.....and I came away pretty unimpressed. The bike in question was a 2009 Fatboy with 1600cc motor, tall windscreen and luggage rack...otherwise stock. A buddy had flown in from California for the weekend and rented it from EagleRider.

I rode the bike back to back with my 2004 Honda VTX1300C and here are my thoughts. The Fatboy looks dated, the headlight, fuel tank, fenders, instrument binacle, everything looked like it was pulled from a parts bin and cobbled together. The VTX has much better lines, everything flows smoothly and the headlight, tank, fenders etc. have a classic but also contemporary look. The Harley just came off as old school, at least in my view.
Motorwise, the 1600cc mill disappointed, with a 300cc displacement advantage over my VTX, I expected some serious pull. The engine was smooth running, which surprised me as I expected a real shaker but lacked character. The stock exhaust note was subdued and the idle was fast. No potato-potato lumpy idle we all used to love and no real go. Even in first gear it seemed flat with power petering out as rpms rose. My Honda felt gruntier and pulled harder at
high rpm and the Cobra aftermarket pipes make some serious noise when you step on it.

Handling, the Harley felt tall and fairly comfortable. The rear shock and saddle were soft and transmitted little in the way of road vibration.... or feedback to the rider. The front end wae sprung way too soft and dove easily through it's limited travel bottoming with a resounding clunk. I think the forks may have leaked all of the oil out. The steering felt heavy, like the bike wanted to plow forward. By comparison, my VTX felt like a proper sportbike. It's suspension is stiffer and it has a tauter, sportier feel at the expense of some comfort.

Shifting on the Fatboy required me to lift my foot off the floorboard to change gears, the VTX snicks into the next cog with little fuss. Likewise, the back brake pedal on the Harley requires you to lift your foot off the floorboard to mash the pedal.

Bottomline, the Harley is a pleasant but dynamically and visually underwhelming ride. Would I pay $18,000 for a new one? Sbort answer, no way. The VTX is a superior machine by almost any metric, it's only sbortcoming is it doesn't have the cache of the Harley name emblazoned on the tank.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 11/11/2012 @ 7:47 PM *

Good read their Kruz I,ve only bin a bit interested in the V-Rod if I couldn,t get enough bend back in my leg but thank f--k I can ride my 14r cause ive allways bashed Harleys for their oil jokes ,poorly reliable brand not all USA cause they went Jap electrics,OZZY STH Wheels etc.

Hummmm....2009 Fatboy eh?....Stock.Well...they aren't real impressive stock...unless ya like that kinda thing.I had a 2000 Heritage softail...somewhat modded(if you call an air breather upgrade 'modded'...plus...some open pipes....no baffles).Gotta say...she rolled pretty darn good.Plenty of torque....Had the rpm module...raised it something like up to 12 grand or something.Had custom nacelles on the front lamps...I'd say she looked pretty darn good actually.She could get right with it.I don't remember the ride quality...but it was acceptable...had the new balanced twin cam setup.Had a lot of good rides on that bike....$17,000 new....It 'looked' beefier than when you actually sat on it...though it fit me well.Shifting wasn't TOO bad..a tad clunky...until you shifted up the rpm range some.Course...I rode mine like a 'sportbike' kinda...no put put around for me.I'd gas er good on takeoffs and such...it was a fun bike actually...someone else thought so also.

