Fat Bob for a beginner?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 8
From: NW Arkansas
It is from Debrix by VTWIN Mfg for $30 and comes in chrome and had mine powdercoated. The brake isn't that bad and I am sure you can get some kind of 1" or 2" spacer or extension for the rear brake foot lever if needed. The Fatbob is a great bike. Did you test ride it?
http://www.debrix.com/Heel-Toe-Shift...21-0681-vt.htm
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http://www.debrix.com/Heel-Toe-Shift...21-0681-vt.htm
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Last edited by blacknsilver; Jun 4, 2011 at 10:34 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 617
Likes: 19
From: Baltimore, MD
I'm a new Fat Bob owner and new rider and love my Fat Bob, although its going through a few changes right now. I'm about 230 and just over 6'. If you have any riding experience at all, I'd expect you'll be comfortable with it's size pretty quickly. I hadn't ridden in a long time and while I'm no expert rider, I am comfortable with it already.
The forwards were a must for me. Wouldn't mind if they were a couple inches further out. I have a stock Street Bob seat and end up riding at the back/top of the seat a lot to get the distance to stretch out. I've put about 1200 miles in and have pretty much gotten used to where the shift/brake pedals are.
On the mids - I wanted them too. Actually have looked for mini floorboards that flip up. Now I'm re-thinking it. If I want a new spot, I use the existing passenger pegs. Also works well in the winter to help keep my legs a little warmer.
I have a windshield - bought the bike used and it came with it. Haven't used it since the weather has improved, but have found it pretty helpful in cold weather.
Give yourself some time on the bike before you do much to it. You might be OK with things you think yo want to change ... and it'll save you a ton. I'm learning pretty fast that nothing that has to do with a Harley is inexpensive!
You might want to check out the Rush slip-ons for a less costly exhaust option that sounds good. And check out the http://www.badgcustoms.net/solo-bags.html solobags. I'm about to order a set. Search here. People have said great things about them.
The forwards were a must for me. Wouldn't mind if they were a couple inches further out. I have a stock Street Bob seat and end up riding at the back/top of the seat a lot to get the distance to stretch out. I've put about 1200 miles in and have pretty much gotten used to where the shift/brake pedals are.
On the mids - I wanted them too. Actually have looked for mini floorboards that flip up. Now I'm re-thinking it. If I want a new spot, I use the existing passenger pegs. Also works well in the winter to help keep my legs a little warmer.
I have a windshield - bought the bike used and it came with it. Haven't used it since the weather has improved, but have found it pretty helpful in cold weather.
Give yourself some time on the bike before you do much to it. You might be OK with things you think yo want to change ... and it'll save you a ton. I'm learning pretty fast that nothing that has to do with a Harley is inexpensive!
You might want to check out the Rush slip-ons for a less costly exhaust option that sounds good. And check out the http://www.badgcustoms.net/solo-bags.html solobags. I'm about to order a set. Search here. People have said great things about them.
Last edited by voudoujoe; Jun 4, 2011 at 10:26 PM. Reason: added stuff about pipes and bags
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: CT
I also experienced the pigeon toeing to brake and shift, first mod I did was put an extended brake pedal and shift peg on I believe they are from kuryakyn long horn series if memory serves me correctly. Enjoy the bike it is a great ride.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 631
Likes: 6
From: Utopia
You need a bigger bike IMO. You are gonna be bored with the Fat Bob in 8 months...trust me...you need to look at the Heritage...used ones are reasonably priced right now, and you really don't want to start out on a brand new bike...but hey, it's your money...good luck...
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 1
From: Orangetown, NY
Yo man the fatty is the way to go imo. I learened to ride last year in June and bought my fatty in July and I havent stopped since . The bike is very forgiving and handles great you will luv it man Trust me Its a great first bike and it screams bad ***. My buds that ride way longer than me luv my bike. Good Luck bro and go dyna
Last edited by bobgv; Jun 5, 2011 at 12:53 AM. Reason: spelling dumb ass haha
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: South Orange County, California
I totally understand about having the wife's blessing on the bike. Motorcycles are a dangerous and expensive hobby and you're lucky that she supports you in this.
