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!)

 

Actually, if you look into it....

I believe some of the Anniversary editions come with a 95 and EFI vs. the carb and 88

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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...

 

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.

 

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".

 

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.

 

I agree, I think the 200 is a nice middle ground. I am sure there are folks who have managed to put a 200 or 180 onto a first edition Fatboy, and I know there are some who've put a 300 or so onto a second generation.

Appreciate your opinion Rubbit.