Fat bob add ons
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 79
Likes: 3
From: Bossier City, LA
Welcome to the ranks. I too had always had sport bikes/ sport tours up to this point so I have a couple things to add.
#1. The FatBob handles better than you would expect. However, your first issue may be ground clearance. Suspension mods mentioned above will help but I wouldn't invest much money on slip-ons because it is likely you will want more ground clearance. That is best done by a full 2-1 exhaust system. Both Bub-7 and Thunderheader will give you more ground clearance and make more power too.
#2. Comfort depends on height. I am rather short and just finished a 4400 mile trip to the mid west. Last leg home was a 22 hour, 1100 non-stop ride from Durango CO, to Bossier City, LA. My bike is stock seat/bars. I like it just the way it is but I did add a small sport shield to break the wind off my chest.
#3. Power, oh boy.... This is where you get your wallet out (depending on disposable $$). If you are like me, going from 135hp sport tourer to a 65hp big twin will wear on your performance minded soul. I lasted 1 year until I found myself tearing down my still under warranty morotcycle for a full engine mod (see signature block). By lunch the day after Christmas 2010, my jugs were on the bench....My wife came out to the garage and freaked out!! On a possitive note, all 1960's era performance mods are affective on the iron horse. Gains are real and rather impressive with the right configuration and nearly no drivability compromises if you hold the line at a mild (stock springs) cam. Proper engine mods will also transform your rides charactor significantly. Made all the difference in the world to me.
When going down the "mod" road upgrading in stages is completely possible but also more expensive in the long run, especially if you have it properly tuned after each stage. I have friends who download their buddies latest and greatest ECM map everyweek looking for the perfect tune. I went another route, found a highly recommended tuner took the bike to him, paid $$, and let him work his magic (break dyno to simlulate normal road conditions is the secret here). Best move I made. While others are still searching for the best "tune", mine is done, runs perfect, and I don't look back. Proper tune makes or breaks a build IMHO.
For most of my riding life, I have cussed Harley and made fun of them every chance I could. But one day when walking through a dealership, the Fatbob seemed to jump out in front of me and speak.. Almost ALL motorcycle companies put out a better performing motorcycle than Harley however one thing they have locked up tight is "emotion". Can't put my finger on it but it's there no doubt. Consider your ride a blank canvas and it all makes sense. Put the money part out of your mind though.....lol
These are my opinions of course. Not right or wrong just a version of 2 cents. Welcome to the ranks!
#1. The FatBob handles better than you would expect. However, your first issue may be ground clearance. Suspension mods mentioned above will help but I wouldn't invest much money on slip-ons because it is likely you will want more ground clearance. That is best done by a full 2-1 exhaust system. Both Bub-7 and Thunderheader will give you more ground clearance and make more power too.
#2. Comfort depends on height. I am rather short and just finished a 4400 mile trip to the mid west. Last leg home was a 22 hour, 1100 non-stop ride from Durango CO, to Bossier City, LA. My bike is stock seat/bars. I like it just the way it is but I did add a small sport shield to break the wind off my chest.
#3. Power, oh boy.... This is where you get your wallet out (depending on disposable $$). If you are like me, going from 135hp sport tourer to a 65hp big twin will wear on your performance minded soul. I lasted 1 year until I found myself tearing down my still under warranty morotcycle for a full engine mod (see signature block). By lunch the day after Christmas 2010, my jugs were on the bench....My wife came out to the garage and freaked out!! On a possitive note, all 1960's era performance mods are affective on the iron horse. Gains are real and rather impressive with the right configuration and nearly no drivability compromises if you hold the line at a mild (stock springs) cam. Proper engine mods will also transform your rides charactor significantly. Made all the difference in the world to me.
When going down the "mod" road upgrading in stages is completely possible but also more expensive in the long run, especially if you have it properly tuned after each stage. I have friends who download their buddies latest and greatest ECM map everyweek looking for the perfect tune. I went another route, found a highly recommended tuner took the bike to him, paid $$, and let him work his magic (break dyno to simlulate normal road conditions is the secret here). Best move I made. While others are still searching for the best "tune", mine is done, runs perfect, and I don't look back. Proper tune makes or breaks a build IMHO.
For most of my riding life, I have cussed Harley and made fun of them every chance I could. But one day when walking through a dealership, the Fatbob seemed to jump out in front of me and speak.. Almost ALL motorcycle companies put out a better performing motorcycle than Harley however one thing they have locked up tight is "emotion". Can't put my finger on it but it's there no doubt. Consider your ride a blank canvas and it all makes sense. Put the money part out of your mind though.....lol
These are my opinions of course. Not right or wrong just a version of 2 cents. Welcome to the ranks!
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