Newbie questions
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 819
Likes: 2
From: shelby twp MI
Dude, you'll be fine. FB is a great riding bike. More comfortable and manuverable than most bikes I've tried. Feels more stable than any metric with a better center of gravity. People won't be able to beat the smile off your face.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 507
Likes: 4
From: Wentzville, Missouri
FAT all the way! The bike you'll learn on in the safety course doesn't weigh near what the FB does (694 lbs). I've had mine 2.5 years and 7500 miles and it still surprises me sometimes when I get in a tight awkward position, especially if the surface is loose. Anybody can drive it in a straight line at speed. Spend some time slow-turning around a parking lot with your feet on the boards and coming to a smooth stop. Then...ride, ride, ride....
Long distance is no problem. I've put >500 miles a day over several days and I won't say I'm not happy to get off but it's not bad.
Long distance is no problem. I've put >500 miles a day over several days and I won't say I'm not happy to get off but it's not bad.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Northern Kentucky
The MSF course I took in Northern KY was excellent. I had been riding off and on for years and still learned a great deal. Agree with others, practice, practice and then practice some more. the great thing is while you are practicing you are riding.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,294
Likes: 2,385
From: Florida
So, I'm planning on getting my first bike soon, and I'm wanting a Harley. I found a sweet looking 2004 CVO Deuce, but it's almost as much as a new 2012 Fatboy (that's the two bikes I've narrowed it down to). Just wanting to know some pros and cons of each one, coming from the owners. Thanks guys
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,337
Likes: 4
From: Sunny South Florida
04 CVO vs new fatty? I would go with an 04 CVO. It already has the bigger motor and in the case of the 2012 103, it aint all that. The 6 speed would be nice if you do a lot of highway miles but the off highway twisties don't need it.
As far as which one for your first bike, nope, neither. I'm with the thought process of a big heavy Harley isn't what I would go for to learn the ins and outs of riding. Yes, they ride great and they are what we prefer to ride, but its a lot of bike to make your first mistakes on. Something lighter, smaller and more forgiving would get my vote. A thousand and a half or so will get you a bike to put a couple of seasons on and then get the bike you want. Remember, its not just you on the road, the cages do some stupid **** out there and not having the experience with a bigger bike or hell, any bike won't give you much to go on when it happens to you in close quarters. Just my $.02
As far as which one for your first bike, nope, neither. I'm with the thought process of a big heavy Harley isn't what I would go for to learn the ins and outs of riding. Yes, they ride great and they are what we prefer to ride, but its a lot of bike to make your first mistakes on. Something lighter, smaller and more forgiving would get my vote. A thousand and a half or so will get you a bike to put a couple of seasons on and then get the bike you want. Remember, its not just you on the road, the cages do some stupid **** out there and not having the experience with a bigger bike or hell, any bike won't give you much to go on when it happens to you in close quarters. Just my $.02
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 61
Likes: 2
From: Kentucky
I have a little experience, just nothing as heavy as a Fatboy. I think with the MSF course, it'll be okay. Hopefully I'll be getting my fatty sooner rather than later. Thanks all for your answers and opinions!
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Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 61
Likes: 2
From: Kentucky
FAT all the way! The bike you'll learn on in the safety course doesn't weigh near what the FB does (694 lbs). I've had mine 2.5 years and 7500 miles and it still surprises me sometimes when I get in a tight awkward position, especially if the surface is loose. Anybody can drive it in a straight line at speed. Spend some time slow-turning around a parking lot with your feet on the boards and coming to a smooth stop. Then...ride, ride, ride....
Long distance is no problem. I've put >500 miles a day over several days and I won't say I'm not happy to get off but it's not bad.
Long distance is no problem. I've put >500 miles a day over several days and I won't say I'm not happy to get off but it's not bad.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
choices
What the MSF course won't teach you is how heavy that big twin is. Just be prepared for that.
When you get it home, have a strong friend spot you in the garage while you lean it over to it's limits. Don't wait until you get on some uneven pavement at a stop sign in front of 20 people, haha.
When you get it home, have a strong friend spot you in the garage while you lean it over to it's limits. Don't wait until you get on some uneven pavement at a stop sign in front of 20 people, haha.
A week later we all met at the school parking lot and used trafficc one coolers and whatever we could to make a 'course'. We took turns riding and spotting for one another. We did this several times and I think we all gained confidence and control. We remained closer friends for many years because of our 'classes' together, and shared many rides over the years.
The following summer, I volunteered to let the guys ride my bike in the dirt. Dirt riding a 3 cylinder metris street cruiser is NOTHING like a 125 dirt bike. But we all agreed, we had added to our abilities. And oh yeah, a couple of the guys DID help de-mud my cruiser!
Bottom line, don't ever be afraid to look for ways to improve and hone your skills. I have 40 years of riding behind me now and am seriously considering taking the basic course with my wife. My new wife has expressed an interest in someday riding her own bike and I want the best possible preparations for her.
OH yeah.... the question? I love my Deuces but I'd have to say go new, for the same money... you'll love the Fatty! New is nice! Be well, ride safe and enjoy! And don't forget--- pics of the new bike, or these guys won't believe it exists!!!
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