Fat Bob or Fat Boy?
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Washington State
Fat Bob or Fat Boy?
I'm considering both bikes for my first Harley. I'm new but have read a lot in the last couple of months. Other than the obvious appearance differences, how do the two bikes differ riding around, feel etc? I'm also wondering what the differences between the 96 rubber mounted dyna engine and the rigid mounted 96B engine?? Thanks in advance.
Steve
Steve
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Joined: Jan 2009
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My concern with the Fat Boy was that it seemed to have less of a lean angle than the Fat Bob. I've only ridden one a couple of times as a rental when my Road King was in for service, but the Fat Boy always hit the floor boards while leaning into the intersection to get in my neighborhood. The Road King never had a problem making that clearance, and it's no fun to have the scrape bounce you back up while you're heading for a curb.
Other than that, it's probably up to your preference. My guess is that the Fat Bob is a better handling bike when you get into some curves.
Other than that, it's probably up to your preference. My guess is that the Fat Bob is a better handling bike when you get into some curves.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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The difference in the motors is what will be most evident at first. The dyna will feel like you are sitting on a harley and the softail will be smooth due to the B motor. It really depends on the look you want or like and how you want to ride. The dynas will always be able to be ridden more aggressively (lean angle, etc.). Don't be confused by the common word "Fat" in the bike names. Two completely different bikes.
Elite HDF Member
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The B motor has counterbalancers to minimize vibrations from the motor. I won't get into a Softail bashing conversation but it isn't for me, I'll leave it at that.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,789
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From: Double Oak, Texas
In addition to what was noted before about the 2 bikes, the Fat Boy is a more nostalgic and relaxed modern recreation of Harleys storied past.
To me, the Fat Bob is a gonzo semi-hooligan recreation of the rat bikes of the 50's.
They ride and feel much different from one another. Though I like very much the Fat Boy, obviously the Fat Bob is the one for me.
Though a real stretch, imagination wise, the Bob is much more sporty and I don't spend so much time on it pining for the handling qualities of my Ducati Monster.......but I spend more time on the Fat Bob than the Ducati.
To me, the Fat Bob is a gonzo semi-hooligan recreation of the rat bikes of the 50's.
They ride and feel much different from one another. Though I like very much the Fat Boy, obviously the Fat Bob is the one for me.
Though a real stretch, imagination wise, the Bob is much more sporty and I don't spend so much time on it pining for the handling qualities of my Ducati Monster.......but I spend more time on the Fat Bob than the Ducati.
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