Fat Boy vs Custom
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
Fat Boy vs Custom
I know these questions probably come up a lot, but please bare with me. I'm considering moving up to a softail for longer 2 up rides and would like some help. I have a sporster that I love, (especailly in the curves) and will continue to ride twisty back roads. Is there a noticable handling diference between the FXSTC and the FLSTF? Of course, the Custom has a smaller front tire, more fork rake, and standard foot pegs. Does that make a differnece in the handeling? I've given them test rides, but the dealers don't let me get out on any twisty stuff where I might feel a diference.
Thanks
Thanks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 7
From: North Georgia
RE: Fat Boy vs Custom
I'll give you my opinion, but not claim one is better than the other.
If you go to Harley's website you can list the specifications side by side for the two bikes. Their running order weights, ground clearance, wheelbase, rake angle /steering head length, and lean angles are very similar. It would probably take a professional rider on a closed track to turn in handling differences.
On your quest for a 2-up machine, again, both bikes share a 200mm rear tire. I noticed that my wife can do a lot wiggling around in her seat without affecting my steering up front. I attribute this to the 200mm tire that provides lots of handling forgiveness.
There aredevout followers for both models on this forum who accept their choices with equal pride. It will come down to what YOU want.
If you go to Harley's website you can list the specifications side by side for the two bikes. Their running order weights, ground clearance, wheelbase, rake angle /steering head length, and lean angles are very similar. It would probably take a professional rider on a closed track to turn in handling differences.
On your quest for a 2-up machine, again, both bikes share a 200mm rear tire. I noticed that my wife can do a lot wiggling around in her seat without affecting my steering up front. I attribute this to the 200mm tire that provides lots of handling forgiveness.
There aredevout followers for both models on this forum who accept their choices with equal pride. It will come down to what YOU want.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,415
Likes: 5
From: San Antonio, Republic of TEXAS
RE: Fat Boy vs Custom
Kevin, that's the same dilemma Iwas in myself a couple of months ago. Ifound both to have attributes I liked and dis-liked (can I say that on a Harley site??). I really didn't care for the larger forks of the Fat Boy, but didn't care for the tooskinny front wheel of the Custom nor the King & Queen seat. after much comparison, and driving my buddies crazy - I finally went with the Fat Boy, and have been very please with my decision.
you'll get the opposite arguement from the Custom riders.
so, it boils down to which one you like better - go for it!
you'll get the opposite arguement from the Custom riders.
so, it boils down to which one you like better - go for it!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
RE: Fat Boy vs Custom
I ride a Standard and my wife rides a Deluxe so I'm basing my opinion on riding both bikes.When I ride the Deluxe, it doesn't seem like I get as much wind up through the forks and it seems slightly smoother than my Standard. Neither are a big difference though.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
RE: Fat Boy vs Custom
I had the same dilemma, I loved the looks of both bike. Maybe the Custom look a little better.
But this being my first bike in 25 years I went with the bigger front tire for riding confidence sake.
If I had to do it over again right now, I’m still not sure what I’d do.
Plus I wanted a seat with a rider’s backrest, was told nothing was available for the Custom seat.
Plus the salesman said the Custom’s wire rims had an inner tube and if I had a flat on the highway I would be screwed.
The Fat Boy I could plug the tire and continue on.
Knowing now that I spent $3,000 on rims I’d probably buy the Custom and put an 18” wheel on the front.
I’m still not sure what to do about the seat. I love the look of the OEM Custom seat, but I still need that rider’s backrest.
Don’t get me wrong I’m as happy as I can be with my Fat Boy.
But this being my first bike in 25 years I went with the bigger front tire for riding confidence sake.
If I had to do it over again right now, I’m still not sure what I’d do.
Plus I wanted a seat with a rider’s backrest, was told nothing was available for the Custom seat.
Plus the salesman said the Custom’s wire rims had an inner tube and if I had a flat on the highway I would be screwed.
The Fat Boy I could plug the tire and continue on.
Knowing now that I spent $3,000 on rims I’d probably buy the Custom and put an 18” wheel on the front.
I’m still not sure what to do about the seat. I love the look of the OEM Custom seat, but I still need that rider’s backrest.
Don’t get me wrong I’m as happy as I can be with my Fat Boy.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 1
From: Farnborough uk
RE: Fat Boy vs Custom
Fat boy
No screen knacker back at 80 mph against the wind can give a bit of pain so let us know how you sort out the back rest.
Fat boy love it was looking at the custom but to much of a easy rider look want more aggressive modern look.
and that skinny tyre put me off.
No screen knacker back at 80 mph against the wind can give a bit of pain so let us know how you sort out the back rest.
Fat boy love it was looking at the custom but to much of a easy rider look want more aggressive modern look.
and that skinny tyre put me off.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
From: England
RE: Fat Boy vs Custom
Kevin, I liked and tried both. There were aspects of each I liked and some I didn't like. The handling is different, but neither bike is a stellar performer in the bends (twisties) - they're not meant to be. Strangely I found a Road King Custom (had a loan for a day) better handling on bends and roundabouts. Still, both are good enough to have fun on.
I'm very happy with the choice I made as I modified what I didn't like, though that doesn't mean I wouldn't have been happy with a Fat Boy.
I'm very happy with the choice I made as I modified what I didn't like, though that doesn't mean I wouldn't have been happy with a Fat Boy.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,356
Likes: 1
From: Lansdale, Pa
RE: Fat Boy vs Custom
The reason I picked the FXSTC was I liked the rear fender and I like the FX front end. I almost bought an '06 Softail Standard then an
'07 Night Train but finally bought a '07Softail Custom, and I never looked back.
'07 Night Train but finally bought a '07Softail Custom, and I never looked back.
