Ok, after 27 years of not riding (previously a BMW R90S), I've decided to start my upcoming retirement with a Harley. Been checking out the local dealers and I narrowed it down to the 2010 Fat Bob. I also like the look of the Fat Boy Lo.

I've tried to make sense of the differences. The Fat Boy Lo is $1,300 higher, but I don't see what you get for the money. In fact, the Fat Bob has dual front discs which most Dynas and Softails don't have. I've only heard good things about the Fat Bob.

To further complicate matters, a friend is selling an '05 Fat Boy with 4,200 miles with literally $30,000 just in upgrades, accessories, and chrome. I can get this bike for about the price of a new Fat Bob. Some of the goodies this bike has is:
95" big bore kit
V & H pipes
Power Commander
Custom paint
lowered front & back (1" - 2")
chrome wheels, swing arm, forks
chrome EVERYTHING
loads of custom details

I just want to get opinions of anyone with experience with these models.

 

You should rent each one and ride them to see how you like them. Check out Route66 riders in MDR or Eagle rider in El Segundo. It is hard to decide without riding each bike.

 

$30,000 in upgrades? What do you put on a bike that costs $30,000? A hooker?

 

A whole lot a chrome. I also think it's when one has more money than brains.

 

See below

 

Don't buy either one. Why even consider a new bike? If you've been off bikes that long I don't think you can know what kind of bike you want (or need), period. The differences mainly boil down to the kind of riding you will find yourself doing most, that, and (looks) form over function or vice-versa. I would suggest you do not now know the answer to that.

I would also strongly suggest finding an excellent buy on a used Harley (especially in this economic market) in the $10,000 range or even less. It won't matter so much which model for now, you'll learn a lot over a season or two and learn a lot more about what you really want. Dont spend much if any on further cosmetics. Hell, you may get lucky and just keep it, but worst case you'll know a lot more and can sell it for near what you paid for it.

As to your friends bike... you know what they say about suckers. No way on $30K unless its been wrecked and he had to do it twice. Even 05 bikes are selling for as little as $10K to $12K all over the country, no matter the cosmetics. Just check craigslist.

Anyway, you asked, and there you go. Good luck.

 

When I retired 3yrs ago I wanted a good ride, good looking, town-country bike...

Being older and liking the leather and spots, I went with the Heritage.... not sorry one bit and I'd do it again in a heart beat....

Rode the RK this yr in the demo days and still I'll stay with what I have.....

 

Gosh, the guy asks a simple question, and everybody has to confuse the issue with different opinions... imagine that.

 

I vote FatBob unless seeing out your rear view mirrors is important to you. Cause that Hog shakes and you can't see **** except for shaking headlights.

 

BTW those dual disc brakes have alread saved my ***.