Fat Boy 103
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 412
Likes: 3
From: Jersey Shore
Fat Boy 103
I ride a 2010 Electra Gide Ultra Limited, very happy with the 103. Just sold my other bike, 2005 BMW K1200LT, wanted a 2nd bike, but the Beemer was not for me, sold it last Saturday after 3 months and 900 miles. I've decided on a 2012 Fat Boy 103. I was going to look for a used 2007, with pipes and extras, but then I realized I really wanted that new engine.
Will anyone out there owning one, please tell me a little about their experience with this bike? I'd like to know if waiting a little longer for the new bike(putting the money together) is worth it. Actually any pros and cons would be helpful, Right now I'm really hopped up for this bike. Thanks!
Will anyone out there owning one, please tell me a little about their experience with this bike? I'd like to know if waiting a little longer for the new bike(putting the money together) is worth it. Actually any pros and cons would be helpful, Right now I'm really hopped up for this bike. Thanks!
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
From:
I don't own one, but last week I rode a 2012 FB Lo 103 just under 300 miles. The bike was brand new, had 2800 miles, just serviced, and had not been crashed. As a point of reference I own a 2010 RK.
Here are my impressions:
At 25 mph if you let go of the handlebars the bike will gradually drift to the left.
Also at 25mph, under certain conditions (but not always), the unattended forks will slightly oscillate. My RK will do same. I've conditioned myself to accept this as normal.
The 103 counter balancers work. No vibration at idle, but at higher rpm (esp. under heavy load) there is noticeable vibration that is felt. You too will notice this since you come from an Ultra.
Great low end torque off idle, better than my RK but lower gearing, or cam profile, may be the reason.
Extremely easy to ride. The low seat, low-rise handlebars, and crescent moon foot boards all contribute to great ergo's, at least for me (5'10", 150lbs).
The bike is great for around town and feels great up to ~60mph. Within that range it seems to have a natural resonance. Beyond that you feel things working.
Great brakes. I was riding wide open downhill on mountain roads and routinely applied maximum braking from 90mph to 30mph with no fade and great lever feedback (as good, or better, than any sport bike).
Great chassis. During hard left/right transitions I could not detect chassis flex or wobble, even when cresting a rise where the suspension was at full extension. Really solid.
Great ride. Was surprised about this. No pothole harshness. Even with the thinner saddle (compared to my RK) I was comfortable even when I rode for three hours straight.
The B Motor. I've ridden FB 96B's and they seems to spin-up faster. This one seemed to be slow to rev, maybe because of the balancers.
Fast. Well OK, a relative term, but they do move out. I had this one reading 120mph on the speedo although it took a bit of road to get there (I did this 5x). And NO wiggles/wobbles at that speed. Rock Steady.
Heat. Didn't notice it except for one time in heavy traffic. Mostly came from the oil tank just below the seat. Ambient temp was 78 degrees. It never went into heat management.
Confident inspiring. Gives off the feeling it can tackle any road condition (dirt, mud, sand, stream crossing, washboard, rubicon trail, etc). Basically a broad shouldered muscle bike built to take on any challenge while at the same is a hoot to ride. Buy one. You won't regret it, and you'll never forget it.
Here are my impressions:
At 25 mph if you let go of the handlebars the bike will gradually drift to the left.
Also at 25mph, under certain conditions (but not always), the unattended forks will slightly oscillate. My RK will do same. I've conditioned myself to accept this as normal.
The 103 counter balancers work. No vibration at idle, but at higher rpm (esp. under heavy load) there is noticeable vibration that is felt. You too will notice this since you come from an Ultra.
Great low end torque off idle, better than my RK but lower gearing, or cam profile, may be the reason.
Extremely easy to ride. The low seat, low-rise handlebars, and crescent moon foot boards all contribute to great ergo's, at least for me (5'10", 150lbs).
The bike is great for around town and feels great up to ~60mph. Within that range it seems to have a natural resonance. Beyond that you feel things working.
