New to Harley looking for help
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Stage II
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: fort worth
New to Harley looking for help
So I've been riding for thirty years but never owned a Harley, now it's time. I have decided I like the fat boy. I was thinking new but it is pretty pricey. So I found a 2009 with low miles in really good shape. The obvious difference is the 96b vs. the 103.
So is there more I need to know, is it worth spending the extra for the 103?
I've heard some motors in the past haven't been very good or weaker than the present engines, is this a concern for the 09?
Anything else I should be looking at?
Thanks I appreciate it.
KC
So is there more I need to know, is it worth spending the extra for the 103?
I've heard some motors in the past haven't been very good or weaker than the present engines, is this a concern for the 09?
Anything else I should be looking at?
Thanks I appreciate it.
KC
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 250
Likes: 25
The 09 96b is a fine motor and it has a six speed.
I have both a 96b and a 103. The 96b runs smoother and cooler but the 103 stretches my arms longer.
They both make me giggle.
If you are wanting the extra HP with a little tweeking the 96 will run just as good as the a stock 103.
I have both a 96b and a 103. The 96b runs smoother and cooler but the 103 stretches my arms longer.
They both make me giggle.
If you are wanting the extra HP with a little tweeking the 96 will run just as good as the a stock 103.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 439
Likes: 9
From: Eastern Pennsylvania
First off...Congrats on whatever Harley you decide. To answer about the 2009 motor yr. They are fine. I think some of the rumor mill you have heard stems from some of the motors from the early 80's late 70's. The 96 is a fine motor as well as the 103. It depends on what the deal is and what you can afford. Either choice would be fine. Get the bike you like the most. The forum has great insight on anything you will need. Again, Welcome.
Thread Starter
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Stage II
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: fort worth
Thanks for the help so far. But this has brought a new question. Fatfatboy mentioned the 103 stretches his arms out more. Is there a wheel base difference in the models. I am kinda tall, a little over 6'2" and I liked sitting on the 2015. Will the 2009 feel much different? The heritage softtail I sat on at the dealer felt smaller than the fatboy.
Thanks again
Thanks again
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Vegas Baby
I have one myself....
First off, it's a nice riding Softail, I am not one to leave a bike alone. I have to make it fit ME. Both my wife and I have our own bikes and we have solo seats. And have come to realize however...
The 200 tire limits choice of seat options, I like a solo with a back rest, few companies make them. Before I broke down and bought a Corbin seat with back rest, I butchered about four seats and a fender in attempting to have a back rest.
The 200 tire also limits choices of rear racks for solo riders, I like mine rigid so I had to search for one that I bolted to the TOP of the fender.
If you join a HOG group at your local Harley dealer, you get free tire change with tire purchase....but not with the 200 tire and the mark up makes ya want to vomit.
Don't get me wrong, I love my FatBoy, I stretched the fender to match the line of the FL hard bags that were mounted with the help of Cycle Vision hardware. Because of the 200 tire, it made the fender wide enough that I was able to french the license plate.
If you are handy with a wrench and making something out of nothing, go for it. If you like off-the-shelf-bolt-on....research what they have on the market before you buy the bike otherwise the added expense of making the bike fit YOU will cost more than money....SANITY is up for grabs. I'm already nuts because I started out being hung like a Cashew with MAD SKILLZ in making stuff happen.
I hope the advise was helpful, like I said, I love my bike and I would do it again.
The 200 tire limits choice of seat options, I like a solo with a back rest, few companies make them. Before I broke down and bought a Corbin seat with back rest, I butchered about four seats and a fender in attempting to have a back rest.
The 200 tire also limits choices of rear racks for solo riders, I like mine rigid so I had to search for one that I bolted to the TOP of the fender.
If you join a HOG group at your local Harley dealer, you get free tire change with tire purchase....but not with the 200 tire and the mark up makes ya want to vomit.
Don't get me wrong, I love my FatBoy, I stretched the fender to match the line of the FL hard bags that were mounted with the help of Cycle Vision hardware. Because of the 200 tire, it made the fender wide enough that I was able to french the license plate.
If you are handy with a wrench and making something out of nothing, go for it. If you like off-the-shelf-bolt-on....research what they have on the market before you buy the bike otherwise the added expense of making the bike fit YOU will cost more than money....SANITY is up for grabs. I'm already nuts because I started out being hung like a Cashew with MAD SKILLZ in making stuff happen.
I hope the advise was helpful, like I said, I love my bike and I would do it again.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,158
Likes: 68
From: Martinsburg, WV
Well the fun thing about Harleys is that they're very simple and so much easier to work on than the air cooled metrics. With the right tools and a manual, you could upgrade the cylinders and cams for not much money at all. Or you could pay someone a lot to do it and get more power.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
My understanding, in 2012 the 103 became stock. Quite a few low mile scoots available out there, the Fatboy may be lower priced than the Deluxe but IMHO the Deluxe would be a much better choice. Compare the specs. I've been runnin the '05 95CI Fatboy but just opted for a 2014 Deluxe, hopefully the sale goes through.
Whichever you choose, welcome to the world of HD.
Whichever you choose, welcome to the world of HD.
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