But, if you prefer the Heritage don't buy the Fat Bob because the Bob is cheaper. MSRP on the black Heritage is $16,999. The Fat Bob is $14,999. That only two grand. Plus, you said you want bags (which will probably run you $800 or so from the dealer) and maybe a windshield (another $400 or so). You're within a thousand bucks of the Heritage then.
Seems like a no brainer to me. If need be, save up the cash difference before you go in to finance.
But, if you prefer the Heritage don't buy the Fat Bob because the Bob is cheaper. MSRP on the black Heritage is $16,999. The Fat Bob is $14,999. That only two grand. Plus, you said you want bags (which will probably run you $800 or so from the dealer) and maybe a windshield (another $400 or so). You're within a thousand bucks of the Heritage then.
Seems like a no brainer to me. If need be, save up the cash difference before you go in to finance.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 772
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi, TX
Fat Bob has the same pipes as my bike. The only issue I had installing the mid pegs was that I had to move the pipe slightly to get the bolt in the hole. The mid pegs (not pictured) are a godsend on the highway, when I want to move my feet and legs around a little.
For the exhaust sound, a pair of slip-on mufflers will get you there. I picked up a pair of Rush slip-on mufflers from a member here for a very reasonable price. With the two-inch baffles, it definitely rumbles.
For a beginner, no worries. Just take your time and take a rider's course. Read as much as you can, and watch videos. Learn low speed control and some emergency maneuvers. It's not so important which bike you learn on, just learn and always bear in mind that you'll never know all there is to know about riding. Safety is more important than impressing yourself with your cool skills at scraping the pipes around turns.
It's a beautiful bike. I hope you get it and enjoy it as much as I enjoy my new Wide Glide.
I do recommend that you get a tuner as soon as you can. The factory tune is very lean, and that translates to heat. A good aftermarket tuner will fatten up the mixture enough to cool things down and keep your right leg from turning into barbecue. The heat shields can only do so much.
For the exhaust sound, a pair of slip-on mufflers will get you there. I picked up a pair of Rush slip-on mufflers from a member here for a very reasonable price. With the two-inch baffles, it definitely rumbles.
For a beginner, no worries. Just take your time and take a rider's course. Read as much as you can, and watch videos. Learn low speed control and some emergency maneuvers. It's not so important which bike you learn on, just learn and always bear in mind that you'll never know all there is to know about riding. Safety is more important than impressing yourself with your cool skills at scraping the pipes around turns.
It's a beautiful bike. I hope you get it and enjoy it as much as I enjoy my new Wide Glide.
I do recommend that you get a tuner as soon as you can. The factory tune is very lean, and that translates to heat. A good aftermarket tuner will fatten up the mixture enough to cool things down and keep your right leg from turning into barbecue. The heat shields can only do so much.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 790
Likes: 4
From: Internet
I totally understand about having the wife's blessing on the bike. Motorcycles are a dangerous and expensive hobby and you're lucky that she supports you in this.
But, if you prefer the Heritage don't buy the Fat Bob because the Bob is cheaper. MSRP on the black Heritage is $16,999. The Fat Bob is $14,999. That only two grand. Plus, you said you want bags (which will probably run you $800 or so from the dealer) and maybe a windshield (another $400 or so). You're within a thousand bucks of the Heritage then.
Seems like a no brainer to me. If need be, save up the cash difference before you go in to finance.
But, if you prefer the Heritage don't buy the Fat Bob because the Bob is cheaper. MSRP on the black Heritage is $16,999. The Fat Bob is $14,999. That only two grand. Plus, you said you want bags (which will probably run you $800 or so from the dealer) and maybe a windshield (another $400 or so). You're within a thousand bucks of the Heritage then.
Seems like a no brainer to me. If need be, save up the cash difference before you go in to finance.
I wonder if id have any luck finding a 2-3 year owned pre-owned which would be basically same price that id be paying for FB
I was just worried because im not stocked up with many tools, or have much time to be working on it so i didn't want to inherit someone else's problems. But i guess it cant be too bad if i don't go too old, right? lol