2012 Fat Bob or Fat Boy
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 772
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi, TX
Bob gets my vote, between the two.. I loved the Softails when they came out in '84, but the novelty quickly wore off with me.
Both are nice bikes. Ride 'em both and see which one you prefer. You're the one who has to live with your choice.
Both are nice bikes. Ride 'em both and see which one you prefer. You're the one who has to live with your choice.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: Miami
This is a great thread, as this was exactly my thought on deciding between the two for my next bike. I am still a year or two away from chosing between the boy and the bob, and its great to hear everyone's comments/opinions. As stated, please make sure to post once you make your decision and let us know why. meantime, enjoy making this great choice 
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: Washington DC
I love my Fat Bob! Funny, because I went to the dealer ready to buy a 2011 Fat Boy, then spent a lot of time staring at the Fat Bob. Personally, I love the looks of the Fat Boy, and it epitomizes what a true cruising bike should be. For me, I was looking for something that could handle really well (I've heard the Fat Boy handles great as well, but the majority of people I talked to and read about on these forums say the Bob handles better) and also still have some cruiser attitude to it. The Fat Bob does both for me. I would really urge you to ride them both - they both have a very different feel and ride. Good luck, and rider safe!
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
I just bought a 2009 Fat Bob (with 400 original miles!), and love it. I had a Fat Boy years ago and really enjoyed that bike too, but the Fat Bob feels like it was custom made for me. Between the two bikes, the Bob handles much better IMO, especially in around-town and twisty situations. You can throw it into curves almost like a sport bike.....well.....sort-of almost. ;-) I just put some Cycle Shack slip-ons on it, and it sounds like a Harley now, not like a sewing machine. Those stock pipes are brutal...if you go new you'll have new pipes within a month....guaranteed.
I also like the dual headlight look, mostly because it's just different. My other recommendation would be to try Craigs List before buying a new one; I paid $12,300 for a basically brand new bike. Lots and lots of people buy Harley's then realize they just like looking at 'em.
I also like the dual headlight look, mostly because it's just different. My other recommendation would be to try Craigs List before buying a new one; I paid $12,300 for a basically brand new bike. Lots and lots of people buy Harley's then realize they just like looking at 'em.
Novice
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Ft Riley, KS
I was in the same boat (even had an 04 R1). Body just couldn't take it anymore (military has destroyed my back and shoulders). I wanted a Fat Bob, Fat boy or a FB Lo. My local dealership had all 3 on the floor. Once I walked in and saw the Bob, I was sold. The dual headlights makes it stand out from all the other Harley's out there and I don't like floorboards. I got the denim black and have the distressed brown solo seat, puss pad and bags waiting for me to get home. Gives it that 50's kinda feel to it. I've also got a metric sh*t ton of other parts waiting on me too. I was kinda butthurt when I found out the 2012's came with the 103, but I am planning on doing the S&S 106 (and cams) when I get back.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 659
Likes: 4
From: Rolla, MO.
I too like those headlights and the fat front tire. Was think'in about trading for a FatBob just last week. Found out how much they would give me trade in and decided to keep my wideglide for now. Once I get on the WG I soon remember just how much I love her!
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i have a 2010 fat bob. it handles awesome. i dont know why people rag so hard on those headlights i love them, hit the high beam switch going down a dark road and you can see way better than just one headlight!!. that fat front tire really is nice if you get caught on a section of road that has alot of grooves in it
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 8
From: Louisiana
Im 5'10 with a 6' reach. I also have the same sport bike back ground. I bought a 2012 Fat Bob a week ago and was honestly suprized at how nice it handles. And thats saying something considering a traded in a little Suzuki DRZ 400SM, which was basically a 300 lbs dirt bike with street/racing tires. The FB is really comfortable to ride and handles awesome considering the weight and size. And ofcourse the 103 cubes is sweet. Pulls like a train. I really love it.