Harley-Davidson FLSTF FLSTFI Fat Boy reviews

I've been riding two wheelers for the past 35 years with some 20 new bikes under my belt including H-D's. After continued pressure to buy a Harley instead of the metric bike I currently own, I took an 02 Fatboy for a test drive in September. To start off with, anyone stating this thing has lots of power must have been riding a moped all their life! My wife's V-Star 1100 will run away from the Fatboy in a roll on without any problem. When you shift gears, it sounds like someone beating on a big tin can from the inside out. Vibration wise, it okay, about the same as the V-Star. Since the mid 80's, H-D has said, "buy American motorcycles". A recent program on TLC stated that on the average, only 52-54% of the parts in a Harley are made in the USA. Good one Harley, by America, right! I've seen more American made accessories in a Honda shop than you see hanging on the walls at your local HD dealer. The dealer thought 20 G's about the right price, 12 more than I paid for my wife's 01 V-Star 1100. I thought, 20 grand FOR WHAT!, to stuff the pockets of HD and the dealer, no thanks! To sum my ride and experience with the Fatboy, "fat price...for what?", possibly image, which is worth zip to me. I am buying a Honda VTX. For what its worth, it too, is made in America. Show less

I have just turned over 2700 miles on my 01 Fatboy and have had no problems. I recently went to the KC plant "open house" to ride the new V-Rod which was great, but while I was there I also rode an '02 Fat Boy to see how mine compared with a stock bike before I payed the "Harley tax". I was surprised how much improvement a pair of slip-on's and jetting would do. It seemed the stock bike would not build any revs. I've never owned a "new" bike (Harley or otherwise) and I had this $300 modification made before I picked it up. This may explain why riders that rent bikes are not thrilled with the stock performance. I think it runs pretty good, although it still would be beat in a flat out race by a Jap bike. Oh well...I guess a Jap guitar may play better than my American Fender Strat, but I wouldn't play one! Show less

I rented one of these for a day in Hawaii. I own a Honda 929RR and thought this would be an interesting experience since I have never driven a Harley. All I can say is get it into top gear as fast as possible, as it does not like revs. Cruise at about 50mph and hope the wind is with you. This bike sounds great at low revs when you open it up. It also looks good. Other than that it is slow, heavy, does not brake or shift well and handles and brakes like a log rolling down a hill. It reminds me of my first bike, a 1968 Triumph. Imagine, 1960's technology at 2001 prices. It is expensive. I guess it does hold its value, although I do not know why. There must be a lot of insecure males out there that want to be seen on a tough looking machine. I will take a Japanese sport bike any day. that's a mans bike. A Harley will never scare the pants out of you like a litre sport bike. See you in my rear view mirror. Show less

I've rented the 2001 Fatboy here in San Fran and once in Hawaii. Runs great, looks great and holds it value for years. The 2002 Fatboy is a machine! Show less

have 2002 fat boy and love it new front brake position is excellent pipes air cleaner rejet and plenty of power (for now) great ride very comfortable easy to handle im a 1st time rider and i am totally pleased Show less

Rented one of these to try it out. Thank God I hadn't bought it! Transmission goes kerchunk every time you change gears. The engine needs Medicaid to go 75. Sounds good, but that's a lot of money for sound...and to be a member of the church of Harley. This thing couldn't keep up with a Japanese 250. Show less

Great ride - very smooth. Lots of stares with the awesome retro look. I have made quite a few mods to really customize it. Most important is getting some V&H pro 2-in-1 pipes. Adds terrific sound and gives room for passengers legs without burning boots. Overall, best bike I have ever been on. Get the /I model - well worth it. Show less

As my former Triumph owner my 1st Harley, an '01 Fat Boy is the ride of my life! It's 11 months old and I'm approaching 10,000 miles. Two thousand of which were a one-week trip to the mountains of GA, NC and TN. This bike is the ultimate comfort machine for my 5' 8", 220lb. frame. Ten hours in the saddle and I was as fresh as when I began. I've put over $5,000 in a 2-into-1 V&H Pro Pipe, Thunderstar wheels, chrome brake calipers w/polished brake rotors, chrome forks/sliders, chrome switch housings and front brake reservoir, detachable sissy bar & windshield and a variety of other small items. The V&H Pro Pipe provides me 3 distinct benefits. The first is increased power on the low end. Second is a deep "throaty" sound that typifies the Fat Boy appearance. Third is the elimination of my wife melting her black boot heels on the original pipes. I've ridden other Harleys and find myself at home on the Fat Boy! Show less

What's up with the bearings going out on this overpriced piece of junk? Half the parts are from Japan,Taiwan and Australia. And they call it an American bike? AMF might as well still own it. Show less

I just got a new 2001 Fat Boy, Jade Sunglo, fuel-injected and could not be happier with it. Some initial thoughts: Awesome torque. You can drive all day in 3rd gear, 5 to 45 MPH. Smooth. The new Twin Cam has very little vibration, the mirrors are clear. Fuel injection is the way to go. Starting is effortless (no choke) and idles smoothly when cold. No back-firing, no "pinging". You do give up the gas reserve capability though.... that's enough for now. I'm hitting the road! Show less