Fatboy advice
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA
Fatboy advice
New guy here.....So it's been twenty years since I've been on a bike. rode a lot when I was in my teens and twenties. Always owned Japanese bikes. Can't stand it any longer, I am going to by a Fatboy, 2008 or newer. Looking for tips, etc. on what to look for, issues, things to avoid .....whatever. I know to get the stage one upgrade, and an oil cooler. Anything else a must? Anything to look out for? Thanks in advance.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 33
From: Illinois
Is there a reason you wouldn't want the '07? That's the year they went to the bigger motor, rear tire and six speed. Most people would want the '07 and up.
Regardless of model year, Fat Boys are good bikes. I've had a few (still have an '05).
Good luck.
Regardless of model year, Fat Boys are good bikes. I've had a few (still have an '05).
Good luck.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA
"07 would be O.K. It's more about the mileage and condition. It's got to be fairly pristine, or I'll just buy new. I'm just looking for all the little "heads up" things to take care of. I like getting everything taken care of up front, so that when I get the bike home, it's turn key and ride. 
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 304
Likes: 3
From: Miami, FL
Welcome aboard. Have a Fatboy myself. If you want to do the Stage I get some Pipes, A/C and tuner and be done... I rode mine for a couple of months before doin anything... After that I got 16 Apes and Pipes. Now I have a bunch of chrome goodies and will be buying an A/C and tuner this week.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
Welcome, I was kind of in the same situation back in 04, rode a lot until the mid 1980s and then stopped and started with a HD again in 04, you will have a lot of fun.
If your looking for the 96 - 6 speed and wider tire fatboys IMO your right to go 08 and newer. The 07 had the off set front wheel and rubbing issues unless they got the factory fix (cut away fork covers)
Look for anything in the low mileage range (<20,000) they are usually easy to find. I like any add ons that are cosmetic, but the engine closer to stock IMO less chance it has been hot rodded.
Best of luck, it you have not been of a "bigger" bike in a while take some time in a parking lot getting used to a 700 lb bike or take the Riders Edge Course etc.
If your looking for the 96 - 6 speed and wider tire fatboys IMO your right to go 08 and newer. The 07 had the off set front wheel and rubbing issues unless they got the factory fix (cut away fork covers)
Look for anything in the low mileage range (<20,000) they are usually easy to find. I like any add ons that are cosmetic, but the engine closer to stock IMO less chance it has been hot rodded.
Best of luck, it you have not been of a "bigger" bike in a while take some time in a parking lot getting used to a 700 lb bike or take the Riders Edge Course etc.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, Orange County, Ca
The Fat Boy is a great bike. Being of shorter statue...I went with the Lo version and I'm really happy with the bike. I am kind of wondering why you're planning on adding an oil cooler right off the bat? If you do the Stage I upgrade (or if the bike already has it done), you probably won't need the oil cooler. Only people I know that have done that are the ones that are in a lot of parades.
Good luck in your hunt for the perfect bike though. Put up some pictures of whatever you end up getting.
Good luck in your hunt for the perfect bike though. Put up some pictures of whatever you end up getting.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 918
Likes: 3
From: England
There's nothing special to worry about with the Fatboy. It's a good bike straight out of the box. I haven't bothered doing the stage 1 on mine although I have got louder pipes fitted. You won't need an oil cooler. I find the standard seat feels pretty hard after about two hours riding but apart from that it's the most comfortable bike I've ever owned. I had a Dyna before I bought mine which handled better. Before that I had a sports bike which was a lot faster but the fatboy suits me fine and I'm happy with it.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
Likes: 177
From: East Coast
The 'Boy is a dream. 2011's have ABS brakes if you can afford that new. Mine's a '10. Mostly stock except for much added chrome. Arlen Ness Billet Big Sucker A/C. Here is a photo of the pipe that's going on. Correct pipe, some one else's bike...
