I have a question for all of you that have more HD experience than I do. I have had bikes for about 35 years but this is my first HD. While my sporty is still in the shop getting repaired from a moron backing into it in a parking lot (another story). I had occasion to go to Henderson HD to buy a new 2" speedo to replace the big stock one. I sauntered over to the new models and I saw a 2008 Fat Bob....I liked it and thought I would consider it. I did decide a couple of months ago to keep the sporty for fun and add a ride that my ass would not fall off after an hour. I finally wrangled up a sales guy. I asked him a direct question. Me, "I like the Fat Bob and the Fat Boy, what is the difference?" Sales Guy, "The Fat Bob is built on a Dyna frame and the Fat Boy is built on a Softtail frame." I looked at him with a look that said "WHAT?" Maybe I am being a bit naive but that was not an answer. After more questions from me I still did not get an answer that was definative and clear to me. I left and decided to return another day to talk to someone else.

Would someone that knows more than I do about HD frames etc and more than the HD sales guy please give me a a bit of info about the differences.

Dyna has shocks on the outside of the frame like the sporty. Softail has them under the trans area. Just look at two pics side by side and see for yourself.

Front end will be different, softail should have a lower seat as well. Compare some stats of HD

The salesman basically nailed it.

But to elaborate, ditto what Chrome said.

Dyna has shocks on the outside of the frame like the sporty. Softail has them under the trans area. Just look at two pics side by side and see for yourself.

Front end will be different, softail should have a lower seat as well. Compare some stats of HD

The best thing to do is to go to the H-D website and click on "2008 motorcycles."

A little video of a guy on a Rocker will play with some Vroom Vroom noise and then the "Families" of bike will automagically appear at the top of the screen.

Sportster
Dyna
Softail
VRSC (vrod to you and me)
Touring

As you hover over those, there will be a little explanation of each family and it will show the models in each family.

Under "Sportster" you will see all of the models (Including the Nightster) that we discuss here.

Under "Dyna", you will see the FatBob along with many other bikes (Super Glide, Street Bob, etc.) Notice each one has Sportster style shocks visible on the back end.

Under "Softail" you will see the FatBoy along with many other bikes (softail custom, night train, Heritage, etc.)
Notice that these bikes do not have visible shocks on the back end. They are hidden underneath and made to look like a "Hard" tail, but since they actually have a suspension, H-D calls them a "Soft" tail.

Each bike has a unique set of features, benefits and weaknesses. Look at each one, read, print, and study. Within an hour, you can go back to the dealer and probably know more details than that salesman.

If you have other questions, fire away! I have studied all of the models a great deal while looking for something for my wife.

I looked at 1 @ a stealer..asked how much & he told me " $17,500 before tax"
then I asked how much for the fat boy..." $18k". Also mentioned HD wasn't planning on flooding the market with then, hence the higher sticker.

Other than the fact that the FatBoy has a FL front end and the FatBob has a FX front end, the major difference lies in the frame, as has been said already. The motor/trans is the same. They're both solid mounted, balanced 96" motors with 6 speed tranny's.

Basically the difference between a dyna and a softail...

Let me also add this piece of information.

The Dyna (FatBob) has a rubber mounted (like the new Sporsters) big twin-cam engine (96ci or 1573cc). They are very smooth when going down the road.

The Softail (FatBoy) has a counterbalanced rigid-mounted motor with the same displacement. They are even smoother at idle and butter smooth going down the highway.

I bring this up because the Fatboy will be unlike your Sportster. When you fire them up, the mirrors don't move. You could pluck your eyebrows in the mirrors with the engine running (if you are into that sort of thing). There simply is no vibration.

If I were buying one or the other AND keeping my Sporty, it would be the fatboy. I am really impressed with the ride quality of the Softails and the smoothness of the motor. The dyna is a nice bike, but it will be more similar to your Sporty. So, if you are going for something different, the Softail is more different.

Not saying better, just saying different.

Also, if you are the type of guy who rides 2-up once in awhile, needs a windshield, and wants saddle-bags, look a the Heritage. For the money, you get a lot more "touring" goodies and it is basically the same bike (less the fat tires and solid wheels).

JEZUS Rob, that was an EXCELLENT answer.

Minus 5 Harley owner points for not knowing the difference between a Dyna and a Softail off thet of your head.

:p

Other than the fact that the FatBoy has a FL front end and the FatBob has a FX front end, the major difference lies in the frame, as has been said already. The motor/trans is the same. They're both solid mounted, balanced 96" motors with 6 speed tranny's.

Basically the difference between a dyna and a softail...

