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So much depends on your riding style and use. I test rode both bikes in 2019 before getting neither of them; I felt that both of bikes lacked the handling responsiveness for urban cruising that fit my use requirements. But, both are really great looking bikes! Since you are a big guy in good shape, you probably wouldn't notice much difference between the two bikes, as long as you get a 2018+ with a 114 M8 engine. One Tip: You will find that both bikes handle MUCH better if you replace the OE suspension with either a Progressive or Legend suspension.
Good luck with your choice.
Hey my man! Thanks for this reply! I don't know how changing the suspension changes their handling can you bit more into detail on that? As far as riding I wouldn't go cruising out past 3-hour mark on a ride. Most will be in town and small highway speed of about 60 mph tops. So, it will mainly be around town bike.
I had an 18 FB 114, and now have an 18 BO 114. That says it all. The ONLY think I liked about the FB was the 5 gallon tank. Every other aspect goes to the BO.
You feel the BO handles better? How tall are you, my man? Also, what kind of riding do you typically do? Again, I am mainly going to be in town only, once every couple years I might take the bike out for a 3-hour ride and sleep and 3 hours back.
Before I bought my Fatboy I was up at Laconia Bike Week and they had the test rides going on. I loved the look of the Breakout and wanted to ride it because it was my first choice... So glad I did. It really depends on your riding style/ comfort. I rode the Breakout and thought it felt like the position of a sport bike with your legs extended forward. I felt like I was leaning way to forward and it was uncomfortable. I knew after an hour or so I'd have an awful burning between my shoulder blades like I got when riding a sport bike. And then the 3 gallon tank was also a factor. So it's a great bike for around town but in my opinion, that's it.
The Fatboy on the other hand is a much more upright position so it's a lot more comfortable. I can ride it all day and be fine. With a 5 gallon tank and getting 45 miles to the gallon, it goes a long time without refueling too.
Now this is just my opinion, I love the look of the breakout but it was a comfort thing for me... To let you know, I'm 5'6", 150lbs with a 30" inseam. I fit well on both bikes.
Steve
Thanks for this my man! I am leaning towards the fat boy as well so far.
You feel the BO handles better? How tall are you, my man? Also, what kind of riding do you typically do? Again, I am mainly going to be in town only, once every couple years I might take the bike out for a 3-hour ride and sleep and 3 hours back.
I'm 6 ft, we look for the twistiest roads we can find to wherever we are going. The big front tire on the FB keeps it wanting to stand up, didn't like fighting that. For my riding style, the BO is far better. If you're going to bar hop or something like that, you can't go wrong on the FB, that's what its made for.
I'm 6 ft, we look for the twistiest roads we can find to wherever we are going. The big front tire on the FB keeps it wanting to stand up, didn't like fighting that. For my riding style, the BO is far better. If you're going to bar hop or something like that, you can't go wrong on the FB, that's what its made for.
Use some MotoGP body position and the bike doesn't stand up in corners.
Doesn't take much, just lean over the the tank to the inside of the turn just before you tip into the turn, then stay there as you run through the corner. Fat Boy easily glides right through turns no problem.
The M8 Fat Boy really likes that little bit of body position, it flicks right into a turn when you give it some. It hates counter-leaning, if you counter-lean, you will have to fight the bike.
Use some MotoGP body position and the bike doesn't stand up in corners.
Doesn't take much, just lean over the the tank to the inside of the turn just before you tip into the turn, then stay there as you run through the corner. Fat Boy easily glides right through turns no problem.
The M8 Fat Boy really likes that little bit of body position, it flicks right into a turn when you give it some. It hates counter-leaning, if you counter-lean, you will have to fight the bike.
The factory tires on both bike's are not the greatest, but don't worry, they wear out fast...lol. I got just about 10k on mine before they were done. I went with the Metzler Cruisetech's as replacements, much better handling and lean. Although even being a light weight I had no trouble leaning the FB with the original tires but I'll admit it did take some getting use to over my Dyna.
Run a couple of extra psi in the front on the Fatty and it will help those that find the front troublesome. Anyway, I rode both and went with the Fatty; however, I had a couple of them in the past so I might have been biased. No complaints at all, and for what it is worth I always ride solo.
Run a couple of extra psi in the front on the Fatty and it will help those that find the front troublesome. Anyway, I rode both and went with the Fatty; however, I had a couple of them in the past so I might have been biased. No complaints at all, and for what it is worth I always ride solo.
I run 39 Front 41 Rear, 1 PSI lower than the 40/42 that everyone else runs because I'm so much lighter than everyone else, and dont hit the 160lb min preload the bike is designed for.
If you decide to go with a Fat Boy, I have one for sale. Bought it from a friend that was having some financial problems. It's a 0218 114 ci, <4000 mi., V&H exhaust, SE Heavy Breather AC. Excellent condition. $19,000. Located in the Phoenix area.
Last edited by $tonecold; Aug 10, 2022 at 09:30 AM.
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