I don't see a lot of bike discussion going on here but I'll try anyhow. I am thinking about a bike but it has been a while since I had one and am not in a big hurry. I am torn between the Softail Deuce and the Fat Boy. I keep hearing and reading that the solid wheel (front especially) on the Fat Boy makes it a bit skittish in crosswinds and semi-passes on the open road.

Does anybody have any firsthand or other reliable info. on this or any other Fat Boy vs. Deuce comments? Also, I have looked and haven't found any really decent Harley Forums similar to this, are there any?

I suppose maybe there isn't a lot of bike talk here because maybe there aren't that many Harley Riders among the Harley Drivers. After all, I don't have a cattle ranch.

 

Logical, I have first hand experience with your question and your going to be disappointed in the answer. I ride a '99 FXSTC with a solid back rim and a freind of mine rides a 97' Fatboy. We get blown around the same amount believe it or not. Cross winds suck! Spent last week riding up and down A1A at biketoberfest and the breeze coming off the ocean is a pain. As you ride the wind hits from between buildings or sand dunes and you willl get knocked around a little, but it's nothing bad enough to not warrant a bike. Just ride prepared!

bike sites:
http://www.harleypeople.org/cgi-bin/...assCookie=true

http://www.motorcyclecity.com/cgi-bin/StreetTalk/Bar.pl

 

Harleyrider- No disappointment at all. I have ridden enough to know that wind in general is a bear and you helped me know firsthand that the fat boy is probably not dramatically different. I rode a Night Train and a Dyna Sport over the summer (a relative is office manager at a large dealership) and am sold on the newer 88 engine. Those few days got me back into seriously looking at a Harley.

Thanks for the info and the links.

 

I was wondering what type of Harley you guys could recommend for a guy like me. I haven't ridden a bike in years. I've ridden dirt bikes before, but never really rode a street bike much. I'm a fairly large person (6'-3", 230 lbs), and Ireally would like to get a Harley in the spring. It would be used for cruising and an occasional trip to work. I'd like to spend under 15K, and it could be new or used.

Thanks for the help.

 

Cobra,
You will need a large style harley(anything above the Sportster 883 or 1200 - same frame). I am 6'-4" at 230 and with extended forward contols I still hand over the pegs several inches if I ride straight legged. You should have no problems finding a bike like a softail standard, softail custom, dyna-glide, nighttrain, etc. They mostly all have the same frame, just different shock locations and front end racking. Visit a harley shop and sit on a few to see what fits you size wise and $ wise.
One note, used bikes will always be more expensive in the spring as are boats, best to buy in winter when sales are slower.

Logical,
I am still stuck on a 80CI rigid mount motor and love it. As age catches me, I can see a rubber mount motor on a bagger! My bikes is good for running around town and occasional 100 miler but more than that and my *** starts needing frequent breaks.

 

I really like my Heritage. Has the Fat Boy front fender and wide bars. I really like the bags, they come in handy. Bought mine used with 2400 miles on it for less that $15k almost 5 years ago. It is a true statement that the fall and winter is the time to buy. You can pick up a pretty nice scoot for less than $15k. That is what I'd recommend. I don't think the wind is any more of a factor on this bike than any other I've ever ridden, probably less than any Jap bike. Check my sig for pics.

 

still waiting for my Road King to come out of the shop.....I don't like the ride on the softails, but a lot of that was the old rigid mount EVO...the 88CI is the way to go......there has been a glut of FLHRs and the price has been pretty good.......

Hey, as long as it has 2 wheels, it's good!!!!