Not going to do anything but get riding gear prior to April.
Will have to put money aside, anyway, to do the upgrades in the first place.

Have jacket and helmet in mind.
Mostly influenced by the forum and other riders here on the ship.

 

Well, gonna wait awhile after I get it before I acutally DO any big upgrades.

Will probably do the back rest with sissy bar (both removable) so I can at least strap stuff to the unitl I get saddlebags.
Also talked to a dealer Saturday and he suggested a Highway / Roll bar so that WHEN I drop it I won't tear too much up. HInted at saddle bags also. Opinions on that?

Next I'll see about slip ons and a Stage one upgrade. Figure if it IS a Harley, should at least SOUND like one. Besides, I REALLY want to P!$$ Off the neighbors!

The Wife will get her seat eventually. Had her looking at riding gear Saturday for future planning. Wants anything but black for a jacket. Me, I've already looked at several, most of which are way too heavy for Florida. But, I'll eventaully figure something out before I get on the bike. And already got my eyes on a modular helmet

So much to buy, and so much money to spend on it. Wish I had a never ending money stream for it all. :\

 

Good luck with the new bike.

 

Chief:

Congrats on the new ride ... welcome aboard the forum

A lot of FXDFs on the forum ... you've been getting some rather good, if standard, advice ....

I'll echo a couple of posts ... do NOT automatically revert to your local 'stealership' to get your parts/upgrades/goodies .... There is a wealth of alternate sources, some of which already noted (J&P, Dennis Kirk, for example) e-bay, and craigslist are also good ... look for Drag Specialties Fat Book, Custom Chrome, V-Twin Mfg, and a bunch of others ...

Once you find what you want, shop around online ... Zanotti Motor, Chicago HD, Surdyke, New Roc, and a few others offer significant discounts on your genuine HD parts if bought via the internet (compare prices with shipping to get the best deal) ... another good place for non-HD parts is discountcycleparts.com ...

If you think a job may be more than you're up for (after consulting all of the 'experts' here on the forum), ask around for a referral to a local "indy" shop (indpendent bike mechanic) ... and you'll save a ton of money on the labor over what you'd pay at the 'stealership'

Find a powdercoater (Joe Knapp is a forum sponsor ... does some sick stuff) you might want to find one locally, and find a plater ... you might find that you'd like some of your stock parts much more if they were either powdercoated (PC for short) or chrome ... take 'em off and send them to be plated or PC'd ....

A couple of tips based on my personal preference ... (i) replace the stocker with a 7" Fat Boy style headlight; (ii) replace the 'tommy gun' exhaust with anything ... it'll make it go faster [J/K] ... purely cosmetic ... but it's not just me ... there are numerous examples you can find here .... I think the Vance and Hines (VH) Big Radius (BR) 2-into-2 pipes look good on the Fat Bob ...

* Here's an example (courtesy of Lorance66)



The Navy's basic rider course (BRC) and the experienced (ERC) are pretty much the same course, but the BRC has a more laborious classroom course of instruction which is why it is about twice as long ... you could do the BRC and then the ERC to build your experience ... or just do the BRC and then go find some deserted runway or low traffic area to practice ...

Good luck ... you're gonna have a blast

R/
'Chop

 

I am agree with JanronB,
The exhaust pipes is my first to change and do it my self (following the instruction and experiences from all HD biker in this forums.
So far nearly a year, i had V&H Straight Shot Slipons with quiet baffles and the fuelpak unit on bike, even til not the best as having few poping at decel.
Other installed stuff: Front fender chrome cover, voltage regulator chrome cover, smotth wheels, Front & back Axle Willie G. Skull chrome nuts covers, Passenger and rider chrome Willie G. footpegs, Willie G. hand grip. Til looking for more to put on my FXDL 09.

I like this way to build up my dream HD bike, As DIY cheap and learn more on your spent (burn) money for!
HTEKEC

 

Don't jump into buying a new seat to suit the wife too quickly. I learned that as their asses get bigger, the stock seats feel more comfortable to them.

 

Hahaha. I traded my wife in...

I would say get good riding gear. Personally I like Schott leather or Vanson. Pay that much for the bike, don't cheap out on the leather. And remember, quality is less expensive then skin grafts surgery.

 

That seems a little off...you're asking us what you need to upgrade first. Upgrade whatever you want...or don't upgrade at all. It's YOUR bike.

If your wife wants a better seat and backrest, then there ya go...unless you don't care if she rides with you.

It still kills me to hear people who have never ridden before plunkin down 15k for a new hd...

As soon as you get your bike, take a ride to Reni's Rooster.

 

My reason for this post was to get advice from all you experienced riders on what to look at upgrading on the bike.
When I get to the point to replace or upgrade something I figure if I can find a way to get the best bang for the buck then it’ll be worth it in the end.
At this point I’m not interested in putting something on it just to change the look of it. I know that will come later, after getting used to riding the bike, and just riding period.
Increased performance, safety upgrades (louder exhaust pipes), and better seats are the three areas I think I’ll look at first - all based on the responses I've gotten here.
Yes - I spend a S#it load of money on the bike, but what's done is done. I plan to keep it for a substantial time until I either outgrow it or it gets too expensive to fix.
Yes – I have no clue what I am doing. But, I think / hope it will all work out in the end.
Luckily I can get my rider training for “FREE” courtesy of Uncle Sam. Just one of the benefits we get for being in the Military. Hopefully I can get the advanced rider class after I retire. I’ll be doing the basic class next month while I’m still on Active Duty.
Thanks for all the suggestions so far. At this point I know no better, other than what I read here or get from riders at my command.

 

Hi this is my first post on here, so here's an intro: my name is Dave Holmes and I live in the UK. I have just bought my first Harley a Fatbob. Though I have had bikes for nearly 40yrs.

I know where you are coming from, I also thought what the firk have I done when I was going to pick up the most expensive bike I have ever owned... Last payment when I am 60yrs old ;o)....

But Man when you take it out for its first spin you will absolutly love it.. I cant get enough of mine, by far the best bike I have ever owned. Feels so secure and handles superb, so you will feel confident on it... just be aware of all that is around you.. Stay safe..

The first thing I did was get a set of slip ons (Krome Werks) they were cheap and sound great (std is far to quiet).

Also a cissy bar, wife wont ride without one (she loves the bike also) and as I like the look of the std seat I got a Butty Buddy and the wife says it is really comfortable..
So I can ride it without the pillion stuff when I am out on my own.. Stage one stuff will come when I can afford it... So relax Man you have made the right choice.