Fat Bob Handling
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 427
Likes: 6
From: Memphis, TN
Fat Bob Handling
I've been reading a lot about the differences between the Street Bob and the Fat Bob. One thing that seems to come up pretty often is some folks feel the ride quality and handling of the Fat Bob is superior to that of the Street Bob and I haven't been able to nail down exactly why that is. The only thing I'm pretty sure contributes to that is the dual front disc brakes.
So what else do you think contributes to the ride quality and handling? Larger tires? Smaller diameter wheels? Wide front end? Better suspension? Seat? Something else?
Thanks!
So what else do you think contributes to the ride quality and handling? Larger tires? Smaller diameter wheels? Wide front end? Better suspension? Seat? Something else?
Thanks!
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 334
Likes: 3
From: Honolulu
The wider tires make a big difference. The thicker front forks may also play a role.
The difference in price is due to the bigger engine cc, drag style handle bars, wider tires, and dual front brakes. Other then that the bikes are essentially the same. (Just cosmetics)
The difference in price is due to the bigger engine cc, drag style handle bars, wider tires, and dual front brakes. Other then that the bikes are essentially the same. (Just cosmetics)
Last edited by toku58; Sep 15, 2013 at 01:52 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 614
Likes: 79
From: Virginia
I've got a Fat Bob and a Street Bob. The FB is more comfortable and smoother (less vibration) at speed. The SB is lighter and feels to be more nimble. I don't think the FB handles a lot better. If there is a difference, it would the the mini-apes on the SB. I think they slow the SB handling down, kind of feels "disconnected". Maybe it's the extra leverage of the mini-apes. I will agree the extra disk and the larger front contact patch do give the FB a nore confident feeling.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
there is the solid mags which must absorb some vibes, the fact the wheels are of equal size and wider makes for smoother handling, wider more stable forks, low drag bars, this is all fatbob oem. Aotherwise they have the same frame and motor. please don't anybody say the fb 103 makes a difference. My fatbob was a tc96 when I bought it and it already felt better from the get go.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 2
From: Cali
geometry wise the only dyna that is significantly different is the wide glide.
the fat front helps with less than pristine roads. the drags help some on the steering side. the extra stopping power is really nice.
alot of it is mental also. im far more comfortable riding harder with mids and drags vs forwards and apes. i like the heavier bike. and that part you wont find on paper. you just gotta ride em and find what fits ya best.
the fat front helps with less than pristine roads. the drags help some on the steering side. the extra stopping power is really nice.
alot of it is mental also. im far more comfortable riding harder with mids and drags vs forwards and apes. i like the heavier bike. and that part you wont find on paper. you just gotta ride em and find what fits ya best.
With exception of the 103 vs 96 cuin issue, Basically except for cosmetics the bikes are the same. Having said that there are some balance differences due to the foot peg/seating position and handle bars. Other balance effects are more minor like tank, fender which alters the seating position slightly. All these things effect handling but all can be altered.
Now regarding the brakes, wheels, and tires, the dual front discs allow a later entry into a curve/turn, the wider tires allow for greater entry and exit speed and the solid wider wheels allow for greater entry speed, will stick better while in the curve, and allow for a harder exit speed.
The larger and wider forks will also allow for better handling into and out of the curves.
Now having said all this there is nothing that can't be changed or over compensated by a better rider, the bikes are just different and intended for a different style of rider so they really shouldn't be compared for just that reasons other than for the purpose to decide which is the bike for you.
Bob
Now regarding the brakes, wheels, and tires, the dual front discs allow a later entry into a curve/turn, the wider tires allow for greater entry and exit speed and the solid wider wheels allow for greater entry speed, will stick better while in the curve, and allow for a harder exit speed.
The larger and wider forks will also allow for better handling into and out of the curves.
Now having said all this there is nothing that can't be changed or over compensated by a better rider, the bikes are just different and intended for a different style of rider so they really shouldn't be compared for just that reasons other than for the purpose to decide which is the bike for you.
Bob
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 427
Likes: 6
From: Memphis, TN
Thanks all! That's just the kind of information I was looking for. I like the look of both bikes (for different reasons), so I'm trying to get a feel for all the differences... be it cosmetic, mechanical, or otherwise. I appreciate your replies!
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Next rent your choice for a weekend ride and really push it. See if your choice matches your riding style and the type of rides you will be doing.
Bob
Last edited by HYPR; Sep 15, 2013 at 07:13 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 427
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From: Memphis, TN
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
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From: Alberta
Wife has an 08 Low Rider and I have an 08 Fat Bob; she prefers the more "stable" feel of the Fat Bob but there's no doubt the Low Rider is "quicker" feeling. The bikes are identical except for tire size (with wider trees on the 'Bob for the fatter tire). I sold my tricked out FXDXT to buy the 'Bob and it's sure not the same...