Hi all. First post on the forum, as I'm a new rider and prospective HD owner. I like to seek out the best forums on the web for anything that I have interest, and this seems like the place to be!

Rode dirt bikes as a kid, and just recently acquired my motorcycle license through the MSF test here in Florida which was great. Now its time to settle on my first bike.

I've gone through the dilemma of "should I start out with a smaller bike, gain confidence, and work my way up" school of thought, or the "the hell with that, i'm getting the bike that I want and we will become one like Luke Skywalker and the force"....I'm going with door #2.

That said, here's my question. I don't have the dough to buy new, so I have the opportunity to buy a 2002 HD Dyna Low Rider with all the bells, killer custom paint, and 26K miles....OR.....a 2003 Fatboy for 3 grand more, custom paint, wheels, mint condition and 12K miles.

I've sat on both in the dealership, and the Dyna feels really good overall. I didn't think that I'd like a longer rake due to the reduced steering efficiency over a smaller one, but it all just goes together with the Dyna and looks fantastic. For the Fatboy, it just looks great online, in person, etc. I didn't care for the seating as much as the Dyna, but the styling is all Harley for sure, and pretty much what I think about when someone mentions HD.

I don't plan on taking long road trips 'yet' until I get a handle on the local neighborhood first...then local streets...then city...then highway....baby steps if you will to avoid a spill.

Any advice you all can give on which might be the better suited for me from a cost, model, mileage, or any other perspective, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again!

 

Better do your homework because both are very different. The Lowrider is a Dyna frame rubber mounted "A" series engine. The Fatboy is a softail ridgid mounted counter balanced "B" series motor. Are they carbed or fuel injected?

 

If you're a new rider the fatboy has a lower center of gravity.
I would go dyna. I own one of each. but you're comparing apples to oranges.

 

Thanks for the reply. If I understand it correctly, the "A" series on the Dyna operates more smoothly with less vibration at a higher rate of speed than the "B" series, but vice versa in regard to lower speeds. So the end result is that the Dyna is more suited for longer, higher speed rides, and the Fatboy more for cruising locally or otherwise?

The Dyna is carbed, and the Fatboy is fuel injected. I live in Florida, so there are no mountains on my horizon.

I do realize that these are two different bikes, but for my use, which initially would be local riding a few days per week, nothing strenuous, that they would have some parallels. I was also looking at it from a handling and new rider perspective as well. Maybe long distance riding could be a future reality once the opportunity presents itself.

 

If you're looking at dropping a chunk of money on a bike like that...test ride them both and see which you like better. They are very different...both great in very different ways.

As far as the carb is concerned...you were a dirt bike guy. Don't let a carb scare you. I have a carbed '05 Super Glide, and although I haven't had it long it has performed flawlessly. Doesn't even get grumpy cranking up when the temp is in the 40s.

 

Definitely will be doing that in the next few days. I haven't heard anyone mention the mileage on both bikes. One has 26K and the other 12K. How does the mileage factor in here with respect to the decision....or does it?

 

In respect to mileage both bikes have low miles for bikes of that year. Look at service records if you can on both bikes and see what service or repairs have been done. Both bikes would be a good bet. Its up to personal likes on a test ride and how they feel to you. Good Luck.