Is the new FatBob an FX? Hmm that's interesting, since it's got larger, beefier fork tubes and a fatter tire and fender, which are normally all trades of an FL front end.

Not to mention the Bob is the only current Dyna with dual discs.

Rob, there is a huge difference in the way the two bikes are going to handle.

Softails tend to have less ground clearance, longer wheelbase and more rake (there are exceptions when comparing one model to another though, so don't read too much into the generalization).

Dynas tend to therefore turn a little faster/quicker/more capable.

Softails are meant to LOOK like a hardtail while still giving a decent ride thanks to the hidden suspension. But as such, they're pretending to be something, which is more "classic" Harley.

The Dynas are heir apparent to the FXR line of motorcycles. Basically 36 years ago or so Harley got the idea from looking at customs and bobbers that if they took a big twin motor and stuck it in a smaller, lighter frame with smaller front end (basically the concept of a Sporty) then they'd get a factory custom hot rod bla bla bla.

That led to the whole FXR line which eventually evolved into the FXD line.

But the Fat Bob has all sorts of styling cues you normally find on the softail line.

The solid diScs which are really best known on the Fat Boy.

The bobtail fender which, though found on the Dyna Wide Glide in years gone past, was otherwise normally found on FX softails.

I do like the meaty front end OF THE BIKE though, and the dual disc brakes!

K

The solid dics which are really best known on the Fat Boy.

The bobtail fender which, though found on the Dyna Wide Glide in years gone past, was otherwise normally found on FX softails.

I do like the meaty front end on it though, and the dual disc brakes!

K

what's on your mind today, Kev?

what's on your mind today, Kev?

:doh :laugh :laugh


obviously not grammar

Thank you

Your responses are what I was looking for. I want a smoother ride for longer distances with sometimes 2 up. I was going to assume that the Fatboy would ride a bit rougher because the engine is solid mounted and the fatbob would be smoother because of the rubber mount. Am I incorrect in this assumption? The only thing I plan on using for long distances would be just some throw-over bags...I am not a windshield fan.

I guess I was a bit put off because the guy assumed that I knew the difference between the frames......and then couldn't articulate what are the real differences, such as how Kev did.

Thanks Kev I appreciate the info...

Is the Fatboy worth the 2-3K difference? That is also what I am trying to determine.

PS Henderson HD has a new Fatbob for 16K and the Fatboy was 18.5K. I plan on shopping around for the best price I can find. I dont mind hopping on a 100 dollar Southwest flight to Phoenix and riding home (5hrs) etc.....if I can save some Moolah....

Thank you

Your responses are what I was looking for. I want a smoother ride for longer distances with sometimes 2 up. I was going to assume that the Fatboy would ride a bit rougher because the engine is solid mounted and the fatbob would be smoother because of the rubber mount. Am I incorrect in this assumption? The only thing I plan on using for long distances would be just some throw-over bags...I am not a windshield fan.

I guess I was a bit put off because the guy assumed that I knew the difference between the frames......and then couldn't articulate what are the real differences, such as how Kev did.

Thanks Kev I appreciate the info...

Is the Fatboy worth the 2-3K difference? That is also what I am trying to determine.

PS Henderson HD has a new Fatbob for 16K and the Fatboy was 18.5K. I plan on shopping around for the best price I can find. I dont mind hopping on a 100 dollar Southwest flight to Phoenix and riding home (5hrs) etc.....if I can save some Moolah....

Unless you are really in love with the solid disc wheels on the Fatboy, take a look at the Heritage Softail Classic. It's about $750. more but you get saddle bags, windshield and backrest with it. Remove the bags (easily done) when not needed and you basically have a Fatboy.

Rob, both the rubbermounted and counter-balanced solidmounted motors are going to be pretty darn smooth.

I didn't test ride the new Fat Bob at the factory last month (guess I should have instead of that stupid ape-hangard Street Bob), but I'm GUESSING they comfort level of the Fat Bob and Fat Boy are going to be similar.

I'd PERSONALLY probably lean toward the Bob because I THINK it's still going to handle better than a Fat Boy.

I just don't dig the Softails personally.

HONESTLY if I were going for a long distance only bike I'd pass both up and get another Road King.

But of those two, I'd say get demo rides on each and buy the one YOU want.

Kev

Unless you are really in love with the solid disc wheels on the Fatboy, take a look at the Heritage Softail Classic. It's about $750. more but you get saddle bags, windshield and backrest with it. Remove the bags (easily done) when not needed and you basically have a Fatboy.

He speakeath the truth....

:clap

but I'd still get an RK first.

Nevermind, I re-read Kev's post and he is spot-on.

