Metric owner wanting to buy a FatBoy, some questions
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 24
Likes: 4
From: England
Metric owner wanting to buy a FatBoy, some questions
Hi new member here.
Short background:
Always loved cruiser motorbikes. I've been riding now for 7 years. Started and passed my tests on a GZ125, then got a Virago 535 and finally my current Suzuki C800 (c50) intruder.
But we all know these bikes are Jap copy cats of HD's, just cheaper.
I'm really liking the look of the Fatboy and looking to buy used, so I have a few questions if you dont mind:
1. Which model year should I be looking at? IIRC the bad cam chain tensioners were upgraded from 08 onwards on the FB to dual hydraulic ones with a roller chain. I read somewhere also that some engines have only one tensioner, or is that just for the single cam M8?
2. Which model year does the bike have ABS and preferably an immobiliser to reduce risk of theft?
3. Which engine should I go for? Looking to buy 2007 or newer, I know of a bigger engine introduced in 2011 was it? But I dont know what they actually changed in the internals.
4. How are these bikes (stock) for long distance riding. I typically enjoy fairly long rides, say 150-200 miles a stretch, camp somewhere and ride around the country. On my current bike I have a windshield and saddlebags with a rack which gives me plenty of storage space for tents and things like that. So as long as the bike can do all this I'd be happy. Which leads me onto:
5. How easy are aftermarket or genuine HD SPARE parts and accessories to get in the UK? It seems a lot of stuff you really have to dig around for to find a supplier.
6. Any other potential problems to look out for on this bike? I strictly want to keep it stock except a stage 1, no changing cams or anything like that for me, at least not initially. In fact the less maintenance the better. Im fairly competent at mechanics however, changed a bike clutch before, do regular oil changes, brake pads, all that stuff. But removing cam bearings and stuff like that I dont like the sound of. I'd just worry i'd drop the bearing in the case or crack it on removal.
7. Any essential preventative maintenance/mods needed on an 07 or newer? I hear people change some kind of bearing to a better one but Im not sure if they mean the two bearings which the cams push onto or some other ones. What about installing an oil pressure gauge or oil breather?
8. I hear a lot of stories of scissored cranks, grenaded bearings and broken lifters causing massive engine damage, just how often do these failures occur providing service intervals are met? I've read posts on this forum of people saying you could drop down a gear at too high a speed and scissor the crank, are they just trolls?
Thats about it for now im sure there will be other questions. I did go to a HD dealership today and saw the M8 fatboy but its out of budget, and these horror stories of the new engine sumping problems put me off too much anyway. Also I prefer the sound of the TC.
Short background:
Always loved cruiser motorbikes. I've been riding now for 7 years. Started and passed my tests on a GZ125, then got a Virago 535 and finally my current Suzuki C800 (c50) intruder.
But we all know these bikes are Jap copy cats of HD's, just cheaper.
I'm really liking the look of the Fatboy and looking to buy used, so I have a few questions if you dont mind:
1. Which model year should I be looking at? IIRC the bad cam chain tensioners were upgraded from 08 onwards on the FB to dual hydraulic ones with a roller chain. I read somewhere also that some engines have only one tensioner, or is that just for the single cam M8?
2. Which model year does the bike have ABS and preferably an immobiliser to reduce risk of theft?
3. Which engine should I go for? Looking to buy 2007 or newer, I know of a bigger engine introduced in 2011 was it? But I dont know what they actually changed in the internals.
4. How are these bikes (stock) for long distance riding. I typically enjoy fairly long rides, say 150-200 miles a stretch, camp somewhere and ride around the country. On my current bike I have a windshield and saddlebags with a rack which gives me plenty of storage space for tents and things like that. So as long as the bike can do all this I'd be happy. Which leads me onto:
5. How easy are aftermarket or genuine HD SPARE parts and accessories to get in the UK? It seems a lot of stuff you really have to dig around for to find a supplier.
