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I sold my Low Rider last year following surgery, not expecting to ride again. I'm still recovering, but I have "the itch" to get another bike.
I've owned a Heritage Classic, LowRider, Street Rod, Sportster Classic, and Deluxe. I've enjoyed all of them.
My problem now is that I have limited strength and range of motion in both of my arms which will likely remain. I'm a senior rider with over 40 years of experience.
I've found a great deal on a 2015 Fat Boy, under 1,000 miles and still under warranty, but I'm concerned about the weight of the bike compared to other non-Harley alternatives. I've taken a demo ride on the bike and it seems pretty well balanced with the weight down low, like on most other Harleys.
It also has the advantage ABS (preferred given my age and limited motion), and the balanced engine, which I enjoyed on the other Softails I've owned.
My question is I don't know too much about the Fat Boy and I'd appreciate any experience you have that can help me make a decision as to buy or not. As an aside, it's possible that I won't be able to keep the bike, and if so, I'll have to resell it. I don't expect to get my money back, but I've heard that the Fat Boy is a "tough sale" in the market, being less favored than other models. I'm not overly concerned about reselling it, but I'd like to hear your experience with resale.
I'm on my second fatboy lo and absolutely love it. I traded my first one (2012) for a new road glide thinking I would be more comfortable since I do put on a lot of miles. That was a mistake and I then went back to another fatboy lo. (2016 Screamin Eagle) Harley gave me an excellent trade amount on my first Fatboy Lo and they sold it within a few weeks. You can't go wrong with the bike. If you have had prior softails then you won't find anything out of the ordinary. Good luck on your decision.
I have a Fat Boy and I absolutely love it. Mine is the 2015 also. I am at that age where I can have any motorcycle I want, and there is no bike that I would prefer to the Fat Boy.
Never heard that it was a "tough sell" in the market, but I'm no expert on that. I did notice that the one 2017 Fat Boy (looks almost exactly like mine) at my local dealer sold after less than two weeks. Talked to the guy who bought it and he was very excited.
I'm not a big guy (5'8") and I'm thin, and the Fat Boy is no problem for me to ride or maneuver. I am 62, by the way.
Bottom line: I think you will really like the Fat Boy. I know I do.
I'm sure you already thought this over a couple of times....and although you might not be happy to read this let me bring this topic up....
You sold your previous bike cause you were not expecting to be in the condition to ride again. After your surgery now you have not fully recovered and you don't even know if you ever will, yet. Plus you're asking if you could handle a bike with the weakness remainig in your arms and being not sure if you wouldn't be forced to sell your "new" bike "soon" again.
Although I do really understand the "itch" you are feeling having been riding for so many years especially when being confronted with a bargain on a new bike. But taking into account your current condition and the uncertainty whether it will improve or not you should ask yourself if it's safe to ride....not only safe for you but safe for all the others out there....
Regarding reselling, think about this. You are buying a used bike. If you want to sell it later, you are still selling a used bike. That is not the same thing as buying a brand new bike and later on selling it.
The fact that a used fat boy attracted you as a buyer is evidence that it will attract someone else as a buyer.
Based on your surgery and description of your physical condition, I don't think riding is a viable option right now, especially a heavy bike. Maybe if you have a lot of physical therapy and having an end goal of getting back on a bike as a motivator could be something to consider.
A trike requires more upper body strength than a bike, so I don't think that is option for you either.
If I were you, I would look at a recumbent bicycle instead.
I had quit riding for a while due to declining health but got back on after I got better and worked on getting some strength back. I never sold my bike though because I knew I wasn't done forever yet.
I've had mine 3+ years and 37000 + miles and love it. One thing I will tell you, the solid wheels do catch some wind, but nothing an experienced rider like yourself can't adjust to within a short time. Other than that, its just like any other soft tail.
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