Harley Davidson Fat Bob new vs old, which will win? Musclehead vs. Fathead.
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- čas přidán 4. 09. 2017
- Read the more thorough review of both bikes below:
Surely you have heard by now that Harley-Davidson ceased making Dyna framed bikes. One model of the Dynas was the Fat Bob. Well, the model name may have remained the same but the frame changed so does it hold up to my picky riding preferences?
First up the 2017 Fat Bob based on the Dyna frame. As I explained in the video, the Dyna frames are not the tightest handling frames on the market. My opinion is that they are a cheap knockoff of the old FXR. They get wiggly if not properly maintained and even then still might do the Harley Hula. Check out some of the aftermarket manufacturers for ways to improve the tightness of the frame/powertrain. One I used on my 1999 FLHTPI was the True-track at www.True-Track.com (I am not getting anything to name dropping by the way).
Now for the other Pros and Cons:
Pros
• Five gallon fuel tank at the 42 MPG combined city Hwy estimate means 210 miles per tank - SWEET!
• Well, that is about it because all other pros are the same as the 2018 Fat Bob
Cons
- That powertrain mounting
- VIIIIBBBBBBBERRRRATIONSSSSS
- Forward Controls are too far out and combined with the drag bar = I cannot carve the curves.
- Ability to adjust the rear suspension with ease
- What the heck is with that side stand?
- All other cons are the same as the 2018 Fat Bob
Next up, the new kid in school. The other Dyna friends are not easily impressed but WAIT! What does the new kid have?
Pro
• Tight frame with the swingarm tied to the frame means no leveraging the rear wheel in a lean. This means little possibility of a hula dance
• Pick up a passenger? No problem just crank on it. Your wrist may get sore and you really need to keep count - so could this be a con?
• Forward controls are actually forward AND useable for controlling the bike in twisties
• Ah, no unwanted foot and hand massage!
• That oil cooler! Could a true liquid cooled radiator be next?
Cons
- 3.5 gallon tank at an estimated 47 MPG City/Hwy means about 150 miles per tank. It is livable but I have been in areas of the US where 150 miles will sneak right on by you
- Those mufflers look nice but what about saddlebags? I need to carry a small gas can now.
- That rear fender will make awesome rooster tail in the rain I bet. Plus the mud thrown up and forward will look nice on your leathers.
- All other cons are the same as the 2017 Twin Cam powered model and those are: you need a thin passenger to fit on the thin seat, drag bars are ok for going straight and slight curves but slow speed tight turns will be a bear, catalytic converters are right where my leg goes for stops which means more burns, and bobbed rear fenders look cool until they throw debris in your eye when riding behind them.
So for me the winner is the 2018, despite the flaws, the improvements over the 2017 handling from the frame and engine mount as well as lack of annoying vibrations alone are huge! I wish I could have really taken it out and got some good twisties under it. However, HD is scaling back production for 2018 and that means some dealers will be getting tight with the miles. The price of used bikes will go up too so reviews like this will hopefully help you make well informed purchases.
If you like what you see and want to see more reviews like this on Harley-Davidsons let Jason Altenburg over at Appleton HD in Clarksville TN know at www.appletonharley.com . If you want to see reviews on other brands, leave a comment below and I will try to make it happen.
-Have Fun
PS update 9/28/17 - someone doubted that a rider's feet can be used to steer a bike. Sport bike riders and canyon carvers have been doing it for a while
www.sportrider.com/sportbike-r...
Just a little light reading. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Excellent review sir! Nice to hear someone who knows what they're talking about every now and again.
I appreciate the compliment!
I rode both the 107 and 114 last weekend, then rode a 103 Fat Bob with a Stage 1 kit on it. Love the new one but it is such a different bike they almost don't compare. The last one was so comfortable for me (5'10'/30in inseam), and has such great utility as a cruiser/commuter, touring with some bags and a shield (and seat if two up). It's even sporty enough for a spirited ride. I'll be getting a 2014-2017 103in Fat Bob. I won't rule out the new one but it's just not the type of ride I need right now. I wish the new Sport Glide had triple discs.