6. Any other potential problems to look out for on this bike? I strictly want to keep it stock except a stage 1, no changing cams or anything like that for me, at least not initially. In fact the less maintenance the better. Im fairly competent at mechanics however, changed a bike clutch before, do regular oil changes, brake pads, all that stuff. But removing cam bearings and stuff like that I dont like the sound of. I'd just worry i'd drop the bearing in the case or crack it on removal.
7. Any essential preventative maintenance/mods needed on an 07 or newer? I hear people change some kind of bearing to a better one but Im not sure if they mean the two bearings which the cams push onto or some other ones. What about installing an oil pressure gauge or oil breather?
8. I hear a lot of stories of scissored cranks, grenaded bearings and broken lifters causing massive engine damage, just how often do these failures occur providing service intervals are met? I've read posts on this forum of people saying you could drop down a gear at too high a speed and scissor the crank, are they just trolls?
Thats about it for now im sure there will be other questions. I did go to a HD dealership today and saw the M8 fatboy but its out of budget, and these horror stories of the new engine sumping problems put me off too much anyway. Also I prefer the sound of the TC.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 38
Likes: 12
From: San Diego, CA
'12 Fatboy. 255 SE cams, SE A/C, gutted muffles with Torque Inserts, Vance & Hines FP3 and oil cooler. I daily this bike in southern CA and put abut 120 miles a day. The suspension travel on this bike is minimal so be careful with uneven steps on road surfaces. Could hurt your back. Tires wear fast so I do not recommend any Harley stock tire be it Michelin or Dunlops D103's. I do recommend the American Elites from Dunlop for longevity. Traction on these really is lacking because the tire has a harder compound. I did the tensioner shoes when I did my cams and they were not that bad. Done at 35k miles. Did find wear on the Crankshaft bushing which I'm guessing that my crankshaft is somewhat out of round. Mike'd it and came oout within spec. So I polished the crank, cleaned up the cam plate and left as is. Do not mess with the electrical. Attempted to replace ignition with Accel COP's and shorted the hell out of the bike. Had to replace the whole wiring harness. Be carefull with the electrical. Currently burning out foot brake switch. On my second within a year. Other than that, the bike is a dream. Enjoy if you buy.
Last edited by guspi76; Jun 26, 2018 at 05:36 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,280
Likes: 3,411
From: Idaho Panhandle
In the dark days of my divorce, I rode a C50 and loved it. Rode it through Canada, down to Nevada, to Montana and more. But as I recovered from my divorce, I went with a new Harley. It just is a better motorcycle. I actually test rode all brands, so I knew the Harley was the best for me. It was also light years ahead of my earlier Harley's, including an EVO that went 116,000 miles. You need to test ride. All the internet chatter about don't get this, watch out for that is a tiny fraction of owners. If the bike you enjoy riding is well maintained and sounds good, you probably have another 100,000 miles before you need to worry. They are great bikes with solid engines and drive trains. I would not hesitate on a TC Fatboy. There are preventative things you can do, but many have already had those mods done, ie tensioners.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
Lets look at this a little broader... (I have an 18 FB114 but owned many HDs in your time period)... The FB is a cruiser and I would ride one to really make sure this is the model you want. That said, HDs are only as good as how the PO has treated her. You need maint records, a hot rodded bike was rode hard, I bike that lloks like **** was treated like ****.. etc.. The only real issue is the certain TC88s with the cam shoe issue. Then again, I owned an 05 WG and a 04 HSTC that never gave me an issue...
If my brother was buying one I'd tell him and bike w/a 6speed trans and under 20k miles ONLY because the cost btw 20k and 50k miles really isnt that much..
Good luck
If my brother was buying one I'd tell him and bike w/a 6speed trans and under 20k miles ONLY because the cost btw 20k and 50k miles really isnt that much..
Good luck
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 99
Likes: 15
From: Flat Rock, MI
I was looking at used fatboys this spring, ended up going to look at a heritage classic on a whim and brought that home instead. Similar bikes but i liked all the extras on the heritage. As far as model years, anything after 07 is going to be a decent bike with the 96 and six speed but i would get as new as your budget allows. The bikes are similar from 07 to 17 but they made a lot of small changes to things along the way. 103 motor was released in 2012, abs and security system was an option after 2011 i believe.
