Fireblade to a Bob

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Dec 2, 2011 | 06:46 PM

#41

bikerlaw

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 9,193

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From: Richmond, VA

If you truly want the best handling big twin, its not the fat bob. Or any Bob. The best handling big twin is the Superglide. The Fat bob has forward controls and a meatball front tire. Sharp looking bike for sure, but not superior in handling characteristics to the 19 inch tire that comes on the Superglide. Though forward controls are more comfortable (IMHO) to mids, they are no where near as conducive to the knee dragging you sport bike guys are used too either. And thought I wouldn't own a bike without apes, again..... the lower bars of the Superglide are far better in the twisties than even the baby apes of the Street Bob. So if you want a pure handling bike, the Superglide is the the top performer in the Dyna line. Now, don't be fooled. Lots of riders can go extremely fast on Fat bobs, Wide Glides and Street bobs, but the Supeglide is better set up right out of the box for knee dragging than they are. And until I see ANY Japanese or Italian sport bike come with a meatball front tire, forward controls and a set of apes, thats gonna remain my opinion.

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Last edited by bikerlaw; Dec 2, 2011 at 06:50 PM.

Dec 3, 2011 | 01:53 PM

#42

beringer

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 224

Likes: 1

From: Essex, England

Skidd1, After 5 hours of riding the lanes of Essex today, i would say my Fatbob with mid controls is the perfect bike for the job of putting a great big grin on my face....

Dec 3, 2011 | 02:29 PM

#43

missedem

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 2,250

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From: Montana

Ive had a superglide, low rider, heritage softail, sportster (several) over the years. I love my streetbob . For one up riding you cant beat it. I think the superglides have better handling characteristics right out of the box but a good set of shocks on the rear of a streetbob and some ricor intiminators or a drop in ohlins cartridge for the front end will get the job done. You might have to fix up your suspension to get the ride you want , but the fact is dynas are a blast to ride. most fun ive had in years.

Dec 3, 2011 | 02:31 PM

#44

missedem

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Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 2,250

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From: Montana

BTW I run mid controls with hwy pegs to stretch out when im on long trips and Ive done 650 mile rides in one day on this thing. Set up right they are plenty comfortable. (and Im a beat up older man).

Dec 3, 2011 | 02:58 PM

#45

skidd1

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 10

Likes: 0

From: uk

Quote:

Originally Posted by beringer

Skidd1, After 5 hours of riding the lanes of Essex today, i would say my Fatbob with mid controls is the perfect bike for the job of putting a great big grin on my face....

Thats what it is all about I guess?
Felt the cold a bit today on the Blade so winter gloves out!I'm passed the knee dragging stage and the 100 plus mph stuff now so grin factor is the name of the game.
The comments have just given a bit more confidence that the switch will be fine
I have an open mind as to which bike and some of those softails look great as well
The dealers I have spoken to are pretty keen as well !I dont suppose a cold December is the ideal selling time so hoping a good deal can be done. For obvious reasons they dont seem keen on the Blade as a trade in but i can live with that
Still like both the Street Bob and Fat Bob though just not sure which one.
If I run true to form I will look at a few,spend weeks on internet research etc .Decide what i want then buy impulsively on the best looking bike I see regardless of anything else!

Dec 3, 2011 | 03:10 PM

#46

missedem

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 2,250

Likes: 36

From: Montana

Quote:

Originally Posted by skidd1

I have bought two bikes in december and I always got the best deal in the off season. Save a lot of money when its not riding season. Though in the sunny states that may not be so true. As far as researching its all good but like you said in the end its just about what you want.

Dec 3, 2011 | 03:37 PM

#47

skidd1

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 10

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From: uk

Missedem.That is very true.I bought a gsxr750 when it was snowing.Got a bargain but the ride home was interesting.
Your bike is exactly the kind of look I like but just got to get used to the Apes!

Dec 4, 2011 | 04:53 AM

#48

fxdxrider

Road Captain

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 505

Likes: 2

Another Brit here. I moved to Harleys 12 years ago. I went for a Dyna. Previously was on CBR1000 and a GSX1260 engined (V&M tuned) Harris Magnum II and had 20 years on Jap sport bikes overall. I'm really happy with having made the change (still hanker after a Ducati occasionally though). Just be aware that Harley's are bigger, heavier and cruder than Fireblades etc and need more time and distance to stop, turn etc and the brakes and suspension are less sophisticated. What that means though is that it's the same fun and skills but just happening a few mph slower (especially on the twisties). I live in Essex and find the Dyna is perfect on the country lanes we have out to the east and north of the county.

Last edited by fxdxrider; Dec 4, 2011 at 04:56 AM.