08 Fat Bob - Good beginner's bike?

DaveInPA

Hey everyone,

A couple of months ago I bought a Sportster XL883. I've been riding it and loving it. However, my better half has also been riding it, and well, she wants one. So, I'm thinking maybe I'll give her the Sporty when I propose to her in a month or so, and go get myself a Fat Bob. I love the look of them, but I haven't ridden one yet.

What do you guys think? Good choice? I rode dirtbikes a ton as a kid, I've been riding my Sportster almost every day for the last 2 months, and I just finished my MSF course. What are the main differences I would feel between my current bike and the Fat Bob?

Thanks
Dave

Bud White

Fat bob should be a little bigger and heavier .. maybe not as tall i dont remember ..

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glider

If you liked the sporty, you'll LOVE the fat bob. More comfortable to ride.

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Dr. Doolittle

Careful Dave - sounds like you're dangerously close to the disease where you buy a new Harley every year, searching for the perfect bike! Do some research, demo a lot of bikes, rent for the day. Make this next purchase your last for awhile or you'll be broke quickly! I'd hate to see you run out and get the Fat Bob and then 6 months later see you post - "What's a Good Touring Model for a New Rider?"

I jumped off my Sporty after 11 months but I spent the last three months researching what my next Harley was going to be. Street Glide was the best of all worlds for me. I'm sure you'd love the Fat Bob, I'm just saying..........

Oh almost forgot, you should feel very fortunate your better half wants to share your love of riding with you. I'm a lonely "batchelor" most of the time I'm riding!

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Apyle

I'll bet the fat bob probably will ride better, and I know it will have more power.

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joyflyin

I doubt if you can go wrong there at all....LOL. I got an engagement bike too, & I love it. I could have got a ring, but when he said you can have piston rings or a diamond ring, I did not hesitate with my choice.

Be careful there with handing bikes down though, now hubby won't share his bike with me because he claims that every time I ride his bike, I take over & he doesn't get to ride it anymore..........just because technically, there might be a pattern, doesn't necessarily mean that I would want to ride a big, heavy, cushy seat with a backrest, radio, cruises etc. on a regular basis. Good luck, and seriously, study up a bit on the type of riding you may be getting into. You may be better off looking into a touring model if it looks like you may want to make that move in the future.

janevicki

If I was Wifey I would be ALL OVER the Fat Bob and leave the sporty to you.

Fat Bob is an great bike, very comfortable.

Hobbit

instead of gicing her your sporty take to the dealer and let her choose her own sporty that way you do not have to worry about choosing another bike - unless you really want a bigger HD.
I cannot tell you if the fat bob is any good as i cannot ride one as my short legs do not reach the standard pegs by about 1.5"

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Fuzzman

Love my Fat Bob, alot more torque then the sporty. And will sit lower.

smitty901

Two bike house make the jump to a bagger you'll end up there anyway
Nothing wrong with a fatbob.
There is going to be them times you do the two and the more you ride the more you be glade you did. As far as riding it you will adjust very quickly to the larger bike.

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