Couldnt tell you about aftermarket parts in your part of the world but im assuming an hd dealership would be able to get the same parts we do here. You can also do amazon UK or ebay i would assume.
Couldnt tell you about aftermarket parts in your part of the world but im assuming an hd dealership would be able to get the same parts we do here. You can also do amazon UK or ebay i would assume.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 1,320
From: Good roads, cold beer
I had an 05 Fatboy....great bike, Toured on it cross country multiple times. Low center of gravity, easy to handle, very naked so easy to work on.
Honestly not a 'fan' of what they've done to it. The 'fat tire' makes it look like a Yamaha Warrior. The Warrior is a great bike (fast), but if I wanted one, I'd buy a Yamaha.
The Heritage is basically a Fatboy but much prettier- comes w/ bags, shield etc....IMO the nicest looking bike HD makes. I found it cumbersome to find bags that fit the Fatboy that held anything....so, if you are 2 up and want to use it to travel, look at a Heritage, else you'll spend time adding all the items it already comes with.
Edit to add: if you go Fatboy, be conscious of what pipes you install. If you get some that aren't too long, it saves a ton of hassle pulling the rear wheel as you don't need to remove the pipes to pull the axle.
Honestly not a 'fan' of what they've done to it. The 'fat tire' makes it look like a Yamaha Warrior. The Warrior is a great bike (fast), but if I wanted one, I'd buy a Yamaha.
The Heritage is basically a Fatboy but much prettier- comes w/ bags, shield etc....IMO the nicest looking bike HD makes. I found it cumbersome to find bags that fit the Fatboy that held anything....so, if you are 2 up and want to use it to travel, look at a Heritage, else you'll spend time adding all the items it already comes with.
Edit to add: if you go Fatboy, be conscious of what pipes you install. If you get some that aren't too long, it saves a ton of hassle pulling the rear wheel as you don't need to remove the pipes to pull the axle.
Last edited by F150HD; Jun 27, 2018 at 08:59 PM.
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 111
Likes: 26
From: Midwest
I owned a Fatboy before I bought my 2012 Heritage, I am glad I bought the Heritage, it is just much more versatile...
Last edited by HogzBreath; Jun 29, 2018 at 12:21 AM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 11,155
From: San Diego, CA
Hi new member here.
Short background:
Always loved cruiser motorbikes. I've been riding now for 7 years. Started and passed my tests on a GZ125, then got a Virago 535 and finally my current Suzuki C800 (c50) intruder.
But we all know these bikes are Jap copy cats of HD's, just cheaper.
I'm really liking the look of the Fatboy and looking to buy used, so I have a few questions if you dont mind:
1. Which model year should I be looking at? IIRC the bad cam chain tensioners were upgraded from 08 onwards on the FB to dual hydraulic ones with a roller chain. I read somewhere also that some engines have only one tensioner, or is that just for the single cam M8?
It was '07+ that softails had the new cam plate with hydraulic tensioners and roller chains. All twin cam engines have two cam chains and two tensioners. I haven't been inside an M8 yet, they do have only the single cam....
2. Which model year does the bike have ABS and preferably an immobiliser to reduce risk of theft?
The softails got ABS in 2011. In fact, the 2011 Heritage had an $1,200 option that year that included both the ABS brakes AND a smart security system. In most years, the security was an option, yet a lot of bikes had it...
3. Which engine should I go for? Looking to buy 2007 or newer, I know of a bigger engine introduced in 2011 was it? But I dont know what they actually changed in the internals.
