I am considering the purchase of a 1998 Fat Boy with 32,400 miles. Asking price is $7950. There are no engine mods that I am aware of, but haven't talked the owner of the lot that is selling.

I was wondering about any experience with this year and model. Particularly interested in the handling, mpg, reliability, and comfort of this bike. I will be using for commuting 135 miles to where I work for the week and return home at end of week. Any good, reliable info will be appreciated. I know pics are important for some of you folks so here it is

www.sunsetautosalesandclassics.net/view/6124/RED-1998-Harley%20David-Flstf

 

I have a 1996 Fatboy and it's basically the same bike. I say go for it, these days prices are way down on Harley's so for one that is as old as ours and with 30k+ miles you might be able to do better if you keep looking or negotiate more with the seller of this bike. There are a TON of bikes for sale on Craig's List alone. I know nothing about that bike what so ever and it very may be worth a lot more than the seller is asking. I am simpilly letting you know if you didn't already it's a buyer's market. At least here in the Tri State area. As for the ride quality of the bike. It's great and can be tailored to your specific needs. Mine is set up more for looks or if you have to stereotype it a "bar hopper". My Uncle has a 1999 Fatboy again just like ours and his is set up for two up riding, has a windsheild, and bags. His rides completely different than mine and be used as a daily commuter with no issues. Hope this helps your decision.

 

I had a '98 Heritage, really liked the sound of Evo motor and that was hard bolted to the frame, same in the Fatboy, no internal balancer or rubber mounts, you can feel the motor.
What I did not care for was the loosey brakes, the small 3.5 gallon tank, and the 5 speed tranny, I was always looking for a 6th gear.

 

Ask for a test ride. If they refuse, don't buy it. Find the closest hwy and put a few miles in it. See what she feels like. Look up other similar bikes in your region. See how that are priced. Softails aren't cheap in my neck of the woods. Seems everyone is asking over book value. In the end unless you pay way too much and/or hate the bike, a few dollars doesn't really make a big difference IMO. Fyi you might hate the solid wheels on a really windy day. Never ridden one myself but that's what I've been told. Maybe other fatty owners can chime in on that one. Good luck!

 

I wouldn't ever buy something without a test ride. The seller is a friend of the family who owns a car lot. He has made good deals with us on two other cars and feel he would be fair with this and am sure he wold let me test ride (might even let me take home overnight). The NADA and KBB show figures in the ball park of the asking price.

 

As for the wheels, I can say this. On extreme windy days, yes, you will be pushed around a bit but for me after years of riding one it's like second nature you just learn to lean into the wind just a bit and your fine. My bike stock before any mods at all I was getting about 235-245 miles per tank. This is a 4.8 gallon split tank not a 3.5 gallon tank. After a Mikuni carb, exhaust, air filter, and ignition my MPG's went way south... I was only getting 120-128 miles per tank tops (those miles are when I had to switch to reserve, I don't ever count reserve miles as part of my MGP's). Now my bike is a monster and I have no clue what I'm getting MPG's as of yet but the point is. A stock or fairly shock Fatboy/Softail of those years gets desent gas mileage, ride quality is great (again personal preference), and they just look cool. You get the look of a hard tail and all the benifits of a full suspension. That front fat tire will help you handle the road much better than those skiny ones on other models also. My buddy has a softail custom of similar year as mine and when we hit tar snakes, or wide grooves in the road he gets pulled all over the place until he gets out of it. I can ride right in the middle of them and feel nothing at all. Sorry for the long post just trying to be as detailed as possible. I know I searched high and low before my purchase and asked a million questions also. Good luck and ride safe.

 

FatBoyZombie, thanks for the info. It is useful. I have even found a couple of other Fat Boy's at a dealership near Atlanta. Will still look around for more info and deals. Any other info will still be appreciated

 

That is a fair price for that bike. The windshield and backrest would set you back over $700, If you didn't want them you could turn them quickly and reduce your cost. If he's a car dealer, he is not looking to hold that for long and should treat you right.

 

Thanks kkiley. I actually liked the backrest and rack, more storage and if wife/daughter get on they would appreciate the security. Also the windshield was low enough for my height. And auxiliary lights are a nice touch also