2018 FB handling
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,583
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From: East Flanders - Belgium
The Bob and the Boy are 2 totally different bikes, but I also doubted when I just saw them. I fell for the looks of the Boy but after a test drive with both it was clear and I bought the Bob. At this point I prefer the handling rather than the looks, besides I also have a 2016 Breakout and the handling of that can be compared to the Boy, I think, largely because of the wide rear tire.
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 74
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From: Mabank, Texas
That was my point. For the handling get the Bob or another handling bike. The Fat Boy is what I ride because of the way it makes me feel. Let’s face it, we don’t buy these bikes for their sportiness, but because of the way they make us feel. At least in my case. If I was looking for a fast street bike, there are much better options than a big twin.
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 33,694
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From: SoCal
The 2018 heritage has a 150 on the back and a 130 up front. This is the Softail to get if you want a bike you can actually turn.,
The 2018 Fatboy has a 240 on the back and a 160 up front.
On my Fatty, 18 inch 150 on the back and an 18 inch 130 on the front.
Tire width matters.
The 2018 Fatboy has a 240 on the back and a 160 up front.
On my Fatty, 18 inch 150 on the back and an 18 inch 130 on the front.
Tire width matters.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 443
From: PNW
"Tire width matters"
As does familiarity and skill. I'd venture to say that an accomplished rider on a Fat Boy 18 or 19 would outpace a lesser rider on an 18 or 19 Softail of another model with narrow tires and a suspension that was setup for "easier" handling, perhaps like a Low Rider or Slim.
So much gnashing of teeth over a bike that sits on the sales floor and practically shouts "I'm not made for carving corners effortlessly".
BTW, that is one very nice FB you have
As does familiarity and skill. I'd venture to say that an accomplished rider on a Fat Boy 18 or 19 would outpace a lesser rider on an 18 or 19 Softail of another model with narrow tires and a suspension that was setup for "easier" handling, perhaps like a Low Rider or Slim.
So much gnashing of teeth over a bike that sits on the sales floor and practically shouts "I'm not made for carving corners effortlessly".
BTW, that is one very nice FB you have
Last edited by iHodor; Dec 12, 2018 at 05:33 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Depends on the season
That's a bit of hyperbole right there.
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 33,694
Likes: 135,912
From: SoCal
"Tire width matters"
As does familiarity and skill. I'd venture to say that an accomplished rider on a Fat Boy 18 or 19 would outpace a lesser rider on an 18 or 19 Softail of another model with narrow tires and a suspension that was setup for "easier" handling, perhaps like a Low Rider or Slim.
So much gnashing of teeth over a bike that sits on the sales floor and practically shouts "I'm not made for carving corners effortlessly".
BTW, that is one very nice FB you have
As does familiarity and skill. I'd venture to say that an accomplished rider on a Fat Boy 18 or 19 would outpace a lesser rider on an 18 or 19 Softail of another model with narrow tires and a suspension that was setup for "easier" handling, perhaps like a Low Rider or Slim.
So much gnashing of teeth over a bike that sits on the sales floor and practically shouts "I'm not made for carving corners effortlessly".
BTW, that is one very nice FB you have
This bike comes stock with a 200 on the rear and a 140 on the front. The suspension was much too soft for my liking and I hate footboards but I pushed the bike a bit.and could see that with a few mods it would actually be kinda fun in the twisties.
The difference between 2017 and 2018 handling is like night and day. When I took out the new Fatboy for a spin and hit the same canyon roads...I was actually anxious to get back and on my own bike.
A 240 on the rear with a 160 up front might look cool but if you enjoy a brisk pace thru the twisties...it's not the route to go.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 443
From: PNW
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 443
From: PNW
This bike comes stock with a 200 on the rear and a 140 on the front. The suspension was much too soft for my liking and I hate footboards but I pushed the bike a bit.and could see that with a few mods it would actually be kinda fun in the twisties.
The difference between 2017 and 2018 handling is like night and day. When I took out the new Fatboy for a spin and hit the same canyon roads...I was actually anxious to get back and on my own bike.
A 240 on the rear with a 160 up front might look cool but if you enjoy a brisk pace thru the twisties...it's not the route to go.
It comes down to what a person is comfortable and familiar with. Someone coming from a different bike may feel like the '18/'19 FB handles like a brick. And to a certain extent they may be right. But I think it can be ridden through the twisties safely at higher speeds than what some would be comfortable with, myself included.
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ken thompson
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Apr 25, 2008 04:59 PM