Whether you're looking at a 96ci engine or the next step up, 103ci engine, they are basically the same except for displacement & cam profile... All twin cams basically have the same internals, just different pistons, cylinders, and/or strokes. With two exceptions... the upgraded cam plate/tensioners/cam chains in '07+ bikes and of course the basic difference between the Twin Cam "A" engines and Twin Cam "B" engines. The "B" engines having the internal balancer. Since you're looking at a softail, you will only be looking at "B" engines. The "A" engines are in the touring models. You should be happy with either the 96ci or 103ci... I have bikes with an 88ci, a 95ci big bore kit, and a 103ci.... they all do the job
4. How are these bikes (stock) for long distance riding. I typically enjoy fairly long rides, say 150-200 miles a stretch, camp somewhere and ride around the country. On my current bike I have a windshield and saddlebags with a rack which gives me plenty of storage space for tents and things like that. So as long as the bike can do all this I'd be happy. Which leads me onto:
I have an '03 Heritage softail, very similar to a Fatboy. I've taken numerous, multi-day trips on that bike. I've ridden it on many 350-450mi days. With the right seat, handlebars, (I still have the OEM Heritage bars & seat) and highway pegs... you can spend many hours in the saddle. I now have a bagger, and it IS more comfortable than the Heritage, but I wouldn't hesitate to take a trip on the Heritage if the bagger was down for repairs.
5. How easy are aftermarket or genuine HD SPARE parts and accessories to get in the UK? It seems a lot of stuff you really have to dig around for to find a supplier.
I have no knowledge or experience in this area....
6. Any other potential problems to look out for on this bike? I strictly want to keep it stock except a stage 1, no changing cams or anything like that for me, at least not initially. In fact the less maintenance the better. Im fairly competent at mechanics however, changed a bike clutch before, do regular oil changes, brake pads, all that stuff. But removing cam bearings and stuff like that I dont like the sound of. I'd just worry i'd drop the bearing in the case or crack it on removal.
Either the 96ci or 103ci engines with a Stage I, will be a good bike. You'll have no problem putting many miles on the bike. I have the sickness and usually at least go stage II, and have two bikes with stage III. I've never had a Harley stay OEM, mostly because the OEM tunes really suck.... but they ran well. If you should decide to go into the cam chest on your own, it's not that difficult. It is best if you get a few special tools. I watched several videos before I did it the 1st time, and I felt like I had done it before. I always buy a Harley Service Manual, Electronics diagnostic manusl, and parts manual (I love/use the exploded views of the parts).
7. Any essential preventative maintenance/mods needed on an 07 or newer? I hear people change some kind of bearing to a better one but Im not sure if they mean the two bearings which the cams push onto or some other ones. What about installing an oil pressure gauge or oil breather?
In 2010ish, HD went to the "C"lifters. They are junk... not worth changing on their own, but if you go into the cam chest... get new, better lifters. Also the cam bearings are INA brand caged bearings (23 loose bearings held by a cage). Most people feel they are inferior and there have been some reports of inner cam bearing failures. They, like the "C" lifters, are a weak spot. They should be changed any time you go into the cam chest. They get changed to Torrington brand (now Koyo-Torrington) captive needle bearings (31 captive needle bearings) that have rarely failed in this application. Additionally, if you get a bike with ABS, the earlier Harley ABS (prior to 2014) had issues. They need to have the brake fluid flushed every two years. While it's generally good maintenance anyways, it is critical on the early Harley ABS. There have been reports of the ABS unit freezing up, & you lose your brakes. Harley gets like $900 to change out a bad ABS unit. Harley blamed the failures on improper bike maintenance and avoided a recall....
8. I hear a lot of stories of scissored cranks, grenaded bearings and broken lifters causing massive engine damage, just how often do these failures occur providing service intervals are met? I've read posts on this forum of people saying you could drop down a gear at too high a speed and scissor the crank, are they just trolls?
