Oh he definitely said that there were plenty options, but they all required buying newer forks or installing inverted ohlins in a custom triple, but that is all REALLY expensive - looking at min 3k probably. But with the factory sport 39mm shocks, there's nothing to do with them. Not even higher rate springs. And that's the problem. I need heaver springs at a bare minimum.

 

Thanks for the reply. That would be what I would have thought. I was mainly curious because as fate would have it I have a pair of fully adjustable forks from a 1200S Sportster that I have sprung to my weight and a set of stock forks from my XR1200. I could mount the 1200S forks very easily, the ones from the XR would likely be a little more work in that I would have to come up with triple trees, XR trees might work but I don't know. As you said, it could get REALLY expensive.
(but it might be fun)

 

Yup, ya don't want to come down too hard on the benefits of psychological handling improvements.

 

I like the handling of my narrow front end 03 SG. New progressive fork springs and shocks and its a great ride. Rides better then my soft tail ever did. I do like the look of the wide glide better. I ordered two seats from Sick Saddles that should make the ride perfect. I ride pretty aggressive sometimes and only scraped once. I have 13.5" shocks and stock height front end. I love the ride, reminds me of riding my Honda CBX. The 6 cylinder Honda should have been a keeper.

 

The Dyna line is the best handling chassis in HD's lineup...yes, even better than a Sporty from the factory. I've owned a Sporty, and 2 Dynas, and rode about every current model HD makes.

Now comparing Dyna models....the Fat Bob is the best handling Dyna, and the best handling bike in HD's entire lineup period. It has the same rake as the Street Bob, and the discontinued Super Glide Custom, but has dual disks in the front, and fat tires.

My FXDC was a great handling bike, but my Fat Bob outhandles it all day long.

However, there are a lot of things you can do to make them even better from a performance standpoint....suspension being #1.

 

Interesting about the fat Bob. Problem for me is I really don't want forwards. So much so it basically eliminates a FB as an option. It's a shame as I like everything else about it. Mids are a must for me.

I wonder if a larger front wheel/tire can be put on a street Bob? I know second discs can be added...

 

+1 on this. OP, you can always add the mid controls. Don't let that stop you from buying the bike you want. Trust me, it won't be the only mod you'll end up doing. Just possibly the first.

 

I simply added switchback floorboards to my bike and I feel much more comfortable and in control on the bike. Plus got the whole setup for under 200. Found a guy who couldn't stand the boards due to previous injuries

 

My 2009 fatbob came from from the factory with mids. Great bike, it handles better than my 2005 Super Glide.

 

Exactly this!

I'm taller, and mids cramp me up way too much.....there are other options:

#1-put some mini floorboards in place of the foot pegs. I put on the Kury mini boards in the farthest back position, which brings my feet back some and allows me to move around a bit.

#2-keep the forwards and install a set of mid control pegs....I did this on my last bike, then you have the best of both worlds. You can pick a set up used on this forum or about anywhere. I see them for sale all of the time.

#3- spend the money & convert the bike to mids...about $500

Even the most expensive option here is way cheaper than converting a Street Bob to dual disks, and/or a fatter front tire. You'll spend more money trying to make a Street Bob handle like a Fat Bob than just switching out the Fat Bob forwards to mids and having it all.