Hi Gang. I read posts about the 07 Fatboy issues such as front end misalignment, noisy 5th gear, etc. I ordered one for delivery in May. Do you think HD will have these bugs worked out by then? I'm a new rider and want to concentrate on riding safe and not worry about mechanicals, especially after spending the coin too!

Thanks in advance,
Axeman

 

Yeah............all from people that don't own one. Do a search in this forum and read the comments of actual owners and you'll get the real story. I have nearly 2000 miles on mine and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Would I buy it again today? In a heartbeat.

Just anxiously await the arrival of your new Fat Boy and enjoy it when you get it home.

 

Thanks! I'm trying to learn as much as I can. Your opinion is much appreciated.

 

Yeah, I got a problem with mine. My pocketbook, LOL. It manages to "sweet talk" me into more accessories.

 

The misalignment is to accomodate the rear 200 tire. IMO it's merely cosmetic andhas no effect onhow it tracks or steers. After I put V&H Big Shots Staggered, PCIII and Nessa/f on mine the noise in 5th gear went away along with how hotand lean it was running. I think the noise was actually the lugging in 5th gear and the remap took care of that. I'm with grandpawmoses, the only thing wrong with mine is how much it has been draining my wallet. But that's not the bike's fault.

 

Axeman...

I am a newbie to the HD world but have owned motorcycles for as long as I can remember. Don't let the urban legends and rumor mill deter from getting or cause you additional frustrationabout your new ride! I purchased my 2007 Fat Boy after years of agonizing about HD quality, cost, and those damn silly Harley riders! I could quote you every tech spec and support every aspect as to why my Gold Wing or VTX 1800 was a totally superiormachine and a better ride than any Harley-Davidson made. This past month I finally made thecall to my local HD dealer, just to ask some questions, mind you, and the next day I picked up my Vivid Black FLSTF with a factory alarm! Well...I have been like a kid in a candy store! Not only am I in love with the machine itself, it was the Harley-Davidson experience that made all the difference! After a dozen or so new high-end Honda motorcycles off the show room floor or special ordered, I have never experienced what I have with my first HD! Call me silly...but this is how I feel, and this is a huge part of the Harley-Davidson magic!

I have been to my first HOG meeting, I have invested a ton of $$$ in my Fat Boy setting her up and customizing to my likes.I am doing all of the work myself and purchasing all of my parts and accessories from Zanotti Motors (zanotti.com). I can't brag about this company enough...buy your HD parts and accessories from them, period! My local dealer knows my name and treats me like an "old friend" when I come in and...well, you get the picture.

As for the ride and any other issues related to my FLSTF...it is simply awesome! Is it the same as any of my Wings or VTXs...no, but then again, it was never designed to be the same. I have donemost of my own wrenching for years and there is very little difference between what I have seen with the Hondas as comparedto the HD. On yhe "inside" they are pretty much the same.They are machines that are assembled by people...simple as that. And they require, as any machine does, a certain amount of attention and care. I have a heavy cruiser and that's the riding style that I do...cruising. I am convinced that if I do run into issues, no matter what that may be,that HD will take care of me. I intend on being a long-term customer and to keep some American iron in my garage for as long as I'm able to ride...which I suspect will be for a long time to come. Are Harley-Davidsons perfect, no...are Hondas or Yamahas perfect, well...no again. You will find malcontents and unhappy customers whenever and whereevr you look for them. I've known plenty of $23,000.00 Gold Wing owners who curse the Honda badge because of an incident or problem with their "babies" that they felt should never have happened or wasn't handled in a manner that they liked. The same will hold true for Harley-Davidson.

Axeman...you will love your new Fat Boy...just standby! Enjoy the ride, enjoy the experience, and watch out for the damn cars!

Congrats on the new FLSTF! And just in case...I have an awsome 2006 VTX1800C/Spec 3 with 250 miles on it in my garage for sale right now...any takers?

By the way, Axeman...how in the hell can you wait until May! I would be a basket case by then!

Steve

 

Yea what SCJE8 said. I have 6300 miles now on my 07 Fat Boy. The bike runs good and handles fine. Get your bike and enjoy>>>

 

Axeman, just get it and you will not regret it. I also own an 07 FB. Ignore comments from others who do not own one. I love mine. Missalignment??? 5th gear Noise??? News to me. Bike is awesome and runs great.

 

Your comments have been very helpful. Thanks!


SCJE8....As far as why I'm waiting until May...I know I'm going to take heat for this one!
I am a 35 year old man. I've been telling my MOM that I wanted a Harley for about 20 years. I brought it up a month or so ago and she, out of the blue, offered to pay for half. She says " I can't take the money with me". The only thing is that I have to wait until May.

I've heard it all from my buddies. "Can I ride your Mom's bike?" etc., etc., etc,
I got thick skin. Let it rip!!!

This site is great. Thanks again,
Axeman

 

Don't sweat it, that's about the same way I got mine. The mother in law passed away and left some money to the wife so she could get me theHarley I always wanted. It wasn't enough to pay for it, but it did covermore than half the price.
If your "friends" are serious with the"mom's" bike comments its either because they are jealous, or they really arn't the kind offriends you need. But I wouldn't worry, they will either come round or they will be gone and you'll meetlots of new friends on YOUR Hog.