Tall and torn between FB and WG
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
From: SW Virginia
Tall and torn between FB and WG
Looking for my first bike, both the Wide Glide and Fatbob feel pretty comfortable for someone my size. (6'7"ish)
Any other tall guys here have either of those set up for us bigger guys? I'd like to see some pics and get an idea of what I'll need to upgrade. For what it's worth, I sat on a tall boy seat at a local dealer and hated how high it set me up.
Also, any pro and cons and opinions on which you prefer?
I honestly don't know if I'd prefer a WG what I call traditional looking accessories like apes, or a FB in a "thug" style build.
Thanks to any replies, I'm just trying to get some ideas before I go lay the money down.
Any other tall guys here have either of those set up for us bigger guys? I'd like to see some pics and get an idea of what I'll need to upgrade. For what it's worth, I sat on a tall boy seat at a local dealer and hated how high it set me up.
Also, any pro and cons and opinions on which you prefer?
I honestly don't know if I'd prefer a WG what I call traditional looking accessories like apes, or a FB in a "thug" style build.
Thanks to any replies, I'm just trying to get some ideas before I go lay the money down.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
Likes: 8,758
From: Galt's Gulch - MI
First off, welcome to the forum 
This will be such a subjective and personal decision that in reality it's one that only you can make. My opinion is going to be obviously the Wide Glide, someone else will say Fatbob and we'll end up using the basic same reasoning behind our choices. You best option will be if at all possible is to do a test ride on each of them to discover for yourself what's the more appropriate bike for you.
The Wide Glide with her front end does require a bit more finesse at slow speed and with the more limited lean angles you'll need to alter your corner entry technique somewhat to account for that but it's nothing that can't be easily overcome with practice and a bit of time with the bike.
You posted this is your first bike, ownership of a motorcycle is the easier part but learning to ride well takes time and practice. Motorcycling is a learned skill, make certain to invest in upgrading yourself as well as which ever bike you eventually ride. Training courses, developing an understanding of motorcycling techniques, and practicing those techniques will pay huge dividends and truly improve your motorcycling experience.
Good luck with whichever bike you eventually choose; (cough), Wide Glide, (cough)
This will be such a subjective and personal decision that in reality it's one that only you can make. My opinion is going to be obviously the Wide Glide, someone else will say Fatbob and we'll end up using the basic same reasoning behind our choices. You best option will be if at all possible is to do a test ride on each of them to discover for yourself what's the more appropriate bike for you.
The Wide Glide with her front end does require a bit more finesse at slow speed and with the more limited lean angles you'll need to alter your corner entry technique somewhat to account for that but it's nothing that can't be easily overcome with practice and a bit of time with the bike.
You posted this is your first bike, ownership of a motorcycle is the easier part but learning to ride well takes time and practice. Motorcycling is a learned skill, make certain to invest in upgrading yourself as well as which ever bike you eventually ride. Training courses, developing an understanding of motorcycling techniques, and practicing those techniques will pay huge dividends and truly improve your motorcycling experience.
Good luck with whichever bike you eventually choose; (cough), Wide Glide, (cough)
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 23
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From: SW Virginia
Thanks.
Kinda figured that it's all personal preference.
I've ridden for years, just never owned one. I grew up on dirt bikes and my dad has had Harley's for years. I put quite a few miles on his deluxe and several on his current heritage. I'm sure I look like a gorilla on a tricycle though, he's a lot shorter than me.
Kinda figured that it's all personal preference.
I've ridden for years, just never owned one. I grew up on dirt bikes and my dad has had Harley's for years. I put quite a few miles on his deluxe and several on his current heritage. I'm sure I look like a gorilla on a tricycle though, he's a lot shorter than me.
Go to the dealer, put your butt on some bike seats, and ride them both (or all dynas). The difference and INITIAL fit issues will become apparent. Most of the bike can be changed to suit your tastes.
If you look really hard at pictures of both bikes, some non-fit related things like dual disk brakes on the fatbob vs single on the wide glide (initially), larger tank on bob vs wide glide, ... etc... will become clear.
Same is true for initial style differences like the tail lighting, gauge cluster, bar type, blah blah blah.
go to the dealer... you don't have to buy from them but, put your mitts on the bikes. Probably best if you dont buy anything on your first trip anyway..... Let things sink in.
why do you care what you look like on a bike? Are you.. ah, "getting in position for a facebook picture?" Just ride...
