Took a fat bob for a test ride...
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Joined: May 2008
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Took a fat bob for a test ride...
Hey,
I took a Fat Bob out during Harley's "Test Our Metal" event a few weeks ago, but it was so damn windy that I couldn't get a feel for any of the bikes. I found a local dealer that has a demo Fat Bob so went out and took it for a rip yesterday. Loved how light it was, and the forward controls were great.
My only concern, and I don't know if its specifically to THAT one that they have, is that it rattles like mad. It was impossible to look at anything in the mirrors, and I found even looking forward I was shaking so much that it was hard to see things. Is that what its like on all the Fat Bobs?
I rode my dad's 05 Road King down there and apparently its the same mount, and I do not notice the same rattle at all...
I took a Fat Bob out during Harley's "Test Our Metal" event a few weeks ago, but it was so damn windy that I couldn't get a feel for any of the bikes. I found a local dealer that has a demo Fat Bob so went out and took it for a rip yesterday. Loved how light it was, and the forward controls were great.
My only concern, and I don't know if its specifically to THAT one that they have, is that it rattles like mad. It was impossible to look at anything in the mirrors, and I found even looking forward I was shaking so much that it was hard to see things. Is that what its like on all the Fat Bobs?
I rode my dad's 05 Road King down there and apparently its the same mount, and I do not notice the same rattle at all...
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 918
Likes: 3
From: England
RE: Took a fat bob for a test ride...
Mine rattles quite badly at low speed from somewhere around the forks. I cant tell where its coming from. Its going for its 1000 mile service in a week so Ill get them to look at it. The fuel cap rattles but they all do that and theres nothing you can do about it.
Mine does not shake or vibrate much. It shakes a bit at low speed but it's getting much better as I put more miles on it and get used to the gearbox.
Mine does not shake or vibrate much. It shakes a bit at low speed but it's getting much better as I put more miles on it and get used to the gearbox.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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RE: Took a fat bob for a test ride...
Dag that sucks, just when i thought i had found the bike i wanted i read this, i took the ROCKERC for a test ride and loved it, but then thought the FATBOB would be more comfortable for longer rides, i have never owned a HARLEY and i am in the market for my first, i have looked at a FATBOY and they look sweet as well, although im not crazy about the rims, but i do understand thats what makes them well you know FATBOYS. I need to find a dealer that may have a FATBOB, so that i can take her for a spin, but with the rattling your talking about i am starting to change my mind and now dont know which way to go.....Ivan!
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Joined: Jun 2008
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RE: Took a fat bob for a test ride...
Thebump, i dont mind that HARLEY shake, how many miles on your baby, and i think shake and rattle are different things, but i am hoping its just an isolated incident you know.....Ivan
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,998
Likes: 14
From: Central Ohio
RE: Took a fat bob for a test ride...
4500 miles on my Fat Bob since April... no complaints.
 \\;
I \\;rode a 92 XL 1200 with a ridgid mounted motor for 30,000 miles (2 years) and every one would ask me, "Doesn't that thing rattle you to death?" I never knew what they were talking about till I got my Fat Bob. The rattle I supose they were talking about was more like a buzzing type vibration that I experienced at @ 70-75 mph. It never really bothered me.
 \\;
My new ride is quite smooth, even at 80 mph. To anyone considering a Fat Bob I'd say, "Go for it!"
 \\;
The demo model you rode could've lost a wheel balancing weight, or two. The one you buy will be yours and is warranted for two year.
 \\;
 \\;
I \\;rode a 92 XL 1200 with a ridgid mounted motor for 30,000 miles (2 years) and every one would ask me, "Doesn't that thing rattle you to death?" I never knew what they were talking about till I got my Fat Bob. The rattle I supose they were talking about was more like a buzzing type vibration that I experienced at @ 70-75 mph. It never really bothered me.
 \\;
My new ride is quite smooth, even at 80 mph. To anyone considering a Fat Bob I'd say, "Go for it!"
 \\;
The demo model you rode could've lost a wheel balancing weight, or two. The one you buy will be yours and is warranted for two year.
 \\;
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 73
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RE: Took a fat bob for a test ride...
cool08FXD, thanks for the info, i cant wait to get mine, i am wanting to buy it in blue or the shiny RED, not the Denim, nothing wrong with the Denim its just that i prefer the shiny look for my first HARLEY......Ivan!
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Stage III
Joined: Jun 2008
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RE: Took a fat bob for a test ride...
my fatbob had a bad rattle it was the heatshield from the front pipie where it meets the 2into1 pipe havent been back to the dealer yet but used some fiberglass from an old muffler stuck it between the pipe and heatshield \\; noise gone