Been driving myself crazy about what to buy in about a week. At least I narrowed it down to the Fatboy. I'm basically deciding between two choices, a friend's '05 and a later model ('07 to '09). The cost will be very close.

First, details about the '05. It has the 95" upgrade with Power Commander. A little over 4,000 miles. It has a crapload of add-ons, such as Vance & Hines pipes, custom wheels, detachable sissybar & windshield, chrome all over the place, speedo w/tach, lowered, and a custom paint job. I know the history of this bike, and it is in impeccable condition.

Next, I was considering a later model, '07 to '09. I've been seeing alot around with low miles. They tend to be mostly stock and have after-market pipes. Of course I would not know the service history.

Like I said, the cost will be very close. I understand that the '05 with the 95" kit would run circles around a stock 96". So, with just this information, which would be the best way to go, also considering resale value. Although I tend to get attached to a bike, so I'll have it for a long time. Thanks for taking the time to read all of this stuff.

 

I'd get the 05 in a heartbeat over the newer ones

 

I think myself personally would go w/ the'05.

 

I'd get the 05 too. I have a 2002. With the older engine the only possible problem is with the cam chain tensioners as they wear. My buddy has an 07 and he had some problems with teh rims and had to get a lawyer to fight Harley to get them replaced under teh extended warranty he has. he was having a serious wobble in teh front end. I prefer the skinny rear tire to the super fat. The rear fender is a bit longer. Plus, you know the owner and the history of the bike. Custom wheels cost a lot of cash too.

I also dislike the new tank graphics on the 07-09 fatboys. Ugly in my opinion.

Drew

 

05, Fer sure

 

ditto all the others ... go with the 05 with the 95 kit ... has such low miles it hasn't really been ridden - and you know its history ... I've got a 2010 fatboy with 9k on it and it was slow from the gate ... I've added a few things and pitched the factory computer ... so it can get out of its own way now. However .... there is a 117 with moderate cams on the way ...

Enjoy your new bike ... whatever it is ...

 

'05, no contest

 

Why so hard on on the 07-09's? It's a beautiful sight when that back fender is sitting on top of that 200 rear tire. The graphics.. you may have a valid arguement but I love my carolina blue and gray on top of the vivid black.

 

Spoken like true owners of pre-'07 bikes... until you've ridden the 96 with the six speed you just can't appreciate it. Sure, the 96" displacement isn't much more than the 88, but the transmission and other advances are well worth it, as is the wider rear.

Knowing what I know, I'd never go for a pre-'07 bike myself, nor would I recommend one.

To each their own, though...

The other thing is whether you want to make it your own, or settle for someone else's vision and upgrades. Some don't care, others do... which are you? In the end, you have to be happy with whatever it is you purchase, so think it through and the decision should come clear.

Roger

 

Nothing wrong with an '05!