Fatbob questions
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 264
Likes: 2
From: USA
Fatbob questions
Hi all,
I'm new here and have a few questions...
Have ridden rice burners for a long time but haven't been on a bike in about 15 years. (Owned a VMax for a bunch of years.) Ready to get back into riding and am convinced a Harley is what I want. Specifically the Fatbob.
Just something about the double light, fat front tire and bars that attracted me. Took one for a ride and loved it.
So, now I've looked at a few almost new 2011 models and trying to decide on an almost new bike (less than 2k miles) or to spring for a 2012. (Or wait a bit and get a 2013?)
Any opinions on that would be appreciated.
Also, other than the engine, does anyone know if the 2012 is any different than the 2011?
Dealer says no, but I wonder if they really know or will tell me what they think I want to hear.
Thanks for any and all opinions!
I'm new here and have a few questions...
Have ridden rice burners for a long time but haven't been on a bike in about 15 years. (Owned a VMax for a bunch of years.) Ready to get back into riding and am convinced a Harley is what I want. Specifically the Fatbob.
Just something about the double light, fat front tire and bars that attracted me. Took one for a ride and loved it.
So, now I've looked at a few almost new 2011 models and trying to decide on an almost new bike (less than 2k miles) or to spring for a 2012. (Or wait a bit and get a 2013?)
Any opinions on that would be appreciated.
Also, other than the engine, does anyone know if the 2012 is any different than the 2011?
Dealer says no, but I wonder if they really know or will tell me what they think I want to hear.
Thanks for any and all opinions!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
Well the 103 engine is already an upgrade over the 96, there are also the O2 sensors, the new bikes come from the factory with wide band O2 sensors = wider tuning range. I haven't really read up on the specs but some others will be along who really check into these things! Welcome to the forums.
Supporter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 627
Likes: 2
From: Salem, OR
I went from a Triumph Scrambler 900cc retro dual sport to a 1200 Sportster (got it from a family member) and traded my Scrambler in on a 2011 Fat Bob. Got about 4500 miles on it so far and love the way it handles. Fat tires on a short rake with a tall suspension giving it a great lean angle the Fat Bob rocks and will hold the twisties well enough that you won't feel forelorn for your crotch rockets. As far as differences between 11 and 12 I have only tried a 103 for a short run and didn't really notice a "wow" difference between them. But then I haven't tried one somebody modded with better exhaust and air intake like my 96 has so hard to give a clear answer. I have read other posts where people say basically the same thing that the 103 is nice but not a really noticeable difference. So I'd say I would base my decision on price, any aftermarket add ons, and which ones seems to say to you "shut up and buy me" lol.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
New wiring system on the 2012 so it will limit things like tuners, speedometers, signals and other electrical items - of course those items ARE available, just not in as many choices but some are better, I like the newer speedometers from HD better than the older ones.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 26
From: Sonoma County, CA
I would look at the used 2011 bike. I am assuming you are saving a few $$$ on the used one? Go with your gut so you don't have regrets later.
Last edited by EricInNCa; Jun 26, 2012 at 10:20 AM.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: South Orange County, California
I love my 2011, but I'd say get the 2012 with the 103". No replacement for displacement, right? Price difference isn't a big deal especially buying a used bike from the dealer vs new. A couple grand on a fifteen thousand dollar bike is nothing.
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Rockport, IN
I'm with CMC I was looking to buy a used 2009 fatbob a few years ago and they wanted 13k for it then saw the new 2011 for 15k its a no brainer and you get a warranty. But in my case they had the 2010 CVO fatbob for 20k and I said what the hell only 5k more and bought it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,718
Likes: 11
From: Back in the Good Ole USA. South Carolina to be exact.
This would require an entirely new ECM, and radically change the whole tuning process. It wouldn't give me a wider tuning range, but it would be a step toward an autotune type system.