Also had an ElectraGlideUltra...THAT bike was underpowered...I thought so.And heavy as could be.Got rid of that one and bought a zzr1200.That was the beginning of a very good many years of biking fun.Harleys are okay....but not stock...you gotta add some stuff to em to get em to open up some....tried a V-Rod one time...stock...disappointing....that's for sure.Lousy frontend styling I thought.Certainly didn't run like it looked.That French design engine certainly wasn't anything to write home about.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/12/2012 @ 6:16 AM *

I'd rather have a used ZRX1200.Can't dig 2 cylinders and forward shifting.I can't even imagine how they would work.I have a 92 GSX1100 G in the garage.I would like to have a bike shop go through it.It was very smooth with shaft drive.Has a Corbin seat with a backrest.
Craig

Grn, I never got the whole Harley thing, you know that but I rode one yesterday with an open mind to see what all of the fuss was about. i was really hoping for some kind of a revelation, an epiphany, maybe a paradigm shift but it never happened and now I really don't get it. Get back on that Fatboy I rode yesterday after owning a couple of 14s or any metric bike and tell me it doesn't feel like you're ridin a stagecoach. Sure, they look OK but no better in my opinion than a host of metric cruisers and the build quality and functionality just wasn't there. It felt dated to me.... as in antiquated. I get the whole nostalgia thing but our memories fool us into thinking things were better way back then than they really were. This bike proves to me it hasn't come that far since the good 'ol days as far as technology goes. I've always said Harleys are a brilliant marketing scheme but mediocre product and I still believe that. Harley guys have always told me you just have to ride one to "get it". OK, so I rode one and I still don't "get it".

* Last updated by: Kruz on 11/12/2012 @ 1:06 PM *

You know...thinking about what you said...technology and 'dated'....it just may be that they're 'supposed' to feel 'remember when'.Ya...The one I had,that Heritage...it was a very nice bike.For what it was...it was fine.The whole "harley thing' and all.It filled the bill....for that.Naturally,if a guy is into carving or good fast power....owning a Harley(stock)isn't gonna get it for em...but they're cool for what they are...you know...the "American Made' deal and all that.They could go a different direction if they wanted...hell....they're making money hand over fist with new recruits every day!People LIKE Harleys...they just do.Anyone who gets one KNOWS it isn't a Jap bike,with fast ass cornering and all that.That's what they like...nice and 'sedate'...yet tough lookin...(kinda).I think the 'size' gets a lot of sales...people feel 'safe'...like nothing can harm em on their big hog....WRONG....but they feel that way...I can see why.It's still two wheels...and I've seen several Harleys(here)get taken out by deer....happens every year...unfortunately....the bike size doesn't help em...nope....not here it doesn't.

Honestly...after having a smooth...THE SMOOTHEST...sportbike in the industry...and the performance...I can't even imagine buying a Harley...or really any big cruiser....It's just not my deal anymore.I like the handling and ease of riding and relaxing that I get on the big Ninja....It just feels right...IDK....No other bike could do it for me I don't think.And I've thought about a time or two....briefly,(thank God)LOL!!!!

Ya...see...that pic of you there...the bike...no way...all the attitude and stuff that goes with it...nah...not for me.I'm always feeling good riding my Jap bike....I'm never embarrassed or anything else.I think it's the best bike going...for what it is....

PLZ don't misunderstand Kruzer...I wasn't saying..."YOU" look silly or anything...okay?But that Harley...nope...I couldn't go all in...been there....

I kinda liked the VTX...the big one...kinda...for a consideration(at one time)...nah...stayed with my rockets.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/12/2012 @ 1:14 PM *

Interesting you say that about size, the Fatboy was the direct target for the VTX styling and the Honda feels bigger, phatter, wider but lower to the ground and much more agile. It was kind of funny but my VTC, red one in the foreground of that last pic was getting all of the attention on our ride. Everywhere we stopped folks were asking what it was, the Harley got ignored. I predicted this would happen one day, Harley's sold a zillion look-a-like bikes, clones, they all kinda look the same and now there as common as road film on a visor. Where's the uniqueness when everybody and his cousin owns a Harley. I admit I thought they were cool but that was a long time ago before every doctor, dentist and accountant on the planet owned one and started dressing up like pirates on the weekend. You notice the gear I'm wearing on my cruiser, same stuff I wear on a sportbike, Dainese leather jacket, Sidi boots, Taichi Roadracing gloves, full face helmet...no bandana on my head and leather vest with sleeveless t-shirt....lol. BTW I didn't riode that bike off with no helmet, my buddy handed it to me right before I took off.

