I ride a 17 RGU and thinking of minimizing all the technology. My best rides are when its just me and the bike, No tunes no distractions.

My bike looks to be a write off so I am planning a head and bike shopping now
Though I am undecided I am really liking the Fat Boy S 2017 and the 2018 Fat Boy.. is one year better than the other ? Maybe owners of both can chime in ?

Thanks

 

Ride them both !

 

There is much hate online about the looks of the '18 FatBoy. To each his own. I have an '18, once owned a '10, and also recently came off a touring bike for the same reasons you identified. Anyway, I have a Sena 20 and a smart phone which sounds better and far clearer than the fairing stereo anyway, which is another issue...

The 2018 FatBoy's suspension, both fore and aft, is GREATLY IMPROVED!! The entire frame is new, being lighter, stiffer, and stronger. The rear monoshock is externally adjustable with a twist of one's hand on the right side. The entire ride and handling is changed due to the vastly superior frame. Even the '17 had the worst of the frames and handling of all the big twins. The '18s now have HDs best frame. The engine has more torque stock than previously, and runs cooler...WAY cooler than the 110 Twin Cam. The 114 which I have runs cool and just drips torque! I like the wide tires. Loving the 240 in the back, getting used to the 160 in the front. The headlight nacelle is controversial perhaps; the LED light it houses is incredible. The clutch pull is significantly lighter and smoother. Whatever they did to the transmission, it is WORLDS better and one no longer needs to hit himself in the chin with his knee to upshift (though for those who love them -and I did NOT - the heel shifter has been removed, so if you want one, you have to buy one. The Cat converter is in the mufflers, so for all those inclined, cat removal is as easy as new slip ons. The guages are nicer, including more information and a gear indicator for all 6 gears. The gearing seems changed though I have not checked and revs seem lower at given speeds on the highway. The brakes, (OH! That front brake!!) is better by an order of magnitude, and can be utilized by moderate pressure from ONE finger. Then the new FatBoy feels planted. Not just planted let's say, but ROOTED! To me, it doesn't sound at all like a metric as is claimed, yet sounds a bit different than a Twin Cam, which sounds different than an Evo, which sounds different than a Shovel, which sounds different than a Panhead, which sounds different from a Knuckle, which sounds different than a Flathead, which sounds different than a DUCATI for heaven's sake......

 

p.s.: Having said that, the 2017 FatBoy S is a gorgeous bike in many respects... a dream in fact. Yet, personally, it was no contest for me...

 

You need to ride them both and then decide... but I got to say, that 2018 Fat Boy looks amazing... I sat on one but have not taken one for a ride... I do not trust myself to do so...

 

I have never rode a fatboy S, but I have a Slim S. I just got my 2018 fatboy. I will say I love the slim but the 2018 fatboy does ride better. The slim is a bit harder ride but lower sitting ( which i like). and the 110 is great. but I will say the M8 seems to be more responsive. Just ride both and see what you like.

 

to add I'm pleased to ride the new fatboy, but at high speeds you have to tell the bike where to go, but she will. Coming from a 48, its about the same fight, but a major upgrade. and to quote Torquey

 

Thanks for thew info guys.. These 18's seem like a good ride I will eventually test them both

 

I forgot to mention the increased lean angle too...

 

That I did see I think it was increased 3 or 4 degrees