Thinking of a Fat Bob

[SteelD]

This is part of the mail I posted on the Newbies Say Hello board. I have posted it here since it is model-specific and I don't know if any of the experts here browse that board. My current ride is a year old so I'm not thinking of changing right away but I've joined up to find out a bit more reliability, dealer back-up and other long-term issues. I like significant purchases to be backed up by a bit of research.

So, I like the Fat Bob and though I've never gone for black bikes, I think the rich Vivid Black is the one to go for with mid-mounted pegs. I'm hoping that they will put ABS on it next year. I'd make a few changes to the bike - seat with backrest for the missus, Stage 1 air filter, PCIII and Rush pipes (I like the tommy gun headers so want to keep them), detachable screen (maybe), headlights wired for twin low beam/high beam - if not, ditch and replace with single big unit. I also see that it is possible to swap the speedo for a combined speedo/tacho - is that right? Anybody done that?

Now anything else that's a 'must do/have'?

Do I assume that a centre-stand on a Harley is sacrilege/non-existent?

Thanks

[Monkeybrain]

I don't think you'll see ABS on anything other than tourers for some years to come, as for the center stand, never...

The Fatbob is nice looking bike in its own right, not really what most would consider a HD, truth be told. They had a similar (although short lived) bike in the line-up a few years back , the Dyna-Sport. Seems that both are attempts to attract the GSX/XJR crowd.
I test rode and liked the Sport, but really wanted a softail.

Go and test ride some bikes, Chester used to have a Fatbob demonstrator, have a go on a Street-bob too.

[SteelD]

Originally Posted by Monkeybrain

I don't think you'll see ABS on anything other than tourers for some years to come,

I was at a Harley experience day recently where ABS was being promoted (and demonstrated) as a potential life-saver. It would be bizarre for HD to push this and then say that the only lives worth saving are the riders on touring bikes. The V-Rod has this an as option and that's not a tourer.

Originally Posted by Monkeybrain

...as for the center stand, never....

Mmmmh! So, Harleys never get parked in situations where they need the extra security of a centre stand?

Originally Posted by Monkeybrain

The Fatbob is nice looking bike in its own right, not really what most would consider a HD, truth be told.

By 'most' I assume you are referring to traditional Harley buyers. The whole purpose of bikes like the Fat Bob and XR1200 is to attract new buyers who wouldn't otherwise consider one (like me). I don't think any manufacturer is in the position of saying "we are happy where we are and content to not move forward". That's what the British motorcycle industry did and look what that did for them. I understand that the Fat Bob allocation for the UK is sold out for this year - that should speak for itself.

[Andy in Beds]

I test rode a Fat-Bob back in April.
I thought it was a very nice bike indeed.
The one I tested had forward controls and was gloss black I think.
I did find after about 35 miles that it was starting to pull (ache) in the small of my back. I'm 5' 11" but I think I must have short legs..!

Otherwise a very solid feel and it pulled like a train--the six speed box was good too.

I don't know what a typical HD rider is. I started on a Sportster and ride a Fat-Boy now.
On the day in question I really wanted a Fat-Bob but the dealer couldn't sell me one--not even the demonstrator.

Then I test rode a Softail and I changed my mind.

So the answer is, go to a dealer and ask to try things out.
If you're a serious punter, they'll soon work out that you are.
Try everything though--you might be surpriised what you find that you actually like.

Andy

[Monkeybrain]

David,

I'm not being negative about the bikes or what you are looking for.

I agree the new sporty and the F-bob are there to get the sports bike riders to look at an alternative. But don't underestimate the appeal of the big twin, they'll lure you in with 'hybrid' and you'll end up with a pipe and slippers Road King.

There is no talk of ABS on the US forums other that in Tourers, its only an option on 2008's and no expectation of that being filtered to other models. That said, as its on the Vrod's it'll most likely end up as an option for the entire range at some point in the future, just don't hold your breath.


You'll just have to accept that there isn't a centre-stand. There just isn't. I've got a softail, the wife a Sporty, I've never felt I needed the stand, for maintainance most people use hydraulic lifts, don't under estimate the benefits of having the bike 2 foot off the ground.

[Jester]

(from an earlier post I made)

I had a test ride on one of these yesterday. I had a Shovel many years ago and fancied another Harley. For me it was a choice between a Road King and the FXDF, different bikes I know but the overall look of the Fat Bob made this the bike I thought I'd really like to own. I had the bike for about 4 hrs and rode it about 70 - 80 miles, motorway and B roads. The weather here was terrible and the wind kept pushing my feet off the forwards.

