FWIW, I was warned about the effect crosswinds have on the front end of the Fatboy due to the almost
solid front wheel. FXSTC is way comfortable to ride, skinny front tire tracks like it's on rails.
Hard to go wrong with either.

 

There are no ill effects riding a FB in crosswinds. I have had plenty of rides along the beach with a strong on-shore winds (30-40mph) have have not felt "blown around". I have passed and have been passed by plenty of tractor trailers on the freeways and haven't felt nervous about the drafts.

Look at it another way; if there was a true endangerment with solid wheels (regardless of Harley model or ANY motorcycle) there would be a list of lawsuits that would span many decades. Heck, you've got bicyclists on the "Tour De France" on eight pound bikes riding with solid wheels without problem.

The physics involved with centrifugal motion (of both wheels) and the forward motion of inertia,far out weighs typical side wind effects. The wind gusts I do feel are on my body or windscreen, not the wheels.

 

I just bought the 08 FXSTC, added a TMAT, Doherty Powerpacc,Ironbag saddlebags, Windvest windshield, RB Racing LSR 2-1 pipeand a few other odds and ends. Put my 1,000 miles on, did my first service and then took of to Colorado from central Tx. Butt feels great, bike handled great, runs like a spotted ape. The TMAT is great, the Windvest is a must,i've had more compliments on the Ironbags than you can imagine and the RB Racing LSR 2-1 is really performing perfect. These pipes are loud in the canyons, very deep tone and beefy if you know what I mean,and get you noticed in town too.Haven't had ANY problems with the altitude(did a run up Pikes Peak yesterday, got 11,000 feet up and had to turn back because of the snow and sleet), no problems with comfort, handling or mechanical. 3,000 miles so far and I couldn't be happier or more impressed with this machine, I highly recommend it.

 

Personally, I went with the Custom Mainly because I'm tall (6"4") and the Fatboy was too cramped for me. I have had no problems with the front end wobbling or tracking, As a matter of fact, I think it handles rather well, and have scraped the pegs numerous times in the corners[8D] And I didn't even notice when I had the GF on the Queen seat.

But you're best bet would be to find a Dealer that is having Demo's and try both. You'll be happy with either one.

 

I choose the Fatty because of the solid wheels and the beefier front end. I've rode in some windy conditions and never had a problem with the solid disks. I do believe even with spokes at highway speeds, they're pretty much solid anyway.

 

Try renting each one and spend some time and miles to see what you really like. If you want to sling something around in the twisties, have you thought about trying one of the Dyna's as well?

 

I don't have the Fat Boy, but I do have a Heritage (similar layout to a Fat Boy)and just picked up a Custom and can definitely offer some comparisons. The Custom is awesome in the twisties; I'm hitting corners fasterwith the Custom that I would have been scraping the floorboards on the Heritage...in the twisties, it's hands down the Custom.

The stock seat on the Custom is by far the most comfortable stock Harley seat I've sat on...400mile day on the Custom was a breeze. I've had passengers for shorter trips (150-300miles) and they've had no complaints about the Custom seat.

I've actually noticed that the fat tire on my Heritage tracks worse than the skinny *** tire on the Custom, that I don't get, I've had no problems with the skinny front tire.

The Heritage gets the nod for stretching out and cruising the interstate, the floor boards offer a lot more room to change seating and legpositions and I've put a Mustang saddle with a backrest on the Heritage. The Heritage is also easier to handle and maneuver at slow speeds in spite of the additional weight...I'm guessing the rake on the Custom puts it at a disadvantage (but not a big disadvantage).

I've put 1600miles on the Custom in the past two weeks and the bike is a blast to ride...the Heritage is too, but considering most of my time is spent in the twisties, the Custom is actually much more fun here.

Best of luck whatever you choose.

 

Kevin,
Last week I was riding a 2001 XL 1200 Custom, and traded for a 2000 Fatboy (loaded).
What a difference... There is nothing like riding a Harley, but it's like going from a small Toyota to a Buick. It won't zip through traffic like the Sporty, but if you're looking for comfort, it'll be hard to find another bike that lets you stretch out and enjoy the ride.

Mike