Great brakes. I was riding wide open downhill on mountain roads and routinely applied maximum braking from 90mph to 30mph with no fade and great lever feedback (as good, or better, than any sport bike).
Great chassis. During hard left/right transitions I could not detect chassis flex or wobble, even when cresting a rise where the suspension was at full extension. Really solid.
Great ride. Was surprised about this. No pothole harshness. Even with the thinner saddle (compared to my RK) I was comfortable even when I rode for three hours straight.
The B Motor. I've ridden FB 96B's and they seems to spin-up faster. This one seemed to be slow to rev, maybe because of the balancers.
Fast. Well OK, a relative term, but they do move out. I had this one reading 120mph on the speedo although it took a bit of road to get there (I did this 5x). And NO wiggles/wobbles at that speed. Rock Steady.
Heat. Didn't notice it except for one time in heavy traffic. Mostly came from the oil tank just below the seat. Ambient temp was 78 degrees. It never went into heat management.
Confident inspiring. Gives off the feeling it can tackle any road condition (dirt, mud, sand, stream crossing, washboard, rubicon trail, etc). Basically a broad shouldered muscle bike built to take on any challenge while at the same is a hoot to ride. Buy one. You won't regret it, and you'll never forget it.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
I ride a 2010 Electra Gide Ultra Limited, very happy with the 103. Just sold my other bike, 2005 BMW K1200LT, wanted a 2nd bike, but the Beemer was not for me, sold it last Saturday after 3 months and 900 miles. I've decided on a 2012 Fat Boy 103. I was going to look for a used 2007, with pipes and extras, but then I realized I really wanted that new engine.
Will anyone out there owning one, please tell me a little about their experience with this bike? I'd like to know if waiting a little longer for the new bike(putting the money together) is worth it. Actually any pros and cons would be helpful, Right now I'm really hopped up for this bike. Thanks!
Will anyone out there owning one, please tell me a little about their experience with this bike? I'd like to know if waiting a little longer for the new bike(putting the money together) is worth it. Actually any pros and cons would be helpful, Right now I'm really hopped up for this bike. Thanks!
Fatboys are a great ride
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
I don't own one, but last week I rode a 2012 FB Lo 103 just under 300 miles. The bike was brand new, had 2800 miles, just serviced, and had not been crashed. As a point of reference I own a 2010 RK.
Here are my impressions:
At 25 mph if you let go of the handlebars the bike will gradually drift to the left.
Also at 25mph, under certain conditions (but not always), the unattended forks will slightly oscillate. My RK will do same. I've conditioned myself to accept this as normal.
The 103 counter balancers work. No vibration at idle, but at higher rpm (esp. under heavy load) there is noticeable vibration that is felt. You too will notice this since you come from an Ultra.
Great low end torque off idle, better than my RK but lower gearing, or cam profile, may be the reason.
Extremely easy to ride. The low seat, low-rise handlebars, and crescent moon foot boards all contribute to great ergo's, at least for me (5'10", 150lbs).
The bike is great for around town and feels great up to ~60mph. Within that range it seems to have a natural resonance. Beyond that you feel things working.
Great brakes. I was riding wide open downhill on mountain roads and routinely applied maximum braking from 90mph to 30mph with no fade and great lever feedback (as good, or better, than any sport bike).
Great chassis. During hard left/right transitions I could not detect chassis flex or wobble, even when cresting a rise where the suspension was at full extension. Really solid.
Great ride. Was surprised about this. No pothole harshness. Even with the thinner saddle (compared to my RK) I was comfortable even when I rode for three hours straight.
The B Motor. I've ridden FB 96B's and they seems to spin-up faster. This one seemed to be slow to rev, maybe because of the balancers.
Fast. Well OK, a relative term, but they do move out. I had this one reading 120mph on the speedo although it took a bit of road to get there (I did this 5x). And NO wiggles/wobbles at that speed. Rock Steady.
Heat. Didn't notice it except for one time in heavy traffic. Mostly came from the oil tank just below the seat. Ambient temp was 78 degrees. It never went into heat management.
