1st Harley - Hello and Advice!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 125
From: Japan
This thread seriously had me on the edge of my seat, for some reason.
Glad your dealer stepped up for you. Most of em would have told you, "it's normal, they all do that." And sent you packin...
Glad your dealer stepped up for you. Most of em would have told you, "it's normal, they all do that." And sent you packin...
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4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
A tech test rode and returned agreeing it needed attention. Without an appointment they spent the better part of a day troubleshooting and adjusting.
One staff member commented that it was a new bike, should be 100% good, and they were going to make it so.
It definitely handled differently after tire replacement and adjustment. I do have what I think may be buffeting now which I'm going to troubleshoot as soon as I can get away from work long enough to do some test riding.
Very relieved and happy about how it went and glad to spread the word about a positive experience with the service department.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: New York City
Same here,
I owned 2 VRODS prior to this FatBoy S (2016).
The salesperson ASSURED me that the ride would be DAY AND NIGHT on the softail...guess what, you if road metric bikes before, it will never be the same.
I have been riding for literally 41 years today (I am 49 YRS OLD - YES) and owned almost all types and brands of motorcycles, including a Nightster 1200, Vrod Muscle and VROD Night Rod special, but the FAT BOY (finding neutral) is VERY bad and the suspension on this bike is simply UNACCEPTABLE...
I know, it is a Harley, looks great and SOUNDS FANTASTIC in comparison to any other bike, but my Fat Boy now became my second bike, as I prefer my ZX14R in terms of smoothness, comfort and technology.
My personal opinion, really, I thought the 2016 softail fat boy s would be much more comfortable than expected. Now, can I do anything to make it smoother, less bumpy without spending more money?
Thanks guys and please don't take it personally, it is just a personal opinion from someone who has ridden Kawa, Yamaha, Honda, BMW, Triumph, Ducati, Susuki, Zongshen, Harleys and Aprilla.
I owned 2 VRODS prior to this FatBoy S (2016).
The salesperson ASSURED me that the ride would be DAY AND NIGHT on the softail...guess what, you if road metric bikes before, it will never be the same.
I have been riding for literally 41 years today (I am 49 YRS OLD - YES) and owned almost all types and brands of motorcycles, including a Nightster 1200, Vrod Muscle and VROD Night Rod special, but the FAT BOY (finding neutral) is VERY bad and the suspension on this bike is simply UNACCEPTABLE...
I know, it is a Harley, looks great and SOUNDS FANTASTIC in comparison to any other bike, but my Fat Boy now became my second bike, as I prefer my ZX14R in terms of smoothness, comfort and technology.
My personal opinion, really, I thought the 2016 softail fat boy s would be much more comfortable than expected. Now, can I do anything to make it smoother, less bumpy without spending more money?
Thanks guys and please don't take it personally, it is just a personal opinion from someone who has ridden Kawa, Yamaha, Honda, BMW, Triumph, Ducati, Susuki, Zongshen, Harleys and Aprilla.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
Congrats on the new scoot and welcome to the forum and softail section.
Forget all the hoopla HD wants to sell you, if it's under warranty by all means let them deal with it. Keep your maintenance up to par, and receipts if you choose to do service yourself or elsewhere.
My advice is grab the HD service manual and stop relying on HD's techs. Between the manual, youtube, and this forum, you should be able to become self sufficient with the basics.
I got a laugh when you mentioned the nitrogen in your tires, it's a motorcycle. Get over the hoopla and get with the basics.
Forget all the hoopla HD wants to sell you, if it's under warranty by all means let them deal with it. Keep your maintenance up to par, and receipts if you choose to do service yourself or elsewhere.
My advice is grab the HD service manual and stop relying on HD's techs. Between the manual, youtube, and this forum, you should be able to become self sufficient with the basics.
I got a laugh when you mentioned the nitrogen in your tires, it's a motorcycle. Get over the hoopla and get with the basics.
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Hahahahahahahahaha- I know, right? I must've been under a rock for the past few years cause I'd never heard of that before. I don't think it was a thing when I had my last bike. When I got to the service department and saw the sign advertising Nitrogen fill ups for $15 then I understood... LOL.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
Neutral is easier to find if you hold the clutch in, and roll the bike forward. Lift up on the toe simultaneously. Personally, not a fan of the heel shifter, but whatever works.
Glad the ride improved. I never rode a B engine bike, but others have commented that it has a smoother idle, but a buzz at highway speeds.
Glad the ride improved. I never rode a B engine bike, but others have commented that it has a smoother idle, but a buzz at highway speeds.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 202
Likes: 19
From: Atlanta
The neutral will get better somewhere post 1000mi service. Fluids in the trans and primary do make a difference too.
For buffeting, I find a windshield bag helps at least on the Deluxe. Others swear by the fork deflectors AKA "Fangs".
For buffeting, I find a windshield bag helps at least on the Deluxe. Others swear by the fork deflectors AKA "Fangs".
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