Ok, I am having a hard time with this one. I ordered a 2010 Fat Bob through Military Auto Sales. It is already waiting for me at San Diego HD. I fly home in 5 days (on deployment/wrapping this tour). I really like the Fat Bob, but damn do I LOVE that RKC. I ordered the Fat Bob because I felt guilty spending so much money on a toy (married/children). However, now that I have priced all the stuff I plan to add (immediately) to the Fat Bob, I realize the price is going to be about the same. The RKC I would not have to do anything to immediately. So, a guy at SDHD is looking into it for me, no idea how this plays out. If anyone has done a similar thing, I would appreciate your input. Also, if anyone has anything of substance concerning the two bikes (pros/cons), I would really appreciate it. I've rode both, I love the way both ride. Understand the obvious (bags, shield, etc), just interested in any concrete facts I may be missing. I suspect that making this change may be an expensive endeavor....
Thanks for your input.

 

You just asked the equal to: "What oil do I use?", or "Which girls are hot, redhead, brunettes, or blondes?"

I'm kinda partial to the Road King. It can do any "around town" riding you want, plus the touring frame bikes are the most comfortable, IMHO. Good luck.

Edmo

 

If you intend to do nothing but bee bop around town, the Fat Bob is your bike. If you plan on driving distances, then the RKC might be a better fit. It really depends on you and what kind of riding you intend to do.

Also if this is a first ride, the Fat Bob might be better for a first bike. Thanks for your service. Welcome home.

 

Get the Road King, just my opinion..

 

Well, you can see from my sig pic, I have a RKC and am quite partial to them. Love that bike. Learned on it too, and I'm a chick.

But, I recently was on the search for a 2nd, around town type bike and the Fatbob was a top contender.

Anyway, like the other poster said, if you're SURE you're going to be using your bike for an around town ride, then get the FatBob. You're a guy, and I'm assuming fairly young (I'm 48...near geezer status!). The FB is a great bike for you. I ended up getting a Deluxe since I like "shiny" things and the FB was/is "butch". I couldn't wrap my head around how to do the mods on a Fatbob to get it to how I like a bike to look w/o repainting and basically changing the entire personality of the FB. I'm quite sure this isn't your issue since you're a guy.

On 2 separate occasions, I rode a FB and both times, I felt at home on it. I had no hesitancy to lean it, which is unusual for me on other non-familiar bikes. Probably had something to do with how well it fit me plus my being used to having the wider front tire. I found the FB to be a great handling bike and I, for one, was able to whip it around with confidence. It also has a lot of giddy up as well (esp compared to my RKC). I liked how light, balanced, and maneuverable it felt compared to my RKC. FUN bike. BUT....

If you are going to use your bike on trips and longer rides...I can tell you from experience, while you can certainly trick out a FB for touring (at an expense), it just won't be as comfy as a bagger. If your wife goes with, she's gonna be more comfortable on the RKC too. Sure, you can do it on the FB, but if you ever ride a bagger, you'll see what I mean. You're right, all those FB mods are going to cost...if you want a windshield/windvest, bags, etc...it adds up FAST! Course, you can drop some big coin on the RKC too!

Now...listen to what I'm going to say next which probably has more "meaning" than all the opinions you're going to recieve here....go with your gut! I've found my gut instinct is rarely wrong. The mere fact you're 2nd guessing yourself and are lusting after the RKC is seriously something you need to take as a "sign".

Either way...both are great bikes...just depends on how you're going to ride.

Now...THANKS for your service...I am sincerely grateful to you for what you are doing/sacrificing to protect the freedom that I enjoy!

 

If your gonna outfit a dyna with bags, 2up, and windshield....get the road king.

 

Stop dicking around and get the Ultra with abs. You wont be sorry. I do love the look of the RKC and miss my 07 but would never go back, would like to have both though.

 

I understand your dilema, but it sounds like you prefer the Road King Classic. Both are great bikes. I prefer the Fatbob, because that's what I ride. In saying that, the Road King Classic is a sweet bike as well. Don't let the dealer make you feel guilty, nor should you feel guilty about getting the bike you want. Don't feel obligated to the Fatbob if you changed your mind. Don't be cheep now, because you may wish you had not later. Like I said, either bike is great, but only you know what you really want. You shouldn't have to convince yourself............

 

I know a guy that has a Fat Bob. I've ridden it and franky wasn't impressed. The Fat Bob in my opinion is more about looks then comfort. It has the forward controls, and the forward drag bars, which tent to make you sit further forward in the saddle. I found it an uncomfortable riding position. It's designed that way to give it that bad *** apperance, but you'll destroy that image once you dress it up for touring. He put a windshield on it, risers on his drag bars, stirrups on the forward controls because he had a hard time keeping his feet out there in the wind. Plus with the saddle bags sissy bar and touing seat, I think he should have just gotten a bagger.

On the other hand the RKC is an awesome ride. I have an 08 RG which I really like and wouldn't trade for the world. Both rides have a lot of similarities that I can speak to. Air ride suspension, so you can pump it up when your loaded or carrying a passenger, the trailing triple tree gives the bike manovarablility at slow speeds and assures a wobble free stable ride at speeds. You have a natural comfortable riding position. Your feet are on the floor where they belong, you're sitting upright, the windscreen cuts the wind and makes the ride comfortable. The added bonus, you don't have to add a bunch of accessories, it's pretty much ready to go.

Sounds like the RKC is the one for you.

 

Great points by all, I really appreciate it. My guy at SDHD is already on it, he will give me numbers tomorrow (my time). I do want to go with the RKC, so as long as the cost differential is not too great, it should work out. No concern on two-up for me, I will never carry anyone....I spent a week in a coma from a motorcycle accident back in '94.....I'm ok with killing myself, but not my wife. I ran a poll here on the ship, just based on looks alone, every single respondent chose the RKC...just a funny data point. I think the Fat Bob is really nice, and, more importantly, it rides really well. However, the RKC is.....'perfect' right out the door...at least for me. I live in the mountains outside of San Diego (Ramona), so going pretty much anywhere is a long trip for me. Hell, I'll be working in Coronado on shore duty, so those bags and that windshield will be really nice.
Thanks again everyone, I really appreciate it.