fatboy lo
New guy here with questions
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2014
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From: San Diego
Fatboy Lo Questions
I'm looking to buy a fatboy lo. I am currently a sport bike guy but after many years of not riding and a couple shoulder surgeries I realize that the sport thing isn't my game anymore. I was wondering if you would suggest the fbl . I am going to use it for the commuting to work and also weekend rides, it will only be me on the bike due to my fiancée being scared of motorcycles.
I guess my questions are what are the biggest difference between the 2010-2014 fatboy lo?
I've pretty much set my eyes on the lo due to it being such an aggressive muscle looking bike. I want the be able to put some saddle bags on also to help not carry a backpack.
Is it a good starter harley?
I see I can get a 2010 under 10k miles for right around 12k. I was wondering if I should look at the newer years and why. Or maybe another model.
Also, does anything break on these bikes regularly? I know people complain about harley now and days but I just love the brand and I dont see any other bike that says me like the fatboy lo.
I would appreciate some feedback. This would be my first harley so I am kind of excited.
I guess my questions are what are the biggest difference between the 2010-2014 fatboy lo?
I've pretty much set my eyes on the lo due to it being such an aggressive muscle looking bike. I want the be able to put some saddle bags on also to help not carry a backpack.
Is it a good starter harley?
I see I can get a 2010 under 10k miles for right around 12k. I was wondering if I should look at the newer years and why. Or maybe another model.
Also, does anything break on these bikes regularly? I know people complain about harley now and days but I just love the brand and I dont see any other bike that says me like the fatboy lo.
I would appreciate some feedback. This would be my first harley so I am kind of excited.
Last edited by ChaosJr; Nov 4, 2014 at 05:09 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
Modern Harley's are very well made reliable machines. Don't listen to trolls and haters that tell you Harley's break down all the time. If you are coming off a sport bike you might want to look into the Dynas because they have significantly more lean angle and power at high rpms than the softails. You could get a new or almost new Dyna for around 12k
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 246
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From: San Jose
12k for a fblow with 10k miles sounds kinda high. Im hoping thats because it has a lot of extras?
I bought a softail slim, which is the same frame as a fatboy, and a lot of people like it because its a "blank canvas" that you can either customize or leave it alone as a simple bobber-looking bike.
You can get it brand new for like $13k-ish.
**NOTE: It does have the worst lean angle of all harleys, but I havent felt that at all. The slim rear tire allows for nice handling on curves, you just scrape a little lol. You may have a problem with that being a sportbike guy, but remember you wont have a great lean angle on a fatboy lo either!!!****
I bought a softail slim, which is the same frame as a fatboy, and a lot of people like it because its a "blank canvas" that you can either customize or leave it alone as a simple bobber-looking bike.
You can get it brand new for like $13k-ish.
**NOTE: It does have the worst lean angle of all harleys, but I havent felt that at all. The slim rear tire allows for nice handling on curves, you just scrape a little lol. You may have a problem with that being a sportbike guy, but remember you wont have a great lean angle on a fatboy lo either!!!****
Last edited by greenbax; Nov 4, 2014 at 06:08 PM.
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
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From: Illinois
1st off, welcome. This is a GREAT site for ANY kind of Harley information and all the mods possible, that you might seek over the coming years if in fact you buy one.
My suggestion, no matter what bike you end up deciding on to do a ton of research 1st and be patient. There is always a better deal out there than the one you just got or find when you finally pull the trigger.
Lastly, we are all different and what might be perfect for one guy may not fit you at all so be very careful with the information and opinions you get. I think what you will mostly find here is that a guy will decide on a bike, buy it and then do things to it to make it "THEIRS and to fit THEM! Good luck and keep us posted.
My suggestion, no matter what bike you end up deciding on to do a ton of research 1st and be patient. There is always a better deal out there than the one you just got or find when you finally pull the trigger.
Lastly, we are all different and what might be perfect for one guy may not fit you at all so be very careful with the information and opinions you get. I think what you will mostly find here is that a guy will decide on a bike, buy it and then do things to it to make it "THEIRS and to fit THEM! Good luck and keep us posted.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Modern Harley's are very well made reliable machines. Don't listen to trolls and haters that tell you Harley's break down all the time. If you are coming off a sport bike you might want to look into the Dynas because they have significantly more lean angle and power at high rpms than the softails. You could get a new or almost new Dyna for around 12k
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 19
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From: San Diego
Well what I am asking also is what did they change on the 2011 from the 2010. 2012 from the 2011. And 2013 from 2012.
Are any of the years a must have over another? Or is it something that is good but you could upgrade it on your own cheaper then spending 2000 extra on the newer model vs modding the older one.
I feel the fatboy lo is a good fit for me too due to me only being 5'7". Ha ha.
Are any of the years a must have over another? Or is it something that is good but you could upgrade it on your own cheaper then spending 2000 extra on the newer model vs modding the older one.
I feel the fatboy lo is a good fit for me too due to me only being 5'7". Ha ha.
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Devil's Advocate
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Alberta, Canada
I suggest you go to a dealer and sit on every bike. You will sit on one that feels right and you will know it is the one for you. I had an 07 Street Bob and loved it. After I totaled it, it was time for a new ride. I sat on every bike and the Fat Boy Lo just felt right. I do miss my Bob, but I do not like the new ones and up here finding an 07 Bob is far and few between.
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Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
I suggest you go to a dealer and sit on every bike. You will sit on one that feels right and you will know it is the one for you. I had an 07 Street Bob and loved it. After I totaled it, it was time for a new ride. I sat on every bike and the Fat Boy Lo just felt right. I do miss my Bob, but I do not like the new ones and up here finding an 07 Bob is far and few between.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
The 103 b engine was introduced to the softail line in 2012 if I'm not mistake. The 2010 has the 96b engine. You should really take a few different models for a test ride to be sure the softail fatboy lo fits your riding style. A lot guys get them and get upset about the limited lean angle because they did not educate themselves on what a softails is and what a softail isn't.