Fatboy for my first ride?

fatboy29 · Aug 11th, 2008, 10:52 AM

I am 5'7" 165 pounds. with no previous riding experience. I purchased a 1999 Fatboy and have been very happy. It would be a great ride to purchase.

otter1958 · Aug 11th, 2008, 11:39 AM

My wife is 50 aonly 5'-2" took the riders training and we got her an 03 Fat Boy she now has logged over 3000 miles and rides like a pro. The key for her was taking the riders class and training as she never rode a bike before that. If you can reach the ground any bike will work, just take it easy at first side rods etc.

bwalsh22 · Aug 11th, 2008, 12:36 PM

I would disagree with:

Quote:

I agree a riding course is a good thing but can only assume most of the people who highly recomend them are eighther under 6ft. or never actualy tried to ride a Rebel 250.At 6ft. its kinda like a monkey and a football scenario

I'm 6 foot (180lbs) and whlie the 250s are not made for tall people they are not that bad for a few hours of slow speed manuevering to get you the gist of riding. I personally preffered learning on this, knowing one that the bike was light and easy to catch if I made an oops and two that if I made an oops, oh well, don't care and nor do the instructors.

I say go for the bike you want and just take it slow, easier then buying and bike you will want to get rid of shortly then deal with selling that and looking for your true love

Dr. Doolittle · Aug 11th, 2008, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biscuit

I'm almost hesitant to disagree,but am willing to cop any vitriol dished out.

Totally agree with all suggestions about taking riding courses and advanced training.However,i think you should buy a smaller bike and use that to gain experience.A large trail bike or a mid weight road bike.You dont have to keep it forever,just long enough to prove that motorcycling is for you and you'll feel much more secure on a far lighter bike.As you've not ridden before,this is a sensible option.

By all means buy yourself a Fatboy,or buy whatever you want(or can afford),but only after YOU feel competent in what you're doing.You are at your greatest risk in your first 12 months.

Ride safe.

i was basing my response on the assumption that he wanted a Harley, in which case smaller means Sportster which is no more of a beginner bike than a Fatboy, IMHO. Otherwise, I totally agree about getting something small to medium, probably used to ride for 6 months or so to get your feet wet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TQuentin1

You are going to hear many opinions as responses to you post. Some will say "go for it" and some will say take it slow and grow into it (the Fatboy). Only you can make that decision. Most everyone else here is ALREADY riding.

So my opinion: take the riders course. Evaluate how you feel about you ability after the course. THEN RENT. Many dealerships around the country will rent bikes and make you buy their full insurance when you do. It is not cheap, but cheaper than making a mistake once you have shelled out a lot of pesos. Rent several different types of bikes - Sportsters, Dynas, Springers, soft tails, RKs and EG. That way you will have something to really compare from.

Once you feel YOU are ready, by all means "go for it".

TQ

Another option that's a lot less expensive if you can locate one is to go to a Harley Demo Day and ride several models back to back.

FatBoyJim · Aug 11th, 2008, 06:07 PM

Only comment I'd have is you are probably getting a biased opinion here since everyone that is commenting probably 1) has a bike, and 2) loves riding bikes. What if it turns out that riding isn't what you thought it'd be after you make the investment? I've had bikes since I was 11, loved it from the start, and always knew I'd end up with a Harley. One of my buddies saw how much I enjoyed it, bought one, used it for less than 6 months and sold it for a loss. If that is a possibility for you, I'd consider some of the other options already suggested. As for your size, I'm 6'1" and 220 and the bike shouldn't feel too big to you. I took my floorboards off and put on forward controls because I actually felt cramped on mine, so I'd say if you are confident it is a long term commitment and not something you may not stick with, go for it.

smitty901 · Aug 11th, 2008, 09:57 PM

The reason I recommend looking at some others for someone your size is at first a fatboy seems big after a couple months you will be throwing it around like it was nothing.
Someone your size should at least sit on a hertitage and a road king.
The heritage is like a bigger fatboy and sits just as well but more leg room IMO.
One of my bikes is a FB and I really like that bike I am shorter and a lot lighter than you are

Davidw2415 · Aug 11th, 2008, 11:16 PM

I am 5'11, 170 to 175 pounds; depending on the time of day. My fatboy fits me just fine.
I do agree with Smitty that you should at least look at the Haritage. By the time I get all that I want on my FB, I probably could have got the Haritage for less money with everything on it already. Good luck

streetg · Aug 12th, 2008, 01:22 AM

TQ has it... rent first who knows maybe you would like the sportster better the the FB? Doesn't matter just get riding!!!

