Fatboy - what year to look for?
 

Hi I am new to this forum, I am looking at getting a used fatboy. Is there any specific year I should look for? Is there any specific year I should stay away from?

Thanks,

Cumbacheech

2007 had a front end problem 2007 was the first engine change 96 inches

Any Evo Fatboy (1990-1999)
2008-present Twincam.
Avoid all others.

07 was the bastard year, 1st for a few things. 200 mm tire, 96 motor, 6spd trans. It does have a offset frt end, but its not a problem and if you didn't know you probably wouldn't even notice.

The only reoccurring problem I've had with my 07 FB is the starter ring gr breaking teeth.

most 07 6spd trans have either a rattle in 5th gr, related back to a weak compensator or a whine in 5th gear due to straight cut gears. Mine doesn't whine, the rattle was cured by installing a SE comp. these problems seem to be inherent in any softail in 07.

in 08 they went to a helical cut gear to reduce backlash noise. but in 08 they went to single row cheap azz wheel bearings.

Not all 07 have had issues,, yes they did have the 5th gear whine, some worse than others. Mine never was much to begin with and I had to listen for it to hear it.. Plus after about 15K I can't hear it all all..

Never had a min's problem with the stock Comp or starter or starter gears, Most Comp issues I've read about in here are usually on the touring bikes (A) motors..

Of course I only have 48K on our bike so far and she just keeps running better every yr.

The first engine change came in 2000...

It depends on what you plan to do with the bike. Keep it stock or customize it? Do you plan on building an engine for it or leave it stock?

08 or later. Hydraulic tensioners + bigger motor. I think there was a softail frame change just before 08 too.

Previous comments are spot-on. Year 2000 has single year specific parts such as the Stator, Rotor and Clutch Basket. These parts were poorly designed and corrected in 2001. The 2007 has an alignment off-set and problems with 5th gear.

the hydraulic cam chain tensioner started in 07 as did the auto tensioner for the primary chain.