Hi all,

This is my first post here; I just purchased a pretty much stock 08 Fat Boy and I’m looking at making a number of cosmetic, ergonomic, and performance enhancements. I won’t address the cosmetic stuff, but I am looking for input on the ergonomic and performance enhancements.

Performance: From the reading I’ve done on this forum, performance enhancements should be tailored to riding style. I’m looking for a lot of get up and go from the stop light to around 60mph, and at 60 or 70 I want a large reserve of power waiting for me for short passing bursts and emergency maneuvers. I expect that on extremely rare occasions I will hit 80 or 90 and will want to get there quickly from 60, but this will be few and far between. I do not EVER expect to race. Also, my mechanical skills are embarrassingly lacking, so reliability is pretty important to me.

Pipes: I really like the look of the vance & hines big shots 2-2 system, but I understand the 2-1 pipes are better performers.

Engine: I have read here that good cams and a good tune will do more for me than a big bore kit. Furthermore, that the SE 255 cams provide reliable and impressive performance at the low end.

Aircleaner: Call me a sucker, but I gotta have a spike aircleaner. The research I’ve done suggests that cheap spikes are basically just show, and the more expensive single spikes (like the D&M brand) are finicky, requiring a number of adjustments to work properly. I did find three people on a big dog forum that installed the D&M boss spike and had no problems with it. I suppose this makes sense, as it seems the main problems with spikes are restricted airflow, but if you have two of them it compensates. The boss spike is spendy though, at around 1400.00.

Other notes on performance: I won’t be riding two up very often. I plan on getting hard bags as this will also be a commuter bike and I think will look pretty sweet after the custom paint job. I’m 6’4 and around 270lbs.
More on the Boss Spike: The D&M website says that it needs the type of engine I have. One of my concerns is that if I stick with the stock engine, instead opting for cams and tuning, then change my mind later and go for a big bore kit, the spike won’t work like it should. Is that a valid concern… I really have no idea.

So, given my riding style and preference for a spike air cleaner (if you know of one that is reliable and effective, fits my bike, and costs less than 1400, let me know!), what would you recommend? Do I need the 2-1 pipes to get the performance I'm looking for? Do I need a bigger engine with woods cams instead of the SE255 cams? What do you think?

Ergonomics: I understand there are basically three things I can do to make the bike more comfortable for someone of my height. 1) Get a seat that sits back and is raised, 2) get highway pegs, and 3) get a forward control extension kit. Do you guys have any recommendations for which suppliers to go to? I’m kind of leaning towards a danny gray custom seat because of the airhawk technology. Kurykayn seems to have good bolt on frame highway pegs. I can’t find forward control extensions anywhere that fit an 08 fat boy. I'm going to be riding this thing from D.C. to Minnesota a couple times a year at least, and need it to be very comfortable.

Finally, reputable engine people are a must. My bike is currently in port orange florida. I'm deployed to Afghanistan until April, and am looking to have all the work done while I'm deployed. Anyone know of top notch mechanics in that area that are flexible enough to work by email?

 

Welcome from VA - D.C. my bike just have pipes V&H and SE Air and move my ride good for me, also cuz u are a tall guy u should change the handelbar maybe apes

 

Best upgrades. Get rid of the disc wheels and put an Evo motor in it.

 

Just do the SE103 kit with what ever cams U like, theirs at least a dozen that will work and then do some head porting.. that will give u what U asking for.

 

Hit that red search button...you'll find tons of stuff about FBs! Welcome to the forum!

 

Tons of reputable shops right up the road from Port Orange in Daytona Beach. A race tune using the SEST is about the best non-invasive performance upgrade you can do. Don't know about forward controls as Fatboys have floorboards,and not sure what the "Boss Spike" is.

Is your bike a Duracell coppertop? Love to see pics.

 

Hi Agueybana,
Apes are one of the cosmetic changes, though I’m hoping you’re right about the comfort as well. I’ve been looking at a number of different apes… so far hill country customs seems like the best bet; there are some styles out there I like more (with the sharp turn instead of curve at the top of the bars), but the HCC comes prewired with all the cords for what seems like a good price. Since I will have them installed by someone else, I’m thinking it may be significantly cheaper if the HCCs are installed. I havn’t priced it all the way yet though.
Also, thanks for the welcome from D.C.

Hi Chopper Bill,
Evo motors are smaller right? I’ve heard that because of their age, they are very reliable. Is that why you recommend it? Also, as part of my cosmetic changes I’ve been thinking about getting RC components alien wheels… but I think it would be a colossal waste if the break rotor covered it up. Can you point me to a forum or other link that talks about the pros and cons of wheels w/o disc breaks and how to make it work?

Hi Oct1949,
I’m somewhat familiar with the cam choices, but havn’t done my research yet on head porting. Any suggestions on where to start? Also, I’ve read that many/most aftermarket big bore kits provide better performance at ˝ the price… and if I go with a big bore kit I think it makes sense to spend a little extra for a 107 kit. What I don’t know is which aftermarket 107 kit w cam selection is the most reliable and suits my riding style. I don’t have a warranty, so I’m not concerned with voiding one. Again though, if I go with a big bore kit I need something that’s tried and true and super reliable. Suggestions would be welcome. Mechanics with lots of experience in the port orange area would be welcome.


Hi Dicky
Duracell coppertop? Does that refer to the paint scheme? If so, it won’t be after vivid dragon gets back to me. Speaking of which, they havn’t and its been a week. I’m thinking it might be time to find a different custom painter due to the lag in response, but it is around x-mas time so I’ll probably give them until January. On the other hand, I do like to keep my options open, and since port orange is near Daytona beach I wouldn’t be surprised if there are some pretty awesome local artists. If you can recommend any specifically I’d be interested.
My current knowledge of tuning can be summed up pretty simply. I basically understand that if you’re getting performance upgrades, tuning/remapping (if they are the same thing, not sure) is the best way to optimize performance, and that a reputable tuner should be located. If you’ve got a link that explains , it would be much appreciated.

The D&M Boss spike is a single carb dual air cleaner kit. I think it looks pretty awesome and the reviews suggest that it doesn’t suffer from the performance flaws of other spike air cleaners. But it’s expensive!



I will post picks when all the mods are finished, and thanks for noting the proximity of Daytona beach... I hadn't realized it was so close!

 

Not to get you down or be a jerk but I would kick my own *** if I spent 1400 on an air cleaner. Is it important yes. Is it worth spending 1150 extra dollars on one then u need to because u wanna stab insects with it?!! No no no. Dont do it man. You can have your bike fully stage 1 with 6-800 dollars left over and that's utilizing quality exhaust and air cleaner plus rejet. Look around online for v&h pipes I got mine almost 45% off from direct Harley parts.

 

Well, I a bought it I'd probably feel like a Jerk. The D&M single spikes are about 400, but like I said earlier I've heard they are finicky. Finally, stabbing insects wasn't what I had in mind.