buying a new fat bob
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 904
Likes: 510
From: 2nd deadliest civil war battle
I just got mine last year and I absolutely love it. I have basically done a stage 1 upgrade over winter and can't wait until the roads firm up enough to get it out. Rode 2 up quite a bit and never really had any problems or concerns about the suspension. I really enjoy the ride.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
I've had my FXDF for three and a half years now, and it's the most exciting bike I've ever owned and been seriously dependable (I only own this one vehicle).
It was like a new bike after I added a Heavy Breather, Screamin' Eagle slip-ons, and the factory download. And then again after I added the True-Track. It runs and handles like my dream bike. I made two nearly four thousand miles (each) trips last summer and with my Corbin Dual Tour seat, comfort was right there, and excitement was in every mile.
It was badly crunched in an accident at the end of December, and put back together with a new replacement frame and a whole new rear end, and by a great mechanic in my opinion, it's been dialed in and rides and handles better than ever. I'm in love again.
I've had a '72 Sporty, a '74 BMW R90/6 that I had for ten years, and a '85 BMW R65, and loved them. But the FXDF is the one for me.
The five things I had to replace to retain my lust: mirrors (went with Classic Teardrop, love them immensely), grips (DETESTED the stock ones, put Nostalgic Grips on, perfect for me), seat (okay, but nothing like my Corbin Dual Tour and my Corbin Classic Solo), and pipes (just a bit too quiet, I went with Scramin' Eagles, and really like them, and my new pair on there after the accident seem louder than my previous pair, not a bad thing).
It was like a new bike after I added a Heavy Breather, Screamin' Eagle slip-ons, and the factory download. And then again after I added the True-Track. It runs and handles like my dream bike. I made two nearly four thousand miles (each) trips last summer and with my Corbin Dual Tour seat, comfort was right there, and excitement was in every mile.
It was badly crunched in an accident at the end of December, and put back together with a new replacement frame and a whole new rear end, and by a great mechanic in my opinion, it's been dialed in and rides and handles better than ever. I'm in love again.
I've had a '72 Sporty, a '74 BMW R90/6 that I had for ten years, and a '85 BMW R65, and loved them. But the FXDF is the one for me.
The five things I had to replace to retain my lust: mirrors (went with Classic Teardrop, love them immensely), grips (DETESTED the stock ones, put Nostalgic Grips on, perfect for me), seat (okay, but nothing like my Corbin Dual Tour and my Corbin Classic Solo), and pipes (just a bit too quiet, I went with Scramin' Eagles, and really like them, and my new pair on there after the accident seem louder than my previous pair, not a bad thing).
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,678
Likes: 1
From: Brooklyn, NY
i ride 2 up all the time, my lady loves our FB, ive hit a few bumps that caused me to bottom out, but hell that happens with cars as well. Im sure after a few adjustments you'll be just randy about your Bob.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 95
Likes: 1
From: A Daks
I changed out the stock pegs for the flatter profile crested bar and shield collection of foot and shifter pegs, and added the heel rest levers. I find this set up much more comfortable than the stock round pegs. I haven't found any mirrors that wil increase the field of view with the stock FXDF handlebar. That being said, Joker Machine's Viewtech 7 round billet mirrors look like they have an extended arm but at $250 a pair, I am keeping the stock ones on.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 426
Likes: 2
From: Omaha,NE
If you get a Fat Bob and do nothing else make sure you polish and shine those wheels with a protective coating of some sort (S100 preferably), if not you will be very disappointed in how quickly the wheels will pit from brake dust and other chemicals from not having a protective coating on them from the factory. Why on earth HD put a new bike out with unprotected wheels is beyond me.
After noticing some oxidization on my wheels I asked one of the service techs at HD about how to remove the spots and prevent further ones (my bike is less than a year old and never sits around dirty) he had me try some polish that worked a little and suggested I clean and polish the wheels a few times a week when riding regularly. I told him I got the bike to ride, not to clean and decided that after these tires need changed I'm getting some new powder coated wheels.
After noticing some oxidization on my wheels I asked one of the service techs at HD about how to remove the spots and prevent further ones (my bike is less than a year old and never sits around dirty) he had me try some polish that worked a little and suggested I clean and polish the wheels a few times a week when riding regularly. I told him I got the bike to ride, not to clean and decided that after these tires need changed I'm getting some new powder coated wheels.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,678
Likes: 1
From: Brooklyn, NY
If you get a Fat Bob and do nothing else make sure you polish and shine those wheels with a protective coating of some sort (S100 preferably), if not you will be very disappointed in how quickly the wheels will pit from brake dust and other chemicals from not having a protective coating on them from the factory. Why on earth HD put a new bike out with unprotected wheels is beyond me.
After noticing some oxidization on my wheels I asked one of the service techs at HD about how to remove the spots and prevent further ones (my bike is less than a year old and never sits around dirty) he had me try some polish that worked a little and suggested I clean and polish the wheels a few times a week when riding regularly. I told him I got the bike to ride, not to clean and decided that after these tires need changed I'm getting some new powder coated wheels.
After noticing some oxidization on my wheels I asked one of the service techs at HD about how to remove the spots and prevent further ones (my bike is less than a year old and never sits around dirty) he had me try some polish that worked a little and suggested I clean and polish the wheels a few times a week when riding regularly. I told him I got the bike to ride, not to clean and decided that after these tires need changed I'm getting some new powder coated wheels.
NO TRUER words, their aluminum rims are the worst....i cant tell you how many times i bust my back trying to polish the crap out of them. theyre hands down the worst rim design out there... that is my only complaint regarding the Bob.
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