First Upgrade?
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 971
Likes: 1
From: Chicago/Arlington Heights
A low % credit card, ride alone until you are comfortable, read the owners manual,2"ball bearings to deter the cagers and dont buy anything from HD without shopping,i.e. Dennis Kirk,J&P and others. Look on this Forum for parts and think what the goal is for your bike. So much more will be added to your post. Next......
Went out yesterday looking at safety gear.
Have my eye on a helmet and jacket.
Florida doesn't require helmets, but the Navy does, so that isn't an option for me.
Started pricing slip on pipes just to get an idea of what the will run me WHEN I upgrade them.
Could have rented a Fat Bob yesterday from the dealer here in SN Diego, but no endorsement yet. So all I got to do was sit on one again. Can't wait to finally be able to ride.
Have my eye on a helmet and jacket.
Florida doesn't require helmets, but the Navy does, so that isn't an option for me.
Started pricing slip on pipes just to get an idea of what the will run me WHEN I upgrade them.
Could have rented a Fat Bob yesterday from the dealer here in SN Diego, but no endorsement yet. So all I got to do was sit on one again. Can't wait to finally be able to ride.
First I think you made a good model selection. Have a ball. I wouldn't upgrade anything until you ride it a while and decide what functional, mechanical items you would like. I would consider riding for a few months and seeing what mechanically or ergonimically you feel needs to be changed. As far as cosmetic changes, see signature below.
I am gonna go out on a limb here and say to get some EXPERIENCE first, don't spend any extra (hard earned) $$$.$$ until you can safely ride the bike. You mentioned the MSF course, it is a good place to start, but until you know how to handle YOUR bike on the rode and learn to judge what the idiots around you are doing don't add anything, not even a passenger. Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,699
Likes: 15
From: Qualicum Beach, B.C. CAN
I am gonna go out on a limb here and say to get some EXPERIENCE first, don't spend any extra (hard earned) $$$.$$ until you can safely ride the bike. You mentioned the MSF course, it is a good place to start, but until you know how to handle YOUR bike on the rode and learn to judge what the idiots around you are doing don't add anything, not even a passenger. Good luck.
And stick to the experienced riders for a while, the ones that will stop and teach you a thing or two. No hotdoggin for now!
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 1
From: St Louis, MO
Personally, the complete Stage 1 is mandatory. It completely changes the bike for the better. Mine runs cooler, smoother and sounds like a Harley should. The power difference is quite noticable too.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Fairhope. Al.
After you purchase your aftermarket double-up seat with sissy bar so the wife will be happy I would change the exhaust or mufflers. I like the Vance and Hines "Big Radius" for looks and sound. Three of my buds have them on their Dynas. I have Screaming Eagle mufflers on mine now; the're about as loud as any mufflers with baffles. Because I like to carry raingear and other thing when I ride, I installed saddle bags. I don't like bugs in my teeth so installed a windshield. I didn't want to mess up my custom paint job when the bike falls over, so I install engine guards with riding pegs. The list goes on and on. I personally like the bike without the extras, but my safety and comfort comes first.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: EL Paso, TX
Corbin dual touring seat
I also ordered a 2010 Fat Bob that I will pick up when I redeploy home in February. My wife rides with me as well I am looking at the Corbin dual touring seat, I'm sure someone on here has one and could give some feedback. My best tip as far as what else to add is to wait a little bit, hang out and see what other bikes have and what you feel when you ride and your question will answer itself.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
Oh, I'm not gonna jump into anything just becasue it seems to be the popular thing to do.
As for the seat, well she decided that first, after she got over the shock of me buying a bike in the first place. I think she thinks I"m going thru a mid-life crisis, but at 46 i'm not even close.
As for the seat, well she decided that first, after she got over the shock of me buying a bike in the first place. I think she thinks I"m going thru a mid-life crisis, but at 46 i'm not even close.
lol.... there is no crisis.... I wanted a Harley, and I went and bought one
There is no age limit for that..
oh.... the seat is first and foremost. Get a nice solo seat that also has a nice passenger pillion.... that way it's easier to break it down to a street cruiser look... I can take my ride from street cruiser to touring in less than 5 minutes. (saddlebags, 2up touring seat, backrest/luggage rack....)