I rode my friend's Dyna , but I just can't get into the cruiser thing. I want my bike to do what I want right NOW, not a few seconds from now. All the cruisers are lazy handlers which I guess is fine if you are just putting around. Now, don't get me wrong, I have ridden with a couple of Hog riders who put many a sportbiker to shame but they had to work at it. I just don't feel safe on one.
My .02

Mad

In the summer of 2007, I bought a new 2006 HD Street Rod VRSCR. It was HD's fastest, best handling, best braking bike (brembo brakes even!, and one of HD's biggest failures. Only available for two years and discontinued. It was pretty fun, decently fast, but so uncomfortable I ended up hating it. I had it until last summer, when I sold it. That being said, I love my 14. It's a much better motorcycle in every way, performance, comfort, and quality.

I'm one of those guys who likes to chase down slow sportbikes in the twisties on my VTX. When the road opens up they're gone but I can catch some of them in the corners. Problem is you come up against dragging hard parts way too soon and that can get scary. If they're good, they're gone but then I can always go get my ZX-6R or my 10R and go huntin.

I like the VTX, great handler for what it is, kind of like the Goldwing, just don't push it too hard!

Well here's my problem with Harleys. Most, not all.. but most Harley riders are snobs. If you ain't on a Hardley you ain't nothing. They talk about buying into the "Harley Lifestyle". OK, near as I can tell, that means you drop big coin on a Harley, suddenly these guys will be your friend and you can ride with them, get invited to their parties, that kind of thing. Sorry but I call BS on store bought friends and that whole concept. I'm not dropping 18 to 40 grand on a Harley so some asshats will befriend me, don't need or want those kind of folks in my life. OK, rant off now.

But Kruz...,yous was ridin a ICON !!!!
As in, not a real live comparable form of 2 wheel conveyance, but a ICON !!!

Jeez some peoples kids just dont get it....,BWAHAHAHAHHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just like literbike riders dont get the 'couch' I ride...,but at least when I dont let them ride the 14 they go," Oh I see what the deal is with Hyperbikes. All the power, all the time!!!

Hey if it makes people happy putting 2-3,000 miles on their beautiful Harleys, then let them be happy their way.

For Me, motorcycles arent a fashion accessories.

Anyone who buys a harley for performance has bought the wrong bike. If you want to cruise around at highway speeds and just cruise then a harley is fine if thats your cup of tea. Don't expect impressive acceleration or quarter mile times, don't expect decent cornering (unless you get the xr1200 which has been discontinued). If performance and playing in the twisties is what your after then harley isn't your bike. Yea they can be hustled fairly decent in the right hands but you'll be wore out at the end of the road.

Yea they can be hustled fairly decent in the right hands but you'll be wore out at the end of the road

Lol...Heathun you got that right!

Don't get me wrong, everyone should be able to buy what they want, I just never "got" the Harley thing, except the buy American part, which isn't really true anymore as Harley parts are produced all over the world and only assembled here in the U.S.

Just seems like there's a whole planet of better cruisers for a lot less money out there if that's your thing....and obviously I like cruisers as well as sportbikes.

I guess we could talk about this all day but it really comes down to branding, a large portion of the riding public seems to be convinced this is the "brand" to own and nothing will change their minds, not even the facts. Kind of reminds me of a recent election....lol!

well you can only squeeze so much from a stock harley 45 twin and that little performance is only good in a straight line, I've ridden my share of harleys and not impressed in the list not only with the performance but the comfort of the ride. The ultra was decent in the comfort department but weighed as much as my car, not my cup of tea.