Rob, both the rubbermounted and counter-balanced solidmounted motors are going to be pretty darn smooth.

I didn't test ride the new Fat Bob at the factory last month (guess I should have instead of that stupid ape-hangard Street Bob), but I'm GUESSING they comfort level of the Fat Bob and Fat Boy are going to be similar.

I'd PERSONALLY probably lean toward the Bob because I THINK it's still going to handle better than a Fat Boy.

I just don't dig the Softails personally.

HONESTLY if I were going for a long distance only bike I'd pass both up and get another Road King.

But of those two, I'd say get demo rides on each and buy the one YOU want.

Kev


Thanks Kev......

I don't think I will go for the distances needed for a Road King.....My long distances will be only 4-5 hours or so...nothing really long and nothing really frequent. It is just that I took a 2 hour jaunt on my sporty a couple of months ago and my ass fell off and I have yet to find it...LOL

Thanks Guys

And EVERYONE knows the Fatboy (http://www.harley-davidson-hangout.com/forum/hdrcgb-virtual-rally/53268-name-fat-boy.html) was named after the atomic bombs used on japan. :shhhh


:rolleyes:

My $.02 --

1. As far as Fatboy v. Fatbob it's totally a style thang. Neither is really "better," just different. I for one don't like the twin headlights on the Fatbob.

2. Another option for you -- if you're looking for a more comfortable ride, try investing in an aftermarket or custom SEAT! Lots of people rave about Corbin, Lepera, and Mustang seats. They will drastically improve your comfort. The stock seat is beyond awful. I am lucky enough to have a custom seat builder in my city (Seattle) and I got a seat custom designed for me and it changed my life. Like a whole new bike. Best $400 I ever spent. Much cheaper than getting an entirely new bike. So, if you haven't already, at least TRY the seat upgrade before you think you need a whole new bike. Sportys are very versatile!

Thanks Kev......

I don't think I will go for the distances needed for a Road King.....My long distances will be only 4-5 hours or so...nothing really long and nothing really frequent. It is just that I took a 2 hour jaunt on my sporty a couple of months ago and my ass fell off and I have yet to find it...LOL

Thanks Guys

Ahhh, yeah, no nevermind... I think there's a solidmount sporty joke in all this.

Honestly, I think that would be part of the difference, but still there's such a suspension difference in the Softail OR Dyna vs the Sporty that I know what you're talking about.

Still, the rubbermounts are so comfortable, I've spent all day on my wifeS Sporty and still had no worries about comfort.

BUT since you already HAVE a sporty I can totally dig why you're looking at these others.

What I think it's gonna come down to is EITHER WILL BE FINE, but the Dyna might handle some more aggressive riding better IF you were so inclined. If you're not, EITHER WILL BE FINE, just get what you like.

:tour


PS, started breaking in my new Guzzi a week and a half ago, all backroad stuff, I didn't get off it for the first couple of hours (except to snap a quick pic here or there)... 4-5 hours isn't even a half-day's ride to me. ;)

Is the new FatBob an FX? Hmm that's interesting, since it's got larger, beefier fork tubes and a fatter tire and fender, which are normally all trades of an FL front end.



K

FatBob = FXDF

FatBoy = FLSTF

I guess I was wrong about the motor mounts, tho...:o I thought they were both solid mount balanced motors.

Thanks Kev......

I don't think I will go for the distances needed for a Road King.....My long distances will be only 4-5 hours or so...nothing really long and nothing really frequent. It is just that I took a 2 hour jaunt on my sporty a couple of months ago and my ass fell off and I have yet to find it...LOL

Thanks Guys

you don't have to be a long distance tourer to appreciate a road king. they are great around town bikes too, and you will find that you do get used to having the room of the saddlebags to put stuff in. i would buy a road king before a softail, (hey, actually, i bought 2 of em :laugh ) but thats just me. ymmv.

RK rides and handles like a bus.Fat boy's solid wheel can be a handful in the wind. If you don't like windshields and bags etc,have a look at the Deluxe. Very similar money to The Heritage and Fatboy. The Fatbob,I have heard is going for 1-2 grand over MSRP, so jumps right up threr with the Softails. BTW the single biggest selling HD model (not family) is the Heritage Softail?

RK rides and handles like a bus.Fat boy's solid wheel can be a handful in the wind. If you don't like windshields and bags etc,have a look at the Deluxe. Very similar money to The Heritage and Fatboy. The Fatbob,I have heard is going for 1-2 grand over MSRP, so jumps right up threr with the Softails. BTW the single biggest selling HD model (not family) is the Heritage Softail?

The FatBob's wheels are not solid. They have discs cutout to alleviate the wind thing(supposedly)....

