2013 Harley Davidson Fat Bob Test Ride w/ Impressions

This video was produced by my original channel name XXXDEADHEAD. Want to hold me to the thoughts and opinions reflected? I am sure you do, but those thoughts and opinions have adapted to the present day - constant evolution as I refuse to stop learning and adapting to the world around me. - The Adventures of X The following video was made when I called myself XXXDEADHEAD. This was a persona character that allowed me to voice thoughts from a perspective unique to the name. All thoughts and considerations in this video are simply reflections in the rear view mirror, faded to obscurity by the distance of time. Thoughts change, so tune into my recent videos to see where I am at today! The Adventures of X 2020
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So I decided to hop onto the one Harley I seriously considered over the Iron... Will give you my reflections on that decision on another vid. Enjoy!

[@samuraidarryl]

I have a 2013 Fat Bob - tried 3 other HD’s before I fell in love with the Fat Bob. Was instantaneous- fits like a glove - ride and handling awesome. Great video 👍

[@yamahaman6]

Comparing the power of the iron to this bike is complete apples to oranges.

[@CunucuDog]

I rode a Sportster for one season then bought a Fat Bob. Fat Bob was definitely the better option for me. Took a 3000 mile trip on the Fat Bob last summer. Smooth, comfortable and fun. The Fat Bob also scoots me around and through Chicago for everyday use. It is a good combo.

[@bz8047]

I live in Chicago and was wondering how it would be to cruise around here!!

[@Erik.Lundberg]

I bought a brand new Fat Bob in 2013. Rush 2.25" Slip-On, Screamin' Eagle airfilter and Super Tuner. Had it dynoed here in Sweden. Made a big difference in power and torque compared to stock. Not only the fuel was optimized but also the ignition. Very satisfied.

[@XXXDeadhead]

Erik Lundberg nice!

[@Arizona_rider]

I bought the iron 883. Rode it for 7 months putting over 9600 miles on it. I just purchased the fat bob. I’m glad I found this video because I’m actually wondering what it’s going to be like riding a bigger bike

[@XXXDeadhead]

You will love it!

[@dastuun]

Bought a '14 Fat Bob. Watched this video like 100 times in the decision making process! Love your stuff, man. Keep it up.

[@XXXDeadhead]

Awesome to hear!

[@samuraidarryl]

Hats off to your review. Good to compare to other HD's. Being a Harley owner your comments were better that a sports bike riders review. You didn't mention the brakes that others disliked and put down. Also your comments on power and 6th gear was cool. Thanks for uploading. 👍👍

[@XXXDeadhead]

I think every sportbike rider will be thrown off by Cruiser brakes - the weight of the bike changes the feel, and not all cruisers have higher end brakes as they focus more on a lower center of gravity - this allows for more brake to be pulled in.

[@jonbouchard1291]

This is my first bike, just bought one for myself for my 30th birthday, thought about a sportster but im 5'10 240 so I went a little bigger, love the bike tho very comfortable for me been taking out everyday since im still a new rider...love it

[@TimothyT230]

Awesome video. Thanks. Picking up my Fat Bob in June.

[@XXXDeadhead]

Awesome! Rsmf!

[@XXXDeadhead]

Thanks for the compliments! I am not an expert by any means, I just sort of do what you were saying originally, I explain my experience in the moment.

[@joshbracken2861]

Just bought a 2013 Fat Bob due in part to this video. Thanks for posting!

[@XXXDeadhead]

Josh bracken awesome! Love the bike?!

[@joshbracken2861]

I do.

[@Staffii1]

What height are you, out of interest with the forward controls.

[@XXXDeadhead]

Staffii 5'10"

[@loribanfield8403]

Josh bracken has

[@guitarman0365]

once you go forward you don't go backwards. Forward for life!! lol

[@glenwardle1]

"It has a fuel tank" Hahahahaha want to hope so lol

[@XXXDeadhead]

Until this time I had only had a peanut tank on my sportster - so 100 mile range. Now I have nearly 8 gallons of tank, I can go solid miles on my adventures without care/worry.

