When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have the old style fatboy as I bought mine in 05. The new wide tire ones are really not of my taste, but it is all a matter of opinion and we all have opinions. Width of teh rear tire does nfot matter to me as I can barely see it with the fender, and now with saddlebags it is almost invisible. It's your money, get what YOU want.
I have an '03 Anniversary Fatboy with the 5 spd./88 cu. in. and Stage 1...i can keep up with my buddies '08 Rocker all day so don't let the 88 deter you. Plus, I was in your same situation and I just loved the older style with the 150 out back as opposed to the 200. The 200 kind of looks out of place imo. Lots of low milage early 2000's Fatboys out there, just gotta look around...good luck !!!
I appreciate the advice! I visited two of the possibilities today. I was really struck by this 2005...custom order tins from 2005, and spotless. I love the color but it is a little on the 'out there' side of things:
I like the older fatboy. Before 2000. Got my 1340, 5 speed, and I can keep up with just about everyone. I like the look and style of my 98 and it sounds great. Couldnt beat the price either. I looked at a 2003 FB for $12,000 and then found this 98 for $7000 in perfect condition. Liked the 98 better, then I bought it. Personally, I dont like the look of the 200 rear tire. I like the old style and look.
I appreciate the advice! I visited two of the possibilities today. I was really struck by this 2005...custom order tins from 2005, and spotless. I love the color but it is a little on the 'out there' side of things:
Someone mentioned Heritage and you might want to give it another thought. Bigger engine, six speed, all set up for some long distance riding and you keep that retro look and feel.
I have a 2004 Fat Boy myself and my buddy's 2005 15th Anniversary Fat Boy is just a bit nicer because of that model's 95-inch engine. Sure, I am not a fan of the color you are looking at but that is your decision to make. The mileage isn't so much of a worry since you have 6 years of service record from the dealer. As for the 88-inch and 5-speed combo, the money you are saving over the newer choices will easily get you into the 95-inch top end. A little farther down the road, you can make the decision on adding the 6-speed transmission.
Thanks again for the advice. I am now down to two choices, the 2005 with 50,000km and the 2008 with 10,000...both have some nice parts. I would have to add bags to the 2008. The 08 is $2000 more than the 05. So $3000 more if you count the cost of the bags. Both are really nice bikes and I'm sure both would be a great ride. Money is a factor so the 05 looks good as the lower price makes a difference overall. I can afford the 08 but just barely. It's a happy problem, but a problem nontheless.....
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.