Concidering Fatboy Purchase
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 153
From: Midlands of SC
Concidering Fatboy Purchase
Need some advice folks. My son has found a 2001 Fatboy (see Pics) at a local indy shop. He's a firefighter and his new bride is in nursing school and they do not have a lot of money. He's looking for his first owned HD on the cheap. During the last 2 years, he has bought, fixed up, and the sold dirt bikes, sport bikes, and 4 wheelers to acquire some cash to make a purchase. I will go with him to see this bike and check the normal oil, tires, crank it up, etc. Is there anything special to be concerned about on a 2001 FB? I could help him out financially, but he will not accept that (wouldn't take any money all through college either). He's a good kid and his mama and I are proud of him. Any advice would be appreciated.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 189
From: 90210
do you have a local HD wrench that can come out and give it an independent once over? Might be worth the added $50-$100 to have a good set of eyes go over it. That can also help immensely with the price negotiating. I would not wholly trust the indy shop's word- they do want to sell it, after all 
BTW your kid is pretty lucky to have you, good luck and I hope the bike is as good as it looks.
BTW your kid is pretty lucky to have you, good luck and I hope the bike is as good as it looks.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 827
Likes: 3
From: NW Florida
How many miles are on it? See if the tensioners have been checked. I checked mine on my 2000 Fat Boy @ 18000 miles and found the inner tensioner worn and cracked. Also, if done you may also want to ask if the inner cam bearings were upgraded at the same time. There's a lot of reading on this on the site.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
You're blessed to have a son that doesn't think his parents owe him and should take care of him through his adult life.
The scoot's condition is what it's all about. Normal wear and tear is a given, oil pressure, cylinder compression, jugs, and the clutch, would be the first thing I thought about. I would then consider the amount I have to to spend on neglection if any, such as tires, brakes, etc..
Take a serious look at the scoot. Your boy has been turnin wrenches for awhile. He should know what it's gonna take to that thng up to his specs.
I wish my sons would have grown into what your boy has, cheers.
The scoot's condition is what it's all about. Normal wear and tear is a given, oil pressure, cylinder compression, jugs, and the clutch, would be the first thing I thought about. I would then consider the amount I have to to spend on neglection if any, such as tires, brakes, etc..
Take a serious look at the scoot. Your boy has been turnin wrenches for awhile. He should know what it's gonna take to that thng up to his specs.
I wish my sons would have grown into what your boy has, cheers.
Last edited by Tampa Fatboy; Apr 6, 2015 at 07:38 PM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Midlands of SC
Thanks for the positive comments guys. From the pic is looks ok. They want 7900.00, but thought we would start with an offer of 6500-7000.00. If it looks like the picture. Ill ask about the tensioner and cam bearing, but they may not know, but ill ask. I do not have or know of a HD trained mechanic other than my dealer, so were on our own there. But we are better than some guys that know nuthing. My dealer buddy aint going to be real happy if we pull the trigger because he has been trying to get him into a big motor bike, but hasn't had a used bike at this price level. I will let you guys know what happens, if anything.
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Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 153
From: Midlands of SC
UPDATE: purchase has been made
Well we went to look at a 2001 and liked the 2000 setting next to it way better. A few more miles (22k total) and 1 year older but got it for less. Has about the same amount of mods as the 2001, but way better taken care of. We will change the oil and find a utube video on the tensioners. Its carbed and maybe has a cam. Its loping pretty good, but not sure. Does anyone know how to tell about a cam without pulling it? Thanks for all the replies and help guys.