I saw the new Sport-Glide in person today. From a tech article I read the new Softail frames are all the same with different trees and swingarms put for each model. The new Sport-Glide foot position looks real similar to the Fat-Bob.
I agree that brakes are very important.
I own a 2017 Dyna Fatbob with a S&S Stage 1 exhaust & Filter. I’m 6’1 tall 240 lbs, I’ve installed a Tallboy seat which makes the bike fit me. I love the confidence the bike imparts on every ride. It feels planted. There is a bit of vibration but on a 2018 Fatbob 114 the vibes came up thru the seat into my groin & were dire!!! The 2018 bike is more of a short journey bike. The Dyna gives more carrying space for camping gear on a long trip. I have fitted an extender to the side-stand. To the Forward pegs, I’ve put on the early style anti-vibration rubbers which work great as I have a broken right ankle. The vibes off both a 107 & 114 2018 were worse than anything off the Dyna! The 2017 seems better built & looks better value!
Anthony C. Roberson On the 2018 Sport-Glide I did an extended test ride, just out of interest. It’s an easy to ride bike but to me that little fairing directed wind blast straight into my open face helmet! So that needs maybe a higher screen. The brake fade became very noticeable after a period of stop-start traffic followed by a faster run. The brakes on my 2017 Dyna FatBob are much better in any situation. I think the Sport-glide with two-up would be a real worry on trying to slow down! It was nothing like as planted as my Fatbob but did feel lighter. It’s too pricey for less brakes!
Great info. As you may already, the Dynas had a different mounting system for the power plant. True-Trac had kits to make the setups a bit more stiff. I wonder if a Dyna with a True-Trac might have more vibes? Either way, vibes and long time in the saddle can make for a bad time. But the way, it is cool you take the bike for camping!
On the SportGlide, was the brake fade both front and rear?
Vibrations are common place w/dyna's, i like dyna's, its just something you have to get use to.
Randall Granlund exactly. And I love my 2013 Fat Bob for that reason. It fits. The forwards are great for me and those drag bars are wow!!!
Drag bars give you more leverage so it is easier to turn. They are a plus for most anyone on both bikes and usually all comments agree.
I had a bike that I ran drag bars and swapped to beach bars. I found beach bars to have far more leverage than drag bars.
The two 2018 Softail "fat" bikes are a world apart from their predecessors. The M8 114 will "work" big time. Would like to see the 2018 M8 114 Fat Boy with a truncated rear fender and single seat replete with headers though. That would be one cool mean machine to own. Good job HD. Good job indeed.
I rode the new fat bob and the new low rider s back to back recently. The fat bob was much more comfortable for me. I'm 6'1" 205lb and the low rider s position felt like I was sitting on a squatty potty. I really like the flat bar and forward controls
So did the Fat Bob follow you home?
@@RRatedCustomsnot yet haha. Going this weekend to ride a 2017 and compare that to a heritage classic and road king.
That's the way to do it - try until you find the one that really speaks to you. Those are all good bikes though I am partial to the Road King but the Heritage is good too.
@@RRatedCustomsI'll follow up this weekend and let you know what followed me home haha. Like puppies, hard to choose
Please do!
Great break down of the bikes. Why a 3.5 gal tank ? I know its not a tour bike but man that seems small. Lol
+Cave Troll According to the big reveal from Harley Corporate (which you still can find on CZcams as of now) they wanted to show off more of the motor. In person, I don't really see that.
At 3.5 gallons, it rivals some models of Sportsters. Will there be an issue with range once folks start tinkering with the engine and dropping the MPG? We will see...
It had a lot to to with shaving pounds and the slimmer profile was more in line with the choppers of old..
