Advice - Fatboy vs. Deluxe
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Yuba City, California
Deluxe all the way 4me!
I've ridden Fatboys and I own a 05 Deluxe. Would never go back to a Fatboy. Bottom line brother, buy what fits you! My 05 Deluxe is the sweetest stocker made by HD...just my opinion...
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 944
Likes: 52
From: Foot of the Southern Appalachians
Wow!!! I didn't know I would touch a nerve with my previous post, I was just stating what some Fatboy riders had told me. That behind us, I do agree with this.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 192
From: Lakeland, FL
you must be joking! haha! If a bike will almost get away from you in every crosswind, it's time to get back in the car!
Do they even teach physics in school anymore? How do people believe this stuff?
[QUOTE=VigilantOutlaw;3910047]I had talked to a few owners of Fats and they all confirmed in a cross wind the bike would almost get away from them, one guy lost his on the way back from the dealership when a tractor trailer passed him (this could have been driver error ???).
QUOTE]
Do they even teach physics in school anymore? How do people believe this stuff?
[QUOTE=VigilantOutlaw;3910047]I had talked to a few owners of Fats and they all confirmed in a cross wind the bike would almost get away from them, one guy lost his on the way back from the dealership when a tractor trailer passed him (this could have been driver error ???).
QUOTE]
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I'd add that keeping those laced wheels on the deluxe from dirt and tarnish would be a real challenge compared to solid fatboy wheels. I've had laced on a dyna and then 2 fatboys , had to replace the laced wheels as couldnt keep them from corroding. As to side winds and solid wheels - no issues.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I have both an 08 FB and 08 Deluxe, and I can confirm and deny a few statements on here from other users.
While the looks of the FB do tend to say "beefier, heavier, etc.", as stock the Deluxe actually weighs more. The FB does take that extra bit of effort compared to the Deluxe to toss around as your CG is slightly higher, but once you lay into corners and such you can lean pretty much as far as you like. I have yet to scrape a board on my FB, but the Deluxe gets me every time I take her out. The ride IMHO on the Deluxe is much smoother, firmer, and steady, again associated with the lower CG I'd assume, whereas the FB tends to want to rock you back and forth quite noticeably when you really get on the throttle or front brake.
Maybe I'm a light-weight and don't have the body type for a FB, but honestly the Deluxe is my bike of choice when it comes to longer rides, especially with the Mrs. onboard. The FB, both in styling and ride, lends itself more for the solo cruising and really ripping around through the country. The Deluxe is what we take out to the bars downtown, as it really does turn heads. Even stock, it is definitely a head-turner with its extra bits of chrome and tank medalions.
I have VH Duals with fishtail tips on the Deluxe, and it only adds to the class and beauty of this machine. The FB has VH BSS, which gives it that much more of a muscle bike look.
In the end, as someone said, the bike should talk to you. I bought each one partly out of boredom, but also because of what each one represents and their potential.
Paul
While the looks of the FB do tend to say "beefier, heavier, etc.", as stock the Deluxe actually weighs more. The FB does take that extra bit of effort compared to the Deluxe to toss around as your CG is slightly higher, but once you lay into corners and such you can lean pretty much as far as you like. I have yet to scrape a board on my FB, but the Deluxe gets me every time I take her out. The ride IMHO on the Deluxe is much smoother, firmer, and steady, again associated with the lower CG I'd assume, whereas the FB tends to want to rock you back and forth quite noticeably when you really get on the throttle or front brake.
Maybe I'm a light-weight and don't have the body type for a FB, but honestly the Deluxe is my bike of choice when it comes to longer rides, especially with the Mrs. onboard. The FB, both in styling and ride, lends itself more for the solo cruising and really ripping around through the country. The Deluxe is what we take out to the bars downtown, as it really does turn heads. Even stock, it is definitely a head-turner with its extra bits of chrome and tank medalions.
I have VH Duals with fishtail tips on the Deluxe, and it only adds to the class and beauty of this machine. The FB has VH BSS, which gives it that much more of a muscle bike look.
In the end, as someone said, the bike should talk to you. I bought each one partly out of boredom, but also because of what each one represents and their potential.
Paul
Last edited by Piezoman; Sep 25, 2008 at 08:35 AM.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Southern NJ
Gonna head to the dealer and test ride both back to back and see what bike calls me! Great info, thanks guys.
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg, VA
Not to start any fights. But I would guess that a majority of the Deluxe owners are over 40 and the FB owners are under.
I am 30 and my FB just calls to me.
In my readings and reviews those who ride the Deluxe tend to want the nostalgic look of the 57 Chevy; paint scheme with white wall tires. I find it a bit old and worn out.
I am 30 and my FB just calls to me.
In my readings and reviews those who ride the Deluxe tend to want the nostalgic look of the 57 Chevy; paint scheme with white wall tires. I find it a bit old and worn out.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: Maryland's Eastern Shore
Okay...you may have something there. I own a Deluxe and I am over forty, just barely. Some tastes do change with age...When I first saw Terminator 2, I was in my mid-twenties and I wanted that FB...Now the FB does not appeal to me like the Deluxe. I think the Deluxe is a blast to ride, I feel a part of the bike, not perched upon it and it has "the look" I like. ...and as so many have said, you just have to get the bike that you like...not anyone else. Good luck with your decision FrankT! Either way you will be happy and that is what's most important.