[@glenwardle1]

@@XXXDeadhead yeah great bike i just brought a 2014 model haven't been riding on road sine 2013 and this my first harley was going to get the iron 1200 but yeah backed out due to tank size

[@XXXDeadhead]

Don't get me wrong... the next video I cruise the BIG Harley... and I LOVED it... told my wife about it and she got excited for the first time about riding with me... Think she just fits into that mold where bigger is better. I for one would love to have something more fuel efficient. Never knew there was a bike with over 600cc's that offered anything close to 60mpg. Kawasaki 650 is like 51 mpg highway. Now you actually have me thinking about trading in my bike (45 mpg) - which is unexpected

[@donaldscott8969]

I agree with most of your comments on the Fat Bob. I had an 08 Fat bob with center foot controls. It was easy to ride, and also, You talked about fuel economy a few times. My 08 Fat Bob with a stage 1 kit and some pipes would give me 55 MPG. I am not kidding. These bikes are Great on long trips, but also Nimble enough in town. I am Picking up my New Fat Bob tomorrow 6-2-2015. I hope you give the bike a chance. Good Luck Don

[@XXXDeadhead]

Yeah, I had a misconception about the fuel economy back then - the larger Harley's do great!

[@MrYukon04]

tach is in the display. button on the left bar scrolls threw the different screens

[@jaiqthesly6165]

You really have improved the equipment. That wind noise is thankfully gone with your current setup. Good video regardless though. Your motovlogging are the only one I REALLY enjoy. Thank you for making me want to move to the US and bike on your lovely roads, you scoundrel ;)

[@XXXDeadhead]

Haha - do it! The Sena tech works perfect for what I need

[@XXXDeadhead]

Absolutely... figured it was different than my normal stuff and an experience for myself :)

[@XXXDeadhead]

well, I think bigger than my bike... not power wise by any means... And I honestly am not considering getting a new bike... I simply just wanted to test ride different bikes and develop an opinion on them. The NC700S looks like a fantastic bike for what I need now... But in the future I know that my wife is only interested in riding longer trips on a bigger bike... she just doesn't know or trust anything else. For me, I plan on keeping my bike and turning it into what I need... continue...

[@XXXDeadhead]

Totally - good for all in my opinion.... I think it is best to have one cruiser... one sport bike, and one dirt bike in the garage.

[@XXXDeadhead]

I never thought about that... was a very comfy bike

[@gloverintl]

I went into a Harley place the other day. I did take notice of the Fat Bob.

[@XXXDeadhead]

part 2: I plan on getting a windshield or fairing kit, new shocks, comfortable seat and backrest, and some luggage compartments. I didn't buy a motorcycle for any one thing... I bought the Iron for a collection of reasons, none of it as purely based on function. I would say that with Harley, and many Americans we focus on Form over function... not saying this is any better or worse. In a perfect world we would all have high mpg vehicles to save the earth and pocket book.

[@pmh1nic]

Yes, having the sixth gear is nice when you get up to about 70 mph. As for the forward controls, once you get use to them you never want to go back.

[@XXXDeadhead]

+pmh1nic I have a feeling i would love forward controls on the sportster

[@XXXDeadhead]

Sorry for the late response! Yeah, the 48 is a great little town/city bike... but for touring, the gas breaks are numerous... However, I wouldn't care about frequent gas breaks, as long as I do not run out of gas in the middle of nowhere. My big issue would be with areas that are off the beaten path... places where you must go 170 miles between gas stations.

[@Winterstick549]

Fatbob with the Indian powertrain would be awesome.

[@Erik.Lundberg]

Also a well tuned Twin Cam works pretty good. I am very satisfied with mine.

[@bobberfet3648]

hey man I started watching your videos not to long ago and I actually just traded my iron in for a street bob and man I gotta say I love it, love the videos man keep crankin them out

[@XXXDeadhead]

Thank you and congrats!

[@StormAutoAdventures]

XXXDeadhead Thank you for the excellent videos! This is the first one I've seen, but I heard you say you have more of them. I will definitely be watching them because of your camera angle, the clarity, and of course, the lack of wind noise! I can't stand overbearing wind noise. Keep up the good work man! I'll subscribe after this comment.

