Fat Boy or Heritage Softail?
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Stage IV
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Park City, KS
Fat Boy or Heritage Softail?
So I'm at the point that it's time for me to upgrade. My 05 Sportster 883 served me well but I need a bike that fits me and that I can take on the interstate. Disclaimer: I'm 6'6"
There's two Harley's on Craigslist I'm trying to decide between.
Bike 1: The first is an 05 Fat Boy with 39k miles. It's been well cared for and has a lot of nice upgrades:
Motor: 203 cams, 360 degree K and N air filter kit, Vance and Hines shortshots, and a Powercommander.
On the bike: Chrome fork covers and front axle covers, Memphis Fats windshield, harley "shark teeth" lowers, 9" rise 1.5" diameter Harley mini apes, Kuryakyn iso grips with cramp buster, tank pouch, Mustang seat with driver backrest(700.00!), Kuryakyn Cruise pegs, Passenger backrest, luggage rack, Hardstreet locking hard saddlebags, rear chrome axle covers, chrome pulley and chrome belt guard. Also HD live to ride derby covers on right and left side. the tires are Michelin Commander II's.
Bike 2: 2010 Heritage Softail with 17k miles.
16"chubby apes,saggy bag inserts,pass seat and both backrest included
The 05 is $2000 cheaper than the 2010. Are there any "gotchas" I should know about for either bike?
Thanks in advance.
There's two Harley's on Craigslist I'm trying to decide between.
Bike 1: The first is an 05 Fat Boy with 39k miles. It's been well cared for and has a lot of nice upgrades:
Motor: 203 cams, 360 degree K and N air filter kit, Vance and Hines shortshots, and a Powercommander.
On the bike: Chrome fork covers and front axle covers, Memphis Fats windshield, harley "shark teeth" lowers, 9" rise 1.5" diameter Harley mini apes, Kuryakyn iso grips with cramp buster, tank pouch, Mustang seat with driver backrest(700.00!), Kuryakyn Cruise pegs, Passenger backrest, luggage rack, Hardstreet locking hard saddlebags, rear chrome axle covers, chrome pulley and chrome belt guard. Also HD live to ride derby covers on right and left side. the tires are Michelin Commander II's.
Bike 2: 2010 Heritage Softail with 17k miles.
16"chubby apes,saggy bag inserts,pass seat and both backrest included
The 05 is $2000 cheaper than the 2010. Are there any "gotchas" I should know about for either bike?
Thanks in advance.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 521
Likes: 3
From: Virginia
Can't speak for the Heritage softail but I own an 04 fatboy. Not sure of any major differences between the 04 and 05 but I've had little to no issues with mine. Just put in a new motor with 118,297 miles on the clock. Nothing was wrong with the motor but like a moron I ran all those miles on the stock lifters without inspecting or replacing them. One of the rear ones had an issue which damaged the lifter bore. It was either split the cases to fix or install a new engine. Due to the cost of labor to split the cases I opted to put that money into a new engine. The only issue I'd be concerned about are the cam chains tensioner shoes. I addressed this with gear driven cams at 30,000 miles. It has been bullet proof for the most part. This past summer I bought a 2016 sportster 1200 custom as a spare and I like it more than the fatboy. Plenty of power and no issues on the interstate or else where.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
The FatBoy with hard bags sounds interesting. Tensioners as mentioned is the only thing to really 'worry" about. How much $$$ are they asking?
As with any used vehicle, maintenance records would be nice to see. Also, like any used vehicle, if it doesn't look right, it probably isn't, specially with a motorcycle. Some pics or a link for us to look at would help us help you.
As with any used vehicle, maintenance records would be nice to see. Also, like any used vehicle, if it doesn't look right, it probably isn't, specially with a motorcycle. Some pics or a link for us to look at would help us help you.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 792
Likes: 258
From: N.E.Ohio
For $2000, def go with the 2010 Heritage. No cam chain problems, 96 inch motor, little better handling than a Fatboy due to similar size tires. You should consider age along with resale. Older is always harder to resale, plus people, most, want more power not less. Fatboy is probably due for cam chain work which may be why it is for sale.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 355
From: San Diego
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 553
Likes: 57
From: Chicago
I looked at both with your links the Heritage wins my vote. Newer, more power, 6 speed, half the mileage, no cam tensioner issues. For the extra 2k its a no brainer
Last edited by pipeyeti; Feb 13, 2017 at 08:39 PM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,741
Likes: 1,599
From: Danbury CT
For a $2,000 difference the Heritage makes a lot more sense because of age, mileage, 6-speed transmission 96 motor and everything else mentioned above. At six foot six inches and the Heritage and Fatboy being lower to the ground than a sportster I don't know if you'll be comfortable on either. My friend has a nice 07 Road King for sale in New York if you're interested. The red one in the middle. That's my 09 Heritage up front
Last edited by golfblues; Feb 13, 2017 at 08:54 PM.