Fatboy basic question
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Fatboy basic question
I have a 98 EVO Fatboy. I have 0 issues and I just did the full LED conversion. Only down side depending on who you talk to is its carb not fuel injection. Only mods I have done is the carb 6 gallon tank side bags and driving lights screaming eagle exhaust. Everything else is OEM.
When this season is over as I live in Wisconsin I am thinking I want it all blacked out. My plan I am thinking is buy a complete front end replacement new exhaust and everything I can have powder coated black buy new and replace. Then my thought was to have the entire electrical system replaced because it would have been broken down so far it would just be parts not extra labor.
From a financial point would it be better to do that or just buy a all black fuel injected Fatboy?
When this season is over as I live in Wisconsin I am thinking I want it all blacked out. My plan I am thinking is buy a complete front end replacement new exhaust and everything I can have powder coated black buy new and replace. Then my thought was to have the entire electrical system replaced because it would have been broken down so far it would just be parts not extra labor.
From a financial point would it be better to do that or just buy a all black fuel injected Fatboy?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,228
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From: San Diego, CA
It is generally cheaper to mod an older bike than to buy a newer bike... but older bikes can develop issues at a faster rate than newer bikes due to age... New bikes have some benefits, the warranty is a big one, but there are others. Currently my newest bike is 2016 (many mods including a 124" crate engine) and I have no intention of replacing it with a new bike...
I also have an '01 with a carb. I really like the CV40 carb... I had one on my '89 Heritage too. It's much better than the butterfly carbs on my old shovel heads....
If you have zero issues, why would you replace the entire electrical system....?? I would inspect it to make sure wires/connections are undamaged, clean and not corroded, but I wouldn't replace anything barring the inspection showing a possible problem...
I have an '03 Heritage (old, but not as old as your bike), that I've had apart numerous times for mods/tweaks. Same with my 2001 Springer. All the electrical wires & connectors are in really good shape... Whenever I remove a connector, I give it a spray with electrical contact cleaner and a small dab of dielectric grease when it goes back together...
Here's a pic of my '03 Heritage when I was "playing" with it a few weeks ago. I did a bunch of work (all by choice, not need) and all electrical connections handled were in very good condition...
I also have an '01 with a carb. I really like the CV40 carb... I had one on my '89 Heritage too. It's much better than the butterfly carbs on my old shovel heads....
If you have zero issues, why would you replace the entire electrical system....?? I would inspect it to make sure wires/connections are undamaged, clean and not corroded, but I wouldn't replace anything barring the inspection showing a possible problem...
I have an '03 Heritage (old, but not as old as your bike), that I've had apart numerous times for mods/tweaks. Same with my 2001 Springer. All the electrical wires & connectors are in really good shape... Whenever I remove a connector, I give it a spray with electrical contact cleaner and a small dab of dielectric grease when it goes back together...
Here's a pic of my '03 Heritage when I was "playing" with it a few weeks ago. I did a bunch of work (all by choice, not need) and all electrical connections handled were in very good condition...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2021
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From: Black Hills of SD
Your question is one that only you can answer.
You seem to really like your bike, you seem to have had fantastic good results for that bike, you seem to not have much interest in buying a new bike. There ya go.
As for changing it all up to a new dress- that again is only your call. Other than the expense, I don't see any reason to not give the O'l girl a new look if you want. I wouldn't spend that kind of money for just a new look but many do. As others stated - If the electrical harness is in fine shape, I would leave it as untouched as possible. That is where electrical issues stem from -messing with the electrical.
You seem to really like your bike, you seem to have had fantastic good results for that bike, you seem to not have much interest in buying a new bike. There ya go.
As for changing it all up to a new dress- that again is only your call. Other than the expense, I don't see any reason to not give the O'l girl a new look if you want. I wouldn't spend that kind of money for just a new look but many do. As others stated - If the electrical harness is in fine shape, I would leave it as untouched as possible. That is where electrical issues stem from -messing with the electrical.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,220
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From: South Carolina
The idea of replacing an entire electrical system for no reason makes no sense.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Mar 29, 2022 at 02:56 PM.
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Thanks I was just figuring on the electrical because it would be stripped down and if I am gonna ride it another 20+ years why not..
Yeah and just giving a new look actually would be cheaper but was thinking fuel injection vs carb.
Yeah and just giving a new look actually would be cheaper but was thinking fuel injection vs carb.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,112
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From: Black Hills of SD
Don't be scared of carburetors. They have been around a long, long time and millions and millions of miles. They do need to have an owner that understands them and knows how to tune them to be of perfect operation. I have both EFI and carb bikes - I like them all. Don't let that stop you.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,220
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From: South Carolina
The cost of having a shop do this would be crazy expensive.
If you like throwing money away, I say go for it.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Mar 30, 2022 at 12:08 PM.
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