There have been numerous reports of engine damage from failure of the spring tensioners (pre-'07). That is a real problem that needs to be addressed before 25-30K miles. The "C" lifters (2011ish +) have also had some reported failures, along with the INA cam bearings. While these two are weak spots, very few will take the time/trouble to change them out ... just to change them out. BUT, if you go into the cam chest for any reason, most will replace both cam bearings and lifters while in there. Lifters are a considered by most to be a maintenance item, so at about 50-60K miles they will get changed if not replaced before that. As for the scissored cranks... The bad news: yes, it has happened. The pressed crankshafts have been known to twist/shift. Harley went from a run out spec of .003ish in the early twin cams ('99-'02), to .012 in (2009 I believe) because of their weak cranks. The good news: most scissored cranks are in high horsepower applications, engines that are pushed hard constantly, and/or engines that are routinely "lugged" (low rpm, high load). So if you keep it to a reasonable HP level, don't "drive it like you stole it", and don't lug it around everywhere you go... you will most likely not have a problem. There are many bikes on the road without any lifter, cam bearing, or crank problems....!
Thats about it for now im sure there will be other questions. I did go to a HD dealership today and saw the M8 fatboy but its out of budget, and these horror stories of the new engine sumping problems put me off too much anyway. Also I prefer the sound of the TC.
I was waiting & planning to buy a new M8 bagger in 2018. When I started reading about the sumping issues and oil transfer from trans to primary, why it was happening, and how the MoCo was handling these issues... I said to hell with the M8. I traded my '12 bagger for a used '16 bagger (twin cam engine). I now own/ride three twin cam bikes and love them all!
Short background:
Always loved cruiser motorbikes. I've been riding now for 7 years. Started and passed my tests on a GZ125, then got a Virago 535 and finally my current Suzuki C800 (c50) intruder.
But we all know these bikes are Jap copy cats of HD's, just cheaper.
I'm really liking the look of the Fatboy and looking to buy used, so I have a few questions if you dont mind:
1. Which model year should I be looking at? IIRC the bad cam chain tensioners were upgraded from 08 onwards on the FB to dual hydraulic ones with a roller chain. I read somewhere also that some engines have only one tensioner, or is that just for the single cam M8?
It was '07+ that softails had the new cam plate with hydraulic tensioners and roller chains. All twin cam engines have two cam chains and two tensioners. I haven't been inside an M8 yet, they do have only the single cam....
2. Which model year does the bike have ABS and preferably an immobiliser to reduce risk of theft?
The softails got ABS in 2011. In fact, the 2011 Heritage had an $1,200 option that year that included both the ABS brakes AND a smart security system. In most years, the security was an option, yet a lot of bikes had it...
3. Which engine should I go for? Looking to buy 2007 or newer, I know of a bigger engine introduced in 2011 was it? But I dont know what they actually changed in the internals.
Whether you're looking at a 96ci engine or the next step up, 103ci engine, they are basically the same except for displacement & cam profile... All twin cams basically have the same internals, just different pistons, cylinders, and/or strokes. With two exceptions... the upgraded cam plate/tensioners/cam chains in '07+ bikes and of course the basic difference between the Twin Cam "A" engines and Twin Cam "B" engines. The "B" engines having the internal balancer. Since you're looking at a softail, you will only be looking at "B" engines. The "A" engines are in the touring models. You should be happy with either the 96ci or 103ci... I have bikes with an 88ci, a 95ci big bore kit, and a 103ci.... they all do the job
4. How are these bikes (stock) for long distance riding. I typically enjoy fairly long rides, say 150-200 miles a stretch, camp somewhere and ride around the country. On my current bike I have a windshield and saddlebags with a rack which gives me plenty of storage space for tents and things like that. So as long as the bike can do all this I'd be happy. Which leads me onto:
I have an '03 Heritage softail, very similar to a Fatboy. I've taken numerous, multi-day trips on that bike. I've ridden it on many 350-450mi days. With the right seat, handlebars, (I still have the OEM Heritage bars & seat) and highway pegs... you can spend many hours in the saddle. I now have a bagger, and it IS more comfortable than the Heritage, but I wouldn't hesitate to take a trip on the Heritage if the bagger was down for repairs.
5. How easy are aftermarket or genuine HD SPARE parts and accessories to get in the UK? It seems a lot of stuff you really have to dig around for to find a supplier.
I have no knowledge or experience in this area....