I really liked the bike, especially the looks, handling and mainly the motor. The bike had the full stage 1 so I cant say what it would be like standard. What I didn't like was the finish. The plastic tank badges seemed a bit cheapo for this sort of money, and you could see the rubber stickers peeling off the tank badges and the stick on oil tank trim. Many of the fittings were showing signs of slight corrosion as were the discs, probably due to the bike being used on salty roads. Minor but unexpected with only 300 miles on it. I guess a better cleaning and maintenance regeime with some ACF or similar would keep this at bay.

The seat was great solo but I'd really need to change to a Sundowner or similar to keep the missus happy on long journeys. The riding position was fine for me at 6' 2". Parts are obviously limited for such a new model, although at least one rack and sissy bar are available. For me I'd need these plus bags and a screen for any sort of functional distance / touring use. I'm not sure you can get a screen yet, I haven't seen any.

The handling was pretty good considering I'd just jumped from an R1200GS BMW. I could hustle the bike fast enough through the corners to hold plenty of speed, even in the wet skanky road conditions. The ground clearance seemed fine. The brakes are pretty good for such a heavy bike and seem up to the job even braking from speed, no problems here. I actually didn't find the vibes that bad, the mirrors were clear at all speeds, better than the BM at some speeds, but then the BM does vibe a little bit anyway.

The wind blast was something I've not experienced for a few years of riding bikes with fairings. It was more than I'd expected as I'd thought sitting in the bike would have made it less noticeable. More than sixty mile per hour was too much with the strong winds yesterday, which was to be expected I guess. With the wind behind me the bike was fine at 80 mph plus and the sixth gear made this a realistic cruising speed.

I liked the bike and I guess I was hoping it might perform both as tourer and cruiser. I guess it could with a few mods but I ended up hankering after the Road King, mainly due to the extra passenger comfort, screen and bags as standard plus I can fling my tent and camping gear on it easily.

If I only used the bike solo and was going to stick to UK use I'm sure it would be a great bike to own long term. I still think it's one of the best looking and most UK orientated Harleys straight out the box.

Anyway, it brought me back to wanting another Harley

I ended up testing another 3 bikes, all RK's and eventually bought one of them. I felt that the RK was the swiss army knife of Harleys, is better built and finished, better value than the FXDF and would do everything you asked of it, plus it's more classy imho and looks better with ma pipe and slippers ;)

[JR-Harley]

Originally Posted by Monkeybrain

David,

But don't underestimate the appeal of the big twin, they'll lure you in with 'hybrid' and you'll end up with a pipe and slippers Road King.

That is so so true I find myself wanting a Road king now I have caught the touring bug. I thought I only wanted a weekend toy so hence the Softtail Custom.

Wish I could afford both Being a brake snatcher ABS appeals to me and I hope they become an option through out the whole range at some point.

[Chiefy]

Originally Posted by Monkeybrain

David,

I'm not being negative about the bikes or what you are looking for.

I agree the new sporty and the F-bob are there to get the sports bike riders to look at an alternative. But don't underestimate the appeal of the big twin, they'll lure you in with 'hybrid' and you'll end up with a pipe and slippers Road King..

Originally Posted by Monkeybrain

There is no talk of ABS on the US forums other that in Tourers, its only an option on 2008's and no expectation of that being filtered to other models. That said, as its on the Vrod's it'll most likely end up as an option for the entire range at some point in the future, just don't hold your breath.


You'll just have to accept that there isn't a centre-stand. There just isn't. I've got a softail, the wife a Sporty, I've never felt I needed the stand, for maintainance most people use hydraulic lifts, don't under estimate the benefits of having the bike 2 foot off the ground.

Totally agree.

[Chiefy]

Originally Posted by SteelD

I was at a Harley experience day recently where ABS was being promoted (and demonstrated) as a potential life-saver. It would be bizarre for HD to push this and then say that the only lives worth saving are the riders on touring bikes. The V-Rod has this an as option and that's not a tourer.


Mmmmh! So, Harleys never get parked in situations where they need the extra security of a centre stand?


By 'most' I assume you are referring to traditional Harley buyers. The whole purpose of bikes like the Fat Bob and XR1200 is to attract new buyers who wouldn't otherwise consider one (like me). I don't think any manufacturer is in the position of saying "we are happy where we are and content to not move forward". That's what the British motorcycle industry did and look what that did for them. I understand that the Fat Bob allocation for the UK is sold out for this year - that should speak for itself.

Didn't need the advice after all?