Bone stock FB, now what?
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 726
Likes: 3
From: Texas
Bone stock FB, now what?
Will be picking up 09 Fatboy soon. First mod will be exhaust. If I do it at purchase, all will be covered under warranty. If this was you what would you do to it? What's worked out great or what would you have done differently? Trying to use your wealth of HD knowledge to do it right the first time. This will be my first HD. Like the deep sound of the rush 1.75's. Other than that, need more input. Thanks for the advice in advance. N1.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: perryville, mo
newbie
i got my '09 fatboy last june, and am in the midst of trying to make it my own as well, you can have the pipes put on any time as long as you let a stealer put them on and i dont believe it will void any warranty, not just at time of purchase. i did the stage 1 when i got my pipes done 2 weeks after purchase of bike, factory pipes so quiet i could sneak up on deer, but now im buying new handlebars, led lights, just put a new seat on, takin off the reflectors, new footboards and pegs, its just endless, but loads of fun, congrats on the new bike
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
To me, it depends on (a) how you're going to use the bike and (b) what you like.
For example, if you're going to be doing long(er) rides, you'll need some kind of bag or saddlebags to put stuff in. A windshield is always good (to me anyway). If you like chrome, the possibilities are endless. If you like the black treatment, well, the options are almost as endless...
When I got mine, it already had the windshield and sissy bar on it. I didn't think I'd do much to it ... HA, HA, HA ... after the engine guard, new grips, bag that locks over the sissy bar, turn signal lenses, Rush mufflers, LED taillight, turn signal / brake light module, etc. etc. etc. -- I'd say my initial thought (and budget) was a bit off... and there's still a list of stuff to do yet -- next will be driving lights that attach to the engine guard.
FYI, the Rush slip-on mufflers are great - I got the 1.75" baffles - they sound great and you don't have to remap the engine - and your stock heat shields can be used on the Rush mufflers too.
My advice is to just put some thought into it before you start dropping a bunch of money on accessories - that will allow you to get a consistent theme going and also prioritize what's most important (and buy that first).
Hope this helps...
For example, if you're going to be doing long(er) rides, you'll need some kind of bag or saddlebags to put stuff in. A windshield is always good (to me anyway). If you like chrome, the possibilities are endless. If you like the black treatment, well, the options are almost as endless...
When I got mine, it already had the windshield and sissy bar on it. I didn't think I'd do much to it ... HA, HA, HA ... after the engine guard, new grips, bag that locks over the sissy bar, turn signal lenses, Rush mufflers, LED taillight, turn signal / brake light module, etc. etc. etc. -- I'd say my initial thought (and budget) was a bit off... and there's still a list of stuff to do yet -- next will be driving lights that attach to the engine guard.
FYI, the Rush slip-on mufflers are great - I got the 1.75" baffles - they sound great and you don't have to remap the engine - and your stock heat shields can be used on the Rush mufflers too.
My advice is to just put some thought into it before you start dropping a bunch of money on accessories - that will allow you to get a consistent theme going and also prioritize what's most important (and buy that first).
Hope this helps...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,415
Likes: 5
From: San Antonio, Republic of TEXAS
don't let the stealer convince you they have to do your mods so as not to void the warranty. NOT TRUE.
find a decent independent mechanic you trust - and let him work on your bike. or as some will say, do it yourself. just keep records.
find a decent independent mechanic you trust - and let him work on your bike. or as some will say, do it yourself. just keep records.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 57
Likes: 3
From: Missouri
Picked up my 09 at the end of Nov. Put V&H stright shots on at the dealer before I left. Since then a Saddlemen 2 up gel seat, Ness Stage 1, PCV, Demon's Cycle forward controls and handgrips, 12 1/2"apes w/braided cables. Been a busy winter so far.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Rogers AR
I had the dealer put on the big bore kit, pipes and the tuner ..then had it dynoed ..I just felt better having them do the engine work and dial it in on the dyno...then if there were any problems there should be no questions...they did the work...all the other things I have done myself as far as the bolt on stuff...
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: College Station, TX
I had the Rush and liked them. I knew they were temporary until I could afford a whole system. The big mufflers just look out of place to me. Take your time and you'll find what you like. Like was already said, depends on type of riding and if you're a chrome ***** or like things blacked out. I wouldn't waste my time and $$$ on a stage one upgrade. The 103" is a great investment though. Good luck and keep us updated. Hookers and Rineharts are great systems and inexpensive. Vance and Hines are always a good choice. Samson makes killer pipes too.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,853
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
I would do the stage 1, then drive it as is for 6 months. my fatboy is my first harley and i spent a ton of money on crap that i took off and is sitting in my garage that i wish i had the money I spent now! just my 2 cents.