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What other people do / like is none of my business, but I too have never wanted extra crp on my bike. Don't want a GPS, smart phone holder, water bottle, radio, hard bags, fairings etc. I like a stripped down, bare bones motorcycle. The same kind of bike I have enjoyed since the early 70s when I would drive my Bonneville across country (with OL) and think nothing of it (though I was also younger). I have no problem going wherever I want (trips etc / obviously I pack light) on my bike (Street Bob). I like it cuz it's a throwback to the old days. Seems some people have lost sight of the 'freedom' concept of bikes. MORE crp hanging off a bike is not freedom in my book. Some suggested Road Kings . . they are ok I guess, but again, a BIG motorcycle and not a 'stripped down' feel to me.
Well I went to a dealer today and rode a couple of bikes. In an hours time I rode a Wide Glide, Fat boy and my SG. So I had a great opportunity to get a feel for the 3 different styles of chassis back to back.
The WG was a nimble hot rod. It was a 99 model with a 95" BB kit, cams, SE carb and 2-1 pipe. It ran GREAT and sounded like a beast. Easily could smoke my 96" stage 1 SG.
The Fat Boy was a slug. It was a 03 model and had cams already installed but power felt way down. I did like the ergo's of the Fat Boy and so did the wife. I might need to ride a different Softail to compare
Well I went to a dealer today and rode a couple of bikes. In an hours time I rode a Wide Glide, Fat boy and my SG. So I had a great opportunity to get a feel for the 3 different styles of chassis back to back. The WG was a nimble hot rod. It was a 99 model with a 95" BB kit, cams, SE carb and 2-1 pipe. It ran GREAT and sounded like a beast. Easily could smoke my 96" stage 1 SG. The Fat Boy was a slug. It was a 03 model and had cams already installed but power felt way down. I did like the ergo's of the Fat Boy and so did the wife. I might need to ride a different Softail to compare
That 03 Fat Boy had an 88" engine unless it was modified. The 96" didn't come out until 2007 and the 103" was not standard until 2012.
Since power is something that is important to you, I suggest 2012 or newer. You mentioned you like the ergonomics of the fat boy and so did your wife. All that being said, I think a 2012 or newer Heritage is what you should try. The windshield and bags come off easily for when you want to strip it down and still looks good.
Or, if you really want to get back to basics and save some money at the same time, have a look at a carbureted Evo. The money saved could be put towards getting it like you want it.
Yes the fat boy was an 88" motor. The wide glide was originally a 88" as well but the PO had a 95" BB kit installed. That 95" motor was a blast. Both bikes were carbed
Yes the fat boy was an 88" motor. The wide glide was originally a 88" as well but the PO had a 95" BB kit installed. That 95" motor was a blast. Both bikes were carbed Attachment 409817
I'd buy that Wide Glide and wouldn't look back...Great bike with a great motor. I have had a Softail. Love the way they look but I hate the balanced motor. Feels too slow to rev to me and buzzes at highway speed...
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
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Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
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Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