That may be, but here's a concern. At 3.5 gallons we are looking at similar range to some Sportsters, Streets, or trikes. Which is fine but in some parts of the US 120-140 miles might be a bit short between available fuel stops. Ad Cave Troll pointed out, it is not a touring bike but I know some riders like to go long distance no matter what the bike.
I guess time will tell.
My mistake. For some reason I was talking about the 2018 Breakouts. I have no idea what they were doing with the fat Bob when I first saw it I hated it however it’s growing on me.
I traded my 2013 Vrod muscle in to a 2014 dyna fatbob..Had 5k miles on it..So far Im loving the fatbob vibration and all..I previously had 3 Vrods,kinda got burned out on the flying V riding position..Having said that..Id def consider a New Vrod if Harley ever went back to them..Im not really a fan of the New fatbobs..To each his own..
The Flying V seating position is not for the long haul riders. I am glad to hear you found a better bike!
If you want to drive a dyna, so you need to get use to it bro. You love it or not.. i love it 🥲👋🏽
🤔 😆
I prefer the softtail..I would guess the 103 engine will be hard to get worked on in a few years...I had the problem of repair work on my old 80 in. softtail..I personally would invest in the 107 M8
+Curtis Zwilling Good point. I am going to guess 5 to 10 years tops before the mechanics with the detailed TC knowledge age out of the workforce and the new technicians are not as trained on the motors.
You got guys in their 20s fresh out of MMI, and thousands of TC's on the road.
I like the new Fat Bobs , but 3.5 gallon tank , that's unacceptable. I commute on a bike w a 4.5 gallon tank and I feel it's too small. Deal killer if you like getting out in the boonies, but if you're an Urban Rider it's ok. Does Harley at least offer a tank upgrade?
I don't think there is a factory upgraded tank. Maybe someone will make an after market kit?
🤔
I know the 18’ is the better bike but I’m still wanting the dyna
😎👍That's cool!
2018 👍🏻👍🏻
18 so, so much nicer `~
+mixalis Yeah, I told the General Manager afterwards that if I had Dyna framed bike, I would trade for an 18 but if I had a '17 and older Softail, I would not be in a hurry.
But that is just me...
The Softail name should have been retired since the very reason it was called that is now gone forever. This chassis is modern and performs better than the Dyna or and old Softail and should have been marketed under a new name.
I totally agree. The new frames look nothing like a hardtail (rigid) frame.
lol, checking engine temperature by scanning the exhaust.....
+Nicodemus Nope, checking EXHAUST temperature because that is where you are most likely to put your leg when stopped resulting in a nasty burn.
I know because it has happened to me and a few other folks. 😈
he said engine temp. if he stated he was checking exhaust temp, that would make sense. as for how effective the heat shields are, you would need to check the temps right after stopping, after the bike has been sitting for a few minutes the heat radiating from the exhaust pipe and the cats will heat the heat shields up and give you a bad reading. from what I understand they moved the cats down low for center of gravity and to remove heat from the engine area, with the oil cooled heads they want the top cool so it isn't roasting the chestnuts. overall though I am impressed with what Harley has been doing, I never considered Harley for a bike before the last model year, and now they have built a few that have gotten my attention.
Back in 09 and older, the California touring bikes had the cats in the mufflers but those were easily replaced. Then 2010 the cat was in the header and has been ever since. However, HD has an exhaust system for the touring bikes that places the cats back in the mufflers as they say on their website, for the sake of increasing flow.
Out of curiosity, what brand(s) had your attention before and why?
