First Harley, 2008 Fatbob
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 141
Likes: 89
First Harley, 2008 Fatbob
Just wanted to say I love it to death. I have had the following bikes leading up to now:
2002 Suzuki DRZ 400S (Dual Sport) (sold)
2004 Triumph Bonneville America (sold)
2006 Yamaha Warrior (sold)
2007 Triumph Speedmaster
2008 Kawasaki Versys
2008 Suzuki M109R (sold)
This bike is my favorite so far, but I still love my Triumph and Kawasaki!
I have a Stage 1 Air Cleaner, racetuner and Vance & Hines Big Radius. It is Candy Red and quite stunning, what blows me away about the bike is after hearing for years Harleys are old tech and clunky shifting, well just the opposite is true, it shifts flawlessly, way better than the Suzuki M109R (love the 6 speeds) and the motor and ride is incredibly refined! The quality of the chrome and all the components is top notch and the little touch's like the keyless security, and the self cancelling turn signals, and the turn signals that stay on at night as running lights............nice. Anyway all I really need is a tach, and maybe a 103 and cam upgrade this winter, any idea what that runs?? Thanks for all the positive reviews on this site, it helped convince me to buy the Fatbob!
2002 Suzuki DRZ 400S (Dual Sport) (sold)
2004 Triumph Bonneville America (sold)
2006 Yamaha Warrior (sold)
2007 Triumph Speedmaster
2008 Kawasaki Versys
2008 Suzuki M109R (sold)
This bike is my favorite so far, but I still love my Triumph and Kawasaki!
I have a Stage 1 Air Cleaner, racetuner and Vance & Hines Big Radius. It is Candy Red and quite stunning, what blows me away about the bike is after hearing for years Harleys are old tech and clunky shifting, well just the opposite is true, it shifts flawlessly, way better than the Suzuki M109R (love the 6 speeds) and the motor and ride is incredibly refined! The quality of the chrome and all the components is top notch and the little touch's like the keyless security, and the self cancelling turn signals, and the turn signals that stay on at night as running lights............nice. Anyway all I really need is a tach, and maybe a 103 and cam upgrade this winter, any idea what that runs?? Thanks for all the positive reviews on this site, it helped convince me to buy the Fatbob!
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 877
Likes: 0
From: The Dirty South
RE: First Harley, 2008 Fatbob
canyon: if you didn't get the 103 kit as part of the original bike purchase then adding it after delivery may affect any warranty issues that may arise.
But don't let that stop you
Look in the screaming eagle section of the HD website for parts cost. MSRP is $1200 but it can be found on eBay for ~$700.
Ask mechanics for labor quotes. Most HD places are about $100 - ~110 per hour. Where I am I can find top notch service for ~65/hour with two-day turn-around for twin cam work.
You'll get more power for dollar by just doing aftermarket cams + clutch spring. It's also worth noting that HD says the 103 kit won't work on the FXDF. I'm not sure why but this means that cams right now might be your only option.
You could also port the heads but you're definitely tanking your warranty
Our bikes haven't been out one year yet and nuances/gotchas haven't yet been discovered.
Wait until after summer before plunging ahead into engine hops - and it sounds like you're waiting until winter anyway, so you're on the right track.
HTH
But don't let that stop you
Look in the screaming eagle section of the HD website for parts cost. MSRP is $1200 but it can be found on eBay for ~$700.
Ask mechanics for labor quotes. Most HD places are about $100 - ~110 per hour. Where I am I can find top notch service for ~65/hour with two-day turn-around for twin cam work.
You'll get more power for dollar by just doing aftermarket cams + clutch spring. It's also worth noting that HD says the 103 kit won't work on the FXDF. I'm not sure why but this means that cams right now might be your only option.
You could also port the heads but you're definitely tanking your warranty
Our bikes haven't been out one year yet and nuances/gotchas haven't yet been discovered.
Wait until after summer before plunging ahead into engine hops - and it sounds like you're waiting until winter anyway, so you're on the right track.
HTH
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RE: First Harley, 2008 Fatbob
Good choice of bike, glad you liking it...I am still to have mine delivered (only a 14wk wait so far!!) But it's nice to see so many positive comments from people.
I have a Versys also, cracking bike....I use it every day for commuting. [sm=smiley20.gif]
I have a Versys also, cracking bike....I use it every day for commuting. [sm=smiley20.gif]