Differences between new and old-style Fatboys
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 242
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From: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Differences between new and old-style Fatboys
I am shopping for a Fatboy to replace my Nightster. I know the 07 and up Fatboys have the 96TC, EFI and 6-speed, and 17 inch wheels. But I do like the looks of the older style Fatty and there are a few that really stand out (the 15th anniversary 05 comes to mind). I have ridden a couple of 07 and 08s but I have not ridden an 06 or earlier.
Does anyone have experience riding both and would be willing to offer their thoughts? I would appreciate feedback.
Thanks folks. Ride safe (if you're lucky enough to be riding in January!)
Does anyone have experience riding both and would be willing to offer their thoughts? I would appreciate feedback.
Thanks folks. Ride safe (if you're lucky enough to be riding in January!)
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 312
From: Out of Commiefornia!
My buddy has an '05 with the 88 and 5 speed, and we've traded off a couple of times during rides. The bike felt the same as far as handling and overall feel, but the 96 and 6 speed makes a HUGE difference IMHO.
We did Angeles Crest highway on one of those runs, which is a very twisty mountain road in Southern California, and mine required very few gear changes (stayed in 3rd mostly) while his was constantly running through 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
Styling-wise, the biggest thing that sticks out IMO is the 200mm rear tire on the newer models.
Can't go wrong with a Fatty either way!
Roger
We did Angeles Crest highway on one of those runs, which is a very twisty mountain road in Southern California, and mine required very few gear changes (stayed in 3rd mostly) while his was constantly running through 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
Styling-wise, the biggest thing that sticks out IMO is the 200mm rear tire on the newer models.
Can't go wrong with a Fatty either way!
Roger
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,396
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From:
Personally I think Harley screwed up the "classic" look of the Fat Boy when they went to the fatter rear tire and fender. That fender, especially, looks goofy. The fat tire thing is over. Clean bobber styling is "in." The older Fat Boys have had that look, since 1990. I bought one new in '02, still have it. Mine has the last forged flywheels and factory Timkin sprocket shaft bearings. I added a 95" kit with gear drive cams, a Mikuni carb and a S.E. six speed. I can buy any bike I want, I also have a Streetglide, but I much prefer my old "02 Fat Boy to the later ones.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 242
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From: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Thanks folks for your replies - I appreciate your input very much. Northside, that's a beautiful spoked Fatboy you have. Fatboyveteran, I will check into your suggestion. That might be a great combination.
Any other thoughts please join in. Thanks again.
Any other thoughts please join in. Thanks again.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 242
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From: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
and the decision making goes on. I'm trying to decide between a 05 and two 08s.
The 05 is absolutely clean with some nice parts. It is a stunning bike with an HD custom paint. It has been ridden (50,000km) but the dealer sold it new and knows the service history. Cam tensioners are done. It has bags, which I want. The color is beautiful but I am worried it might be a little extreme (vivid purple pearl/vivid purple). EFI with stage one and V&H.
The first 08 is also clean but has little history. It is $1000 more than the 05. No bags but 4 point docking hardware is installed.
The second 08 is very clean with probably $2000 in parts (pipes, stage 1, RK headlight, speedo/tach combo) and less than 10,000km. It is $16,500, making it $2000 more than the 05 and $1000 more than the other 08.
I am leaning towards the 05 as I do like the older styling, but I'm worried that the few more years, the 88/5 drivetrain, and higher km are a bad choice.
Thoughts are welcome. Thanks in advance...
The 05 is absolutely clean with some nice parts. It is a stunning bike with an HD custom paint. It has been ridden (50,000km) but the dealer sold it new and knows the service history. Cam tensioners are done. It has bags, which I want. The color is beautiful but I am worried it might be a little extreme (vivid purple pearl/vivid purple). EFI with stage one and V&H.
The first 08 is also clean but has little history. It is $1000 more than the 05. No bags but 4 point docking hardware is installed.
The second 08 is very clean with probably $2000 in parts (pipes, stage 1, RK headlight, speedo/tach combo) and less than 10,000km. It is $16,500, making it $2000 more than the 05 and $1000 more than the other 08.
I am leaning towards the 05 as I do like the older styling, but I'm worried that the few more years, the 88/5 drivetrain, and higher km are a bad choice.
Thoughts are welcome. Thanks in advance...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
I'd go newer, 07+, if it were me. How about a Deluxe or Heritage if you prefer the older style rear fender 150 rear tire.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Yeah I'm thinking of broadening my search as I do like that look. I know of a 04 Heritage that somebody put Fatboy wheels on. It's kind of cool. The dealer calls it the "Fatkid".
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 577
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From: North Carolina
Just my opinion, but i do like the older fatboys, especially the first year grey ghost my cousin had. However, i always thought it was ironic they called it a fatboy when it ran a 150 rear tire, nothing wrong with it but i like the 200 rear tire with the 140 front. Im not into huge fat back tires but i think the 200 is perfect balance of form and function.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 242
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From: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Just my opinion, but i do like the older fatboys, especially the first year grey ghost my cousin had. However, i always thought it was ironic they called it a fatboy when it ran a 150 rear tire, nothing wrong with it but i like the 200 rear tire with the 140 front. Im not into huge fat back tires but i think the 200 is perfect balance of form and function.
Appreciate your opinion Rubbit.