To Mod or keep original
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Stage III
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3
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To Mod or keep original
Hey fellas, I recently purchased a 100% bone stock original 1990 fatboy (the first edition ghost gray with the yellow rings throughout) with 22k miles. The bike is completely unmolested and in showroom condition. I'm torn between keeping it stock (and what some would say a collectors piece) and making it my own (ie pipes, cam, ignition, drag bars, chrome switch housings, etc.). I know that most if not all of the of the mods I mentioned are reversible but I'm torn because it really is a cool bike to keep stock because of it being the first fatboy, etc. but I also am so tempted to get some louder pipes and some additional chrome on it. I've been to a few rallies with it and I get lots of people asking me if it's an original or a replica (I can't imagine there are many replicas but whatever), are these bikes really that rare? I know that they're not bringing top dollar but based on my research there aren't many originals around. I don't know, just thought I get your input. What do you all think? I know when it comes down to it, it's my own decision to make but just out of curiosity, what would you do?
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 792
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From: Niagara Falls, NY
RE: To Mod or keep original
Your call. I bought a unmolest 98 rk and had at it. Really, it's up to you. Look at it this way: If you plan on keeping the bike for a while, make it your own. There is no right or wrong way of modifing a bike, it is a reflection of you. Remember it is YOURS no one can tell you what is right or wrong. Good luck.
BTW some pics would be cool.[8D]
BTW some pics would be cool.[8D]
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 131
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From:
RE: To Mod or keep original
I understand your predicament, I have also recently purchased a (as far as I can tell) stock 1986 Electra Glide Custom, # 86/650.
My plan is this: I will make mods, but restrict them to bolt on, that way I can easily take it back to stock if I ever decide to.
As the others have said, a bike is made to be ridden, make it yours.
oh yeah......
[sm=ttiwwp.gif]
My plan is this: I will make mods, but restrict them to bolt on, that way I can easily take it back to stock if I ever decide to.
As the others have said, a bike is made to be ridden, make it yours.
oh yeah......
[sm=ttiwwp.gif]
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Stage III
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
RE: To Mod or keep original
I'm workin on it, I'll get you fellas some pics soon. In the mean time here is one exactly like mine, minus a few minor things that the bike in this link has that aren't stock like pipes (mine are stock and have heat shields so they're not all blued to heck), air cleaner, and switch housings. For the most part mine looks alot like this one. http://moneywellspent.com/4sale/1990...sanewhome.html
They're pretty cool stock bikes, they only came in gray and the frame was painted to match the tins from the factory. There are 7 gold rings painted throughout the bike from the factory. I'm not really sure what they mean, the below is an explanation but it's pure conjecture and I've read some websites that say the story is totally false and some that say it's absolutely true so I'm not sure what Harley's true reasoning behind the gold rings. But here's the story that's flying around (take it with a grain of salt)...
"Not very many people know the history of a first edition Silver Fatboy. The name is reminiscent of the atomic bombs named "Fatman" and "LittleBoy" that were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The naming of the bike was not meant to offend, rather, it was done as a tribute to a certain period in time. If you notice the Fatboy's gas-tank emblem it somewhat resembles a U.S.A.F. wing emblem. The bombs where silver in color and had distinctive yellow rings painted on them. The motorcycle has seven yellow rings painted throughout the bike - one on the ignition ring, one on the primary inspection cover, two on the tank, one on the cam cover and two on the head covers. You definitely do not want to change the gun metal gray on the tank and fenders or frame on this first edition collector. With little advertising of the purpose behind this color scheme, the bike is now a very collectible item, not so much dollar wise, but for what it represents"
They're pretty cool stock bikes, they only came in gray and the frame was painted to match the tins from the factory. There are 7 gold rings painted throughout the bike from the factory. I'm not really sure what they mean, the below is an explanation but it's pure conjecture and I've read some websites that say the story is totally false and some that say it's absolutely true so I'm not sure what Harley's true reasoning behind the gold rings. But here's the story that's flying around (take it with a grain of salt)...
"Not very many people know the history of a first edition Silver Fatboy. The name is reminiscent of the atomic bombs named "Fatman" and "LittleBoy" that were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The naming of the bike was not meant to offend, rather, it was done as a tribute to a certain period in time. If you notice the Fatboy's gas-tank emblem it somewhat resembles a U.S.A.F. wing emblem. The bombs where silver in color and had distinctive yellow rings painted on them. The motorcycle has seven yellow rings painted throughout the bike - one on the ignition ring, one on the primary inspection cover, two on the tank, one on the cam cover and two on the head covers. You definitely do not want to change the gun metal gray on the tank and fenders or frame on this first edition collector. With little advertising of the purpose behind this color scheme, the bike is now a very collectible item, not so much dollar wise, but for what it represents"
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 141
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RE: To Mod or keep original
That,s a nice lookin bike dude. I'd say put some pipes on it and ride it!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 17
From: The Frozen Tundra
RE: To Mod or keep original
I think there are two ways you can go about this:
1. Keep it stock except for changing out internal engine components and stick some SE pipes on there.
2. Change it all over to 1990 model year specific H-D parts to make a bike that will be an example of what was available from the factory for that year.
I may even suggest, if you plan on keeping it and riding it, to start collecting parts like a seat, extra set of pipes(non-blued), grips, levers etc. anything that may wear. That way if you should show the bike it will appear as though it has been kept in a showcase for the last 17 years.
Beautiful bike, congratulations!
1. Keep it stock except for changing out internal engine components and stick some SE pipes on there.
2. Change it all over to 1990 model year specific H-D parts to make a bike that will be an example of what was available from the factory for that year.
I may even suggest, if you plan on keeping it and riding it, to start collecting parts like a seat, extra set of pipes(non-blued), grips, levers etc. anything that may wear. That way if you should show the bike it will appear as though it has been kept in a showcase for the last 17 years.
Beautiful bike, congratulations!
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