Fat Bob performance
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 883
Likes: 2
From: Irving-Texas
RE: Fat Bob performance
Stock mine will do 120,(maybe more, thats as far as I have pushed, ya got to know how to work the gears) thats as far as the speedo goes. After fuel managment, pipes, and A/C I would be disapointed if I couldnt squeeze about a buck n a half out of it, I got 140 outa my old WG and about the same or more outa my FXRP, I figure ya just have to get it set up right. I was coming down from Sherman to Dallas tonight about 6:30 pm and I was running 115 with the ole lady on board. I dont know any spec #'s on perfomance, HD is HD, it's own aminal it is.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 1
From: USA
RE: Fat Bob performance
Bat,
I've owned a VTX1300C and VTX1800F. The 1800 is a torque monster and in a straight line, will out run any stock Harley TwinCam. The 1300? Notlikely. But when it comes to actual handling, my stock Dyna blows away both the 1300 and 1800. (I actually traded down from the 1800 to the 1300 due to the weight and piggish slow speed handling.) It's been awhile but if I remember correctly, the 1300 had a little plusher suspension than my Low Rider - but then again, the Low Rider and Fat Bob have slammed suspensions so you'll have a little stiffer ride. But other than that nit pick, I can't see the VTX having anything over the Dynas. (Not to mention that with the VTX, you have valve adjustments and water cooling to add to your maintenance list.
On a side note, I grew up with Honda and have owned at least one or twoof all their current street models - including the ST1300, Wing, CBR and VTX. I've always been impressed with the quality and fit/finish of their products. But, the VTX series is their weak line in this regard and if you do a side-by-side comparison of a VTX and Harley, you'll see where Harley blows 'em away. (My VTX1300 must have been built on a Monday - it had a number offit & finishflaws - including a problem with the metallic gray paint that should've never left the factory.) But I digress.....
I've owned a VTX1300C and VTX1800F. The 1800 is a torque monster and in a straight line, will out run any stock Harley TwinCam. The 1300? Notlikely. But when it comes to actual handling, my stock Dyna blows away both the 1300 and 1800. (I actually traded down from the 1800 to the 1300 due to the weight and piggish slow speed handling.) It's been awhile but if I remember correctly, the 1300 had a little plusher suspension than my Low Rider - but then again, the Low Rider and Fat Bob have slammed suspensions so you'll have a little stiffer ride. But other than that nit pick, I can't see the VTX having anything over the Dynas. (Not to mention that with the VTX, you have valve adjustments and water cooling to add to your maintenance list.
On a side note, I grew up with Honda and have owned at least one or twoof all their current street models - including the ST1300, Wing, CBR and VTX. I've always been impressed with the quality and fit/finish of their products. But, the VTX series is their weak line in this regard and if you do a side-by-side comparison of a VTX and Harley, you'll see where Harley blows 'em away. (My VTX1300 must have been built on a Monday - it had a number offit & finishflaws - including a problem with the metallic gray paint that should've never left the factory.) But I digress.....
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Fat Bob performance
My Dyna is my first Harley. I have owned 6 other bikes over the years - 5 metrics and one British. All the Japanese bikes seemed somewhat disposable and lacked 'soul' despite reliability and performance. The Norton had tons of soul - the problem was that it was a cantankarous and miserable soul.
Having said that, the Harley has tons of endearing personality and whenever I go for a ride I always have a big smile on my face. All the mechanical bits, out there in the openwith their attendant noise just adds to the experience. The most pleasant surprise is the performance - great handling with tons of torque. The quality of the paint and chrome just adds to it - and no plastic (other than the lower belt guard). I don't think you'd ever regret buying the Fat Bob, or any other Harley for that matter.
Good luck.
Andy
Having said that, the Harley has tons of endearing personality and whenever I go for a ride I always have a big smile on my face. All the mechanical bits, out there in the openwith their attendant noise just adds to the experience. The most pleasant surprise is the performance - great handling with tons of torque. The quality of the paint and chrome just adds to it - and no plastic (other than the lower belt guard). I don't think you'd ever regret buying the Fat Bob, or any other Harley for that matter.Good luck.
Andy
Banned
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 542
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Fat Bob performance
ORIGINAL: arnold
Stock mine will do 120,(maybe more, thats as far as I have pushed, ya got to know how to work the gears) thats as far as the speedo goes. After fuel managment, pipes, and A/C I would be disapointed if I couldnt squeeze about a buck n a half out of it, I got 140 outa my old WG and about the same or more outa my FXRP, I figure ya just have to get it set up right. I was coming down from Sherman to Dallas tonight about 6:30 pm and I was running 115 with the ole lady on board. I dont know any spec #'s on perfomance, HD is HD, it's own aminal it is.
Stock mine will do 120,(maybe more, thats as far as I have pushed, ya got to know how to work the gears) thats as far as the speedo goes. After fuel managment, pipes, and A/C I would be disapointed if I couldnt squeeze about a buck n a half out of it, I got 140 outa my old WG and about the same or more outa my FXRP, I figure ya just have to get it set up right. I was coming down from Sherman to Dallas tonight about 6:30 pm and I was running 115 with the ole lady on board. I dont know any spec #'s on perfomance, HD is HD, it's own aminal it is.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 400
Likes: 3
From: Southwest Florida
RE: Fat Bob performance
Love the FatBob...Why are you concerned about numbers? If its speed you want check out a crotch rocket or maybe a Suzuki Boulevard 109. My friend has one that is fast all around...Its still not a Harley. With My Stage I kit on my Bob I feel I got some more torq and throughout...even in 6th gear. Love my Bike
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Fat Bob performance
Bat
I have an 07 Speed Triple, 08 Kawasaki Concours, and an 08 Fat Bob.
The Speedy is freakin quick, the Kawasaki is freakin fast, and I find myself wanting to cruise slower and check out the surroundings on the Harley. It has plenty of torque and lots of attitude. If you plan on riding below 90 the HD is a great choice. Make sure you sit on them all and ride a few if you can. I did not like the Nighttrain but loved the Fat Bob. Same motor/tranny, just different ergos.
I have an 07 Speed Triple, 08 Kawasaki Concours, and an 08 Fat Bob.
The Speedy is freakin quick, the Kawasaki is freakin fast, and I find myself wanting to cruise slower and check out the surroundings on the Harley. It has plenty of torque and lots of attitude. If you plan on riding below 90 the HD is a great choice. Make sure you sit on them all and ride a few if you can. I did not like the Nighttrain but loved the Fat Bob. Same motor/tranny, just different ergos.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Fat Bob performance
Thanks. I can't stop thinking about the damn thing (Fat Bob). Again, my VTX is great, but if I'm going the cruiser rout, why not go all the way. I don't get into the the, if it aint HD it aint $#@%; but I think I would have that extra smile and enjoyment mentioned here. Thanks for the replies; I'll see what I can do. I will leave my name with the local dealers for the next demo ride option.