If you look really hard at pictures of both bikes, some non-fit related things like dual disk brakes on the fatbob vs single on the wide glide (initially), larger tank on bob vs wide glide, ... etc... will become clear.
Same is true for initial style differences like the tail lighting, gauge cluster, bar type, blah blah blah.
go to the dealer... you don't have to buy from them but, put your mitts on the bikes. Probably best if you dont buy anything on your first trip anyway..... Let things sink in.
why do you care what you look like on a bike? Are you.. ah, "getting in position for a facebook picture?" Just ride...
Last edited by cvaria; Jan 26, 2017 at 09:30 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 633
Likes: 42
From: Charlotte NC
I'll get sh@t for this I know, but you asked for opinions. I hate the Fat Bob, right there next to the Vrod. I think they look awful. That said, many think the WideGlide looks dumb. I think the WideGlide is one of the best looking HDs out there. It's classic...and it's badass.
For a tall Rider? (I'm 6'2") check out seats like C&C that sit you back 1-2". They look badass too! It's like a double whammy putting a C&C on a WideGlide....girls will flock to you and you will have to fling chicks off ya just to get things done. I mean it's the right thing to do getting a WideGlide. It's a lot of badassery. It makes you great again. Before my WideGlide I was nothing, but now that I've owned one, I've become a someone. Ask your buddies if getting a WideGlide is right for you!
For a tall Rider? (I'm 6'2") check out seats like C&C that sit you back 1-2". They look badass too! It's like a double whammy putting a C&C on a WideGlide....girls will flock to you and you will have to fling chicks off ya just to get things done. I mean it's the right thing to do getting a WideGlide. It's a lot of badassery. It makes you great again. Before my WideGlide I was nothing, but now that I've owned one, I've become a someone. Ask your buddies if getting a WideGlide is right for you!
Cruiser
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 103
Likes: 23
From: Union NJ
First off, I've had niether bike. But I've had Harleys with 21" wheels and ohers with double disks. IMHO the 21" follows road irragularities like rain grooves bad. Double discs are a much better way to go especially a bigger guy like you. FATBOB.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 106
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From: NC
I have owned both and now currently own a 2015 Fat Bob. TO ME, the Fat Bob handles and rides unbelievable well (and I really love how it looks). That being said, I LOVE the look of the WG but I felt that the skinny front wheel wanders a bit and I feel more stable on the FB.
The best way to figure out which one will be best for YOU? Rent both for a day and see which fits you. A few bucks to rent is better then a $15k-$20k regret.
The best way to figure out which one will be best for YOU? Rent both for a day and see which fits you. A few bucks to rent is better then a $15k-$20k regret.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 633
Likes: 42
From: Charlotte NC
I have owned both and now currently own a 2015 Fat Bob. TO ME, the Fat Bob handles and rides unbelievable well (and I really love how it looks). That being said, I LOVE the look of the WG but I felt that the skinny front wheel wanders a bit and I feel more stable on the FB.
The best way to figure out which one will be best for YOU? Rent both for a day and see which fits you. A few bucks to rent is better then a $15k-$20k regret.
The best way to figure out which one will be best for YOU? Rent both for a day and see which fits you. A few bucks to rent is better then a $15k-$20k regret.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
From: SW Virginia
Thanks for the opinions.
Things like the seat suggestion above helps and gives me some more stuff to look at.
Yea I plan on trying to rent both bikes and try em out before I buy. I just like to hear others thoughts, especially since I've never owned one and about everyone I know around here are on either SGs or Heritages.
Nah...I don't really care what I look like while I'm riding, but I don't like to "feel" so big, if that makes since. Kinda different than comfort, but hen again goes hand in hand. I'm sure you other tall guys get what I'm saying.
Things like the seat suggestion above helps and gives me some more stuff to look at.
Yea I plan on trying to rent both bikes and try em out before I buy. I just like to hear others thoughts, especially since I've never owned one and about everyone I know around here are on either SGs or Heritages.
Nah...I don't really care what I look like while I'm riding, but I don't like to "feel" so big, if that makes since. Kinda different than comfort, but hen again goes hand in hand. I'm sure you other tall guys get what I'm saying.