1st Harley - 99 Fatboy a good choice?
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 31
1st Harley - 99 Fatboy a good choice?
I've been looking seriously for a Harley- my first - and I have a line on a 99 Fatboy Softail for a good price. 20,000 miles, internet seller says it's in great shape.
Before I go look at it (this afternoon), what "gotchas" should I be on the lookout for?
I'm 5'8" and 165 pounds - will this bike be too big for me? I've been looking at Sportster 1200s, and they seem to fit me pretty well. FWIW, I'm 48 years old, and got my first bike in 1983. I've owned 5 over the years, and my son and I are currently enjoying pasture- and trail-riding on some OLD hondas. This will be the biggest (weight and displacement) bike I've owned.
Because it's more than 10 years old, my local HD shop *may* not accept me as a new customer - they say parts are too hard to come by. This is an Evo motor, right? Are parts REALLY that scarce?
Tell me what you think.
Before I go look at it (this afternoon), what "gotchas" should I be on the lookout for?
I'm 5'8" and 165 pounds - will this bike be too big for me? I've been looking at Sportster 1200s, and they seem to fit me pretty well. FWIW, I'm 48 years old, and got my first bike in 1983. I've owned 5 over the years, and my son and I are currently enjoying pasture- and trail-riding on some OLD hondas. This will be the biggest (weight and displacement) bike I've owned.
Because it's more than 10 years old, my local HD shop *may* not accept me as a new customer - they say parts are too hard to come by. This is an Evo motor, right? Are parts REALLY that scarce?
Tell me what you think.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 8
From: Powder Springs, GA
First of all I personally love EVO’s. So I think it is a cool choice. But that is just my little opinion. Also you are a hair bigger than me so don’t worry about that. My last bike was almost 10 feet long. A fatboy is a very easy bike to drive with that FL front end and lower seat height. You will enjoy it much more than a sporty.
As far as the mechanic comment. Tell him to **** off and take your business somewhere else. Sounds like a serious attitude problem. EVO parts are all over the freaking place. I am sure there are some local shops near you.
Got to love the sound of an evo. But of course you need to look at the bike and it would not hurt to take someone with you that knows them.
Also do you have any pics or specs on the bike?
As far as the mechanic comment. Tell him to **** off and take your business somewhere else. Sounds like a serious attitude problem. EVO parts are all over the freaking place. I am sure there are some local shops near you.
Got to love the sound of an evo. But of course you need to look at the bike and it would not hurt to take someone with you that knows them.
Also do you have any pics or specs on the bike?
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 689
Likes: 0
From: Beatrice, Nebraska
I bought my 99 Fatboy about 3 yrs ago as my 2nd Harley. My 1st was a Sportster. I liked the sportster a lot, but I love my Fatboy. I'm 5'7" about 160lbs & turning 56 in a couple of months. The Fatboy is so much easier to ride than the sporty. It's great for the short runs or the long trips. Used parts are a little harder to find, but new ones are readily available, but sometimes cost a little more,(progessive shocks are a good example). The Fatboy is a great bike. If it's been taken care of & the price is right, go for it. I don't think you'll regreat it.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 845
Likes: 0
From: Just south of Chicago, Illinois
Awwww maannnnn, that sucks!! Damn scammers. Evo's are a great motor, sometimes I wish I bought an evo. Find a good indy shop to service your bike, they won't mind an Evo. HD may not carry that many parts for them since the Twin Cam is over ten years old now. Good luck searching!!
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 127
Likes: 2
From: Kennedale TX
Well if you get another chance you will like the FatBoy. I'm taller and heavier than you but don't sweat that. The FB sits low to the ground which puts the center of gravity lower and makes it a stable ride.
Just my opinion but the sporty is just too small and will beat you up on longer rides...if you get a Sporty I will bet you move up once you have ridden it for a while....no offense to our Sporty riders
Just my opinion but the sporty is just too small and will beat you up on longer rides...if you get a Sporty I will bet you move up once you have ridden it for a while....no offense to our Sporty riders
Novice
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
Finding parts for a 1999 definitely isn't as easy as finding parts for any later model ride, but it really isn't that difficult.
I've never had an issue finding engine or drive-train parts.
I've never had an issue finding engine or drive-train parts.
Last edited by HeresyFnord; Jan 21, 2011 at 12:51 PM. Reason: typo...doh!
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Reno/Tahoe
Ride what you enjoy, the rest is all part of the journey/addiction. Get a manual and do most stuff yourself, and save yourself tons of cash.
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