6. Any other potential problems to look out for on this bike? I strictly want to keep it stock except a stage 1, no changing cams or anything like that for me, at least not initially. In fact the less maintenance the better. Im fairly competent at mechanics however, changed a bike clutch before, do regular oil changes, brake pads, all that stuff. But removing cam bearings and stuff like that I dont like the sound of. I'd just worry i'd drop the bearing in the case or crack it on removal.
Either the 96ci or 103ci engines with a Stage I, will be a good bike. You'll have no problem putting many miles on the bike. I have the sickness and usually at least go stage II, and have two bikes with stage III. I've never had a Harley stay OEM, mostly because the OEM tunes really suck.... but they ran well. If you should decide to go into the cam chest on your own, it's not that difficult. It is best if you get a few special tools. I watched several videos before I did it the 1st time, and I felt like I had done it before. I always buy a Harley Service Manual, Electronics diagnostic manusl, and parts manual (I love/use the exploded views of the parts).
7. Any essential preventative maintenance/mods needed on an 07 or newer? I hear people change some kind of bearing to a better one but Im not sure if they mean the two bearings which the cams push onto or some other ones. What about installing an oil pressure gauge or oil breather?
In 2010ish, HD went to the "C"lifters. They are junk... not worth changing on their own, but if you go into the cam chest... get new, better lifters. Also the cam bearings are INA brand caged bearings (23 loose bearings held by a cage). Most people feel they are inferior and there have been some reports of inner cam bearing failures. They, like the "C" lifters, are a weak spot. They should be changed any time you go into the cam chest. They get changed to Torrington brand (now Koyo-Torrington) captive needle bearings (31 captive needle bearings) that have rarely failed in this application. Additionally, if you get a bike with ABS, the earlier Harley ABS (prior to 2014) had issues. They need to have the brake fluid flushed every two years. While it's generally good maintenance anyways, it is critical on the early Harley ABS. There have been reports of the ABS unit freezing up, & you lose your brakes. Harley gets like $900 to change out a bad ABS unit. Harley blamed the failures on improper bike maintenance and avoided a recall....
8. I hear a lot of stories of scissored cranks, grenaded bearings and broken lifters causing massive engine damage, just how often do these failures occur providing service intervals are met? I've read posts on this forum of people saying you could drop down a gear at too high a speed and scissor the crank, are they just trolls?
There have been numerous reports of engine damage from failure of the spring tensioners (pre-'07). That is a real problem that needs to be addressed before 25-30K miles. The "C" lifters (2011ish +) have also had some reported failures, along with the INA cam bearings. While these two are weak spots, very few will take the time/trouble to change them out ... just to change them out. BUT, if you go into the cam chest for any reason, most will replace both cam bearings and lifters while in there. Lifters are a considered by most to be a maintenance item, so at about 50-60K miles they will get changed if not replaced before that. As for the scissored cranks... The bad news: yes, it has happened. The pressed crankshafts have been known to twist/shift. Harley went from a run out spec of .003ish in the early twin cams ('99-'02), to .012 in (2009 I believe) because of their weak cranks. The good news: most scissored cranks are in high horsepower applications, engines that are pushed hard constantly, and/or engines that are routinely "lugged" (low rpm, high load). So if you keep it to a reasonable HP level, don't "drive it like you stole it", and don't lug it around everywhere you go... you will most likely not have a problem. There are many bikes on the road without any lifter, cam bearing, or crank problems....!
Thats about it for now im sure there will be other questions. I did go to a HD dealership today and saw the M8 fatboy but its out of budget, and these horror stories of the new engine sumping problems put me off too much anyway. Also I prefer the sound of the TC.
I was waiting & planning to buy a new M8 bagger in 2018. When I started reading about the sumping issues and oil transfer from trans to primary, why it was happening, and how the MoCo was handling these issues... I said to hell with the M8. I traded my '12 bagger for a used '16 bagger (twin cam engine). I now own/ride three twin cam bikes and love them all!
Good luck with the search and the purchase....!!!
Enjoy...!
Last edited by hattitude; Jun 29, 2018 at 10:39 PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JWCFatboy
General Harley Davidson Chat
47
Feb 17, 2016 10:27 AM