[@XXXDeadhead]

Welcome to the Madness

[@KaffePower]

XXXDeadhead hey i saw the video where you riding the HD fatbob. im thinking about buying one and wondering how the riding position is for your back? at the moment i have a Yamaha vmax 1200 but the seat is a bit too hard for my back so it gets very tired. how is the wind hitting you with no windshield?

[@XXXDeadhead]

I personally had no issues with the seat or the wind... But I can't say that will not be an issue for you. Worst case scenario you would have to get a detach windshield or just raise the bars a bit, etc...

[@XXXDeadhead]

Hmm, if there was any difference, I felt it in the Night Rod the most. Both handled very well but I think the Night Rod had the slight advantage.

[@Txfire409]

"Rode like a total newb." Everyone is a newb when they start riding.

[@SwansonGuitarLessons]

pretty darn cool...! Nice day for test rides.

[@crazypris16]

watching these videos is making me nervous... I don't know much about bikes, but I don't think my reviews will be nearly as good as yours, lol. More about my experience.. Good job tho! I enjoyed this =)

[@XXXDeadhead]

He needs to go ahead and get it... such a fun bike... well, any bike is fun to me :)

[@dheller777]

Enjoyed the ride as usual my firend. You know how bas I want either a Harley or a Victory so these rides are really motivating me to get it done before I am to old to ride. Which at almost 61 I hope never happens. Ride safe.

[@XXXDeadhead]

Yeah, it was the day after a two day storm front... Not that it was a bad storm.

[@crazypris16]

Well because it's just good quality *ish. And no your voice is not scary.. its chill actually =) And I appreciate the compliment. especially from someone who's posted as many vids as you. I have much to learn!

[@Lex-Rex]

I own this bike and a Daytona 675 R, and I can honestly say, I enjoy canyon riding on my Fat Bob more than my Daytona.

[@XXXDeadhead]

Totally agree with you! I think it should cost extra to take the option of no ABS :)

[@ryancornelius1007]

Who thinks of gas mileage when buying a Harley. I shopped yesterday at my local dealer for a couple hours before I bought my fat bob, just fell in love with it. I didn’t even ask what the gas mileage was lol.

[@XXXDeadhead]

Hmm... I am not sure about it hurting the hips... maybe that would depend on how the handlebars are set up and which seat you have.... this would conclude the posture setup and that would be the only thing that would hurt the hips. Ultimately, I believe that mid mounted pegs and freeway peg options for stretching is the way to go... but this is all personal opinion.

[@XXXDeadhead]

I want to get freeway pegs for my bike just to be able to stretch out... but yeah, mid mounted pegs are the best.... actually... floorboards with front pegs are the best, that is in the next video. :)

[@hddeadhead2859]

Big Hello from Ireland. Great Video. I can't wait to pick up my Fat Bob in one or max two weeks from the HD Dealer.

[@joekilbreth3901]

Well done review. Thanks!

[@XXXDeadhead]

Thank you for enjoying it!

[@joerosa5449]

Thanks for posting.... Enjoyed all of it.

[@XXXDeadhead]

I would agree only in the concept of the money spent on a new harley... if you go straight to a used Harley... than I see no reason why it would not be a good beginner bike... unless your 5'2 and weight less then a 100lbs... even then, if you can hold it up at a stop, your golden at speed.

[@RiPR6]

Very nice. I always thought at places like that they kit the bike out with all the optional extras, nice to see it stock so you know what your gonna get before you buy and not what you could have of you spend so much :-)

[@XXXDeadhead]

Wish I would have had time to check out Yamaha, but I didn't. I would gladly ride and commute on both of these two bikes...

[@Jesse.Crenshaw]

Also, my feet used to blow off of the standard pegs too. I replaced them with the pegs that have a little heel support, and now the problem doesn't occur. I also placed mid-mount pegs on the bike for awhile, to give me an extra place to put my feet. After several years I no longer use them.

[@XXXDeadhead]

Yeah - I think I could get used to it! Thanks!

[@XXXDeadhead]

Great point! I call my bike the Iron.. A name given by Harley. hmmm...

[@XXXDeadhead]

Well.. I have seen motorcycle mods that allow you to hook a wheel chair up to them... so in essence.... you can ride till you loose your marbles or until your blind.... or at least ride till you get caught or end up 6ft under :)

[@XXXDeadhead]

9053mods - sounds bad ass! I love V&H pipes - sound so good!

