Test-rode a Fat Bob tonight
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Milwaukee area
Test-rode a Fat Bob tonight
Stopped at the dealer to get some baubles for the wife's new Sportster and while she was 'shopping', I was looking at the Dynas. I'll be getting one soon, but I'm torn between the SGC, LR and FB; leaning towards the FB, though. A salesgal asked if I was looking for anything in particular and I told her I was pondering those three. "Did you see the Denim Black FB out front?" she queried. "Yeah, thought someone was picking up a new bike." She then told me it was a demo bike and asked if I'd like to take a ride. [ouch, don't twist my arm] Took a 5-mile ride. After riding her Sportster a few times, putting my feet up to the forward controls took some consious effort. I've sat on the three different bikes several times and thought the FB seat was the most comfortable and the SGC the least. After that ride, WOW! the FB seat is really comfortable (puts to shame the seat on Wife's Sporty).
My only concern is that SWMBO will occasionally ride on the back. She demands a more comfortable pillion than the buttfloss that HD puts on everything but touring bikes, but I'd want a 2-up seat as comfortable as the stock FB. Any suggestions?
My only concern is that SWMBO will occasionally ride on the back. She demands a more comfortable pillion than the buttfloss that HD puts on everything but touring bikes, but I'd want a 2-up seat as comfortable as the stock FB. Any suggestions?
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Way..Northern California
Last weekend I test drove a Fat Bob, Rocker, 1200 Sporty (don't ask) and a V Rod. I was not that impressed with any of them...except the Fat Bob. It was the best handling bike of the bunch, and the most comfortable, I was very impressed! Of course none were as good of a ride as my SG, but if I were to buy a second bike it would be a Fat Bob for sure.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 314
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From: Southern New Hampshire
My wife has an issue with my Fat Bob's stock seat but the Harley touring seats are cheap. (Under $300) Personally i think the stock FB's driver seat is very comfortable and LOOKS sharp so I'm going to buy a better two up seat for when the wife comes with me and put the stock seat on when I ride alone. (I ride alone 90% of the time)
You actually may not get a killer deal on an 08 even if it's season's end because they really didn't change much is anything on the 09s ... but the FXDF is well worth the money regardless! (IF you can get a discount maybe you can swing a deal for a better two up seat?)
You actually may not get a killer deal on an 08 even if it's season's end because they really didn't change much is anything on the 09s ... but the FXDF is well worth the money regardless! (IF you can get a discount maybe you can swing a deal for a better two up seat?)
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Milwaukee area
I like the idea of a second seat to swap back & forth. My 15yo daughter likes to ride, as well.
There aren't too many FBs left at the couple dealers I've been to. None of them have '08s left. Alot of bikes have been bought in Milwaukee recently. Hell, SWMBO's '09 Sportster was the last black - or any color, I think - Low in the midwest; dealer had to go south of the [Wisconsin] border to get it.
There aren't too many FBs left at the couple dealers I've been to. None of them have '08s left. Alot of bikes have been bought in Milwaukee recently. Hell, SWMBO's '09 Sportster was the last black - or any color, I think - Low in the midwest; dealer had to go south of the [Wisconsin] border to get it.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 314
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From: Southern New Hampshire
I like the idea of a second seat to swap back & forth. My 15yo daughter likes to ride, as well.
There aren't too many FBs left at the couple dealers I've been to. None of them have '08s left. Alot of bikes have been bought in Milwaukee recently. Hell, SWMBO's '09 Sportster was the last black - or any color, I think - Low in the midwest; dealer had to go south of the [Wisconsin] border to get it.
There aren't too many FBs left at the couple dealers I've been to. None of them have '08s left. Alot of bikes have been bought in Milwaukee recently. Hell, SWMBO's '09 Sportster was the last black - or any color, I think - Low in the midwest; dealer had to go south of the [Wisconsin] border to get it.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
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From:
Fat Bob is a sweet ride. I chose the sundowner for a two up seat. The GF loves it and I am happy with my new perch. However, keep in mind this seat will lift you up higher than the stock seat. So if you are vertically challenged or lack inseam this could be a concern.
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Road Master
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From: Rolla
I have an 09 Fat Bob, and agree that factory seat is pretty damn good for the rider only. As with you, the wife road about 200 yards and said turn around. Of course I already knew that would happen. Most Harley seats are made to look at, not ride on.
We went with the touring seat from Harley.
Part Number 51472-06 $229.95
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
Wife is very happy with this seat. But it does raise you up about an inch. I am 6', 33" inseam and I can still place both feet flat on the ground, so not an issue.
But since the factory seat is so nice, I also bought the thumbscrew seat bolt. This allows me to switch between the two seats in seconds. I like the look of the stock seat much better, so if I am alone I just switch the seats out.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
We went with the touring seat from Harley.
Part Number 51472-06 $229.95
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
Wife is very happy with this seat. But it does raise you up about an inch. I am 6', 33" inseam and I can still place both feet flat on the ground, so not an issue.
But since the factory seat is so nice, I also bought the thumbscrew seat bolt. This allows me to switch between the two seats in seconds. I like the look of the stock seat much better, so if I am alone I just switch the seats out.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
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