Oh yeah and take the rider course FIRST like most do...you'll learn A LOT!

softailsteve · Aug 15th, 2008, 09:43 PM

Some may disagree but in my opinion if you treat it with respect a fatboy would probably be easier for you to ride than a sportster . For some reason I here a lot of people say that a sporty is a good bginner bike but the fatboy has a lower center of gravity , take the coarse , get the bike that you want and ride it . As your skill level comes up you'll be glad you bought the bike that that youve been drooling over good luck and have fun

smitty901 · Aug 15th, 2008, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidw2415

I am 5'11, 170 to 175 pounds; depending on the time of day. My fatboy fits me just fine.
I do agree with Smitty that you should at least look at the Haritage. By the time I get all that I want on my FB, I probably could have got the Haritage for less money with everything on it already. Good luck

At 5'9" My fatboy is just right my bother in law is just over 6 foot and he did a lot of mods to get his to fit him better.
Fatboy is a great bike that why This one is still with me.

Aug 11th, 2008, 10:52 AM	#11 (permalink)
fatboy29 Start The Engine Ride: 1999 Fatboy Join Date: Jul 8th, 2008 Location: Jacksonville Florida Posts: 18 My Mood:	Re: Fatboy for my first ride? I am 5'7" 165 pounds. with no previous riding experience. I purchased a 1999 Fatboy and have been very happy. It would be a great ride to purchase.

Aug 11th, 2008, 11:39 AM	#12 (permalink)
otter1958 New Family Ride: Ulta Classic Electric Glide Join Date: Jun 11th, 2008 Posts: 7	Re: Fatboy for my first ride? My wife is 50 aonly 5'-2" took the riders training and we got her an 03 Fat Boy she now has logged over 3000 miles and rides like a pro. The key for her was taking the riders class and training as she never rode a bike before that. If you can reach the ground any bike will work, just take it easy at first side rods etc.

Aug 11th, 2008, 06:07 PM	#15 (permalink)
FatBoyJim New Family Ride: 1999 Fat Boy Join Date: Aug 10th, 2008 Location: CT Posts: 7 My Mood:	Re: Fatboy for my first ride? Only comment I'd have is you are probably getting a biased opinion here since everyone that is commenting probably 1) has a bike, and 2) loves riding bikes. What if it turns out that riding isn't what you thought it'd be after you make the investment? I've had bikes since I was 11, loved it from the start, and always knew I'd end up with a Harley. One of my buddies saw how much I enjoyed it, bought one, used it for less than 6 months and sold it for a loss. If that is a possibility for you, I'd consider some of the other options already suggested. As for your size, I'm 6'1" and 220 and the bike shouldn't feel too big to you. I took my floorboards off and put on forward controls because I actually felt cramped on mine, so I'd say if you are confident it is a long term commitment and not something you may not stick with, go for it.

Aug 11th, 2008, 09:57 PM	#16 (permalink)
smitty901 Moderators Ride: 2007 Road glide Join Date: Jan 1st, 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,414 My Mood:	Re: Fatboy for my first ride? The reason I recommend looking at some others for someone your size is at first a fatboy seems big after a couple months you will be throwing it around like it was nothing. Someone your size should at least sit on a hertitage and a road king. The heritage is like a bigger fatboy and sits just as well but more leg room IMO. One of my bikes is a FB and I really like that bike I am shorter and a lot lighter than you are __________________ The Infantry leads the way

Aug 11th, 2008, 11:16 PM	#17 (permalink)
Davidw2415 Community Star Ride: 06 Fat Boy Join Date: Dec 4th, 2007 Posts: 633 My Mood:	Re: Fatboy for my first ride? I am 5'11, 170 to 175 pounds; depending on the time of day. My fatboy fits me just fine. I do agree with Smitty that you should at least look at the Haritage. By the time I get all that I want on my FB, I probably could have got the Haritage for less money with everything on it already. Good luck

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Aug 12th, 2008, 01:22 AM	#18 (permalink)
streetg Start The Engine Ride: 2006 street glide Join Date: Aug 7th, 2008 Posts: 34 My Mood:	Re: Fatboy for my first ride? TQ has it... rent first who knows maybe you would like the sportster better the the FB? Doesn't matter just get riding!!! Oh yeah and take the rider course FIRST like most do...you'll learn A LOT! __________________ Good relations with the Wookiees, I have.

Aug 15th, 2008, 09:43 PM	#19 (permalink)
softailsteve Warming The Wheels Ride: 2006 fxst Join Date: Aug 2nd, 2008 Posts: 71	Re: Fatboy for my first ride? Some may disagree but in my opinion if you treat it with respect a fatboy would probably be easier for you to ride than a sportster . For some reason I here a lot of people say that a sporty is a good bginner bike but the fatboy has a lower center of gravity , take the coarse , get the bike that you want and ride it . As your skill level comes up you'll be glad you bought the bike that that youve been drooling over good luck and have fun

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Fatboy for my first ride?

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