[@MAPPED]

Great video, really enjoyed it...I ride the HD Iron at the moment and I am just about to trade in and order the new 2014 Fat Bob!...So this was a great help, thanks again and ride safe!

[@XXXDeadhead]

Nice! The a Fat Bob is awesome! I considered getting a Street Glide last week and could not get rid of the Iron just yet!

[@francescociaccia3107]

Hey. I have see today a harley fat bob Dyna and i say this is a very muscle bike with a 2 light. For me is a very beast

[@TheGedstar]

Great review man! Really helped me alot!

[@XXXDeadhead]

Excellent!

[@vicridereric]

Harley's are good beginner bikes. I don't know why people act like they are hard to ride. They are just heavy. But riding them is easy. They are low, not very powerful, easy to take off with and handle decent.

[@XXXDeadhead]

Sorry for late response (busy) - Fat Bob's are awesome!

[@XXXDeadhead]

What makes the FatBob more enjoyable in the canyons? Just the rumble and the feel of the ride? Curious, because I feel like both would be awesome for different reasons.

[@duffymyo]

Great video, San Mateo Convention center! I did some test rides there. Be safe, happy riding.

[@XXXDeadhead]

Thank you! I take it you live near this area?

[@MrSlowestD16]

While the dynas are good for their weight, they're still heavy as hell. Come in a near 700 fully loaded meanwhile the iron will be at like 560. Pretty considerable difference, IMO. Though in urban settings is where you REALLY notice the difference. That is to say, putting the sporty in tight spaces, lane splitting/filtering cars, etc. You really notice the weight when you need to utilize every oz that you don't have! Promise you that. Even walking it back I noticed the weight over the iron

[@XXXDeadhead]

Thank you!

[@bamahi7142]

I would love to own the Fat Bob with a Vic motor and Trans, Vic Brakes, Vic aluminum frame, Vic riding and handling, and Vic reliability and comfort. :) Just kidding! Great video!

[@XXXDeadhead]

Haha

[@XXXDeadhead]

I think there will be even more possibilities in economy by the time I am able to buy another bike or upgrade the one I have... I doubt I could get rid of my bike... logical or not... my heart is attached :)

[@XXXDeadhead]

I will see what I can do.... local dealership has told me they are all for me checking out their bikes for the sake of my channel.

[@XXXDeadhead]

Both were quiet... in fact, Harley has to make their bikes quiet in California because of the decibel laws and the emission standards. Regardless, both bikes could be made loud... I have a few friends with Night Rods that sound awesome.... just a different type of rumble.

[@ednamayfan]

Big Bike! Your voice reminds me of Tom Hanks - love your videos!!

[@thomasad84]

Very comfortable dyna, but those aren't air shocks. They are oil shocks made by showa

[@aronbechiom565]

I have an '11 Fatbob..and an 07 Sporty. I refer to my Fatbob as the "Fatster.".. to me, it feels like a fat Sportster. As a "beginner's bike"..I'd have to disagree. I think any of the XL platforms are better suited for beginners....at least for their first year. Thanks for the reveiw...it's interesting to get other's opinions and perspectives. Love my Fatbob.... but will forever keep my Sporty. Next up...a Streetglide.

[@gabrieliannozzi7935]

I traded my 1200 nightster for a new dyna wide glide with a 103. They are worlds apart in performance and comfort, from the immediate low end torque to the supple but sporty suspension, to the 94 " of length that allows my 6 ft frame to stretch out on. I was really cramped on my sporty. main reason I traded it. And I traded a 2011 675 Daytona in for the nightster. Like the other dude said. I have more fun carving curves on my wide glide then I did on a basically purpose built track bike.

[@XXXDeadhead]

It is a nice bike for sure :)

[@XXXDeadhead]

No - I drive a 5.7 Hemi that gets averages 16mph, when I recorded this I was under the impression that this bike gets barely 30mpg - so many better bikes at that rate. But I have long ago found that they get over 40 mpg... but thanks for trippin on a little detail

[@Runeguy33]

I'm getting ready to start biking. I'm a 6'2" college athlete, and I need something that I can fit on. I may take a closer look at this one.

