Motorcycle.com

LOVE IT BUT ALOT OF ADJUSTMENT!

I LOVE MY BIKE! LET ME MAKE THAT CLEAR! BUT, I HAVE MADE ALOT OF ADJUSTMENTS AND I STILL HAVE THINGS TO DO! WHICH REALLY BUMS ME OUT.

I AM 5'2" AND 49 YEARS OLD WITH A 29" INSEAM SOOOOOOO HERE IS ALL THE CHANGES.

FIRST, I RODE THE BIKE AS IT WITH FORWARD CONTROLS FOR ABOUT 850 MILES,... AND THAN MADE THE SWITCH TO MID CONTROLS. BOTH OF THE SEATS FROM HD THAT I BOUGHT DID NOT WORK BUT MY CORBIN IS THE MOST COMFORTABLE AND REMINDS ME OF RIDING IN MY SADDLE ON MY HORSE. SO THAT PART IS PERFECT, THE MID CONTROLS ARE WORKING, THE PROGRESSIVE SHOCKS ARE WORKING. BUT, AGAIN ANOTHER PROBLEM MY HANDLEBARS. I AM ON MY SECOND SET AND THEY ARE CARLINE AND THEY STILL ARE NOT RIGHT. I HAVE TO REMIND YOU AGAIN THAT IS BIKE RIDES LIKE A CADDY!!! IT HANDLES LIKE A DREAM AND IS SO BALANCED. I JUST WISH THAT SOMEONE HAD REALLY GUIDED ME ALONG A WHOLE LOT MORE.
OVER ALL I REALLY DON'T WANT ANY OTHER BIKE THE BIG WHEELS MAKE ME FEEL VERY SECURE ON THE BIKE.
SO NOW IF I COULD JUST GET THE HANDLE BARS RITE! THIS IS MY FIRST HARLEY AND I DON'T PLAN ON EVERY GETTING ANOTHER ONE!
HOPE YOU LIKE MY PICTURES!

TONI
NEW JERSEY Read Full Review

First Bike - First Harley

I am a novice rider. I have never owned a motorcycle. The only ones I have ever ridden were in the MSF Basic Rider’s Course. But all my life I have wanted a Harley. So finally 40, I was able to cajole the wife into letting me get one. One week after the MSF Basic Rider Course I signed the paper...s, and watched the dealer roll it out for my ride away. Honestly, I was intimidated at first. Electra Glide riders will laugh, but to me the Fat Bob looked like a BIG bike. "Relaaaax," the salesman said, and after watching him glide a lap around the parking lot in 1st gear without touching the throttle even once he told me to do the same.

After about 20 minutes of parking lot orientation, I hit the open road for the first time. Well not really open road, it was the mid-evening city streets. But to me, it was like riding in freedom. Walking the bike is a bit tough, but once it begins rolling under power, it simply glides. Compared to the training bikes in the Basic Rider Course, every new bike shifts better and smooth. But even to a short legged, 5'8" guy like me it was easy to manipulate the forward shifter and brake too. Both were so smooth. One hour into the ride I executed my first quick stop as a Left Turn Larry pulled in front of me just as they told to be prepared for in safety training. The Fat Bob is a big machine but those brakes, both front and back, either alone or with all four down, bring it to a smooth, fast and easy stop. The seat is comfortable and the position is relaxing. I hear the rumble, but barely and rarely feel it through the seat.

When driving the car I often remark to my wife that when a bike goes by I can tell if it’s a Harley just from the sound. Now, at a stoplight I can hear the distinctive rumble. it seems silly, but looking around, I realize it’s mine.

In lower gears it feels like the bike wants to fly, itching on it’s own to go faster and it seems to run smoother at higher speed. It has no tachometer so I am up shifting at the recommended break in speeds, but the bike seems to vibrate and growl for an upshift sooner.

I hit a curve a little faster than I should have, but a little more lean and the Bob cruised through effortlessly.

There is a moment in the evening ride home with strong island gusts. One section of road is really bumpy and bad. And as a big truck comes by, and a light rain suddenly falls, I am buffeted by opposing winds. Yet at that moment, I still feel this is the greatest feeling in the world.

As I rode home in my rearview mirrors I suddenly noticed a distinctive twin headlights following me. He pulled up next to me at a the stoplight. His is black denim. Mine is black pearl. He looks at me from behind goggles and yells “Harley Fat Bob! It’s the best!!!”

I have not ridden enough bikes to really give it an objective comparision. But to me, it is the best.

“I love mine too!” I reply.

I bought some graphics to custom decorate my tank. But looking at my Fat Bob it doesn’t really need them. It already looks, just like it runs: simply beautiful.

The light turned green I I rode off. And it ran like a dream come true. Read Full Review

Lucky choice for me.

While in the Navy I rode many Japanese bikes and enjoyed them. This is the first HD I've had.



I have been a non-rider for 23 years since having a bad accident on a Kawasaki so I didn't think I wanted to ever get on another bike. For the last several years my wife has been on my case about gettin...g a Harley as she has been ridding with anyone who would let her perch on the back of theirs. She finally wore me down and I purchaced a FAT BOB with 20K on it. It is in such good condition it is mistaken for just off the showroom floor. As a matter of fact it was the only bike I looked at and took me all of ten minutes to decide to buy.

This bike is made for a big guy like me (6 ft / 265 lb). The Fat Bob has a near perfect balance, awsome looks and power that I haven't even reached yet. Handling on the road is solid and in turns it is a dream as it hugs the road with those wide tires and your center of gravity down where it should be. The lower gears give plenty of acceleration and in the top ones a smooth cruising feel with a deep throaty HD growl.

HD really did a great job of designing this bike to be pleasing to the eye. Aggressive twin headlights, black powder coated engine, 2-1-2 Tommy gun double barrel mufflers, "Full metal jacket" rear shock covers and those wide tires make this a bike that really gets looks. I happen to belong to a MC and it is funny that when we have our meetings, members comment on what a cool bike it is.

If I had to do it again, I would not hesitate to buy this bike. I guess I'm pretty lucky to have a wife who would insist that I get a Harley and then find the perfect bike for us.



Read Full Review

Real nice ride

Ive done 10,000km now,very happy with my Fat Bob,Put SE mufflers on to give her a bit more noise. Read Full Review

No nonsense

I've owned the FXDF for over three years now, apart from a small throttle issue early on during the warranty period this bike has been a no hassle member of the family. Owing to the harsh climate we don't ride out here much, but even when left for months on end outdoor in heavy dust, just jump start... and the bike is good to go. I would recommend the Fat Bob to anyone who wants a Harley but doesnt care for the shiny, heavily poilished hassles that go with most of the harley models. This is factory Rat bike. Nice to ride and with standard exhaust mods and a tune plenty of grunt to keep you happy. One down side is that the stock rims are heavy and prone to wind deflection at higher speeds. Read Full Review