H D Sweetie Shop

[Davel]

Called in at Chester H/D last week and really fancy another Harley.

Having had a Fatbob and Night Rod Special in the past, I had a look at a s/h Fatboy and a s/h Switchback.

There was also a s/h Fatbob there too.

Whichever I get, I will tend to leave outside in the better weathers, as the inside storage area is across a paddock - so was really thinking of a lesser chrome covered version if possible.

Anyway sweetie shop is the right word and I'm struggling to choose really.

Any advice would be appreciated from those that have ridden or owned these versions please.

 

[Clifton]

I demo'd a Switchback when they first came out and I think it's a nice piece. It ran very well but did vibrate a little more than my 04 FXDX which I assumed to be due to the larger 103" engine. Shortly after that demo I heard of people complaining and that it may be more to do with it's chassis tuning or the way it was assembled? My understanding is Harley was aware of the problem and was quietly working on a remedy. For all I know they have it resolved.
The Fatbob appears to be pretty similar other than the front wheel, slightly lower bars, and exhaust. It does have a little more ground clearance and an extra degree of lean angle. Not sure about the seat. The big difference of course is the Switchback’s color matched removable bags and windshield for it’s 1,000 additional cost. I would want the option of riding with bags and shield so in the interest of resale I’d buy the Switchback because adding those to the Fatbob might bring it close to the same cost.

 

[Davel]

Thanks for that.

Have you any views on a Fatboy? It's the 1450 engine I think.

 

[Mutley]

Fatboys are well overpriced for what they are. You can get a much better Heritage for less money, sell off most of the bling, then buy some new wheels. Job's a carrot

The Switchback has very small panniers and the front end looks very tinny to me. It didn't last long as a model and consequently is unlikely to be sought after until it becomes a classic, so a 20 year wait! I'd be far more inclined to look at a nice Superglide and invest in some detachables luggage and screen. You'll have a much more saleable bike at the end of it, and a lot better looking too IMHO

At the end of the day it's your choice, but lots of HD models are easily replicated from other models plus a few bits. That way you have a popular bike plus valuable spares, rather than a niche model

 

[Clifton]

Thanks for that.

Have you any views on a Fatboy? It's the 1450 engine I think.

No the Fatboy (all Softails) use the 103" balanced motor (1680cc?). Personally I prefer HD’s Dyna’s and Tourers with their rubber mounted, non-balanced motors over Softails.

I agree with Mutley in that FB's are probably overpriced unless you are really wanting that style and finish. I didn't realize the Switchback is now discontinued in the UK? In all honesty I expected it to be in the US because a standard Road King at $18K is only $1,500 more than a Swithcback. But the Standard Road King isn’t offered in the UK for some reason, only the more expensive RK Classic. Given this I would look closely at a SuperGlide Custom.

 

[Deleted account 240901001]

No the Fatboy (all Softails) use the 103" balanced motor (1680cc?). Personally I prefer HD’s Dyna’s and Tourers with their rubber mounted, non-balanced motors over Softails.

I think he's refering to a second-hand one he's seen, which certainly could have 88" Motor........

Oh yeah...and if you look in the "for sale" section there's a nice low mileage 88" Fat Boy for sale....

 

[Davel]

Have seen it and it looks stunning.

Not sure that I fancy ape type bars though and will probably buy with a warranty as I know bugger all about engines etc.

 

[Clifton]

I think he's refering to a second-hand one he's seen, which certainly could have 88" Motor........

That's it then. Going to a dealer to look I assumed Davel was looking at new ones. As we know the 88 motor has the tensioner shoes to be aware of but once the tensioners are updated it's a very good one.

I wouldn't care for ape bars either. I've heard it can be quite expensive to put them on, I presume it will cost the same to go to lower bars (cables, brake line, etc). The main thing is "what kind of pipes does it have?"