Confident inspiring. Gives off the feeling it can tackle any road condition (dirt, mud, sand, stream crossing, washboard, rubicon trail, etc). Basically a broad shouldered muscle bike built to take on any challenge while at the same is a hoot to ride. Buy one. You won't regret it, and you'll never forget it.
Here are my impressions:
At 25 mph if you let go of the handlebars the bike will gradually drift to the left.
Also at 25mph, under certain conditions (but not always), the unattended forks will slightly oscillate. My RK will do same. I've conditioned myself to accept this as normal.
The 103 counter balancers work. No vibration at idle, but at higher rpm (esp. under heavy load) there is noticeable vibration that is felt. You too will notice this since you come from an Ultra.
Great low end torque off idle, better than my RK but lower gearing, or cam profile, may be the reason.
Extremely easy to ride. The low seat, low-rise handlebars, and crescent moon foot boards all contribute to great ergo's, at least for me (5'10", 150lbs).
The bike is great for around town and feels great up to ~60mph. Within that range it seems to have a natural resonance. Beyond that you feel things working.
Great brakes. I was riding wide open downhill on mountain roads and routinely applied maximum braking from 90mph to 30mph with no fade and great lever feedback (as good, or better, than any sport bike).
Great chassis. During hard left/right transitions I could not detect chassis flex or wobble, even when cresting a rise where the suspension was at full extension. Really solid.
Great ride. Was surprised about this. No pothole harshness. Even with the thinner saddle (compared to my RK) I was comfortable even when I rode for three hours straight.
The B Motor. I've ridden FB 96B's and they seems to spin-up faster. This one seemed to be slow to rev, maybe because of the balancers.
Fast. Well OK, a relative term, but they do move out. I had this one reading 120mph on the speedo although it took a bit of road to get there (I did this 5x). And NO wiggles/wobbles at that speed. Rock Steady.
Heat. Didn't notice it except for one time in heavy traffic. Mostly came from the oil tank just below the seat. Ambient temp was 78 degrees. It never went into heat management.
Confident inspiring. Gives off the feeling it can tackle any road condition (dirt, mud, sand, stream crossing, washboard, rubicon trail, etc). Basically a broad shouldered muscle bike built to take on any challenge while at the same is a hoot to ride. Buy one. You won't regret it, and you'll never forget it.
reputable wrench
the leastbit
that took away my death wobble
harley dealership tried twice
failed twice
and charged
which is bullshht
it is a warranty item
now it doesnt vibrate at all
as far as vibration...I have had electra gildes and super glides..and with the Fatboy B motor ...you feel nothing...and that is good for a change
its all good ..I aint technical ...Just Ride
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Antwerp, Belgium
+1!
I own a 2010 FB Lo with the 96Cu engine, so I can't give you any feedback on the 103Cu unit. I have a stage 1 and Powervision tune, and really like the low end torque. I can imagine the 103 engine being even better...
But I can acknowledge all the other points: Roadhandling is great, ergonomics are good, and when you add some detachable stuff (saddlebags, windshield, sissybar) it will even serve as a touring bike.
My two points of critisism are:
1. The 2010 stock handlebars were crappy. I had to replace them with Beach Bars because my back was killing me. The 2012 has different handlebars then the 2010, so you should be ok there.
2. I found the stock brakes pretty useless (i have no ABS, but that doesn't affect brake power). I am replacing the front brake with a 6-piston competition unit as we speak, including braided brakeline. If that is not enough I will also replace the brake disk with a floating one. As far as I know, the 2012 brakes are identical to the 2010 ones, so I am sceptical...
Anyhow, it's a great bike, I love the looks, and you won't be disappointed!
I own a 2010 FB Lo with the 96Cu engine, so I can't give you any feedback on the 103Cu unit. I have a stage 1 and Powervision tune, and really like the low end torque. I can imagine the 103 engine being even better...
But I can acknowledge all the other points: Roadhandling is great, ergonomics are good, and when you add some detachable stuff (saddlebags, windshield, sissybar) it will even serve as a touring bike.
