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2018 Fat Bob - Test Ride

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Old Aug 25, 2017 | 06:23 PM
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Default 2018 Fat Bob - Test Ride

I just rode one with the 114 and it was an absolute blast. My 09' Super Glide had +1" ohlins on the back and modified mids and the handling isn't even on the same planet. The handling reminds me of a naked sport bike, its that good. The rear suspension is completely different than the old softails and they could have saved themselves some greif if they had called it something completely different; not a Dyna, not a Softail; maybe a mono glide.

The bars were well situated (height and reach) which is irrelevant because most people will change them to suit their needs.

Vibration - a little at idle otherwise it was unnoticeable.

Instrument Cluster - Nice cluster but small and location makes it difficult to view. I had an 09 Super glide with T-bars and a café fairing and the speedo was just below the lip of the fairing making it easy to view and use. I would never look at this speedo.

Tank - The tank is small. It looked fine but is going to limit your range to approximately 120-140 miles. This is not a deal breaker for me as I like to get off the bike about every 100 miles.

Foot Controls - They are closer in than previous models which is a good thing. At 6'4" I would be tempted to install modified mids off the new low rider. I like to have my feet under me.

Seating Position - In the showroom it felt forward, as if it pushed me closer to the front end. Under power it was not an issue as I did not feel cramped. I am tall at 6'4".

Exhaust - Sounded awesome! A pair of Akrapovic and this thing would sound amazing and really bring it to life. It wont be long before the aftermarket boys come up with a headpipe. On past dynas ground clearance was always an issue, not with this set up.


Engine - The M-8 was a noticeable upgrade from the twin cam on a 850 pound touring bike. It was even more noticeable in this lighter bike. My Dyna was pushing 95 HP and 100 lb-ft. This thing would run away and leave it.

Headlight - Hideous - Aftermarket

Overall loved this bike but not sure you could tour on it. I had bags, fairing and luggage for the 09' and did a lot of long (1500 mile) trips. Cant put bags on this due to the exhaust so you will have to fit everything into your luggage. The fairing on the SG provided great wind protection and was very stylish. This bike could look really good with a café fairing and even better with a different headlight.


I was planning on getting the new Road Glide Special but after riding this I am not so sure.
 
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Old Aug 25, 2017 | 07:01 PM
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same experience here. fn ridiculous the power is crazy, stock. the breakout is a beast too. the little LCD is incredibly well done. you really have to see it to believe it.










Originally Posted by big ron


Headlight - Hideous - Aftermarket
unfortunately if you don't like the fatbob headlight, it's gonna take some work to change/ modify. there is no hole in the lower tree (see picture below)

 

Last edited by cvaria; Aug 25, 2017 at 07:04 PM.
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Old Aug 26, 2017 | 08:53 AM
  #3  
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Got to see one yesterday up close while being prepped, Going to get a test ride today.
Was thinking mids would be a blast on the Fatbob,

UPDATE, Dealer open house today was a zoo did not bother to test ride lol, will wait on streetbob or slim,
 

Last edited by rowan; Aug 26, 2017 at 05:58 PM.
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Old Aug 26, 2017 | 08:56 AM
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Default 2018 Fat Bob Best Color

Im going to pull the trigger on the new Fat Bob as soon as I get off this deployment. My only dilemma is what color to get. Curious what color you all like. Anyone seen the bike in person yet? What color bike jumps out and looks the best? Definetly going with the 114.
 
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Old Aug 26, 2017 | 09:38 AM
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I own a 17 road glide. at my size, the fat bob will never sit in my garage. But I was at a dealership the other day. They were putting the bikes out. the fat bob I saw had the 114 in it. the sales reps were jumping over themselves riding that bike. all of them were EASILY lifting the front wheel up riding that bike. clearly a hooligan bike lol. the exhaust on it.... for a Harley, that was shocking to see honestly.

In my humble opinion (which to me means a whole lot lol), that bike is going to be the bike of the year in more than a few publications. I'm too big for it, but I sure as hell want to ride one.
 
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Old Aug 26, 2017 | 10:09 AM
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It sure is a cool *** bike. I sat on one yesterday and I liked it. I really like the front brakes and big front tire. The headlight didn't bother me either.
 
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Old Aug 26, 2017 | 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted by jclax01
I own a 17 road glide. at my size, the fat bob will never sit in my garage. But I was at a dealership the other day. They were putting the bikes out. the fat bob I saw had the 114 in it. the sales reps were jumping over themselves riding that bike. all of them were EASILY lifting the front wheel up riding that bike. clearly a hooligan bike lol. the exhaust on it.... for a Harley, that was shocking to see honestly.

In my humble opinion (which to me means a whole lot lol), that bike is going to be the bike of the year in more than a few publications. I'm too big for it, but I sure as hell want to ride one.
How big are you?

Trying to get an idea of what "too big" is for this one as I haven't found one locally yet.
 
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Old Aug 26, 2017 | 12:48 PM
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Originally Posted by HalfMoon
How big are you?

Trying to get an idea of what "too big" is for this one as I haven't found one locally yet.

6'4 300 +/- pounds. I had a light breakfast. lol
 
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Old Aug 26, 2017 | 02:48 PM
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The only 2018 I want to demo is the Fat Bob 114.
 
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Old Aug 26, 2017 | 04:20 PM
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just damn.... and obviously this is only stock

 
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