"Downsizing" to a Fat Boy?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
RK's are customizable. The RK Custom a little less so (it was a little different than a standard RK or RKC and they only made it for 4 (I think) model years). The Softails are the most customizable models HD makes. Just so many models and so many after market parts available, you truly can do just about anything.
And thanks for all the comments thus far. Responding to Tailsfrommycrib, your comments were helpful. I wasn't asking you to justify anything and I'm not sure why you thought I was. I wasn't trying to start a debate - I was asking for peoples' experience. Your experience in owning the two models was perfect. Thanks.
And thanks for all the comments thus far. Responding to Tailsfrommycrib, your comments were helpful. I wasn't asking you to justify anything and I'm not sure why you thought I was. I wasn't trying to start a debate - I was asking for peoples' experience. Your experience in owning the two models was perfect. Thanks.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 275
Likes: 10
From: ORYGUN
When I bought my 2nd and current Fatty I went to dealers intending to buy a RK. I test rode about 8 of them. I thought I had it all figured out until someone traded in a FB modded out with apes (like my last bike was). I rode it and it felt just too damn right not to get another one. One thing others have said is how I'd describe it also, you feel like you're sitting down in the bike. I absolutely felt like I was on top of the road kings and riding on a cushioned chair. I didn't realize how drastically different they felt until I rode the Fatboy again.
The other primary reason I chose the Fatboy again is the counterbalanced motor. Some people like the vibes and shake of the rubber mounted motor, I much prefer the smoothed out feel of mine at light.
Also, to your other questions, you can get a FB with a bigger motor than an 88 and a 6-speed obviously. Are you limited to a model year range or something? One of the main things I love about my '08 is the 200mm rear tire. So I went looking for an 08-10 specifically, that seemed to be the sweet spot in my price range.
my 2 copper, gl on your decision
The other primary reason I chose the Fatboy again is the counterbalanced motor. Some people like the vibes and shake of the rubber mounted motor, I much prefer the smoothed out feel of mine at light.
Also, to your other questions, you can get a FB with a bigger motor than an 88 and a 6-speed obviously. Are you limited to a model year range or something? One of the main things I love about my '08 is the 200mm rear tire. So I went looking for an 08-10 specifically, that seemed to be the sweet spot in my price range.
my 2 copper, gl on your decision
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 556
Likes: 5
From: wisconsin
I would say rent one first. Then take an honest look at yourself and decide really what kind of riding you do and will most likely do. If you are doing even a 50/50 split two up I would keep the king. I have just shy of 50k on my 06 fatty and have added a lot to it to the point I wish I would have gotten a RK (if the right pops up I may grab it now). I started out just doing around town, weekend rides. But now with kids I find myself doing one long ride a month (1k plus at a time). The wife does not ride that often any more cause of the little ones, but if she did I would have traded awhile ago. The fatty is good for one up but even with the shot gun it is not the best option for two up. I have a 95 inch motor with 5 speed and have no issues. Would the 6 be nice for long runs on the x-way yes but I keep up with the guys who have them just fine. Just need fuel a little earlier. Also need to see how much you use your bags. If you use them often that will be an added expense to put a set on the fatty. I would say rent one for a long weekend and decide if it is for you. Good luck.
Last edited by 06 flstfise; Jun 3, 2013 at 03:21 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 32
Likes: 1
From: Fayette County GA
I switched from a RK to a FatboyLo. I agree with all who say you need to ride them...but I will tell you that I am incredibly happy with the switch. The RK is a great bike, but I prefer the FB. To me, there is no question the FB handles better; sportier, and the Lo is so easy and fun to flick around. I prefer sitting in the bike, vs. on the RK.
I picked up a Memphis Shades fairing, and ride with it almost all the time. I thought that maybe I'd want a SG or RG since I like the batwing, but I love the ride of the FB too much to switch again! My longest one day ride is about 200+ miles on the FB, and I could have done another 200. All on stock seat (but I'm low maintenance
).
I agree that it is not a great bike for 2 up touring. Around town, its fine, but a long haul isn't great...most of my riders don't like sitting up so high on the FB, but I don't plan any touring any time soon. If you do 2 up for a long haul, it may not be for you.
Honestly, I traded in the RK because it was a little boring (flame on!)...sat way too upright. The Lo handles amazingly well...
I picked up a Memphis Shades fairing, and ride with it almost all the time. I thought that maybe I'd want a SG or RG since I like the batwing, but I love the ride of the FB too much to switch again! My longest one day ride is about 200+ miles on the FB, and I could have done another 200. All on stock seat (but I'm low maintenance
).I agree that it is not a great bike for 2 up touring. Around town, its fine, but a long haul isn't great...most of my riders don't like sitting up so high on the FB, but I don't plan any touring any time soon. If you do 2 up for a long haul, it may not be for you.
Honestly, I traded in the RK because it was a little boring (flame on!)...sat way too upright. The Lo handles amazingly well...
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 2
From: MKE, WI
I just traded my Road Glide Ultra in on a 2013 Softail Deluxe. I wanted to go a different direction and have only logged 120 miles so far but I have been very happy. Love the looks of the deluxe and couldn't believe how well this thing rides! I test drove a Fatboy, Heritage and the Deluxe. For me the fit and the classic 50's styling made the deluxe the perfect fit for me.
Good luck with your choice
Ride safe,
T
Good luck with your choice
Ride safe,
T
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 9
From: Sedro Woolley, Washington
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
And dont forget that chicks dig softails. True experience - Just started dating a gal and I told her I had a harley. She smiled and said "thats an old guys bike". I showed her mine, my bike that is, and she could not believe that it was a harley and how much "sportier and nicer looking it is than those bikes with plastic all over them". Her words, not mine
, and she could not believe that it was a harley and how much "sportier and nicer looking it is than those bikes with plastic all over them". Her words, not mine
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: boston
traded my 2002 electra glide standard for 2010 fatboy lo. very different bikes, softail frame is so easy to handle its like riding a scooter love it in parking lots and slow moving. 1 thing i really hate about Lo vs touring is i drag floorboard every single turn... it really is annoying. alll things aside i have bags fairing stereo on my Lo and no one can ever figure out what bike i have! try being different on a touring bike...its like getting a unique camry