Guys

Your help is appreciated...

Thanks

There one Hell of a lot more "solid" than spokes! Two riding buddies have changes the front wheel over it. Just a thought.

If you are doing 2 up, FATBOY it!!!!! Rides like a caddy....:banana:banana:banana

my buddy "fat bob" rides a fat boy.....


and his brother "fat boy" rides a fat bob :smoke

http://www.planete-biker.com/news/images/harley-davidson2008/harley2008-01.jpg
FAT BOB


http://www.americanbikestore.com/images/Harley%20fat%20boy.jpg
FAT BOY

I really like the softail look.....:geek:geek:geek

I really like the softail look.....:geek:geek:geek

I like the softail RIDE..

Dang they are smooth and you sit IN them not ON them, so they handle like a dream.

But, after a few miles on the softail, I also like to hop on my Sporty and zip around!

If you are doing 2 up, FATBOY it!!!!! Rides like a caddy....:banana:banana:banana


I would disagree with this statement. I have rode a Fat Boy 2-up, and In my experience, I believe a Dyna rides a LOT better and is more comfy when riding 2-up

....... I am lucky enough to have a custom seat builder in my city (Seattle) and I got a seat custom designed for me and it changed my life. Like a whole new bike. Best $400 I ever spent. .....



Hey paulskav, saw a couple of bikes this summer with custom seats made by Rich's Custom Seats, that your guy in Seattle? Super looking work and the riders were real happy with the comfort. Maybe you could start a thread over in the Seating and Luggage block and tell us the story of your custom seat.

Rob, try a new saddle, I like the LePera Daytona LT a lot. If a better saddle doesn't do it I like what I've heard about the Heritage ST for long ride comfort. But really four or five hours in the saddle on a Sporty shouldn't be a problem once the saddle and your butt are broken in

Koot

I agree with the saddle change for distance. Had a stock seat on my 85 Sporty and used to leave peices of buttocks all over the place. Changed to a regal mustang and ride for hours on end on a solid mount sporty. Progressive shocks, mustang seat...comfort and corners that BT's would die for!

you don't have to be a long distance tourer to appreciate a road king. they are great around town bikes too, and you will find that you do get used to having the room of the saddlebags to put stuff in. i would buy a road king before a softail, (hey, actually, i bought 2 of em :laugh ) but thats just me. ymmv.

Actually, no shyte this is totally true.

Probably THE best all around bike I ever owned was the RK... my Jackal is a close second, but the jury is still out on the Breva, it could vie for contention.

RK rides and handles like a bus.

You're on crack if you think the RK rides like MORE of a bus than a Fatboy though.

If you are doing 2 up, FATBOY it!!!!! Rides like a caddy....:banana:banana:banana

Snow, how do you think it rides compared to your FLH, cause in my experience there isn't a bigger harley that compares to a good FLH for a combination of ride quality and handling.


I would disagree with this statement. I have rode a Fat Boy 2-up, and In my experience, I believe a Dyna rides a LOT better and is more comfy when riding 2-up

I can't say for sure on the comfy thing, cause I think that varies with passenger size, but I still believe a Dyna generally rides better than a Softail.

I can't say for sure on the comfy thing, cause I think that varies with passenger size, but I still believe a Dyna generally rides better than a Softail.


I haven't ridden on the back of either bike so I don't know for sure. But, the Softail has a more comfortable looking and feeling (by hand) passenger seat than any of the Dyna's in my opinion.

I haven't ridden on the back of either bike so I don't know for sure. But, the Softail has a more comfortable looking and feeling (by hand) passenger seat than any of the Dyna's in my opinion.

I guess to some extent it depends on whether comfort =

size of passenger seat
firmness of passenger seat
position of passenger pegs
and/or
amount of suspension travel.

I'm guessing that it varies by person's tastes and proportions. ;)

I also, pretty much always discounted the actual seat itself since that is so often changed out anyway...

:dunno

RK rides and handles like a bus.

lets see you do this on your sporty. pretty impressive for a 'bus' no?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prJnJWW2JII

Yeah that's some pretty impresive riding. However it is not a Road King. It's an Electra Glide.

Yeah that's some pretty impresive riding. However it is not a Road King. It's an Electra Glide.

SAME CHASSIS/SAME BIKE...

Unless you start talking about the damn lowered classic or custom models... :frownthre

Me, "I like the Fat Bob and the Fat Boy, what is the difference?"

The 2008 Fat Bob also caught my eye this year. :D

Aside from the most obvious Dyna vs. Softail differences (Visible vs. hidden shock absorbers), there are a number of significant differences between the Fat Bob and Fat Boy:

(1) Engine - most significant difference between softails and dynas, other than the hidden shocks, is they have different engines, mounted differently.

