Maybe Going to a Fat Boy
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Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 305
Likes: 10
From: Charlotte, NC
Maybe Going to a Fat Boy
As you can see from my signature I'm an Ultra rider. But age has caught up with me so at 71 I'm seriously thinking about going to a lighter bike. I really like the looks of the Fat Boy and I test rode a 2016 and I liked it a lot. I can swap my 2007 CVO even on a 2012 Fat Boy with only a little over 6K miles at a local dealer. I know I will probably miss all the amenities of my CVO, but I'm more interested in continuing to ride for a few more years than the comforts that the Ultra provides. I know that Harley has redesigned the Softail frame for 2018 but are there any years better as the Fat Boy goes prior to 2018 or is a 2012 virtually the same bike as a 2017 model? Also, I know many of you will try to convince me that a Heritage would be a better choice, but I don't like spoked wheels and those saggy leather bags.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 765
Likes: 1,152
That is a fine looking bike you have there in your 2007 CVO. You didn't mention the mileage on your bike but regardless the value of your bike exceeds the used Fatboy which is why your dealer is happy to swap you even. I could be wrong but I believe the 2012 thru 2017 Fatboys are for the most part unchanged with all but the 110 S model carrying 103 displacement. I know Harley has suffered some heat issues and lifter failures on the earliest of 110 twincams like yours but if your bike is solid I would not be trading down to a counterbalanced softail unless absolutely necessary. Your bike will be a much smoother ride at all speeds. Is riding 2-up a requirement? Again..if so the softail will come up short against your current bike. If solo riding is your thing perhaps consider removing the tour-pak and maybe even the lower fairings. Less weight will make your Ultra feel much more manageable for a mature rider and with these parts removed the smaller footprint of the bike is something you definitely feel when throwing a leg over. On a final note you already know the history and condition/care of your bike and buying a used bike is always a gamble. I wish you luck with your decision but I would definitely lighten up the CVO to a Streetglide styling and see how that goes for you first. That is a gorgeous bike afterall!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 1,051
From: Atlanta
Gosh what a nice bike you have. Frankly I think you may be dissatisfied with going from that nice Bagger to a slimed down FatBoy but that is your decision. What you have is going to be more in demand and valued higher than an equal age FatBoy. I sure wish you luck in your decision.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 226
From: W PA
That is a fine looking bike you have there in your 2007 CVO. You didn't mention the mileage on your bike but regardless the value of your bike exceeds the used Fatboy which is why your dealer is happy to swap you even. I could be wrong but I believe the 2012 thru 2017 Fatboys are for the most part unchanged with all but the 110 S model carrying 103 displacement. I know Harley has suffered some heat issues and lifter failures on the earliest of 110 twincams like yours but if your bike is solid I would not be trading down to a counterbalanced softail unless absolutely necessary. Your bike will be a much smoother ride at all speeds. Is riding 2-up a requirement? Again..if so the softail will come up short against your current bike. If solo riding is your thing perhaps consider removing the tour-pak and maybe even the lower fairings. Less weight will make your Ultra feel much more manageable for a mature rider and with these parts removed the smaller footprint of the bike is something you definitely feel when throwing a leg over. On a final note you already know the history and condition/care of your bike and buying a used bike is always a gamble. I wish you luck with your decision but I would definitely lighten up the CVO to a Streetglide styling and see how that goes for you first. That is a gorgeous bike afterall!
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 178
Likes: 11
From: Billings, MT
i went from an electra glide to a heritage just 2 yrs ago. electra was getting heavy to me, and i didnt ride 2 up anymore( wife rides her own). cant believe i didnt do it sooner! love the light weight, easy to handle, nimble. the ride is great. i feel i have lost nothing and gained ALOT in rideability. this bike is so smooooth and so nice, i pretty much believe it will be the last bike i own. im 53 next week.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 604
Likes: 22
I went from a Road Glide to a Fatboy a few years ago because of new knees and a short inseam. My Fatboy was an 11 with the 96" motor and that was it's biggest drawback. I took care of that problem with a 107 and put on some air ride shocks making it the best riding bike I've ever owned. Much easier to handle in the parking lot and liked it so much bought a Crossbones to go with it. I installed the Saddlebags from a Road King Classic and also picked up a trunk for the long trips so long trips are not a problem. I leave the saddlebags on all the time and just use the trunk on long trips. I'm a believer.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 103
Likes: 36
From: The wild west
I was fortunate that I was able to keep my ElectraGlide and pick up a 2018 Fat Boy 114. I can't tell you how nice it is not to have to hoist 900 pounds off a side stand everytime I ride. I put a windshield, bags and a rack on it so it is useful as a commuter or a weekend trip machine. If need be, I can strip off the shield, bags and rack in 10 minutes. My only complaint is the stock seat.....after about 100 miles it's rough on the keister, so I'm looking for aftermarket solutions.
As you can see from my signature I'm an Ultra rider. But age has caught up with me so at 71 I'm seriously thinking about going to a lighter bike. I really like the looks of the Fat Boy and I test rode a 2016 and I liked it a lot. I can swap my 2007 CVO even on a 2012 Fat Boy with only a little over 6K miles at a local dealer. I know I will probably miss all the amenities of my CVO, but I'm more interested in continuing to ride for a few more years than the comforts that the Ultra provides. I know that Harley has redesigned the Softail frame for 2018 but are there any years better as the Fat Boy goes prior to 2018 or is a 2012 virtually the same bike as a 2017 model? Also, I know many of you will try to convince me that a Heritage would be a better choice, but I don't like spoked wheels and those saggy leather bags.