My two points of critisism are:
1. The 2010 stock handlebars were crappy. I had to replace them with Beach Bars because my back was killing me. The 2012 has different handlebars then the 2010, so you should be ok there.
2. I found the stock brakes pretty useless (i have no ABS, but that doesn't affect brake power). I am replacing the front brake with a 6-piston competition unit as we speak, including braided brakeline. If that is not enough I will also replace the brake disk with a floating one. As far as I know, the 2012 brakes are identical to the 2010 ones, so I am sceptical...
Anyhow, it's a great bike, I love the looks, and you won't be disappointed!
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
+1!
I own a 2010 FB Lo with the 96Cu engine, so I can't give you any feedback on the 103Cu unit. I have a stage 1 and Powervision tune, and really like the low end torque. I can imagine the 103 engine being even better...
But I can acknowledge all the other points: Roadhandling is great, ergonomics are good, and when you add some detachable stuff (saddlebags, windshield, sissybar) it will even serve as a touring bike.
My two points of critisism are:
1. The 2010 stock handlebars were crappy. I had to replace them with Beach Bars because my back was killing me. The 2012 has different handlebars then the 2010, so you should be ok there.
2. I found the stock brakes pretty useless (i have no ABS, but that doesn't affect brake power). I am replacing the front brake with a 6-piston competition unit as we speak, including braided brakeline. If that is not enough I will also replace the brake disk with a floating one. As far as I know, the 2012 brakes are identical to the 2010 ones, so I am sceptical...
Anyhow, it's a great bike, I love the looks, and you won't be disappointed!
I own a 2010 FB Lo with the 96Cu engine, so I can't give you any feedback on the 103Cu unit. I have a stage 1 and Powervision tune, and really like the low end torque. I can imagine the 103 engine being even better...
But I can acknowledge all the other points: Roadhandling is great, ergonomics are good, and when you add some detachable stuff (saddlebags, windshield, sissybar) it will even serve as a touring bike.
My two points of critisism are:
1. The 2010 stock handlebars were crappy. I had to replace them with Beach Bars because my back was killing me. The 2012 has different handlebars then the 2010, so you should be ok there.
2. I found the stock brakes pretty useless (i have no ABS, but that doesn't affect brake power). I am replacing the front brake with a 6-piston competition unit as we speak, including braided brakeline. If that is not enough I will also replace the brake disk with a floating one. As far as I know, the 2012 brakes are identical to the 2010 ones, so I am sceptical...
Anyhow, it's a great bike, I love the looks, and you won't be disappointed!
Thanks
or start a new thread
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Antwerp, Belgium
http://www.m-motorcycle.de/de/Bremse...mse-links.html
Its German stuff, but then I live in Europe so it makes sense for me.
Their caliper was tested against 6-piston ones from Beringer and PM, and Müller clearly came out as a winner.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 584
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 5
09B29 .... Just because it has an offset wheel dont make it any less of a bike than your 2009 model ... i have one and had it since new and certainly would not swop it for a later one even with a 103 ..... too many people live on statistics rather than ride and enjoy the F$%king thing ....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,477
Likes: 14
From: Western MD
Ken Baer seems to be spot on with his assesment. It seems to describe FB's in general.
I ride a 07, and skull is correct. the frt whl offset is a non-issue as it doesn't effect handling of the bike whatsoever. I never even noticed it until i read here at HDF and went out and looked. No big deal.
The only thing i will say about the 07's is its the bastard yr caught somewhere between the old and new models and some parts are specific for that yr only. saying that, i wouldn't trade out or sell my 07 for nuttin..
I ride a 07, and skull is correct. the frt whl offset is a non-issue as it doesn't effect handling of the bike whatsoever. I never even noticed it until i read here at HDF and went out and looked. No big deal.
The only thing i will say about the 07's is its the bastard yr caught somewhere between the old and new models and some parts are specific for that yr only. saying that, i wouldn't trade out or sell my 07 for nuttin..