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Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum and look forward to getting to know some of you. I'm also new to Harley Davidson and I'm shopping for my first bike. Question: I had decided upon either a Low Rider S or a Fatbob...until the new Sportster S was revealed. There has been much written about the looks of the new Sportster S, both for and against it. (I happen to think it's pretty cool). BUT, setting what it looks like aside, do any of you have an opinion on which of these bikes would be a better choice based on engine, performance, braking, value, etc.? I will be riding the bike 90% in town and on short trips on the weekends. Thanks much.
Welcome HD Chase. You are going to get a bunch of different opinions on all these models. lol
One thing that caught my eye on your post was "First Bike" so I'm sure you will get a ton of answers about buying something you are ok with dropping. lol
Here is my journey to land on a 2020 Fat Bob for what it is worth.
Stopped by the local Harley dealer and looked at Fat Bob, Street Bob, Low Rider, Sportster, and Heritage. All have their unique looks and riding style. Narrowed it down to the Street Bob and Fat Bob.
The Fat Bob is a unique and a polarizing look. You either love it or hate it and not much in between. The Sportster S is new and not out yet and a first year model. All of which might lead to tough availability, HIGH dealer markup and issues with being a first year model. (My next bike will be the Pan America but not the first model year. Test rode one and like it better than both my KTMs)
For me (and I will get grief for this) the Low Rider S looks "Very Harley, and very Tough Guy". lol They are cool for sure but not my style. The Fat Bob for me seems more my style and I love the ride, the power, and the looks in stockish form. You can't go wrong with either as both are 114 and both have dual disks and both will carve up a canyon or be civilized around town.
Get a metric used bike so when you fall down it won't hurt so much. Take a MSF course so you won't fall down as much. Make damned sure you put the gas cap in your left hand while fueling up...if you place it on the pump you'll forget it. Be sure your helmet is less than 5 years old. Beenie caps look cool, full face cuts down on wind turbulence.
Oh, and welcome
Back to your question...test drive all three. No one here can tell you which is best. They can tell you which one they prefer. But that doesn't answer your question. Value sucks on all Harleys. It's only based on how much you're willing to pay for the look on your face as you drive away from the selling dealership. Until you buy it and drive down the road I can't say what that smile will look like. But seriously, I think you're over thinking this purchase. If it feels right when you drive it and you can afford it, and assuming you know how to ride it safely, then get it.
I should add that I did not follow my own advice. I planned to drive 4 different bikes. I rode the first one and liked it so much I did not follow up on the other 3 bikes. I kind of wish I did sometimes because I wonder if they would have been even better. But at the end of the day, I really like my Heritage. I'm good with the decision...but I also wonder...
Last edited by Sierra Nate; Jul 14, 2021 at 03:47 PM.
I think the variables you should consider are how tall are you, and whether you plan on two upping with a passenger. If you were looking for a sportbike made by Harley, it would be the Sportster S. 121 HP at 500lbs should make it the quickest of the current Harley line up. But if you're tall, the smaller size may make it uncomfortable for you, and if you've got a passenger...let's just say I don't think it's a good bike for that. And with the price increase with the new design it's not like the old days when the Sportster was the cheapest you could buy so it's not like you're saving money getting it over the other two. I would just test ride them all and see which floats your boat.
Really appreciate the thoughts everyone. I'll reply to a few of your Q's here: I did take (and pass) the safety rider course. I also grew up with dirt bikes so it's not a totally foreign animal to me. Someone asked about height. I'm 6'1". And I really don't plan on a passenger.
Great ideas/opinions from everyone. Thanks again. Last question on this: What are general opinions comparing the 114 Milwaukee Eight to the new Rev Max 1250?
I would wait till its out and drive one. Numbers alone should give it the win over any Softtail however suspension may be its undoing. It is the first new Harley I actually want to see and ride.
Welcome to the forum
not much I can add to what has already been stated above.
street bob…..hate it. It rides great just not my style.
im a LowRider S kind of guy just love the look
whichever one you will always turn back to look at and smile is the bike for you. And only you know the answer to that
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Sportster S vs LRS or FatBob
