OPs needs are. Personally, I think the Heritage is better all-rounder. If the OP wants to take his wife with him from time to time and wants her to be happy, then I'd say the Heritage is a better option. From where I'm standing, mods will be needed on the Fat Bob (re. the seat and lack of a backrest for starters) to make it livable for a passenger for anything more that a short jaunt. If the bike is going to be used to commute to work, then bags are a nice thing to have. Also, make no mistake, the Heritage is no slouch. The Heritage has the same suspension and is a very good handling bike (go check out reviews).
Of course, the Fat Bob has it benefits too (it also gets great reviews). So, it boils down to how one really wants to use the bike.
The OP might also consider the Sport Glide.
As the choice between a Fat Bob and a Heritage... Depends on what the OPs needs are. Personally, I think the Heritage is better all-rounder. If the OP wants to take his wife with him from time to time and wants her to be happy, then I'd say the Heritage is a better option. From where I'm standing, mods will be needed on the Fat Bob (re. the seat and lack of a backrest for starters) to make it livable for a passenger for anything more that a short jaunt. If the bike is going to be used to commute to work, then bags are a nice thing to have. Also, make no mistake, the Heritage is no slouch. The Heritage has the same suspension and is a very good handling bike (go check out reviews).
Of course, the Fat Bob has it benefits too (it also gets great reviews). So, it boils down to how one really wants to use the bike.
The OP might also consider the Sport Glide.
Either bike will need to be modified (seat, foot position) for the OP to be comfortable IMO. I am 6' 2" and felt cramped on both.
I got the Fat Bob because I ride one up only and felt it handled much better. Same rear shock as Heritage (long travel) but a different fork angle as well as the inverted forks.
I almost got the sport glide as it handled almost as well as the Fat Bob to me but did not have quite the lean angle. However I would never use the bags or fairing and it did not have the 114 option.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,194
From: Maryland
I will agree to a point. IMO either bike in stock form will be uncomfortable for extended periods. The Fat Bob would be the better one up bike and better choice if you want to carve corners. The Heritage will handle well but has nowhere near the lean angle. However it would be a better bike for two up and interstate trips back home for the OP.
Either bike will need to be modified (seat, foot position) for the OP to be comfortable IMO. I am 6' 2" and felt cramped on both.
I got the Fat Bob because I ride one up only and felt it handled much better. Same rear shock as Heritage (long travel) but a different fork angle as well as the inverted forks.
I almost got the sport glide as it handled almost as well as the Fat Bob to me but did not have quite the lean angle. However I would never use the bags or fairing and it did not have the 114 option.
Either bike will need to be modified (seat, foot position) for the OP to be comfortable IMO. I am 6' 2" and felt cramped on both.
I got the Fat Bob because I ride one up only and felt it handled much better. Same rear shock as Heritage (long travel) but a different fork angle as well as the inverted forks.
I almost got the sport glide as it handled almost as well as the Fat Bob to me but did not have quite the lean angle. However I would never use the bags or fairing and it did not have the 114 option.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 245
From: Triune, TN
I agree... Both bikes are likely to need mods for both comfort and fit. However, the mods the Fat Bob will likely need will likely not look at home on that bike. As an example, for passenger comfort the FB will likely need a decent sized passenger pillion and sissy bar. How's that going to look? How about bags on the FB? On the other hand, mods that a Heritage will need will likely look right at home on the bike.
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
Id say 90% of the time I will be riding solo. I figured that no matter what my choice was Id have to do some mods. Either to make it more comfortable for myself or my wife. I would put a windshield and possibly some bags on the Fat Bob. I dont know what I would do to the Heritage just yet.
Like I said in the first post, I am looking for this to be used as everyday use, my main transportation.
Without riding either, I like the Fat Bob better. I just wonder if that 10% of the time my wife will be riding is enough to push me towards the Heritage.
Like I said in the first post, I am looking for this to be used as everyday use, my main transportation.
Without riding either, I like the Fat Bob better. I just wonder if that 10% of the time my wife will be riding is enough to push me towards the Heritage.