I agree though to each his on as long as they ride. I don't bash harley's when we are hanging out unless they start the shit flinging first, then it's on like donkey kong

You want resale...,HD closely followed by various BMW models.
Fit, finish and hand painted...,pretty much HD
Customized at the factory?....,pretty much HD, unless of course, you have mega bucks for the boutique exotics.
Recognized King of Cool?....,HD
ICON status?......,only HD & Elvis.
Best cruisers, choppers and heavyweight touring sleds? Well.....,thats another story.

Me, I like the Triumph Thunderbird best. Second would be the HD Dynas, followed by various Metric Cruisers..,I will have a used cruiser of some kind, after salmon season next summer.
Unless its wildly successful, then I'll get a f800GS and really rip up the Olympic Mountains lol.

I know what some think about cruiser and big tourers like the Goldwing but there is something I like about this new Goldwing F6B....Wouldn't trade my ZX14 for it but wifey is demanding more comfort. I like the lines......

Why not...make wifey happy!Ditch the spaceship.Or...not;)

Gonna go right now and check out the f6Bpics....let's just see......

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/15/2012 @ 4:05 PM *

Grn...I try to look at other bikes with open eyes towards their purpose. As others stated, I know no matter what I would keep comparing the 14/14R to it and be disappointed. I guess I'm spoiled by having the 14 as my 1st bike. I do think this new styled Goldwing would be a great 2nd cruising bike and nice alternate to the many similar looking cruiser bikes out there....

Yes...so true...the 14R(and the 14)spoiled me big time...I couldn't ride anything else now!!!!You should get the Goldwing...easily a fine big bike for Two up...you'll love it no doubt.Once ya ride it...it may end up being your preferred ride...who knows?You've seen that guy on Youtube right?Yellowwolf?Google him...check out some vids he made at the DRAGON...with his Goldwing!!!!!!Amazing really.

Riding a 'crotch rocket'....not so much the 14...but mostly...can get old after a few seasons...it can.I've been there...with mine...wondering as I watched the cruisers roll by the other way with their wives and stuff.Wondering...what am I riding THIS bike for?(not asking as a put down,but just reflecting).My answer....Because I'm NOT married...have no prospects of being anything but single the rest of my life...and the rideability of this Ninja is just TOO cool.Doesn't bother me that I ride one up....it used to..sometimes...like I was somehow 'missing out'....not....I have 'ladyfriends' that'll ride with me...I just don't push it...a bike is a risky deal...or can be.I'd hate to be responsible for someone's fate like that...but it's cool....so much here can happen with deer and stuff...it IS pretty risky actually.And around this part of the state...there aren't any places you can ride where the possibility of having a deerstrike aren't pretty well up there.Happens ALL THE TIME...and gets a lot of riders everyyear.

Had my share of 'really close calls' so far...but been fortunate to not nail one yet.I just wreck the bike before THAT happens!LOL!

Riding's a risk anyway...we all know that going in.You always take yer chances...always.Two up or whatever...Harley or Honda 90...doesn't matter.When it's time,it's time.

Anyway...hope ya do get that bad boy....really a sweet bike that Honda..they make some solid stuff fer sure.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/15/2012 @ 5:30 PM *

Recognized King of Cool?....,HD

Well maybe to some but I think having a Harley lost it's cool factor a long, long time ago. When nobodies doing it and you're the trendsetter, that's cool. When every Tom, Dick and Harry on your block is doing it, that's not cool anymore, you're just one of the crowd, time to move along, nothing to see here. That's just my opinion.

Actually, I see these guys go by all day long, same Harley, same obnoxiously loud exhaust, flat black brain bucket or no lid at all, pirate outfit and I'm thinking to myself, get a freekin life. The guys out there tearin up the roads on crotch rockets are the real pace setters, Harley guys are just followers. Again just my opinion.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 11/15/2012 @ 6:12 PM *

You know what used to REALLY crack me up?....the Harley advertisements...all of em...say"Ride yer own ride...be unique"...or whatever..."you can buy ALL THESE CUSTOM PARTS to make this YOUR OWN"....geez...What the heck is so 'different' and 'unique' about lines of weekend warriors with their do rags and their half lids and their 'custom' Harley?Check it out(as you said)..they're ALL THE SAME!I mean...yeah...there's only so much you can do with ANY bike...but sheesh...to advertise constantly how 'different you'll be"...when they're ALL doin the same deal...and then critcize sportriders.