[@louisjoubert6848]

Did you ever get one?

[@Attitude49th]

Other than the large increase in power over the sportster I also thought that the Fat Bob would actually be a better beginer bike. In my opion there really isn't a Harley Begginer bike, BUT with proper training I think you could ride anything. And this ,as said before , is purely personal opion.

[@boarder989]

Great video man! I prefer mid-mounted foot pegs to.

[@navythomas8]

Interesting..... Thanks for Posting this!!

[@Jesse.Crenshaw]

Stock one will get 45-50 mpg. The air cooled twins are very efficient. I've got mine hopped up to 125 Horsepower and I still get 40 mpg when I am floggin it. 45 mpg when cruising around town.

[@XXXDeadhead]

Yeah - that's pretty solid imho

[@derrickdutton1996]

Jesse Crenshaw - How did you get to 125hp?

[@XXXDeadhead]

creamyfilling102 - I know I know... I meant to say gauge - because I am not used to having a fuel gauge. I was tired, I had very little coffee that day :)

[@XXXDeadhead]

Yeah, it was a fun ride... One I would have been happy with for sure! Big difference with my bike... my bike is far more raw and wild... like the difference between a wild horse versus a horse drawn carriage. Weird that people call the sportster a girls bike when in reality it is less tame and more insane. Fat Bob would be perfect for me though with how often I go and ride for hours on end...

[@MrSlowestD16]

Oh, and as for gas mileage, doing 75mph hwy, 60mph off - straight roads, little stopping got me about 44mpg on the switchback today. Then up I5 I did 85-90 most of the way with many 6th gear hard pulls to get around cars and then hit traffic towards the end, pretty safe to say I beat it down good in what takes away your gas mileage. I wound up with about 37. I'd say you can suspect about the same from an urban setting. . That's the one thing that kills me compared to the sporty (cont.)

[@XXXDeadhead]

That would explain why they were so agreeable..

[@Tannerite4targets]

If you are wondering about power Logan, then look at the specs... It has the second biggest stock engine that harley offers

[@XXXDeadhead]

Yeah, the dealer guy had no clue of what I was asking I think

[@XXXDeadhead]

Well, this one had the optional ABS brakes - another $1200 or so.

[@XXXDeadhead]

Why nervous? Is my voice really that scary? :) I just watched a few of your vids and I think your off to a much better start than I was!

[@XXXDeadhead]

Sorry for such a late response! Fat Bob was awesome! You are not far from March now!!! Send pics!

[@wdherbert]

I don't think so. I think you'll be very comfortable on it. Go ride one.

[@MurphyToronto]

We have a son with special needs who loves your videos. Any chance of being able to get them on video disc? Thanks

[@covenantluckie7970]

Looks like a smooth ride bro! What would be your next bike (Besides the iron) if you had to get a new one?

[@XXXDeadhead]

Great question - a lot of that depends on where I am at (environment and finances)... Ultimately I want a Road Glide or Street Glide - but until I can vacation more and while still young I would love something like the the Ducati Diavel - not sure I will ever get rid of the Iron, just work around it

[@covenantluckie7970]

XXXDeadhead Yeah, as I was saying earlier I am interested in a Street Bob for my first but after watching most of your videos, I think that I might consider getting an Iron for my first. I have the Street Glide patch stitched on my vest because thats the bike I want when I retire and to travel on. I searched up some pics of the Ducati Diavel and it looks sweet and a lot of fun to ride. But i'm more of a Harley guy, myself.

[@XXXDeadhead]

I can appreciate that for sure - I love the Harley brand and the bikes are quality! I also respect Ducati as a company that also makes quality bikes, they have also been at this for some time now.

[@harleyridingwrenching7972]

+Luckie Moto +XXXDeadhead My first bike was a used 2009 Iron 883N - just traded it in for a 2016 Fat Bob - what a huge difference. The suspension upgrade alone completely changed how I approach riding - so much nicer on the Fat Bob vs Iron. The biggest challenge was getting used to the forward pegs vs mid mount on the Iron, but after 1 weekend of riding the Fat Bob its a non-issue now. Highly recommend Fat Bob (w/ ABS) over the Iron . . . but the Iron makes a better first bike for new riders in my opinion. New riders should buy a used Iron (spend $5-$6k) and keep it for 6 months to 1 year before upgrading.

[@wdherbert]

Good thing it has a fuel tank! Heh, just kidding bro - appreciate the review! I bought this bike partially due to your review.

[@robbowers916]

I watch all of your videos, and they are all awesome. The reviews are great. Here's my problem. I have never ridden and am getting ready to take a beginners course at the end of this month. I want to buy a Harley. I only stand 5'6" and weigh only 135. I have been looking towards getting a street bob...96 cubic inch, or the 883 super low. In your opinion...based off of the information that I have provided, which bike do you think I should start off on?

[@XXXDeadhead]

883 will be a blast for ya - and save the cash for some gear and gas money to go riding! Sit on the bikes a bunch before ya ride... Ask a lot of questions to find the best match! Thanks for watching!!!

[@robbowers916]

I hear you talk a lot about counter steering. What is that?

[@XXXDeadhead]

Will explain it in one of my next few vids

[@InsanityHere]

If I may suggest a 1200. The reason for that is power, or the lack thereof, in the 883. By the time you ride it home from the dealer, you'll realize it's underpowered for you, regardless of your riding ability.

[@XXXDeadhead]

I agree with you Ray - However, I still back the 883 as it is a relatively inexpensive upgrade to bore out the engine and to get the 1200 kit, which also gives you the 883 gearing, this more torque then a stock 1200

[@taiwanreef]

Which one handles better , the night rod or the fat bob?

[@buffordv8]

Are you comparing the bob with a Sportster ?

[@XXXDeadhead]

Haha, I find it odd to name an inanimate object... But I have linked the song 'Black Betty' to my Iron before... I was also thinking I might write my grandma's name on the bike when she passes... as a tribute to the greatest woman I have ever known. Are American's the only one's known for naming their bikes?

[@harleymotodude]

No dyna switchback lol that's what I ride I want to see you opinion on it

[@XXXDeadhead]

Will do!

[@jumper801]

Psst...I won't tell anyone, but did you ride a Victory?

[@creamyfilling102]

1:27 the bike has a fuel tank? no way. what a good feature.

[@LuvMyRoadKingClassic]

I love how you say at 1:26 "it's got a fuel tank". I know you probably meant fuel gauge. Did a local dealership offer that test ride set up? Thanks for the ride, Bro!

[@XXXDeadhead]

Haha yeah, I do that a lot!

[@XXXDeadhead]

Was a bike show demo

[@MrSlowestD16]

No, the power is not the same as your Iron :-P. Aside from the huge difference I notice around town, get up to 80mph on the highway and crank 6th gear on the fat bob and then do the same on the iron. Aside from the fact that the fat bob is < 3k RPM and the iron is screaming, the fat bob, despite its weight, gets there a hell of a lot faster. The torque is astounding. I love the iron, but it sucks on long trips (maybe fixable with a seat?) and gets a bit light on power on highway speeds.

[@XXXDeadhead]

When I recorded this I thought this bike had an average of 28 mpg... was just an assumption.... aparently they get over 40mpg which is badass

[@RenManinJapan]

I have a 2010 fat bob with a 96 cu inch... A 103 is only 1.5 more HP.. But I average about 38-44 depending on how I ride.. I have a stage one download with a screaming eagle big sucker air cleaner and Vance and Hines big radius 2 in to 2.. Runs great.. Much better then my 03 road king! And a lot better than an iron!! Lol.. J/k

[@TheNorthman666]

And they get 42-50 with a race tuning with a 5.1 gallon tank.

[@XXXDeadhead]

Yeah, much better then I thought it would be. I only get like 37 mpg on my sportster now, but I need to remap it at some point.

[@MrSlowestD16]

The reps never know what they're talking about. I was wondering why the street bob was so much cheaper than the rest, couldn't figure it out. Thought that was a bit much of a difference for some smaller things. The salesman said they were actually just talking about that the other day.. Then tonight I notice online it's rocking the old 96 while the rest of the dynas got the 103, haha. It's like that in all dealerships, car and bike alike.