Fatboy Lo for beginner?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
I agree with the other posts. Buy it and have fun. Just take the time in some parking lots and back roads to get some experience, especially at slow speeds and stops.
I have been riding on and off for 40 years with a 18 yr lay off before buying me first HD in 2004. I mainly road MX and desert and some 750 or smaller rice rockets. Never a bike the size of a HD. The only thing that I found I was uncomfortable with was the low seep stuff due to the size of the bike.
I have been riding on and off for 40 years with a 18 yr lay off before buying me first HD in 2004. I mainly road MX and desert and some 750 or smaller rice rockets. Never a bike the size of a HD. The only thing that I found I was uncomfortable with was the low seep stuff due to the size of the bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,457
Likes: 6,377
From: Honah Lee
I assume your feet are flat on the ground since as long as you are careful it should be OK. My friend got a Road King and he had to tip toe with his legs straight down. Dropped it 3 times in the first 200 miles. He sold it at 250. Coming straight from the class I would rent one for a while if possible. Would be money well spent. Going straight from a 250 class to this can be a big jump for some. You can catch a small bike but you let this get over too far and it's going and if you hold on it's taking you with it.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 634
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
I would say do it. I started with a sportster 1200 and traded it for a 2010 softail deluxe. The deluxe, IMO is easier to ride. The engine, which is the same as the lo, is rigid mounted and counter balanced and therefore do not get any vibration. As previously posted, find a big empty parking lot to get used to it, and you will love it.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 563
Likes: 2
From: Mocksville, NC
My first bike was an Lo. Never owned a bike in my life before.
But most of all, demo ride the bikes first. Don't get one for looks, get the one that feels right.
But I bet you'll love the Lo. So I say go for it. Don't waste your time. And take it easy until you get used to the handling.
But most of all, demo ride the bikes first. Don't get one for looks, get the one that feels right.
But I bet you'll love the Lo. So I say go for it. Don't waste your time. And take it easy until you get used to the handling.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: NH
I rode dirtbikes 20 years ago...for a short itme, took the MSF course in October and bought my Fatboy at the same time. The MSF course was on 250's, I was a littel intimidated by the Fatboy at first, but after a few miles I learned it was pretty nimble for a big bike. I'm so happy I didn't go the smaller bike route. This summer will be a blast...if I can get through the crappy winter we are having.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,349
Likes: 647
From: Vegas, baby!
Kyle,
I have never ridden a Fatboy Low, but you asked for advice. I have ridden 24/7/365 for about 40 years if that means anything. The classes I have seen at the local community college, and Harley shop, all are missing something. There are no cages, bad roads, debris in the road, bad weather, etc.. In other words, the classes are nothing like the real world.
I don't mean to rain on anybody's parade, but my advice is this: Before going deep in debt to buy a Fatboy, or any motorcycle, try and get some experience actually riding to see if you really like it. Some people, and this can vary greatly depending on their location, find that riding a motorcycle is not what they expected. Or want to do.
Ron
I have never ridden a Fatboy Low, but you asked for advice. I have ridden 24/7/365 for about 40 years if that means anything. The classes I have seen at the local community college, and Harley shop, all are missing something. There are no cages, bad roads, debris in the road, bad weather, etc.. In other words, the classes are nothing like the real world.
I don't mean to rain on anybody's parade, but my advice is this: Before going deep in debt to buy a Fatboy, or any motorcycle, try and get some experience actually riding to see if you really like it. Some people, and this can vary greatly depending on their location, find that riding a motorcycle is not what they expected. Or want to do.
Ron
Last edited by rjg883c; Jan 23, 2011 at 10:35 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Indy
I did exactly what you're thinking about. I took the riders edge class and went out and bought a new Fatboy Lo, it was my first street bike. Best decision I ever made, the Lo is a good bike to start out on. The low center of gravity and good low end power make it easy to ride. I started out just cruising the back roads in my area untill I got more experience, and then started taking longer rides and getting on busy streets with more traffic. So far it's worked out well for me. I say go for it, you're going to love it.
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
well yes the fatboy lo is nice if its your first bike i would buy used you can get a great deal on a used fat boy and spend the extra money you save on new mods and and you may be less nrevous riding a high dollar machine good luck to you