Let me tell ya...I've NEVER seen a Harley guy EVER stop for a sportrider along the road...never.Not blowin my own horn here...but I've stopped SEVERAL times to see if I could help Harley guys along the roadside...SEVERAL.Even stopped my own ride to go back and pick up a Harley guys Do-Rag that blew off his head as I was comin up from behind...just riding.Caught up to him at the next light...several miles ahead mind you...and idled up next to him and handed it back.Ya ever see a Harley guy do that?Not me.
Went outta my way and ride to go SEVERAL miles to the next store...get some jumper cables...and back...to get this one guy goin again.It's all cool...I'm cool with it..that's just me..I like helpin other riders out there.I can't count the times I've stopped and asked'Everything OKay?" when out there ridin and something doesn't look right to me.I've NEVER seen a Harley guy do that...unless it was another Harley...and even then....few and far between...course,I gotta say...you don't see many 'stranded' sportbikers..LOL!...but still.

All the ones I stopped for...they seemed cool...but I'm sure some of em were thinkin..."F-n riceburner...asshole...here to help me?" ...funny as shit really.I like showin em what a REAL bike is like!LOL!!(J/K.)You know they're lookin outta the corner of their eyes there when they think ya don't see em...checkin out the bad ass machine that the 'rescuer' is ridin!I love it!A little PR for Momma Kaw..LOL!!!!

I aint had one say "get the fuck outta here' yet

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/15/2012 @ 6:37 PM *

You know what used to REALLY crack me up?....the Harley advertisements...all of em...say"Ride yer own ride...be unique"...or whatever..."you can buy ALL THESE CUSTOM PARTS to make this YOUR OWN"....geez...What the heck is so 'different' and 'unique' about lines of weekend warriors with their do rags and their half lids and their 'custom' Harley?Check it out(as you said)..they're ALL THE SAME!I mean...yeah...there's only so much you can do with ANY bike...but sheesh...to advertise constantly how 'different you'll be"...when they're ALL doin the same deal...and then critcize sportriders.

My point exactly, I got way more respect for a guy like the Grnman, ridin his own ride(at about 180 mph..lol) just doin his own thing and in to the ride. Not trying to impress anyone on how much he spent on chrome doo-dads and gadgets. Heck, I pulled half the chrome crap off my VTX and put it in a box, stripped that puppy down to the bare essentials. I do almost all my rides alone, just me and the road. Now Harley guys, they're all "unique", run in big packs or herds as I call them with the same bikes, stop at the same watering holes and swap lies about how much they spent on their "hog". Great name, that's kind of what I felt like I was riding a hog! OK Grn, we better shut up before we piss someone off...lol!

* Last updated by: Kruz on 11/15/2012 @ 6:49 PM *

Instead of "Ride Your Own Ride" I wish HD would change their marketing slogan to "Follow the Herd", at least they'd be in compliance with Truth in Advertising standards.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 11/15/2012 @ 6:57 PM *

LOL!!!!I 'like' Harleys...I mean...to bag on!I had two of em...guess I can poke fun a bit.Notice how it's 'the guy at the end of the group' that waves back...bunch of pricks!Usually I'll flip em the bird after two or three pass without waving back!They couldn't catch me anyway...WHEEEEEE!!!!!F it!

Yeah...for God's sakes let's not let my buddies see that I'm cool with a guy ridin something OTHER than a 'hog'.Pricks.And to think I actually wanted to see em back on the road!!!Geez...what was I THINKIN!=0.....j/k....lol!

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/15/2012 @ 7:08 PM *