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Feb 8, 2008 | 08:01 PM

#21

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 487

Likes: 5

RE: new Fatboy

I went from riding sport bikes in my late teens-early 20's (gsxr's, zx11, cbr900) to a 2000 softail standard when I hit 30. After not riding for almost 10 yrs, I rode home from the dealership and was fine after about 5 minutes. It's fairly easy to adaptto the extra weight of the bike. After all, you're not carrying the bike. The extra weight didn't really affect me. As long as you realize that a Harley is meant for cruising, you'll be fine.

Feb 8, 2008 | 08:03 PM

#22

Yosemite

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 271

Likes: 13

From: OKC

RE: new Fatboy

hey bud,

Everyone is right... you will get the hang of it fairly quickly. That said however, I would strongly suggest a little slow speed turning practice and other such maneuvers. I took the MSF basic course and boy was it an eye-opener; made me a hell of a better and more consciencious rider right off the bat. Would STRONGLY recommend it.

It does ride low... dropping it isn't a problem until you get it so far over that the floorboards drag. Just don't do that.

As for the shifter... I went front only almost right away. Be advised there is a couple of kits HD makes to put a chrome spacer ($12.95) or spacer and cover trim ($30?) to take the place of the missing shifter. Be sure to blue locktite the bolt back in.

Regards,

Feb 8, 2008 | 08:47 PM

#23

chillman9

Advanced

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 70

Likes: 0

From:

RE: new Fatboy

I'm starting out as a new rider on the FB so I don't have to adjust to the extra weight. I like the heal shifter though I may remove it just to see if the added floorboard room is more comfortable.

Feb 9, 2008 | 05:47 AM

#24

thedeacon

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 10

Likes: 0

From:

RE: new Fatboy

Thanks for all the great tips.. love this forum you are all very helpful.. I have taken a MSF course and would recommend this to anyone considering riding. I'm very careful rider, I'm sure like most of the good folks here. I'm middle aged and understand how important it is to be as safe as possible. My new Fatboy is a 2000 with low miles (1,700 miles). I 'm leaving this morn to pick it up and will post pictures soon
Thedeacon

Feb 9, 2008 | 09:05 AM

#25

kato1964

Road Warrior

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 1,427

Likes: 0

From:

RE: new Fatboy

I had never used a heel/toe shifter before getting my Fatty last year. It took a bit of getting used to (I had a habit of kicking down the heel shifter to downshift...) but once I got the hang of it, I love it. I'd never go go back. I guess it boils down to a personal preference, like everything else HD. As for getting used to the weight, I can't help much there. I went from a Gold Wing "down" to a Fat Boy. (and I only mean that in the weight sense...) As someone suggested, just take it easy for a few days until you get used to the feel of her, and then let 'er rip!! You will not regret it, guaranteed!! [sm=biker.gif]

Feb 9, 2008 | 03:45 PM

#26

STEVE11

Intermediate

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 32

Likes: 0

From: dfw texas

RE: new Fatboy

I never use my heel toe shifter .You will like the fat boy nice handleing bike

Feb 10, 2008 | 01:31 PM

#27

thedeacon

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 10

Likes: 0

From:

RE: new Fatboy

here it is!

[IMG]local://upfiles/52394/261A5D21FAA34C3BB0BBD552065137F0.jpg[/IMG]

Feb 12, 2008 | 09:21 PM

#28

BuckeyeHD

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 265

Likes: 0

From: Columbus, OH

RE: new Fatboy

I went from a Sporster to a Fatboy. I like the heel shifter because I don't have to contort my left ankle to get the toe under the front shifter, you'll soon get used to tapping down for every gear (either with your toe or your heel). It's also easier if you have square toe'd boots. Biggest difference for me was that I had to get used to breaking more for curves because there's no where near the lean angle on a Fatty. Congrats on the new ride, I know you will love it.