Newbie Fatboy Questions
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Stage III
Joined: Sep 2005
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Newbie Fatboy Questions
Hello. I just recently stumbled acrross this forum. There is some great information here. I posted here in this forum to ask for some help. My background is in dirt bikes(250cc) and BMW. Currently a 1150 RS. I have no experience with Harley Davidson motorcycles whatsoever, but find myself drawn more and more to the Fatboy, and Harley Davidson lore.
Before I go any further as far as purchase etc, I would really like to get some honest feedback about it. I do ride in town and my wife and I do like to take weekend trips between 2-400 miles. Would the Fartboy, be a good choice for myself and my wife(passenger)?
I am sorry for complete newbie questions. Just looking for help.
Before I go any further as far as purchase etc, I would really like to get some honest feedback about it. I do ride in town and my wife and I do like to take weekend trips between 2-400 miles. Would the Fartboy, be a good choice for myself and my wife(passenger)?
I am sorry for complete newbie questions. Just looking for help.
Banned
Joined: May 2005
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RE: Newbie Fatboy Questions
Your best bet would be to rent one and see if you like it. The softails do not have as good of a ride as the roadkings and dynas because of the design of the shocks (less travel) . It's a matter of personal taste as to which one you like the best and you may find that out by riding the different models before buying one. It's a big purchase so make sure to get the one that fits you best.
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Stage III
Joined: Sep 2005
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RE: Newbie Fatboy Questions
Thank you, for the reply.
You are 100% correct about riding one. I plan to do that in the morning. Harley Davidson has a great name and reputation. I just have the usual concerns about putting money, into a product I have no first hand knowledge about.
You are 100% correct about riding one. I plan to do that in the morning. Harley Davidson has a great name and reputation. I just have the usual concerns about putting money, into a product I have no first hand knowledge about.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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RE: Newbie Fatboy Questions
Howdy Jim, welcome aboard. Your questions aren't anything new, a lot of people have asked those same questions. Most of the time the advice that is given is to go to your Harley dealer and test ride as many as possible that you think that might fit the bill for what you want to do. I have seen people riding 2-up on small and large Harleys. If you folks have ridden 2-up before, just test ride before you buy and you will know which one will be the best one for you.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2005
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RE: Newbie Fatboy Questions
Welcome aboard JimE........I have a 05 Fatboy with some moderate mod's. Pipes, bags, Memphis Shade "Slim" windshield and backrest for wife / daughter. We will take a 350 - 400 mile trip about once every 6 weeks or so. (Deals Gap aka...Tail of the Dragon) in Western North Carolina.
The ride is bad, however the last 100 - 150 miles is kinda rough. The Fatboy IMHO is more of a street cruiser and short trip to the lake or mountains. I am seriously considering selling / trading my Fatboy for a Street Glide or Electric Glide Classic to get the "tour model" ride.
On the Fatboy, you are ready for a break when the tank is ready for refueling. Ever heard of "monkey butt". And if you have any lower back problems, the sitting position of the Fatboy will work on you.
Don't mean to rant on, however the others are correct. Get your dealer to allow you to demo both models. I failed to do this and laid out 20K for a bike I had never ridden. Bought it on my brother's recommendation. Last time I will listen to him.......at least on a purchase of a new HD.
Coming form someone that has owned virtually every type of bike, I believe you will really enjoy the "harley" experience.
Good luck on your decision and let us know what you decide to do........
Pete
The ride is bad, however the last 100 - 150 miles is kinda rough. The Fatboy IMHO is more of a street cruiser and short trip to the lake or mountains. I am seriously considering selling / trading my Fatboy for a Street Glide or Electric Glide Classic to get the "tour model" ride.
On the Fatboy, you are ready for a break when the tank is ready for refueling. Ever heard of "monkey butt". And if you have any lower back problems, the sitting position of the Fatboy will work on you.
Don't mean to rant on, however the others are correct. Get your dealer to allow you to demo both models. I failed to do this and laid out 20K for a bike I had never ridden. Bought it on my brother's recommendation. Last time I will listen to him.......at least on a purchase of a new HD.
Coming form someone that has owned virtually every type of bike, I believe you will really enjoy the "harley" experience.
Good luck on your decision and let us know what you decide to do........
Pete
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 711
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From: Syracuse, NY
RE: Newbie Fatboy Questions
I agree with the others. I have an 05 Fat Boy and I love it in every way. But, I'm not going to take any trips over say 100-200 miles probably ever. I travel around town and to and from work and just do some general tooling around and cruisin'. That's about all I and the wife can take on the back and shoulders and ****. It's a great Harely, but not for the long haul. I'm trying to post a pic for you to see.
BA
[IMG]local://upfiles/4194/A2B6B956B3E146E094B8CA79D560A704.jpg[/IMG]
BA
[IMG]local://upfiles/4194/A2B6B956B3E146E094B8CA79D560A704.jpg[/IMG]
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Stage III
Joined: Sep 2005
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RE: Newbie Fatboy Questions
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 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.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 227
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RE: Newbie Fatboy Questions
I have an 03 Fatboy and use my bike as Fatbernie does. You are doing the right things in riding before you buy. Look at any of the Roadkings as they are a step in between a Fatboy and Ultra. Let us know what you buy. Buy the way, have the dealer take the tour pack off the back of the Ultra and it doesn't look so big, just ride short trips with a easily removed sissy bar and backrest.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
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RE: Newbie Fatboy Questions
I have a 2001 Heritage, which is the same bike as a Fatboy, and love it. The best thing you can do is to put a H-D "Sundowner" seat on it. Much more comfortable than the stock Fatboy and Heritage seat, although the Heritage seat isn't bad for the rider.
I had a 2000 Heritage that I rode on a 7000 mile coast to coast ride. Did as much as 700 miles in a day. Bike had the stock Heritage seat on it. I never got overly tired and never got sore. I was 57 years old when I took that ride. I am nearly 60 now and am getting ready to take another long ride on my 2001 Heritage.
The reason I sold my 2001 Heritage was that I thought I wanted a different bike. After trying three other models, I went back to a Heritage. As far as I am concerned the Heritage is the easiest bike to hande and one of the most comfortable that H-D makes.
I had a 2000 Heritage that I rode on a 7000 mile coast to coast ride. Did as much as 700 miles in a day. Bike had the stock Heritage seat on it. I never got overly tired and never got sore. I was 57 years old when I took that ride. I am nearly 60 now and am getting ready to take another long ride on my 2001 Heritage.
The reason I sold my 2001 Heritage was that I thought I wanted a different bike. After trying three other models, I went back to a Heritage. As far as I am concerned the Heritage is the easiest bike to hande and one of the most comfortable that H-D makes.