Fatboy Clearance :(
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1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Adelaide
Fatboy Clearance :(
Hey evreyone im looking at getting a new harley and im stuck in a hard place... my riding is pretty aggressive and would prob suit a fat bob but Look wise im not a big fan and the fatboy is what my heart is set on. Can you make a few mods to the fat boy to get the clearance a bit better for twisties???? I know the fatboy is made to have a nice cruze but surely there are fatboy owners out there that ride aggressively on there fat boy time to time???
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,857
Likes: 17,908
From: Lafayette, Louisiana
The new Fat Boy has tires so wide that riding twisters is going to be a chore. The front tire is wider than many bike's back tire and Tye rear is like a steam roller.
That being said, any bike can be modified. It just depends on how much time, money, and effort you want to put into it.
If you are looking at 2018's, the Fat Bob and Low Rider are probably more suited to your needs. If you aren't a big guy, a Sportster might not be a bad choice either.
That being said, any bike can be modified. It just depends on how much time, money, and effort you want to put into it.
If you are looking at 2018's, the Fat Bob and Low Rider are probably more suited to your needs. If you aren't a big guy, a Sportster might not be a bad choice either.
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1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 5
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From: Adelaide
So i will add that when I mean new harley im looking at the 103 models. Im aware of harleys options but just wanting to know if you can easily modify pegs etc so you can get more of a lean on it
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 214
Likes: 33
From: Colorado
If the fatboy is your choice or only option you'll need to adjust your thinking and riding style. Even if you choose narrower boards or convert to pegs, you aren't going to get a lot more lean angle. I'm a former road racer and also own a Ducati along with my FLSS. I also live at the base of the Rockies so most of my rides involves twisties.
I can drag boards on my FLSS around just about every corner if I sit straight up. But if I use a bit of my body to shift my weight to the inside of the turn I can go around almost any curve 10-15 mph over and not scrape.
I have a buddy who scrapes his Fatboy S in every corner and it's because he corners his bike like a dirt bike; he pushes the bike into the corners while staying upright...
So I think you can get that little extra clearance with a riding style adjustment, but after that you're still dragging boards maybe you need to consider a different type of motorcycle...
I can drag boards on my FLSS around just about every corner if I sit straight up. But if I use a bit of my body to shift my weight to the inside of the turn I can go around almost any curve 10-15 mph over and not scrape.
I have a buddy who scrapes his Fatboy S in every corner and it's because he corners his bike like a dirt bike; he pushes the bike into the corners while staying upright...
So I think you can get that little extra clearance with a riding style adjustment, but after that you're still dragging boards maybe you need to consider a different type of motorcycle...
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 263
From: Catalina AZ
I drag boards on all my HD's except my 90 (it didn't have boards).The Ultra was the scariest ..... at first
then there was that corner at on the way back from Idaho.....
My new 17 Deluxe (going in for her 1000 mile check up tomorrow) has had both board scuffed on the bottom (more than once).
It's kinda like a curb feeler, "ok your getting close" time to pay attention.
You just have to get to know the bike
Ow ya the boards fold up nice
If you like to corner I would stay away for extended bags though.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,857
Likes: 17,908
From: Lafayette, Louisiana
When I first bought my Heritage I couldn't turn at an intersection without scraping the floorboards. Going to Works Performance Shocks and raising the ride height a little made a huge difference and I rarely scrape anymore.
Since you aren't looking at 2018's but still want a newish twin cam, then I think you should look for a Superglide.
The Low Rider S is also a popular choice with the larger engine, dual discs, and blacked out look along with mid controls.
Since you aren't looking at 2018's but still want a newish twin cam, then I think you should look for a Superglide.
The Low Rider S is also a popular choice with the larger engine, dual discs, and blacked out look along with mid controls.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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Likes: 918
From: coast to coast
If the fatboy is your choice or only option you'll need to adjust your thinking and riding style. Even if you choose narrower boards or convert to pegs, you aren't going to get a lot more lean angle. I'm a former road racer and also own a Ducati along with my FLSS. I also live at the base of the Rockies so most of my rides involves twisties.
I can drag boards on my FLSS around just about every corner if I sit straight up. But if I use a bit of my body to shift my weight to the inside of the turn I can go around almost any curve 10-15 mph over and not scrape.
I have a buddy who scrapes his Fatboy S in every corner and it's because he corners his bike like a dirt bike; he pushes the bike into the corners while staying upright...
So I think you can get that little extra clearance with a riding style adjustment, but after that you're still dragging boards maybe you need to consider a different type of motorcycle...
I can drag boards on my FLSS around just about every corner if I sit straight up. But if I use a bit of my body to shift my weight to the inside of the turn I can go around almost any curve 10-15 mph over and not scrape.
I have a buddy who scrapes his Fatboy S in every corner and it's because he corners his bike like a dirt bike; he pushes the bike into the corners while staying upright...
So I think you can get that little extra clearance with a riding style adjustment, but after that you're still dragging boards maybe you need to consider a different type of motorcycle...
Excellent info and suggestion. Skills worth developing for every rider. Many have no idea why racers stick out their knee on the inside of turns, and it could save your bacon in a tight spot or decreasing radius turn.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10,374
Likes: 518
From: Southern Arizona
you could try one of these. because most harley's are made for cruising and not doing the twisties, unless you're a reallly good rider who wants to do some crazy stunt riding on and older dyna
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