Fatboy

[Motorsport3]

I don't know much about Harleys, only used to run a Sportster for a couple of years and thinking of scratching the HD itch again at some point.

I am toying with the idea of getting a Fatboy at some point but would like something from the 00s or earlier, something characterful for special Sunday rides.

Are there particular models worth aiming for?

[Pica-Pica]

I know nothing either, but I give praise to the Harley rider who stopped to visit the tourist spot opposite our house, and switched his engine off straight away, and on returning drove away straight after starting. I wish all would do that.

[DirtyHarley]

I would lean towards the 2002 FLSTF Fat Boy primarily as it was the first Fat Boy to get the Twin Cam 88B that replaced the old evolution engine and a 5 gal fuel tank whilst still keeping classic 90's Fat Boy styling.

Whilst the original 1990 FB has a special appeal (Terminator 2 being partly why I've love cruiser styled bikes!), I'd personally avoid anything from before 2002 for a few reasons; mostly down to minor niggle issues and a preference for EFI over carbed bikes - mostly I'd go 2012 onwards for the upgraded 1,690 cc engine.

EDIT - just AVOID 06/07s as they were and remain plagued with issues! Year 2000 has single year specific parts such as the Stator, Rotor and Clutch Basket which are getting hard to source replacements for. These parts were poorly designed and corrected in 2001 but not easily interchangeable. The 2006/2007 has an alignment off-set and problems with 5th gear.


Double edit - Pica-Pica - not all of us are knobs in arseless chaps wanting to make noise for noises sake. I always engine off if pulling up to sightsee/ take piccies even if only for 1 min!

Edited by DirtyHarley on Saturday 4th September 21:22

[Motorsport3]

DirtyHarley said:

I would lean towards the 2002 FLSTF Fat Boy primarily as it was the first Fat Boy to get the Twin Cam 88B that replaced the old evolution engine and a 5 gal fuel tank whilst still keeping classic 90's Fat Boy styling.

Whilst the original 1990 FB has a special appeal (Terminator 2 being partly why I've love cruiser styled bikes!), I'd personally avoid anything from before 2002 for a few reasons; mostly down to minor niggle issues and a preference for EFI over carbed bikes - mostly I'd go 2012 onwards for the upgraded 1,690 cc engine.

EDIT - just AVOID 06/07s as they were and remain plagued with issues! Year 2000 has single year specific parts such as the Stator, Rotor and Clutch Basket which are getting hard to source replacements for. These parts were poorly designed and corrected in 2001 but not easily interchangeable. The 2006/2007 has an alignment off-set and problems with 5th gear.


Double edit - Pica-Pica - not all of us are knobs in arseless chaps wanting to make noise for noises sake. I always engine off if pulling up to sightsee/ take piccies even if only for 1 min!

Edited by DirtyHarley on Saturday 4th September 21:22

Very useful insight, thank you.
A 2002-2004 model was my original thought too but didn't know the intricacies mentioned about the 00 and 06 models so that's good to know.
From a practical point of view I appreciate that the later bikes will be easier to live with but find the engines just too large and the final iteration a departure in terms of style.

[Markgenesis]

Crickey a mate has an 06, wonder if he knows about the issues ?, not a huge HD fan myself but do admire them. Not sure if this is common knowledge (or indeed true ?) but the Fatboy was supposedly named after the bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Fat man and Little boy, the Hiroshima plane was Enola Gay sung about in the OMD song. Yes i'm a riot at party's.

[DirtyHarley]

Motorsport3 said:

Very useful insight, thank you.
A 2002-2004 model was my original thought too but didn't know the intricacies mentioned about the 00 and 06 models so that's good to know.
From a practical point of view I appreciate that the later bikes will be easier to live with but find the engines just too large and the final iteration a departure in terms of style.

No worries bud, happy to help where I can. I'm predominantly a Sportster chap, but my second love is the Softail series - love to have one but I do a LOT of commuting miles so it just wouldnt be practical for me.

With regards to the 06 / 07 issues - I believe that it is predominantly an 07 issue, with only a handful of late production 06's having the gearing issue. The 07 also has the additional tracking issues, off centred front mudguard,dodgy spacers etc. that compeltely rule it out in my book.

Speaking of 02-04 I *think* that they came in both EFI and carb variants so you've probably got options there; depending what is around, price/mile/condition you are looking for. I'm just a sucker for a decent EFI over carbs since I do most of my own spannering and HD's like to be maintained constantly; removing the carb maintenance removes a lot of hassle.