been riding my sporty 1200 for about a year and with my 40 mile commute to work is turning into more work than fun. I would like to get something more comfortable. I rented a new Fat Boy low in Phoenix a couple months ago and loved the comfort of the ride but the power was lacking. When I am on the highway, I like to get past the semi's in a hurry. So I like to be able to twist that throttle and get from 65 to 80 in a flash. The Fat Boy just didn't seem to perform as well as my 1200. Started looking at the V-rod, don't like the sound but like the performance. Problem is I can't test drive one long enough to decide if I will be comfy enough for my commutes to work. Anyone on here ride more than an hour to work everday and have a V-rod? Looking at the 08 Nightrod, I like the look and the bigger tank but I have my reservations. I am 5'9" and about 200 lbs.

 

My buddy has one and I've ridden it a few times. I have an 02 Road King class and always thought I might want one....that is until I rode his. Ok around town, but definitely not comfortable on the highway. I believe I would stick with the Fatboy. But, I've rideen those too...and I still like my Road King a lot better. I'm about your size.

 

Think Dynas.

Lightest big twins, superglide and streetbob better lean angle then sportsters. Ride a lot nicer then sportsters.

 

+1 Your answer is a Dyna I think.

The V-rod isn't really made for comfort. It is an around town, short hop bike.

If you have your heart set on the Fat-Boy Low, keep in mind that a stock one is def not going to have the pep you are used to with the 1200, but a new breather & pipes can bring it closer.

I luv the fat-boy lows also, I ended up with a new fxdb & havn't regretted it. And like you, I use my bike for a 50+ ea. way commute. Check out a Street Bob.

 

Doesn't sound like the Fat Boy will have the get-up-and-go you're looking for compared to the sporty/dyna. That being said, I wouldn't trade anything for my Fat Boy. Also, I've had no problems getting around traffic with it but I can see where the dyna guys are coming from. Good luck with your choice.

 

the v-rod is uncomfortable, drag bars and forwards, just think about that for a minute. the stupidest riding position of any stock bike ever made.

i just went from a 1200 to a fatboy and while the 1200 is much faster off the line and will eat the fatboys lunch, once doing 60-85 i am confident the fatty will get there just as fast and not sound like it's on its last breath doing it. one the freeways there's no comparison between the fatty and a 1200 sporty. the fatty was made for the freeways.

comfort wise the fatboy is the easy choice.

 

I have had 400 mile days on my V rod. I also rode it to work 110 miles each way, yes I had a long commute. It wasn't to bad for comfort but I had stock bars and a good seat.

 

You could always get the bike that you want and do the 103 inch upgrade as well.

 

I was so looking forward to riding a VRod someday. Today was that day. The local dealer had a demo day and the first bike that I took out was the VRod. It was awful. Extremely uncomfortable. Now I understand one that I saw at a show with Apes. I would suspect those would help a lot.

It did purr like a kitten, though. Hmmm...nothing says Harley like "purrs like a kitten" and water cooled, right?

Anyway, try a demo first. I don't think I'll ever get on one again - and I only rode it 16 miles!

 

I havent had a chance to ride a vrod but hope too someday