Buying a Fat Bob - Or How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love HD

[greidel]

I put a down payment on a '12 Fat Bob. Trading in my '08 Versys. The V was a good bike, but it was a bad influence, tempting me into situations my brakes wouldn't get me out of. I wanted to slow down and I wanted anti-lock brakes. Plus my office is full of Harley guys. They were always telling me to get a Harley (as Harley riders always do). So I found myself browsing the HD websites, then building bikes on the HD Bike Builder app, and finally looking in person. Lo and behold I found the right bike at the right price and couldn't pass it up. All of this is prelude to my point. Mind you, I haven't even taken delivery yet.

It's like a whole world has opened up for me. Like I was swimming upstream in the motorcycle world before, and suddenly I'm on a inner-tube lazily floating down river. There are suddenly multiple bike shops available to me, and they all have clothing and accessories! Motorcyclist coworkers who would only begrudgingly acknowledge me now want to have long conversations. I feel like I fighting who I really was, and have finally accepted it. This must be what it feels like when you finally give in to a cult leader. No longer do I have to explain my choice of bike, to justify it's practicality, it's economy... how this is what defines a good bike in the rest of the world. No, now I can have civil conversations about chrome and "what a Harley sounds like".

Seriously, the change is palpable. I knew I was being given a tough time, but I didn't know how much until I was on the inside of the joke. I guess we aren't really all motorcyclists after all. There are motorcyclists and real bikers. And real bikers ride Harleys. They are free and independent, and express that freedom and independence by conforming and trying to get others to conform. Well, I'm conforming.

It's not all bad. The Fat Bob rides like luxury car and looks like a muscle car. And I'm keeping my Vespa for those days when I want that "slow bike, fast" thrill, or European practicality.

P.S. The HD forums I've found are awful compared to this place. Can anyone recommend a good one?

[Sport-Touring]

[1KPerDay]

asslesschaps.com

[Mr.Black]

asslesschaps.com

You know I looked, right?

[Capirex]

P.S. The HD forums I've found are awful compared to this place. Can anyone recommend a good one?

No.  Why not stay here?

[C 4]

Idrankthekoolaid.com ? But seriously, I was a long time HD basher and I finally realized. Ride what you want, it's yours, you paid for it. Conformity Rules!

[falconati]

Amazing troll  

[atadaskew]

Amazing troll  

Harley and Vespa plug all in one post.
Agreed!

[Rincewind]

The Force is strong with this one.  

Looks like a cool bike, even if it's a HD.    

Willow Street or Iron Valley?  I heard they might have a steal on a used Versys....

[alekkas]

I love your post.  enjoy.  I am 47, outta shape,  and still outside the joke.  One day, when I finally give in, I too will enjoy the bliss.  Just don't wanna slow down yet.    

[beavis]

I just picked up a Softail and now that is a bike! Lot's of torque and LOOUUDDDD! Now, granted, it does have handling limitations like trying even a semi-sort-of-agressive turn I hear a loud metallic grinding sounds, a riding position that is not ideal for handling and uncomfortable after more that a 100 feet, and yes, a top speed that a decent 500CC sport bike can easily exceed; BUT, I know that I look really cool. How do I know I look cool? Well, because people who own Harley's or don't ride bikes tell me so! Are they right? I don't know! Are they sold by the media? I don't know! Are they a bunch of tools? I mostly don't know! Am I a tool? No, I look cool! You motorcyclists will never know how to become bikers until you stop conforming and show your independence by buying the same outdated, overpriced motorcycles that all of us ride. 'nuff said.

[veefer800canuck]

 But, I'm not in the closet..........

-T. Cruise

[Mac]

I'm not packing fudge. I'm fly fishing.

T. Cruise

[jvick98]

When I bought my Ultra Classic after much hounding by my friend, an ex-1 percenter, he told me it was not motorcycling, "it is a lifestyle".  He wasn't too far off!

Jim

[misanthropist]

Enjoy. I like the Fat Bob quite a bit. I thought about buying one instead of the Griso.



Flawless, sub-moa fit and finish...all day long.

[black hills]

I loved every HD I ever rode, unfortunately the love faded after about 100 miles

[Mac]

I loved every HD I ever rode, unfortunately the love faded after about 100 miles

out!

[mugwump58]

So long as you're happy. Besides the guys at work said...

[Mac]

So long as you're happy. Besides the guys at work said...

Its not about you, it's all about the guy at work's opinion.  

[mugwump58]

I know I'm not being very supportive. I apologize.

[Transpomgr]

Why not? They are reliable, get good mileage, and there is probably a dealer open on Sunday just in case something does go wrong.

[Baz]

I prefer riding a "supermodel" to a "Fat Bob".  

[Squid4Life]

On the bright side you and your co-workers get to wash and wax the bike every weekend... (Riding its over rated)

[SuperHans]

Motorcycles, it's all about fitting in.


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