Any complaints about the Fatbob?
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Fat Bob
I upgraded to a new 09 Fat Bob at the end of last riding season. Complaint--pissed off to learn about the HD MSRP Sportster guarantee trade-in a month after I inked for the Fat Bob. Positives--for me, it's an incredibly awesome ride, handles and rides very smoothly, great power, aggresive look--I tell folks I feel like I upgraded to a Cadillac from a subcompact car. Fwd controls, am 5-10 and have no problems there. Agree that you need to take the upgrades slowly, as it took me a while to really figure out what I wanted to do with the bike. I use the rear seat for on-the-off-chance visitors only, no permanent riders, so it works for me 
. Great bike, Good Luck!
. Great bike, Good Luck!
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
I've only test ridden one, but I agree. I'm 6'2", and I could use another 2" forward on the controls. Easy enough to fix, just more $$$.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
No real complaints about mine. I wish they would have offered the speedo/tach as an option when I ordered mine as factory upgrade instead of something you have to order after you get the bike. I have a hard time trusting the dealer when you see them install footpegs backwards 
(not my bike). I had a tach on my sportster and it's the one the thing a really miss.
(not my bike). I had a tach on my sportster and it's the one the thing a really miss.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,763
Likes: 371
From: North of Hell, South of Heaven
I don't own one, but I have sat on a few and at 6' 1" I find the reach to the bars and forward controls darn near perfect, but that's just me. I can't say I'm a huge fan of the styling, but as far as fit, it would suit me fine. I've only heard good things from those who do own one.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
I'm the guy who likes the fwd controls exactly where they are. In your face, all you 6'+! 
The back seat is only about 3/4 of a seat. I've been told by 2 different women to get a real back seat and a backrest. Don't think so.
I will bitch about the bike not having a tach, but a little $$$ and an hour and a half garage time and that was taken care of.
Now for my REAL bitch about the Fat Bob... And that's the fact that Harley had to make this bike so damn nice that I just didn't like my 03 FXDL any more and had to trade it in.
The back seat is only about 3/4 of a seat. I've been told by 2 different women to get a real back seat and a backrest. Don't think so.
I will bitch about the bike not having a tach, but a little $$$ and an hour and a half garage time and that was taken care of.
Now for my REAL bitch about the Fat Bob... And that's the fact that Harley had to make this bike so damn nice that I just didn't like my 03 FXDL any more and had to trade it in.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver, BC
I'll be purchasing a fatbob next spring and am looking for any gripes about this bike. Its hard to get any complaints from the HD dealership but I would be interested if any of the owners out there have any dislikes about this "apparently" perfect bike. Does it seem tiny..any paint falling off..wife hates to ride on it? Help a brother out or possibly donate $$$ if you wish to do so.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 406
Likes: 2
From: Brownsburg, IN
Complaints...
1. I can't ride it everyday...
2. It's hard to keep a girlfriend in the summer, because I spend my weekends on bike trips.
3. If you plan on having a fender bunny ride with you a lot you'll need a seat upgrade.
4. As far as styling goes... the only thing I don't like is the taillight/plate mount. It's too big and hangs down too low, covers up too much of that sexy rear tire (I'm in the process of fixing that).
Suggestions...
1. Take the mods slow, ride it for a while stock... you'll get ideas that you want to do, then two weeks later wish you did something different.
2. Do it! Buy it! Man I knew the second I saw one in a magazine that bike was going to be mine. I have never looked back and there is nothing else on the market now that I wish I had.
1. I can't ride it everyday...
2. It's hard to keep a girlfriend in the summer, because I spend my weekends on bike trips.
3. If you plan on having a fender bunny ride with you a lot you'll need a seat upgrade.
4. As far as styling goes... the only thing I don't like is the taillight/plate mount. It's too big and hangs down too low, covers up too much of that sexy rear tire (I'm in the process of fixing that).
Suggestions...
1. Take the mods slow, ride it for a while stock... you'll get ideas that you want to do, then two weeks later wish you did something different.
2. Do it! Buy it! Man I knew the second I saw one in a magazine that bike was going to be mine. I have never looked back and there is nothing else on the market now that I wish I had.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 665
Likes: 1
From: North Yorkshire
This was my first Harley and the Fat Bob converted me. It made my wife a Harley girl, she does not really want to ride anything other than Harley now, it is her fav bike of all time (and I have had some nice bikes in the past). I got stage one, a sundowner seat and a back rest for her. Changed the handgrips, mirrors and battery strip and if I am not riding it I seem to be polishing it! It handles really well and the riding experience is such I would not trade it for any other Harley. Looks like I am going to have to just buy another HD to keep it company in the garage!