Contemplating a Fat Bob. Am I crazy?

[bruinFJRguy]

2015 FJR1300A rider. My previous bikes in order from most recent to earliest were 2008 FJR, 2015 FJ-09, 2002 Fz1, 2005 Fz1, 2002 Honda Shadow 750, Gxsr 600,....and so it goes, mostly Japanese sports or nakeds, with an '83 Shadow 500 in the mix.

I had the 2002 Shadow when I moved into the 2005 FZ1, and didn't miss it at all when I sold it. Something about a blacked out 2008 Fat Bob with Vance & Hines Big Radius pipes has me itching right now.

Am I out of my head? Torque looks to be about 92 lbs on the 96 C.I. motor. HP I'm sure is much less than the FJR. All in all, they aren't similar bikes and they aren't meant to be.

Does anyone think the Harley will just sit? In a perfect world I'd own one of everything. But the world ain't perfect.

School me.

 

[deagle]

Nope. you're not crazy. Would have plenty of power compared to your previous Shadows, although way down compared to the FJR. But it's not meant to be compared to the FJR. It would be a fun second bike (Edited to add: For many it would be a fun first bike). More of a relaxing pace, doesn't beg to be pushed like the FJR does. And the Fat Bob's aren't near as expensive compared to the HD touring models. Get it and report back in a few months.

My FJR gets 90% of the ride time, but sometimes it's nice to just slow down and smell the flowers. Harley guys love flowers don't you know.

 

[C&C]

Torque gets you going, H/P lets you go fast(er); for all legal speeds (and above) the Harley will take you there. If a Harley is what you want, I say, go for it. That being said, personally, I like Harleys, and if conditions were favorable I'd own one myself.

 

[steveoreno]

Just don't get any tattoos!

 

[Bounce]

Depends on what your goals are. Leaning in a curve? Less so than the FJR.

I could joke about buying a lifestyle when you can't figure out one on your own but it would be (mostly) kidding around.

 

[BkerChuck]

Since I worked for a HD dealership I've spent some time around them so here goes my .02.

I seriously considered the Fat Bob when it first came out. Actually started pricing out what I'd have to do to make it my own the whole deal. I prefer the early release with mid-mount controls rather than the later ones where forward controls became standard. With the forward controls my right knee would hit the air cleaner constantly unless I rode with that leg splayed out in what quickly became uncomfortable. Check just how close the exhaust pipes run to the oil dipstick. Certain systems run so close there's no way you're pulling the dipstick to check your oil when it's hot like you're supposed to. No serious recalls that I can remember on the early models. By 2008 the cam chain issues had been resolved and the clutch problems came later. Decent aftermarket support and I always felt the Dyna family of bikes were among the best handling of Harley's lineup. It would be a great bike for day trips but I would keep the FJR for when you want to travel.

Main reason I never jumped on one, even with my employee discount by the time I was done with the upgrades I wanted it would have run me near 20k.

 

[MrZappo]

I'll be the odd man out here. I think you might be (a little) crazy.

A little.



Think of this bike as a hooker you met while riding through tiauana on your FJR. She looks good, sounds good, feels good. Seems like a perfectly reasonable and sane decision to marry her.

Maybe a simple affair is in order.

If it rides or floats or @#ck$, it's usually cheaper to rent it.

 

[lnewlf]

factor in the cost of a new wardrobe

 

[chivvalry]

It's a lifestyle...

 

[biknflyfisher]

No sir, you are not crazy at all. I had a 2003 HD FXDX Super Glide Sport prior to my FJR that I put 23K trouble free miles on, and I still wish I had it in the garage (parked next to the FJR). Each bike hits a certain "sweet spot", and the Fat Bob may be one of those sweet spots for you. The FJR hits many sweet spots for me, but does not replace the thrill that I get when I fire up the Blue Bomber and head for the dirt (1983 Yamaha IT490) - it's just a different thrill, or the thrill you may get when you hit the starter button on the Fat Bob.

Do not be deterred by the opinions of others, you do what you want and just get out there and ride (safely...).

biknflyfisher

 

[escapefjrtist]

Ask yourself...What are you going to use it for?

--G

 

[Klubis]

Yes

 

[want2ride]

It has two wheels, rolls when you twist the throttle and puts a smile on your face so you are not crazy. You already have the smart bike so get the HD, lol. Everyone likes the dumb blonde!

 

[Cav47]

Can I have first dibs on all your safety gear. Helmet, Jacket, Boots, Gloves, and Intelligence.

Kidding.

I too have occasionally considered another bike that was more of the "relaxed persuasion" to encourage the wife to ride along. Good luck on your decision.

 

[El Toro]

I've taken some excursions into cruiser world.

And I've owned cruisers simultaneously with FJRs.

Cruiser World is different.

Of the cruisers, I find all but the Triumph Rockets to be seriously disappointing because of my butt dyno expectations.

I have owned four Rocket III Tourings. I move the tall windshield, the Russell seat, and the powerlet outlet from the traded bike to the new one and I'm in Cruiser World Nirvana.

I have not owned the Fat Bob, but to suit me, I would end up spending over $20k. R3Ts can be found new and modded to suit for quite a bit less. And there's really no way to boost the FB to the 150 ft-lbs of torque that the stock R3T can muster.

 

[Bill Lumberg]

If I wanted to have that much money in bikes, the slot in my garage occupied by an airhead BMW would be occupied by a road king or nomad. I don't know that I'd want either as my primary, every day, LD bike, but I love riding them.

 

[Sharif]

If you can have both, do it. I rented a Road King on Maui, and it was perfect for the Road to Hana. Mellow Vance and Hines pipes, comfortable, and fine for exploring the island with my wife.

I'm too spoiled by the FJR to have an HD as my only bike - the FJR is just too good at eating miles at a pace I like.

Per your profile, you're in LA and can ride year-round, so I think it'a perfectly sensible thing to do. Ride and enjoy!

 

[Larry33319]

I have 3 bikes in my garage (besides my wifes bikes), A 2012 Vstrom 650 I rode from Ft Lauderdale to Prudoe Bay Alaska, my 2006 FJR with 136,000 miles requiring just routine maintenance, and last June 30th I bought a 2016 H-D Street Glide Special. The SGS now has 29,400 miles on her. I live 40 minutes from Deals Gap and ride the mountains regularly as evident by the mileage. I rented the SGS for 24 hours and rode thru every type of road before signing a chack. It does everything I have ever asked it to do and more. All my bikes are different and have different purposes. My suggestion would be to rent one and take her out and put her thru the paces. I bad mouthed HD for 45 years and the newer bikes 2014 and up are much different from the HD's of years past. The new motor they are using for the touring bikes and hopefully the Dyna and Softtail lines next August is another major improvement. Smooth and quiet, not like your Dad's knuckle or shovel head.

 

[Niehart]

Every buddy should own at least one. I did.