- Softail - TC96B - Counterbalanced engine, rigidly mounted in the frame.
This allows for a more compact frame and lower seat height
engine is heavier (fat boy 30 lbs heavier)
has more engine noise - counter balancer "shwooshes" (noticeable with a windshield installed)
Lose 2 ft/lbs of torque to counter balancers (insignificant)
less vibes at idle (put a glass of water on the seat while idling!)
frame mounted oil reservoir. external oil lines.
- Dyna - TC96 - not counterbalanced, rubber mounted engine
more vibrations at idle
frame needs space around engine for vibration movement - thus slightly higher minimal seat height
no counter balancer noise - rider notices exhaust note more
while at riding speed, both engines are smooth and vibe free.
Slightly higher torque: 91ft/lbs
oil reservoir in transmission. Internal oil lines.
battery located where softail oil reservoir is.

(2) Style - Look at them side-by-side

- Fat Boy has a more "classic" look. (a bit old fashioned IMO)

- Fat Bob - Much more modern/sporty look (I like!)
Stylized "tommy gun" exhaust (similar shape to V-ROD)
Dual headlights
Slotted disk wheels
bobtail fender
new for 2008 stylized Dyna air cleaner (fits the fat bob pipes)
tighter fork rake (sportier handling)
dual front disk brakes. (sportier stopping)

(3) Controls are different

- Handle Bar:
Fat Boy has extremely wide simi-buck-horn style bar
Fat Bob has a wide drag-bar style bar

- Foot Controls
Fat boy has floor-boards and heal-toe shifters
Fat Bob has the option of standard or forward control pegs

A good sales person should have given you at least these details when you asked that question.

The controls result in quite a different riding position between the two, sit on both (or ride if you can) to see if you have a comfort preference. (controls and handle bars are easy to change though) Really...it comes down to what style you like more. If you like more sporty and modern, Fat Bob is for you. You like more of a classic cruiser, go for the Fat Boy.

Both are great bikes...I wish I had such difficult decisions to make! :banana

sh0rty :P

The 2008 Fat Bob also caught my eye this year. :D

Aside from the most obvious Dyna vs. Softail differences (Visible vs. hidden shock absorbers), there are a number of significant differences between the Fat Bob and Fat Boy:

(1) Engine - most significant difference between softails and dynas, other than the hidden shocks, is they have different engines, mounted differently.

- Softail - TC96B - Counterbalanced engine, rigidly mounted in the frame.
This allows for a more compact frame and lower seat height
engine is heavier (fat boy 30 lbs heavier)
has more engine noise - counter balancer "shwooshes" (noticeable with a windshield installed)
Lose 2 ft/lbs of torque to counter balancers (insignificant)
less vibes at idle (put a glass of water on the seat while idling!)
frame mounted oil reservoir. external oil lines. - Dyna - TC96 - not counterbalanced, rubber mounted engine
more vibrations at idle
frame needs space around engine for vibration movement - thus slightly higher minimal seat height
no counter balancer noise - rider notices exhaust note more
while at riding speed, both engines are smooth and vibe free.
Slightly higher torque: 91ft/lbs
oil reservoir in transmission. Internal oil lines.
battery located where softail oil reservoir is.
(2) Style - Look at them side-by-side

- Fat Boy has a more "classic" look. (a bit old fashioned IMO)

- Fat Bob - Much more modern/sporty look (I like!)
Stylized "tommy gun" exhaust (similar shape to V-ROD)
Dual headlights
Slotted disk wheels
bobtail fender
new for 2008 stylized Dyna air cleaner (fits the fat bob pipes)
tighter fork rake (sportier handling)
dual front disk brakes. (sportier stopping)
(3) Controls are different

- Handle Bar:
Fat Boy has extremely wide simi-buck-horn style bar
Fat Bob has a wide drag-bar style bar
- Foot Controls
Fat boy has floor-boards and heal-toe shifters
Fat Bob has the option of standard or forward control pegs
A good sales person should have given you at least these details when you asked that question.

The controls result in quite a different riding position between the two, sit on both (or ride if you can) to see if you have a comfort preference. (controls and handle bars are easy to change though) Really...it comes down to what style you like more. If you like more sporty and modern, Fat Bob is for you. You like more of a classic cruiser, go for the Fat Boy.

Both are great bikes...I wish I had such difficult decisions to make! :banana

sh0rty :P

Sh0rty

Thank you,

EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR!

You B D Man.

Probably the FATBOB

:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap