Fat Bob makes this old man smile

[old slider]

Never thought I would own a HD, but after much arm twisting and encouragement from a few of my Harley owning mates I mortgaged the house for a 2010 one owner Gloss Black Fat Bob. I rode it back to Wanganui from Kapiti and ended up with face ache from smiling the whole way home. After walking out to the shed 10 times over the next few hours simply to just lovingly look at her, the missus got jealous, I think it was hearing me talking to her as I stroked her beautiful contours with a cloth in my hand, lol.

Nothing like my previous and current Japanese bike which I enjoy, but there is something that I cant put my finger on that sees me going straight to this Black mistress every time I enter the shed.

[JimO]

all you need now is a leather waistcoat and a wallet on a chain, :2thumbsup

[skippa1]

Never thought I would own a HD, but after much arm twisting and encouragement from a few of my Harley owning mates I mortgaged the house for a 2010 one owner Gloss Black Fat Bob. I rode it back to Wanganui from Kapiti and ended up with face ache from smiling the whole way home. After walking out to the shed 10 times over the next few hours simply to just lovingly look at her, the missus got jealous, I think it was hearing me talking to her as I stroked her beautiful contours with a cloth in my hand, lol.

Nothing like my previous and current Japanese bike which I enjoy, but there is something that I cant put my finger on that sees me going straight to this Black mistress every time I enter the shed.
Have some cunt cross into your lane and take your leg off should ruin the dream.....seriously, enjoy, its a cunt when somebody takes it from you

[Maha]

Had a short ride on one last year and was surprised at how bad it didn't feel. Vance Hines pipes sounded massive, yeah I liked it - very cool bike.

[old slider]

Have some cunt cross into your lane and take your leg off should ruin the dream.....seriously, enjoy, its a cunt when somebody takes it from you



Pharkin ell mate, I have no reply to that. The risks in Bike riding are pretty high and I know it is in my mind a lot when riding. I have a buggered ankle, (total ankle fusion0 from an old racing injury, hence the sidecar I have being built, but I recently found the forward foot pegs and shifter a lot easier to use than on mid controls.

I found it difficult to ride with mid controls and thought HDs would be impossible, but after being offered the chance of a ride I was amazed at the easy handling of such a big machine, counter steering really plays a big part in riding these monsters.

I don't know you skippa1 but don't let some bastard steal your dreams, we have so many modern aids today , with button shifters etc and sidecars are fun if you want to get back on the road.

[old slider]

all you need now is a leather waistcoat and a wallet on a chain, :2thumbsup

Will a Denim vest suffice, lol

[nzspokes]

Pharkin ell mate, I have no reply to that. The risks in Bike riding are pretty high and I know it is in my mind a lot when riding. I have a buggered ankle, (total ankle fusion0 from an old racing injury, hence the sidecar I have being built, but I recently found the forward foot pegs and shifter a lot easier to use than on mid controls.

I found it difficult to ride with mid controls and thought HDs would be impossible, but after being offered the chance of a ride I was amazed at the easy handling of such a big machine, counter steering really plays a big part in riding these monsters.

I don't know you skippa1 but don't let some bastard steal your dreams, we have so many modern aids today , with button shifters etc and sidecars are fun if you want to get back on the road.

Do you use the heal shift for up shifts? Yeah enjoy what you like to ride.

Some cool new auto bikes around these days to.

[old slider]

Had a short ride on one last year and was surprised at how bad it didn't feel. Vance Hines pipes sounded massive, yeah I liked it - very cool bike.


Certainly surprised me, this Fat Bobs pretty standard, 6" risers, pull back bars, performance research specs removed and improved baffles, headers cut open and catlyctic converter removed. sounds nice and is as loud as you allow it to be.

Not sure if I want or need to do the normal changes like air filters and pipes, although I do hear the Vance and Hines two into one exhaust adds some HP and a high flow air intake adds some more.

[old slider]

Do you use the heal shift for up shifts? Yeah enjoy what you like to ride.

Some cool new auto bikes around these days to.


I have looked at fitting a heel shift, but I don't seem to need to have the same speed for shifting as with the Japanese bikes, The slight clunk as I change
is apparently acceptable with a HD, lol

[Akzle]

Have some cunt cross into your lane and take your leg off should ruin the dream.....seriously, enjoy, its a cunt when somebody takes it from you

bad week eh?
You've got plenty left before we fit you out for a wooden coat, so make next one better.

[skippa1]

Pharkin ell mate, I have no reply to that. The risks in Bike riding are pretty high and I know it is in my mind a lot when riding. I have a buggered ankle, (total ankle fusion0 from an old racing injury, hence the sidecar I have being built, but I recently found the forward foot pegs and shifter a lot easier to use than on mid controls.

I found it difficult to ride with mid controls and thought HDs would be impossible, but after being offered the chance of a ride I was amazed at the easy handling of such a big machine, counter steering really plays a big part in riding these monsters.

I don't know you skippa1 but don't let some bastard steal your dreams, we have so many modern aids today , with button shifters etc and sidecars are fun if you want to get back on the road.
Take no notice of me.........enjoy your ride

[skippa1]

bad week eh?
You've got plenty left before we fit you out for a wooden coat, so make next one better.
Will do...

[MIXONE]

After nearly 50 years of riding and owning a multitude of makes and models I bought my first harley in Feb and love it.I think you either get it or you don't huh.
Pics please.

[old slider]

Take no notice of me.........enjoy your ride


No way mate, I appreciated your post, Nothing I can say to ease your pain except that I have a velorex sidecar sitting in the shed if you ever decide that you want to try 3 wheels.

[skippa1]

No way mate, I appreciated your post, Nothing I can say to ease your pain except that I have a velorex sidecar sitting in the shed if you ever decide that you want to try 3 wheels.
Cheers...im ok, old bad cunts usually are. Not decided on what i will do yet,trying to learn to walk like a pirateat the moment. Plenty of time to decide, as Akzle said, im not in a pine suit so all good.

[old slider]

After nearly 50 years of riding and owning a multitude of makes and models I bought my first harley in Feb and love it.I think you either get it or you don't huh.
Pics please.


I havnt put my finger on it yet, but man I get a sore gob from smiling every time I ride her.

[old slider]

Cheers...im ok, old bad cunts usually are. Not decided on what i will do yet,trying to learn to walk like a pirateat the moment. Plenty of time to decide, as Akzle said, im not in a pine suit so all good.

Love your attitude, sounds like you have plenty more years of life, how you live them is in your hands, Best of luck mate.

[leathel]

Good to see you are enjoying your ride, I like the way those ride..... I found they suited me quite well, If I had the coin I might have got one but my current ride suits me well.


Clock them k's up, yah going to the Cold Kiwi? :D

[old slider]

Good to see you are enjoying your ride, I like the way those ride..... I found they suited me quite well, If I had the coin I might have got one but my current ride suits me well.


Clock them k's up, yah going to the Cold Kiwi? :D


Forgot you were on here, lol. yes really enjoy riding this Bike, I was worried the 307kgs being too much for my ankle, but the low centre of gravity, seat height etc works really well, The handling surprised me after years of flicking the 190kg twin around, I doubt if I could pick this one up up once its tipped.

Nah no Cold kiwi Dave, Missus getting over 2nd hip replacement, as soon as she can be left alone I am going Bush, being house bound is not good for me, besides the jet boat needs a good run.

[leathel]

Forgot you were on here, lol. yes really enjoy riding this Bike, I was worried the 307kgs being too much for my ankle, but the low centre of gravity, seat height etc works really well, The handling surprised me after years of flicking the 190kg twin around, I doubt if I could pick this one up up once its tipped.

Nah no Cold kiwi Dave, Missus getting over 2nd hip replacement, as soon as she can be left alone I am going Bush, being house bound is not good for me, besides the jet boat needs a good run.


I don't post a lot on here, Mostly about the evening rides. I will get down your way at some stage for a ride :)

Next bush trip for me will be the FYM trip... bikes have been used more than the rod and rifle of late

[RDJ]

That there is a nice looking bike, O'slider. And yeah, that platform handles pretty darn well indeed at road speeds. Enjoy!

[old slider]

That there is a nice looking bike, O'slider. And yeah, that platform handles pretty darn well indeed at road speeds. Enjoy!



Cheers RDJ, This is first non Japanese bike since my teen age years when progressing from the Bantam to a Beeza 500 single, that hurt me a bit, lol.

I absolutely love the Bike, but that may change after its 32000km service invoice.

[Zamiam]

On my second fatbob and got to admt the grin hasn't let up yet. Regardless of the Harley knockers there is just something about them that grabs a part of you and doesn't let go. Enjoy your ride!

[old slider]

On my second fatbob and got to admt the grin hasn't let up yet. Regardless of the Harley knockers there is just something about them that grabs a part of you and doesn't let go. Enjoy your ride!


Cheers Zamiam, overlooking the kaipara is :cool: Magic part of NZ, my inlaws had a house in Whakapairau, not far from Maungaturoto, absolutely loved the place, oysters for breakfast or fresh flounder from the net every day.

Do you think there is much difference/improvements in the later models?

[Zamiam]

I bought an 09 new which I sold 4 years later to fund a horse puchase for out horse stud. Then I bought my current one near enough to a year later in June 2014. Its a 2012 so still old shape but has only 5000kms on it, the new arse end doesn't do it for me to be honest. New one had cams, stage I done and is 103cu and ABS. Most of what I read online suggested not many feel any difference between a 96 and 103. I certainly can, probably cams as my 96 was stage I as well. Both have had numerous mods, a number of which I transferred across. Best mod without hesitation is the 2000 spent on front and rear suspension - much much better bike.

Can't see myself selling it until I can't ride it any more. More likely to add a road glide and a trike (for her) to the garage.

[old slider]

I bought an 09 new which I sold 4 years later to fund a horse puchase for out horse stud. Then I bought my current one near enough to a year later in June 2014. Its a 2012 so still old shape but has only 5000kms on it, the new arse end doesn't do it for me to be honest. New one had cams, stage I done and is 103cu and ABS. Most of what I read online suggested not many feel any difference between a 96 and 103. I certainly can, probably cams as my 96 was stage I as well. Both have had numerous mods, a number of which I transferred across. Best mod without hesitation is the 2000 spent on front and rear suspension - much much better bike.

Can't see myself selling it until I can't ride it any more. More likely to add a road glide and a trike (for her) to the garage.


Cheers Zamian, I agree on the suspension, probably the only thing annoying me a little bit, mainly the really soft front end. I have to really try and remember to slow down the HD gear shifts, the W650 is so much different with no clutch up shifts in the higher gears.

[awayatc]

Re forks being soft...
You can try heavier oil in forks...
Definitely improves things a bit.
I also put about 40mm spacer /bungs in front forks on top of springs to "alter pre load" a bit no 8 wire style...
That together with trailbraking in the corners makes things quite managable I find....

[old slider]

Re forks being soft...
You can try heavier oil in forks...
Definitely improves things a bit.
I also put about 40mm spacer /bungs in front forks on top of springs to "alter pre load" a bit no 8 wire style...
That together with trailbraking in the corners makes things quite managable I find....


Cheers, yes have been told about using heavier oil, love the kiwi ingenuity with using spacers.

As for trail braking, I was simply lucky on my first ride going into a lefty way to quick for my long absent riding ability, luckily there was nothing heading my way as I crossed the centre line much to my horror and riding inability.

Quite a few rides later I am relearning such things as the corners slowest point etc , I prefer to enter way slower than necessary, not much harm comes from this, but going in too fast!!! , besides I have less than 32 degrees lean angle on the HD. I have always and still do, lightly touch the front brake going in and ease right off as lean angle increases, not sure if its right, but prefer that rather than trying to scrub off speed once I'm leaning.

[RDJ]

There is something truly good about firing up a motorcycle that makes us happy to ride, regardless of brand, category, speed or slickness. I'm pretty agnostic about the branding of the exact bike that I like; but I know them when I ride them.

Today for example I took one of the V8s up the Parapara Highway, defying the frequently-mistaken weather predictions, and rode up to Raetihi and back, the excuse being a pie at the turnaround point.

On other days I have done exactly the same ride on a H-D V-twin (Dyna or Vrod), with a similar grin brought about by a different but equally fun experience.

It's all good.

[old slider]

I suppose asking everyone on the correct braking and cornering techniques is similar to asking what is the best Bike and will get lots of variations, I don't mind!!

I admit to struggling with correct cornering techniques on the heavy two wheeled machine, speedway sidecars are, or were much easier, having no brakes and oval tracks.

I don't think I am having problems counter steering the HD, but it is early days ( and I possibly do tend to ride the W650 a little bit like my old 1973 TS 250).

I do use both front and rear brakes to scrub off speed in a straight line, but mostly use the front, I also use the front on entering a corner (very very lightly), but only until I start to lean the bike, then it comes off before any lean is attained., I understand less rubber and front brakes don't go so well together.

Position on the road I think I am getting right, and I watch for whether its an opening or a closing corner.

I will look for a local rider school that can help me stay safer on the roads. My alertness for other drivers and possible hidden dangers is way higher than when young, but in my 60s the reflexes are definitely slower, hopefully the greater awareness compensates for it, I have done about 2500kms since resuming, mostly in short 1-2 hour rides of mixed town and open road, I am probably best regarded as a Sunday rider even though any day is a ride day if its fine.

[eldog]

I suppose asking everyone on the correct braking and cornering techniques is similar to asking what is the best Bike and will get lots of variations, I don't mind!!

I admit to struggling with correct cornering techniques on the heavy two wheeled machine, speedway sidecars are, or were much easier, having no brakes and oval tracks.

I don't think I am having problems counter steering the HD, but it is early days ( and I possibly do tend to ride the W650 a little bit like my old 1973 TS 250).

I do use both front and rear brakes to scrub off speed in a straight line, but mostly use the front, I also use the front on entering a corner (very very lightly), but only until I start to lean the bike, then it comes off before any lean is attained., I understand less rubber and front brakes don't go so well together.

Position on the road I think I am getting right, and I watch for whether its an opening or a closing corner.

I will look for a local rider school that can help me stay safer on the roads. My alertness for other drivers and possible hidden dangers is way higher than when young, but in my 60s the reflexes are definitely slower, hopefully the greater awareness compensates for it, I have done about 2500kms since resuming, mostly in short 1-2 hour rides of mixed town and open road, I am probably best regarded as a Sunday rider even though any day is a ride day if its fine.

Sounds like you are heading in the right direction.
be aware of the road and conditions is important, up this way there is a lot of metal washed out into the road from driveways etc.
Use the throttle-don't button off. Try it on corners you know.
Dont worry about age, I ride with people your age and older and they make me look like a pedestrian LOL.
Most riders on Sunday are Hoons so maybe your in the right group?

It takes a while to get used to a new bike, the more often you ride the quicker you will improve, then one day things you were having problems with earlier will just disappear.
Check tyre pressures at regular intervals and get to know your bike.
different people progress at different rates so don't worry about that.

have a look at the Waikato and Laxed out ride forum here on KB for inspiration.

[leathel]

here is the acc subsidized coarse http://www.rideforever.co.nz/training/bronze/

I am told they are worth doing and I have been meaning to do the series myself but I haven't got there, I do OK on the road but you never know what you can learn :)

Cornering took me a bit to get used to a cruiser, but once I got it sussed its my favorite part of riding, the tighter the better :D

I do use brakes in the corners at times (not much front, a little more rear) but if you keep the sight line through the corner and hold a bit more weight counter steering my bike holds its lean angle nicely, Look where you want to be and all that but mostly I try not to brake and go in with the intention of rolling on the gas.

If you have the need to be up this way for training you have a place to stay RTR :)

[old slider]

here is the acc subsidized coarse http://www.rideforever.co.nz/training/bronze/

I am told they are worth doing and I have been meaning to do the series myself but I haven't got there, I do OK on the road but you never know what you can learn :)

Cornering took me a bit to get used to a cruiser, but once I got it sussed its my favorite part of riding, the tighter the better :D

I do use brakes in the corners at times (not much front, a little more rear) but if you keep the sight line through the corner and hold a bit more weight counter steering my bike holds its lean angle nicely, Look where you want to be and all that but mostly I try not to brake and go in with the intention of rolling on the gas.

If you have the need to be up this way for training you have a place to stay RTR :)


Thanks for that Mate, sadly just read in this mornings paper a fellow rider in his 60s crossed the centre line for the last time.

I intend to do as much as I can to ensure I don't do the same, I was very lucky on my first "too fast" corner with no show of getting it back on to the right side of the road. :sweatdrop Thanks for the kind offer leathel, once mums up and running I need to come for a ride up that way.

edit, "Two bald riders" Stuart Nelson and Ross Gratton do the training in this area so will hook up with them, cheers for the help.

[old slider]

Parcel arrived, I am now officially in the Harley Owners Group.

For a reasonable annual subscription they seem to have their game sorted, Membership card, badges, pins etc, the membership benefits appear to be useful and possibly saves HD owners a few dollars if they are utilised.

Just need to see Anza in Palmy to Join the central districts chapter and hopefully will get to meet some like minded individuals

I suppose I will be opening myself up for a bit of stick now having the HD denim vest to wear over my Dri-Rider jacket? May look out of place when riding the Kawasaki hack though.

322729322728

[MIXONE]

Parcel arrived, I am now officially in the Harley Owners Group.



322729322728

No,no,no please just no!

[old slider]

No,no,no please just no!



:shit: Does this mean I have to follow way, way back on any rides, or am I supposed to get the more commonly seen leather vest. haha.

[MIXONE]

:shit: Does this mean I have to follow way, way back on our rides.

No it means just come riding with me and a few mates.We only have one rule."Don't be a dickhead."
I regularly ride with a goldwing and an old kawasaki and we give each other shit.All in good fun.

[old slider]

No it means just come riding with me and a few mates.We only have one rule."Don't be a dickhead."
I regularly ride with a goldwing and an old kawasaki and we give each other shit.All in good fun.


Good Rule.

Looking forward to it, seems to be a few good buggers on here, Not so sure about Akzle, Madness and some others though, :killingme

[Burnie]

Thanks for that Mate, sadly just read in this mornings paper a fellow rider in his 60s crossed the centre line for the last time.

I intend to do as much as I can to ensure I don't do the same, I was very lucky on my first "too fast" corner with no show of getting it back on to the right side of the road. :sweatdrop Thanks for the kind offer leathel, once mums up and running I need to come for a ride up that way.

edit, "Two bald riders" Stuart Nelson and Ross Gratton do the training in this area so will hook up with them, cheers for the help.



Roadsafe (www.roadsafe.co.nz) also hold the ride forever courses in Wanganui. I was booked on the bronze course on the 26th June, however it was cancelled due to not enough participants. :(

I am still keen to do one of these - let me know how you get on with the bald bikers.

[old slider]

Roadsafe (www.roadsafe.co.nz) also hold the ride forever courses in Wanganui. I was booked on the bronze course on the 26th June, however it was cancelled due to not enough participants. :(

I am still keen to do one of these - let me know how you get on with the bald bikers.

I have not organised anything as of yet, Procrastinator should be my middle name. But I will hopefully have done something before 2017 if that helps, lol

[Burnie]

I have not organised anything as of yet, Procrastinator should be my middle name. But I will hopefully have done something before 2017 if that helps, lol

I have just re-registered for a bronze ride forever course in Wanganui on 24th July. At the moment there's only 2 riders booked for this course, so plenty of spaces left.......................

[old slider]

I have just re-registered for a bronze ride forever course in Wanganui on 24th July. At the moment there's only 2 riders booked for this course, so plenty of spaces left.......................


Thanks Bernie, will see if I can make it.

[GrayWolf]

:shit: Does this mean I have to follow way, way back on any rides, or am I supposed to get the more commonly seen leather vest. haha.

No no no, you dont HAVE to ride at the back, but well, just.... when on the Hardley?? you'll just BE at the rear :rolleyes:

[old slider]

No no no, you dont HAVE to ride at the back, but well, just.... when on the Hardley?? you'll just BE at the rear :rolleyes:

That would most likely be my position regardless of what i straddle. So long as i know the destination i will be more than happy, not so sure about the poor bugger who is tail end charlie or the sweeper.

