Well, if I was going to live in Florida for a lot longer than just a year and a half, it would be no issue. I would definitely go with the Fat Boy, but since I am moving back to the mountainous roads and lovely riding that South East Tennessee has, I'm not sure how the Fat Boy handles through tight turns. I guess that's the question I'm really looking for here, how does the Fat Boy handle through the twisties? I am NOT a very aggresive rider. I usually ride within the speed limit and when I'm in the mountains, I just like to cruise. I'd rather enjoy the sights and take it all in than see how fast I can make it to the other side. I've had too many buddies get too caught up in the fast riding on bigger bikes and I've seen them pay for it, so I don't want any part of that!! I didn't have my '96 when I was living in TN, so I can't make that comparison on my own. But, I was riding a 2004 Yamaha Venture (big Bagger bike) when I was living in TN and I didn't ever feel like I was out of control. But as I stated before, I'm not a very aggresive rider. I like to take it slllloooowwww. Those who ride a Fat Boy in the twisties, how is the handling? All my riding buddies have gone the way of Sport Touring bikes (V-Strom, BMW K1200lt, etc.) and that's what they keep pushing me to get, but the amount of actual touring that I'm going to get to do, wouldn't justify getting one of those. I'm going to be doing more day trips.

Oh and thanks for all the suggestions and replies!! It's really making me think deeper about what I really want!!

 

Did they have a Fat Bob at the dealer you went to? It is kind of a combination of the two looks you are comparing. It would be my first choice of the 2009 / 2010 line up.

 

Get the bike you want, get the Fatboy, it will do want you want.

 

Yeah, they had one, but I'm not sold on the dual headlight setup. It's a good looking bike though!!

 

I don't care for the dual headlight look either, i would like to see one with a single headlight, it would look alot better IMO. An easy and cheap swap though.

 

Listen to your heart. It knows what you want.

 

TEST RIDE EM BOTH! If either one is nicer than your current ride get it!
Personally I'd keep the '96.

 

A salesman once told me to listen to your butt, it knows, too...

 

I was all for keeping the '96, but my wife really wants me to get a newer one rather than sinking more money into this one. I've shown her a lot of upgrades that I want to do to my current one and she just said, "why not start with a newer one that is closer to what you want, rather than make this one into something else?" And I kind of agree with her on that. Don't get me wrong, I would love to keep this one AND get another one, but there's no way in this economic time, (and my wife) that's going to ever happen. So, that's the whole reason I'm looking at a different ride.

If anyone knows of someone that is in the market for a '96 softail, send them my way! haha

 

You have executive permission-(wife)-so don't delay, that could change ya know. You stated that you don't push it when riding, either one of your choices will be fine for that envelope. FB's handle real well, a little more stoic than your custom but it's all good.

Take em both for a test ride, not just around the block, rent one of each over a couple of weekends and wring them out, and take that wonderful wife with you. Then, as said above, let your heart and your butt tell you what you want.

Doug

Ya know, your FXSTC is worth about 6-7K in todays market, does your wife ride or are you 2-up. If she wants to ride, that custom is a real good place to start..yeah, I'm biased for EVO softails, can ya tell??