FXDX vs Fat Bob Handling
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Joined: Aug 2007
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FXDX vs Fat Bob Handling
How does the Fat Bob handling compare to the FXDX bikes? I can't test ride the differences because they don't make the FXDX anymore and the Fat Bob is only sold with forward controls. I would have to convert the Fat bob to mid controls to compare the two. I save a bunch of bucks going with a used FXDX, but if the Fat Bob is a better bike, it comes with a lot of nice updates.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 321
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From: so fl
It's larger front tire vs higher center of gravity. Honestly for the money its probably cheaper to buy a used fxdx and convert it to a wide front tire and it would be a handling monster. I believe on the fat bob you would need a different outer primary to change to miss plus taller suspension
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 934
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From: PNW, USA
Really no reason the FB would out perform a FXDX. The FXDX has a more adjustable suspension. Not sure the front tie makes that much difference.
With the FXDX it will be a TC88 or maybe a 95. A new FB is a 103 and EFI (a 05/06 FXDX could have EFI).
If you like the FB, get one and upgrade the rear shocks and put cartridges in the front forks. If you need to raise it that will also do it. I assume the FB is dual front disk brakes?
The issue with a FXDX is parts are harder to come by, put I love mine.
With the FXDX it will be a TC88 or maybe a 95. A new FB is a 103 and EFI (a 05/06 FXDX could have EFI).
If you like the FB, get one and upgrade the rear shocks and put cartridges in the front forks. If you need to raise it that will also do it. I assume the FB is dual front disk brakes?
The issue with a FXDX is parts are harder to come by, put I love mine.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 677
Likes: 1
From: bay area
Actually a skinnier tire would give better turn handling,the wider one would be better for cruising...
I think the FXDX has more ground clearance also, correct me if I'm wrong. Also the fxdx will have adjustable suspension
I think the FXDX has more ground clearance also, correct me if I'm wrong. Also the fxdx will have adjustable suspension
Incorrect, the wider front tire provides more surface contact around corners. This is the reason why sport bikes have fat tires in the front.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 499
From: Alberta
Did a good long test ride on a 'bob with mids (now not available). First candidate ever in the HD linup to replace my FXDXT...not very close in the handling department, but the best HD I had been on...still riding the T-Sport; got it down to near 600lbs and with the 103, not only is there no comparison in handling but performance as well...however; if something happened to my T, a Fat Bob would be my first choice...
Last edited by sharkey; Feb 6, 2012 at 11:36 PM.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 3
From: West New york, NJ
Sport bikes typically run a 120mm low profile front tire on a 17" rim, not a 16" 130mm balloon tire like the Fatbob. A 110 can easily be put on the FXDX. Wider tires actually hurt the roll in, but there is a balance between that and traction. A lot of cafe racers run skinnier tires for handling. Usually the 120 front and a 170-180 rear is max in the sportbike world.
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Joe Kucinski
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: West New york, NJ
The FXDX is without question a better handler than the Fatbob. The ideal set up would be to run 17" front and rear rims with a 170 out back and a 120 up front on the DX. The Bob would need different rear shocks at least 13" long, a cartridge drop in for the front fork, a switch to a 17" front wheel or larger and ideally narrower front trees and/or a fork brace.
The FXDX is without question a better handler than the Fatbob. The ideal set up would be to run 17" front and rear rims with a 170 out back and a 120 up front on the DX. The Bob would need different rear shocks at least 13" long, a cartridge drop in for the front fork, a switch to a 17" front wheel or larger and ideally narrower front trees and/or a fork brace.
I had both until recently when I sold the FB. If you are a performance oriented rider and know how to use the bike, the FXDX will turn circles around the FB IMO
Joe