New to Softtails ?
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 236
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From:
New to Softtails ?
I'm a little nervous, but my grandfather told me the day you're not nervous getting on a motorcycle is the day you should park it, because that's the day it will kill you! I just bought a 2011 Fat Boy Lo and it should be delivered this week. I have an 883C Sportster that I've been riding for 7 years. This Fat Boy is bigger, engine size and weight, although it feels lighter than the Sportster. The engine is a 96" monster, stage 1.
What can I expect from riding this bike? How long does it take to get used to the heel to toe shift with the floor boards? I'm most nervous about the big engine jump, is this going to have some forgiveness if I grab a handful of throttle? The dealers tell me not to worry, but they also want to sell bikes. Some may think I'm being too nervous, but I guess that's what makes HD riders better than others. By the way this is my dream bike, a fat boy riding a HD Fat Boy!
Illinimeats
What can I expect from riding this bike? How long does it take to get used to the heel to toe shift with the floor boards? I'm most nervous about the big engine jump, is this going to have some forgiveness if I grab a handful of throttle? The dealers tell me not to worry, but they also want to sell bikes. Some may think I'm being too nervous, but I guess that's what makes HD riders better than others. By the way this is my dream bike, a fat boy riding a HD Fat Boy!
Illinimeats
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 460
Likes: 4
From: New York
Relax! It will take you 5 seconds to get comfortable on the new bike, about the length of time it takes you to put your feet up on the boards and get moving. Take it slow and practice your slow speed handling and panic stops in a parking lot. Ride around the neighborhood for a few days and I guarantee you will look back at your anxiety and laugh about it.
By the way, for what it's worth, please wear a good full face helmet of visible color, good gloves and proper jacket, pants and boots. It's called safety gear for a reason.
And brush up on your motorcycle safety too.
By the way, for what it's worth, please wear a good full face helmet of visible color, good gloves and proper jacket, pants and boots. It's called safety gear for a reason.
And brush up on your motorcycle safety too.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,618
Likes: 5,215
From: Green Country
You're obviously not new to bikes, having ridden the Sporty the past seven years. No need to be nervous. The Fattie will have a lower center of gravity, and not be as nimble as the Sporty. I think you'll love the floorboards. I'm a toe-shifter as I never could get used to the heel/toe on my Heritage.
Oh, get an engine guard. You ever drop that beast and have to pick it up, you'll thank me later. Post pics when you can.
Oh, get an engine guard. You ever drop that beast and have to pick it up, you'll thank me later. Post pics when you can.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 3
From: Central Jersey
I went from a 1992 883 XLH Hugger to a 2010 FatBoy Lo.. IMO the Lo handles so much nicer than the sportster ever did. I got rid of the heel shifter after my jeans kept getting caught on it.. i never used it much anyways. Keep in mind yes it has a bigger engine, but it also weighs 300+lbs more than a Sportster.. so they kind of even out. I've always felt that my 883 was quicker than the fatboy has ever been.. then again I'm probably building up the engine this winter, so maybe i'll take those words back come Spring.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 648
Likes: 24
From: New Jersey
Had a Sporty briefly and have never looked back after trading it for a Heritage. Smoother, heavier, more comfortable and stable both around town and at speed. Easy to handle, too. Love the heel shifter too. Easier on the boots.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
Likes: 69
From: Badlands of ND
I moved from a Ninja to a Softail. Took a few minutes to get used to it. Oddly enough the brakes were the hardest adjustment to get used to. Also, I never got used to a heel / toe shifter. My Ultra (had) one and I removed the heel shifter.
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 460
Likes: 4
From: New York
Agreed. I never thought much of the heel/toe shifter. It also restricts your foot position on longer rides. Try it. If you don't like it it can be easily removed.
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 545
Likes: 3
From: Empire State
The lo handles nicely and you just need to get use to corners. As for the heel toe, it becomes very comfortable and you will always have the obtain of using the heel or toe. IMO
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 822
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
It took me a few months to get used to the floorboards and heel toe shifter on my heritage afterall, I only rode rockets until than but 2 years later using the heel toe shifter feels as natural as squeezing the clutch for me! Give it time, you'll love it!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
Just like you, I traded a Sportster 883 for my Heritage Special back in '93. I had 12 years of street riding under my belt at that point (5 on the Sporty). Still, when I took delivery of the new bike, I think I just stood and walked around it for about 15 minutes, wondering what I'd gotten myself into.
The heel and toe shifter bothered me for the first afternoon. After that, it was second nature. I'm not sure I'd even be able to ride without a heel and toe shifter anymore.
I'll admit, the size took a bit more time to get used to, but the low center of gravity and easy steering actually made the bike easier to ride than the Sporty. The longer you ride a bike, the smaller it feels. By the following spring, I was doing feet-up u-turns on narrow roads and thinking nothing of it. I've had that bike now for 19 years, and I couldn't imagine riding anything else. You'll love it.
The heel and toe shifter bothered me for the first afternoon. After that, it was second nature. I'm not sure I'd even be able to ride without a heel and toe shifter anymore.
I'll admit, the size took a bit more time to get used to, but the low center of gravity and easy steering actually made the bike easier to ride than the Sporty. The longer you ride a bike, the smaller it feels. By the following spring, I was doing feet-up u-turns on narrow roads and thinking nothing of it. I've had that bike now for 19 years, and I couldn't imagine riding anything else. You'll love it.