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Looking at one locally, one owner 38k miles, V@H, windshield etc. Stylisticly pleasing to me , except for the apes. Experienced rider, but it's been awhile. I'm a taller guy, 6 3 but slim and getting older. I've read that the fatboy is a little harder to ride than say a heritage due to the larger tires, what are your thoughts? Having never rode with extended apes I'm afraid that may cause some issues with control. How about comfort? Old injuries , and old age being factors, I could probably deal with the control issue after a short amount of riding, but if the position hurts me then I would have to spring for new bars and cables. Anyone have a similar situation? I'm a little concerned about being able to pick it up if dropped as well. Thanks, and looking forward to your input.
The Fatboy and the Heritage have the exact same size tires so that should not be an issue. I've put several sets of apes on those bikes and going down the road they really didn't effect handling but low speed or moving around the driveway I thought they were terrible. Just my opinion on the apes though YMMV.
If it tips over that's why you have friends.
I have a 2000 Fatboy and can say I like it better than the 2 Road Kings I had previous. Lower to the ground and a bit more nimble. Still a heavy bike though at 600 plus pounds. If it turns out you don't like the bars then change them. Never had apes so I can't comment on that. Maintenance records and the overall look of the bike would be my top priority. Plenty of bikes for sale at good prices now days if the apes don't work for you.
Good luck
I guess it's the heritage classic I was thinking of , with the skinny front.
FWIW...
The Heritage never came OEM with a skinny front tire.
In 2005;
The Fatboy, Heritage, & Deluxe are pretty much the same bikes, with different styling cues. They would be considered the FL softails, with covered triple trees/forks, and footboards.
The Softail Standard, Night Train, and Deuce came with the thin, 21" front tire. They would be considered FX softails, with open triple trees/forks, and forward foot pegs.
Then there were the two 2005 Springers; FL Springer Classic and FX Springer Softail.
Many of my friends, as they got older, downsized from a touring frame Bagger (Electra Glide, Road King, Road Glide), to a Softail frame Heritage, Fat Boy, Deluxe, but mostly to a Hertiage.
All the Softails seem to be easier to handle than the touring bikes. They have a lower center of gravity, and tend to be lighter (sometimes much lighter) than touring models.
My experience with my current bikes: '01 FX Springer, '03 Heritage, '09 CrossBones (FL Springer), and '16 Ultra Classic... The '01 FXSTS Springer is the lightest feeling bike, and easiest to maneuver. However it has forward foot pegs, and some don't find them as comfortable as foot baords.
Good luck with your decision...
PS- Handlebars are pretty easy to change. I always found the OEM Heritage bars to be quite comfortable, both on my old '89 Heritage and my current '03 Heritage.
Last edited by hattitude; Nov 10, 2025 at 11:14 AM.
Never understood these statements that this bike or that bike is hard to ride because the front tire is skinny or fat. I've ridden bikes with 80 and 130 tires and both sizes were just fine. Oh, and apes don't affect control and are suprisingly comfortable.
As always, YMMV. Don't overthink it, just ride the bike.
Thanks all, here is a pic. Being a one owner from a guy that does maintain is a priority, I think that's the case here.
He definitely loves tall handlebars....... at that height, new cables and brake lines would most likely be needed. More work/cost, but still a fairly easy job...
I would HAVE TO change those....
Last edited by hattitude; Nov 10, 2025 at 12:46 PM.
Yeah, that's really my hold up on it, I don't really want to spend the extra, I can't believe it would be less than 500 for bars and cables, probably more, and then have to work on it before I can ride.
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05 fatboy
