I'm looking at trading my Nightster in on a 2007 Fatboy, 40000km (about 24000miles). I've read some threads about the famous '07 offset front end and I wonder if it's just best to avoid the year? I understand some have had problems (tire wear, uneven tracking) and others have had none. I'm kind of liking the 07 as it was the first year of the redesign but I'm also including models as old as 2000 in my search.

Thoughts from Fatboy owners?

thanks in advance folks - ride safe

 

I have a 2009 Fattie, and yeah I've heard the same thing about '07s. I would personally avoid it, but hey it's up to you. Nothing that will wreck you, its mainly cosmetic, and uneven tire wear has to do with tires, not forks.

 

I've got 8K miles on mine with no odd tire wear. First Harley, 12th bike and still diggin it. Just wish it had better front brakes.

 

I love mine. 16,000 miles

 

Buy it, and put 08 and up wheel spacers, wheel bearings, and chrome lowers on it. Problem solved, and it looks better. I think they are good bikes. Would not scare me.

 

Love mine... haven't had any problems with it, and IMHO the offset issue is far overblown.

Roger

 

I've had my '07 for 3 years now...not 1 problem....BULLETPROOF. As far as the front end issue, if I had not found out about it on the forum, I wouldn't even have noticed it.

 

if you are in the market I am sure there is not a lot of difference between what you spend on 2007 fatboy vs 2008 fatboy. And again if you getting a real good deal and would be swapping the front end then just get it and change the front end sooner than later and problem solved...

 

I Had a 07 softail FXST. Same rear tire as the fat boy. There isn't a problem with the tire or offest or reliablilty. The problem is with changing the rims (BECAUSE of the offest and axle). In 2006 they changed the swing arm to accomodate the 200 rear tire. In 2008 they changed the axle.
2006 & 2008 are different. Anyone with a 2006 or 2008 have different options than us. They were able to change spacers or use rims from a variety of years.
The 2007 rim is for the 2007 ONLY! That was confirmed to me by 2 dealers and the HQ. We took rims at a dealer near me, from a 06, 07 & 08. All were drastically different.
So, being a 07 rim will only fit an 07, your choices will be fewer and more expensive.
My advice would be: If you plan on getting new rims, stay away from the 06 & 07's. If you don't plan on changing them...It was a great bike and never had a problem with it.

 

I have a 2007 Fatboy and have never had any issue's with it ..... it go's .. it stop's ... it turn's left ... it turn's right ... 10,000 miles no uneven wear on origional tyre ..... if there's something iv'e missed i aint found it yet .....