[Swivel]

I have the same smile when I ride my Triumph. Spend more time in the shed washing and polishing then inside these days hahaha and any excuse to ride. Ive had a few turns on Harleys but the Trumphy does it for me. Got some chrome risers and z bars to fit next weekend. Enjoy your mean machine may you have many pleasurable rides ahead.

[nzspokes]

We only have one rule."Don't be a dickhead."


And that is the golden rule. :niceone:

Group I ride with dont crash (touch wood). Have been on rides with various crashes for no reason other than being a dickhead.

[old slider]

I have the same smile when I ride my Triumph. Spend more time in the shed washing and polishing then inside these days hahaha and any excuse to ride. Ive had a few turns on Harleys but the Trumphy does it for me. Got some chrome risers and z bars to fit next weekend. Enjoy your mean machine may you have many pleasurable rides ahead.


Cheers Swivel, I don't think it matters the Bike, so long as the face aches from grinning stupidly every time you ride I think that is all that counts.

Sunday was a great day, All blacks had a good test and result, Also the weather was perfect to go explore some back country roads.

324414324415

[pritch]

so long as the face aches from grinning stupidly every time you ride I think that is all that counts.


Nice bike. Never had a Harley but I can see that your bike has a lot to like. :yes:

[Burnie]

Nice day + nice roads + nice wheels = much happiness.

[rocketman1]

Hey Ol slider, Glad you love your Fatbob, I have one too. Vance & Hines big shots, awesome.
I have several bikes, and when in the garage I only see one bike : the Fatbob, love it

I love the low end torgue.
The smoothness of the drive train and gear train, forget the clunk shifting into first gear that's just a Harley thing
The sound is beautiful, never tire of it, changes downs and throttle blips are so much fun.
The quality and finish is beautiful. Much rather polish it than my car.
The look no too heavy, and the Fatbobs do handle well for a cruiser, just keep the tyres pumped up.
Just love to cruise, the nay sayers talk about them not being the fastest or have sportsbike handling but what f...
its a cruiser, I'm not out there to race, I'm out on the road to ride, looking out over the chrome and classic tank, I just love riding it.
I was never a Harley fan , but I hadn't experienced one, now I love them, funny how things change.

And to even things out I'm lucky enough to also own an adventure bike and a sportsbike so I do know what I'm talking about.

They are comfortable and reliable as, and the girls love them. Never had the girls at the beach want their selfie taken with
my adventure bike. But I love that bike too.

[old slider]

Hey Ol slider, Glad you love your Fatbob, I have one too. Vance & Hines big shots, awesome.
I have several bikes, and when in the garage I only see one bike : the Fatbob, love it

I love the low end torgue.
The smoothness of the drive train and gear train, forget the clunk shifting into first gear that's just a Harley thing
The sound is beautiful, never tire of it, changes downs and throttle blips are so much fun.
The quality and finish is beautiful. Much rather polish it than my car.
The look no too heavy, and the Fatbobs do handle well for a cruiser, just keep the tyres pumped up.
Just love to cruise, the nay sayers talk about them not being the fastest or have sportsbike handling but what f...
its a cruiser, I'm not out there to race, I'm out on the road to ride, looking out over the chrome and classic tank, I just love riding it.
I was never a Harley fan , but I hadn't experienced one, now I love them, funny how things change.

And to even things out I'm lucky enough to also own an adventure bike and a sportsbike so I do know what I'm talking about.

They are comfortable and reliable as, and the girls love them. Never had the girls at the beach want their selfie taken with
my adventure bike. But I love that bike too.


Hi Rocketman1, Thanks for the advice mate, They certainly are enjoyable to ride, it did surprise me after riding my little W650 around for quite sometime, I had no interest in owning a HD until the Fat Bob came along.

Having the baffles opened professionally CV removed and biting the bullet for a SE EFI super tuner I have a permanent grin.

cheers. RTR

[jimichelle]

tyres on asap

[old slider]

tyres on asap


I still see a lot of Fat Bobs wearing the Dunlops, has there been any or many bad reviews on them?