2008 Harley-Davidson Softail® Fat Boy
User Reviews
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Bad Motor on 2008 HD FatBoy
By (I am an Owner) on Oct 10, 2011I own a 08 FatBoy. After 3200 miles the crankshaft broke in two peices.
I had it repaired, lucky that HD paid for repairs, but HD suggested that I upgrade the crankshaft. Cost me around 800 beans.
Took the FB for a long ride, had to stop almost every 120-125 miles ... to gas her up. Got around 33 MPG, which is poor. Hate that Hate to stop so often.
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105th Anniversary Edition
By (I am an Owner) on Jan 31, 2011I've owned this bike for about 2.5 years now. Nearly 23,000 miles. I ride it as often as possible: short rides, occasional commuter and on longer rides (2,000 - 3,000 miles). I've been as high as Pikes Peak, through Beartooth Pass, the Oregon and California Coasts and countless places in between. ... This Fat Boy is a shear joy and I see why it's their most popular model of Softail. Never a problem! I do all my own service and it's easy to work on. I have replaced the rear tires twice and the front tire once - typical for a bike. I would suggest this model for someone who is looking for a great cruiser that can tour with the addition of only a couple of saddle bags and a windshield.
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2008 Fatboy
By (I am an Owner) on Jan 06, 2011I love,love,love my Fatboy.Of all the bikes I've owned,it is by far the best.
The wide tires makes for a smooth ride.
I also love the look,it has a bobber look to it,but is very modern. I just can't say enough about it.
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08 FATBOY
By (I am an Owner) on Mar 11, 2010I bought my FATBOY in March of 08, I hadn't ridden since the early 80's when I had a LOW RIDER like em both. The FATBOY look is what I liked back then and am very happy with this bike now. Fuel injected, F A T tire did the chrome wheel exchange looks good rides good. Took it in March for 10,000 mile ... service, decided to put a 204 cam in it and well it ended up being 103ci and is too cool. Now we're talkin.....Old boy on a smokin toy, never give up!
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fat boy simply the best
By (I am an Owner) on Jan 09, 2010i am 60 years old have ridden most bikes started riding motor cycles when i was 12 years old , i can only say they have finaly produced the best cruiser in the world the 2008 model has everthing 200 back wheel power in every gear comfort and head turning style ,
it is an absolute pleasure ... when me and my girl go for a run out in the country side . this bike is the dogs it makes me feel as good as i did when i took my triumph bonnie out when i was 18 years old.
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2008 Harley Davidson Fatboy
By (I am an Owner) on Jul 12, 2009Have owned this bike from new for nearly 10 months as a leisure rider. Have come from Fireblades, SP1's, Yamaha Roadstar 1600, Firestorms and many others.. Its simple as this, I am now comfortable, relaxed, and finally satisfied. I can ride for hours with no wrist pain and with the cheese and ... kisses now finally on the back no longer whining. The Fatboy is style all the way and effortless cruising. Put simply riding is now more personal than I ever imagined. I'm in love with the chrome ad-ons as I make the bike truly mine. Wife hated bikes and especially Harleys before I begged her to go the Fatboy,-after a couple of rides to a nearby bakery for coffee and lunch together its now the centre of our weekend 'get away from the kids' session. GET ONE !!! Show her this review.. ITS TRUE.
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All is well that ends well
By (I am an Enthusiast) on May 02, 2009We bought a 2008 Harley Fatboy Anniversary Edition after two Yamahas. The Yamahas served us well over many miles, no mechanical issues whatsoever. We wanted a Harley and fell in love with the paint scheme on the 105th Anniv bikes, so we traded the 2007 Venture in and rode home on our fatboy. ...
In contrast to the Yamaha's flawless performance over the miles, we were stunned at how much we lost at trade in, even a full dresser like the Venture hurt when it came to resale value.
We had several problems with the Fatboy to begin with. First, we had oil leaks, three of them. Took two service calls to get them all fixed, but they did get fixed and no more leaks. Second, I noticed one day that my right rear passenger peg was missing, and it didn't just fall off, the mounting bolt was broken off in the frame. I called the Harley shop and they said that wasn't a warranty item and they would not cover it. I went down to the dealer to raise a stink, maybe things fall off of 1994 sportsters, but NOT off a $20,000 brand new bike with only 4,000 miles on it! The dealer informed me that the factory tells them to deny things like this at first and hope we go away. But if you complain, then they will fix it. So I complained and they did fix it.
We have had a couple thousand miles without incident since then and with this behind us, I am thoroughly enjoying the Fat Boy. There really is something different about riding a Harley, it's not just an ad phrase. I love this bike, its ride, its sound. My mechanical problems are not common with other Hog riders I know, so I would gladly recommend this bike to anyone gettiing off a Jap cruiser and thinking about a Harley. There are cheaper Hogs, a Super Glide goes for around $12k. But this is a smooth ride and awesome looker as well.
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Greatest Ride Ever!!!
By (I am an Owner) on Sep 22, 2008I have owned my fat boy for nearly a year now and commute to work daily on it. The only problem I have experienced was the computer (ECU) crapped itself on the freeway on the way home from work. I rang the harley assist who collected the bike and delivered it to the dealer. The dealer said it was ... the first ECU he had that failed. Harley Australia did not have an ECU in stock so they pulled one of a new bike, back on the road the next day. Now thats service!!
The bike rides like a dream. The foot boards often scrape when cornering but they can be replaced eventually. This is fun at night when sparks fly out from the side when cornering.
Starting is not a problem firing first time every time. Even in the hot aussie summers she works like a charm. Power delivery is very smooth. There is only one better feeling that I can think of than taking a long sweeping corner and putting down the power, it just makes you warm and fussy all over.
I would highly recommend this bike. From the first moment you fire the baby up you will have a smile on your dial!!!
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Improved over the '07 Model!
By (I am an Owner) on Sep 05, 2008The biggest improvement is the centered front wheel. The '07 model's front wheel is was centered in the fork. It is off center by about 3/4 inch. The fender is center to the wheel and it is this that causes the slider to come down and gouge the fender when the suspension is at it's bottom. The fix ... was to notch out the top fork covers - just looked odd to me. The 2008 is fixed, cented front wheel and not notch. The front end looks as it was suppose to. Now with the 200mm rear tire, six speed and 96" engine the Fatboy is 100%. I purchased this bike after owning a Sportster for a couple of years and renting numerous larger bikes including; WideGlide, Street Bob, Fatboy and a V-Rod. The Fatboy gives you great handling and is fun to ride; however, you can throw on some luggage and ride, in comfort, long distances. The Dynas are nice, but not as comfortable. The felt that Fatboy was a good big overall, for different kinds of riding. And, of course, the bike just looks great! You can see why this in the most copied cruiser on the planet. I gave this a Four star for value because, lets be honest, Harley's are just so expensive.
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