I had always been a sport bike rider, rockets and standards. age has caught up to me and my knees no longer tolerate the tight riding triangle of rockets, built for people 5'5". the street rod 750 definitely got my attention but I was disappointed to find it is sized for midgets. the roadster also was interesting to me but I would have to change too many things just to be comfortable on it (customizing something brand new just to make it useable is something I despise). I was considering the low rider with mid controls but the options from Europe and japan are all cheaper, even premium ones like KTM and Triumph. the new fat bob has once again gained my attention, due to improved handling and lighter weight (although I still think they all need to lose another 50lbs). I like bikes that handle well and can stop quick. I generally prefer to have my feet under me, as this gives a good leverage point to help control center of gravity. I have been following the KTM 1090 and 1290 adventures and also the Yamaha FZ-09 and FZ-10s, the Honda Africa twin is also up in the air. I also think the triumph 800 tiger would be worth a test ride but I am not sure if it is still in my running. I am planning out my next bike well in advance, and I am trying to keep my mind open as to what will be right for me.
+Nicodemus I believe I look down at some point on the 2018. However, I am 5'10" down from 6'1" so even with the pegs not as far out as the 2017, they may not give all the leverage you desire.
It is nice to hear you tried the Street Rod 750. I still need to grope one of those on my own and will keep an eye open for fit.
The 2018 Fat Bob seems to be a bit more like the Yamaha MT-01 but is missing the placement of the pegs. I could see bringing them back a tad more might be more conducive to canyon carving.
Good luck with finding your next bike and keep me posted on your experience coming from the sportbike world.
The 2018 fat bob I rode was a piece of junk!!! 114 motor that barely gets out of its own way..the seat height is far taller than my 2009, either way, I hated the new one!!! Way to slow, no pick up, you'd have to spend like 2 grand on a stage 1 air cleaner and an exhaust system at the very least to get this bike to move....hell even my stock 96 motor was far far faster than this 114..granted I have a stage 1 air filter and Vance and Hines pipes, which I am in the process to upgrading to stage 4 which will double the horse power and torque from stock 96 HP to almost 120 HP and torque to rear tire! I'd take any dyna style fat bob over these new ones any day!!!
Overall, it is a shame we have to spend so much to get performance either way.
Thank you for your insight. Keep me posted on how your build goes.
Congratulations Harley Davidson!........ Nice 2018 Yamaha Vmax............ can't wait to see the 2019 Harley fat Bob triump rocket roadster
Interesting comment. I've looked at the Vmax for decades but never been interested in one. I'm getting back into riding after a few years break and going from sport to cruiser. I've also never been interested in a Harley until now. I bought the 114 Fat Bob. Take from that what you will
Are you a shoe salesman?
Ha! Uh no. I am not a shoe salesman. Thanks for asking though! :)
So, first things first: The 2018 seems designed for millennial/GenZ who might otherwise buy a Ducatti or Triumph - you know, guys with very well coiffed beards and expensive tattoos of video game characters - folks who do not LIKE Harleys traditionally. HD wants to appeal to EVERYONE now - not just Harley enthusiasts. Pre-2018 appeals to folks who like Harleys. I guess we will all get over it eventually - like we did with Evo. Same again.
Second thing: Your comments on ride height, handlebar height, leg positioning etc. need to be edited out. When you buy a Harley, they fit ALL of this to YOU. So order your bike right-sized for YOU and none of those things will be a problem. My tiny wife can sit perfectly on the same Dyna frame that I do because they are designed to be SIZED to the rider. Now you know ;-)
Hey great your dealer gave superb customer service on fitting. Sadly the last three Harleys I bought (each from a different dealer) either did not offer such or wanted to charge extra for the time.
What's the name of your dealer? Asking for a friend.😏
@@RRatedCustoms Wow, that is kind of brutal treatment. I have had great service from my dealer in Montreal - but depending on where you live that might be a bit of a ride... www.motointer.ca/HD/en-CA/
Thanks for the info! Maybe American Harley dealers are a bit too greedy?
Both ugly...
+Zachary Yost That is one way to put it, but different strokes for different folks. I guess.
Zachary Yost fat Bob is the ugly duckling of Harley
That is one way of putting it.
The previous generation had a cool taillight assembly. Looked like jet after burners. They both share some style lines with the Suzuki Marauder 800 though.