new Fatboy
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: Easton, PA
RE: new Fatboy
If someone drops their bike in a parking lot while "practicing" then they better stay off the highway until they become more skilled! Unless they were being cocky and trying stupid maneuvers.
When I switched from a ST1300 with ABS brakes to my FB I did a lot of practicing in a parking lot to get comfortable with braking. Thereis a big difference between an emergency stop with ABS and a bike with only asingle front caliper.I wanted to be sure I knew exactly how to stop my FB without locking it up and dumping it.Practicing and havingpiece of mind that I know how my bike will handle was worth it to me.
When I switched from a ST1300 with ABS brakes to my FB I did a lot of practicing in a parking lot to get comfortable with braking. Thereis a big difference between an emergency stop with ABS and a bike with only asingle front caliper.I wanted to be sure I knew exactly how to stop my FB without locking it up and dumping it.Practicing and havingpiece of mind that I know how my bike will handle was worth it to me.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,577
Likes: 138
From: South of Dallas Area, Texas
RE: new Fatboy
I have the heel shifter on mine also.
Dont use it much but I like the way it looks. Im keeping it.
Parking lot practice is good advice.
Enjoy life in the fat lane!!
MikeM
Dont use it much but I like the way it looks. Im keeping it.
Parking lot practice is good advice.
Enjoy life in the fat lane!!
MikeM
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,257
Likes: 6
From: Leander Texas
RE: new Fatboy
I went from sportster to Fatboy. My advise is don't drop it.
I use the rear shifter as a heel rest and added the flat toe peg for the front shifter. I fine that if i use the heal to shift it causes my pants leg to rise above my boot. I think it is personal use onif you want to have a rear shift.
I use the rear shifter as a heel rest and added the flat toe peg for the front shifter. I fine that if i use the heal to shift it causes my pants leg to rise above my boot. I think it is personal use onif you want to have a rear shift.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Dawson Creek, B.C., Canada
RE: new Fatboy
The Fatty is an easy bike to get used to. I went from smaller jap bikes to my fatty, and hit the highway. I find it almost easier to get used to a bike while cruisin on the highway. I dunno, maybe it's just me. Congrats on the new bike.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 423
Likes: 5
From: Sunshine state.
RE: new Fatboy
Welcome. As previously stated above, throw the handlebars to the full left and set the jiffy stand completely. Don't lug the engine either. It won't hurt it at all to rev it moderately while going thru the gears. (Assuming it's a new bike.) Enjoy!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,984
Likes: 8
RE: new Fatboy
I use the heel shifter, but I also ride to work(college) and wear nice shoes. I dont want to scuff up the toe on them. Beware of the parking lot you are riding in, make sure the owner does not mind and the local PD won't write you a reckless driving ticket for running a stop sign in the parking lot while practicing.
You will love the fatboy. It took me a few rides to get use to the weight too.
You will love the fatboy. It took me a few rides to get use to the weight too.