Newbie Fatboy Questions
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,014
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, Arizona
RE: Newbie Fatboy Questions
If you want a comfortable Harley for town hopping go for a Wide Glide. Offers endless customiztion potential, and are much more comfortable than Softails. I have always rode Softails and older hardtails (Currently a '39 WL45), and everytime I ride a Dyna, I'm shocked at how comfortable they are.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 642
Likes: 3
From: Southern California
RE: Newbie Fatboy Questions
I have the Sundowner on my Fatboy and it is a great seat. Here is a photo. Night and day over the stock fatboy seat and a thousand times better than the SE seat.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
RE: Newbie Fatboy Questions
I'm a little curious about the problems with long distance riding on the Fatboy. I have an 05 that I bought in May this year. I was warned before hand about the ride. I've taken my Fatboy on several long rides this summer and I haven't expericed the problems I see and hear about in this forum and from my friends. Granted I ride by myself because my wife won't get on board which is just as well, but does this have something to do with the weight of the riders. I weigh 170 pounds and I haven't been bothered by the ride. Maybe it's just a thing with guys who also runs marathons, but still enjoys the thrill of riding Harleys.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,257
Likes: 6
From: Leander Texas
RE: Newbie Fatboy Questions
I had an 06 sportster that I rode to Big bend last year. It was about 1200 miles in 6 days. This year I test rode the road king and I did not like it for around town. I wanted something that I could use for both trips and in town. I bought an 07 Fatboy. I few weeks ago I went to Arkansas on a 5 day 1600 miles trip and it was very nice. The radial tires and wide tires made the trip smooth. I road solo. I think if I was going to ride two up I would have liked the ultra classic. The best way to tell what you like is rent one for a trip with the local Hog chapter and go as a guest. [/align]
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 7
From: North Georgia
RE: Newbie Fatboy Questions
I have the '08 Fatboy and my wife and I love it. No problem riding 2-up or crusing long distances. There IS a big difference between the newer FBs and anything else. The 200mm rear tire is unique to the FB and the Softail Custom (for the Softail series). Stock solid wheels also put it in its own class.
Like others have said, you got to go try em. Just sitting on them at the dealer will help you see which one fits your posture and reach. Accesseries and aftermarket parts can make a midget or a basketball player fit comfortably on just about any model.
Your budget and your wife will help control your final decision. None of us have enough left over money to answer the call to modifications that will haunt you every waking moment. Any '07 or '08 bike will benefit from spending another $1300 (approx.) on getting stage 1 changes made. Getting these newer engines to breath better and richening the fuel mixture gets them a lot cooler. Switching to synthetic oil as soon as possible also has a cooling effect.
My new Harley is coming up on being 4 months old, having clocked almost 5,000 miles already. I am still sitting comfortably on the stock seat, as is the wife.
Welcome to the forum!!!!
Like others have said, you got to go try em. Just sitting on them at the dealer will help you see which one fits your posture and reach. Accesseries and aftermarket parts can make a midget or a basketball player fit comfortably on just about any model.
Your budget and your wife will help control your final decision. None of us have enough left over money to answer the call to modifications that will haunt you every waking moment. Any '07 or '08 bike will benefit from spending another $1300 (approx.) on getting stage 1 changes made. Getting these newer engines to breath better and richening the fuel mixture gets them a lot cooler. Switching to synthetic oil as soon as possible also has a cooling effect.
My new Harley is coming up on being 4 months old, having clocked almost 5,000 miles already. I am still sitting comfortably on the stock seat, as is the wife.
Welcome to the forum!!!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 2
From: Nebraska
RE: Newbie Fatboy Questions
ORIGINAL: JimE
I appreciate the replies, and the infomation that has been offered. It has been very helpful. I rented a Fatboy in Chattanooga yesterday, and have to concur with what has been said. An awesome bike, but not the most comfortable one in the world. The ride and experience was a blast, and was as different as night is to day, when compared to the BMW.
I am now going to have to do some thinking. I was wanting an HD for in town(work, weekends) and for trips. The Fatboy(for me atleast) is not the right choice for this. The Ulta Classic Electa Glide, is simply too big. I'm going to back up and punt so to speak, and look at other models.
I appreciate the replies, and the infomation that has been offered. It has been very helpful. I rented a Fatboy in Chattanooga yesterday, and have to concur with what has been said. An awesome bike, but not the most comfortable one in the world. The ride and experience was a blast, and was as different as night is to day, when compared to the BMW.
I am now going to have to do some thinking. I was wanting an HD for in town(work, weekends) and for trips. The Fatboy(for me atleast) is not the right choice for this. The Ulta Classic Electa Glide, is simply too big. I'm going to back up and punt so to speak, and look at other models.
Just a thought anyway. You should test ride one. Might be what your looking for.
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 522
Likes: 3
From:
RE: Newbie Fatboy Questions
The Road King will probably be the most versatile bike, removable fairing makes it a cruiser or leave it on for longer rides. Not as top heavy no fairing or tour pack or you can add a removable tour pack. Best bang for the buck IMHO. Best to rent one and see for yourself, hope this helps
The Gooz
The Gooz
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