I was able to go the Harley Ride days at the dealership here in Gatineau yesterday. I only had time for 1 ride so I had narrowed it down to the Street Bob or the Fat Boy (both are bikes that appeal to me in terms of looks - I've actually wanted a Fat Boy since I was 16.). The Fat Boy was available with only a 30 minute wait so off I went.

First I was impressed with the balance of the bike. It does not feel like a heavy bike at a stop. As we started the demo ride I had a little concern. There wasn't much play in the clutch (i.e., the bike started to roll forward when the clutch was released a small amount). On the other hand (literally) the throttle appeared to need exaggerated movements of the wrist. The combination of the two meant I almost stalled the bike in front of a big group of people.

Once on the road the first thing that I noticed was the suspension. It was a very nice ride, with the suspension soaking up the rough Gatineau roads. The seat was also very comfortable. This is a bike that was meant for longer rides. It would take me a little while to get used to the heel-toe shifter. My boot almost did not fit between the two and I had to ride with my toe angled slightly.

Initially I was disappointed with the power. But the route we took did not allow for much testing of acceleration. When we did merged onto the highway I had to smile. There was plently of power and it came on very smooth.

After my ride I still want one. I am torn between this bike and the Victory Hammer as to which bike I like better. The Fat Boy is actually the cheaper of the two bikes.

Cheers,
Gatineau_Guy

Yep, that will be a tough decision trying to decide between the two. Of course, you know what MY preference would be...

The lack of foot room on the heel-toe shifter side is a common complaint. There is an aftermarket fix available that replaces the rear shift lever with a longer one. Some people just remove the rear one altogether, while others just learn to live with it.

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Mike


Loud Pipes Ruin Rights

hmmmm I wonder which one you would choose. I the more I think about it, the more I really liked the ride of the Fat Boy. It was a bit of an unfair comparison because the Hammer I rode wasn't stock. It had a Stage 1 kit (new pipes, high performance air filter and so other little things).

Every Man & his Dog has a Fatboy...why join the Herd? (OK, I know you like it, fair enough)

In reality though, the Road king is the best 'all round' H-D.

A Far superior ride than any Softail.

I had 2 Softails in my day & I'd never go back.

Having said that, I also test rode an 07 Fatty & it was very nice.

Unfortunately they are common as D.S.

Just for Fun try out a Road King & compare it, see how you go.

Of course the next level up would be Gummi's model bike.

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Well, the dealership has another ride day in September I will give the Road King a ride and let you know what I think. Or maybe I will just rent one for the day if the mood hits.

Good Idea G.G!

Arrrh...So many bikes....not enough MONEY!

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