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Love my 18 fatbob 114. Sportbike rider for 30 years. Got the harley bug and bought a new 16 nightrod. GREAT motor. But just a 5 speed. Always looking for a 6th gear. Also uncomfortable. Went to a RoadKing Special. Great looking but HEAVY. I dont tour so dont need the bags and just too big and heavy for me. Enter the fatbob 114. Perfection. Comfy, reasonable weight looks killer. Handles very well. Put in the stage 2 with full s&s grand national system and powervision tuner, custom map from fuel moto. Just love everything about this bike and works for 60 year old me
Thank you. Sounds like you found your perfect bike. Appreciate your response!
One other thing I wanted to flesh out with you is that I think the best way to look at the motorcycle you are considering buying as an extension of what type of riding you want to do in the next little while. For me I was sick of the agony of a sports bike over long distances. I wanted to actually enjoy the act of riding as opposed to it being a 45 minute exercise that gets uncomfortable fast. Every time I planned a long ride I had to get over the mental block that my bike was not really built for long distances. I can do it.. but I have a lot of concessions I need to make.
So the Fat bob fits what I want to do now. Ride hard sometimes but still be able to do long distances in reasonable comfort. Its not a touring bike but I am not ready for a behemoth Street Glide in my garage as it would make me sad to lose the sportiness of the Fat bob. One day I may decide that a big beast is what I need to be able to cover a lot of ground without ANY compromises. The Fat bob then just wont do.
I guess my point is there is no bike that can do it all WELL. Barring our wives, girlfriends and bank accounts allowing us to have multiple bikes buy Today's bike until your tastes change. Then you will be in the Street Glide thread talking about how superior it is to a Fat Bob one day knowing you been there done that and have moved on and maybe you will return to it one day if your riding choices change.
2018 Fat Bob 114 here. The bike is a nice compromise between a comfortable cruiser and something more sporting. It has enough lean angle and handling to keep one interested but offers comfort for longer rides. Ask my hips.
I was in the same situation like you - after about 20 years, looked at the Vulcan 650 briefly. I rode several Harleys (street bob, fat boy, fat bob...). At the end, it came down to the street bob (easier to manuever) and the fat bob (sweet looks and dealership was willing to give a better price)
Got the fat bob 114 - no regrets.
Ride it and other bikes and then decide for yourself
Like another person said above, the mirrors suck. For now, I've flipped them over, but I will eventually swap them out.
Storage is non existent on the bike (not even under the seat - maybe a small microfiber cloth or two at the most). But the ride is awesome! Not very high powered, but really great torque - so it is very comfortable in the city too. It leans very well (compared to other cruisers) - very nimble.
Thank you. I am going to do that. I'm lining up a few to ride next week and hopefully after that I will pull the trigger. Anxious and excited! Appreciate your comments.
The new Softails are all very nice, so you'll be happy with which ever one you are drawn to.
I traded my 2014 street glide on this Low Rider. I can do a short ride to the coffee shop now and not have to drag the big bike out. I rode 175 miles for lunch yesterday with no problem and did not get tired, I'm 65 years old.
These bikes handle well, are fast and comfortable.
Don't fall in love with any specific model. The Softail line is loaded with bikes with great, but different personalities. Go to a dealership and take test rides. During your test rides, perform some low speed maneuvers in the parking lot as well as a street ride. While you are there, talk with an experienced sales person to see if they recommend another bike that will fit your need; test ride it also. Then GO HOME and let the experience sink in and develop a list of questions about the bikes and your objective requirements for a bike. Go back to the dealer and run your list by the sales person and take another test rides. Don't get in a hurry. You will be more satisfied with your decision and get a better price if you are patient.
FYI: About a year ago, I went through the same process after a 20+ year lay off. So glad I started riding again. I bought a 1200 Sportster under the Freedom Promise Program, rode it a year to get experience, better understand of my real requirements, and identify fitment issues. I just bought a new, 2019 Low Rider. Cost me a little money for the two-bike approach, but I really sharpened my skills and got the right bike, properly fit for me and my needs. If you go straight to a Softail bike, you will find them smooth as silk and easy to maneuver.
You are shopping at the best time of the year to get a sweet deal on a bike. You will be surprised at the number of late model (including 2019) bikes with less than 1k miles of them. Buying a pre-registered bike will save you at least $1k. If you do get a late model pre-registered bike, make the dealer perform the 1k miles inspection--unless it can show you maintenance department records at its dealership that it has already been done; a dealer used bike inspection process isn't the same. Also, be aware that many after market upgrades may may void the remaining warranty on the bike; don't let the dealer blow smoke at you about this. HD is becoming very stringent on its warranty requirements.
Good luck and enjoy the moment. Identifying the right bike for your requirements and tastes will be fun.
Last edited by Las Vegas Jim; Jul 28, 2019 at 12:21 PM.
Reason: Add Picture + typo correction
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