HONEST Harley Fat Bob Review! From a NON Harley Rider! RIDE ALONG Test Drive Demo

[@Fishbikemaine]

Nice review! The Fat Bob looks sickkk! I like how your review is honest and helpful. Thanks Backdraft Bikes!

[@charliepoodle5151]

As you honestly said, you don’t know harleys, so slightly unfair to give a “4”, if you own or know harleys, you will see that the vibration ( which is part and parcel of any Harley) is the lowest yet. Also it’s in a different league compared to other HD big twins, regarding handling and breaking. It’s like comparing a blonde to a brunette. People should review a bike biased on what it is, and not comparing to what it doesn’t claim to be. It’s a naked cruiser, with sporty overtones. And in that context it’s unmatched.

[@THEREALZENFORCE]

unmatched ??? Triumph Rocket 3R and GT also Ducati DiavelS and XDiavelS, 2021 XDiavel Black Star come way before the Fat Bob 114. I hope that Harley will put their new 150HP engine and electronics from the Pan America in a next cruiser to be able to compete with the top of the league. Strangely their dumb marketing branch cancelled the Bronx. And 900cc HD engine Bronx-like-naked-bike (ot the Livewire look with an 900cc engine) would probably be a good seller in the world.

[@charliepoodle5151]

@@THEREALZENFORCE you didn’t read the content, or perhaps you didn’t comprehend it? I said “ and in that context it’s unmatched” Ergo.... a cruiser that’s sporty..... 😂 Haters will hate. It’s being compared to other harleys. Not other makes.

[@THEREALZENFORCE]

@@charliepoodle5151 Ducati XDiavel and Triumph Rocket 3 GT are cruisers and more sporty. And if you compare to other Harleys the Livewire and Pan America are way more sporty than the Fat Bob

[@charliepoodle5151]

@@THEREALZENFORCE you obviously haven’t ridden one 😂

[@THEREALZENFORCE]

@@charliepoodle5151 You obviously have not ridden an XDiavel or Rocket 3 : kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJfLlKKHftWFbM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3THq2OZn7VgfZY

[@LukasBarina]

Hi, If you weren't happy with the feel of the suspension, why didn't you just stop and adjust it for your style/weight?? It would only take you few seconds to do that. If you prefer sports bikes, there is no way a Harley would win you over. Maybe the LiveWire, if you can afford it. If you like cruisers and would like to go a little bit faster and look awesome, then this is for you. Simple as that.

[@THEREALZENFORCE]

The live wire, you mean the bike that get's destroyed by Energica and Zero EV bikes and soon by Kymco Revonex too

[@LukasBarina]

@@THEREALZENFORCE I was only talking about HD motorcycles. And I didn't say the LiveWire is the best thing in the world. I ride on public roads, I don't really care about top speeds or 0-60mph values. I ride what I enjoy riding and if you do to, then I'm happy for you.

[@THEREALZENFORCE]

@@LukasBarina Ok i take note but for cheaper the Energica 2020 21.5kWh bikes also have way better range, suspension, brakes, electronics, quicker charging times than the Livewire which is a naked bike and not a cruiser and that has the battery size, power and range the old 2013 Energica models had.

[@LukasBarina]

@@THEREALZENFORCE I only compared the LiveWire against Zero S long time ago and I thought the LiveWire was built better and looked better. Yes, the LiveWire is too expensive and could have been better. I personally will not buy any electric motorcycle just yet. I do enjoy riding my 2016 Fat Bob, but I have to say, no one made the perfect motorcycle for me just yet.

[@TheZuver1]

I test drove a 2022 and I loved it yes it’s different than my Kawasaki ninja 1000 I don’t think they’re saying it’s a sports bike it’s a sporty version of a Harley Davidson

[@stevetakle3614]

Interesting review, but I think the rider hasn't learned how to ride the torque curve. There is a LOT of power on tap if you know how/when to ask for it. This is smoother than a classic Harley - which is a good or bad thing, depending on who you ask. They really made a Harley that will appeal to non-Harley sporty riders - but no, it isn't a Fireblade! Also - you really need some twistier roads to properly understand what a bike can do. But this is a common observation for most US reviews. Full disclosure - after years of riding a lot of sports and naked bikes, this is the one that lights a fire under my ass now. So I bought one. And I've never been happier

[@bryanme5771]

Congratulations. After riding and enjoying my Road King Classic for 16 years, I decided to part ways. Prior to that, I owned a slew of Yamahas, Hondas and Kawasakis. Dirt bikes since 5 years old, enduros through college, before moving into the touring class. I traded my Road King Classic in on my Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack. I wanted to fill the void with more of a Cruiser, but also something different. Something not too futuristic, but also not too classic either. I also wanted something I considered fun. A blast to ride. So enter the Fat Bob. I instantly fell in love with it's style/design and yes, performance. Most who bad mouth this bike have never ridden one (this demo bike definitely had some issues though). My 2020 Fat Bob should be arriving today or tomorrow. Performance Orange was the only choice for me. Harder to find with the model year being over. My dealer in Maine actually had to drive to Ohio to swap for one! 3 miles on the ODO. Enjoy your Fat Bob and ride safe.

[@ronpuchalski6388]

Spot on👍 I have friends that ride only sportbikes.....they have a blast on my fat bob.....when I'm feeling benevolent 🤣😅. They really appreciate the torque & know how tho get the most out of it.

[@Amazingbudyies]

I have this exact bike, and its my first ever bike, the vibration and noise on this model you complain about is nothing comparing to the more traditional harley. The headlight is what grabbed my eyes and its got a usb charginf port which makes it easy for your phone etc. Just my personal idea, its not built for speed, its heavy, but if its your style, then nothing else matters.

[@stevetakle3614]

THIS is your first ever bike??? You lucky duck!

[@intothevoid5027]

You must simply forget everything you remember about your sport bikes that you have ridden and then you can have fun.

[@BackDraftBikes]

Agreed- have to push the reset button.

[@yaisanetsegrest4916]

The weight on that bike is 653 lbs. If you change the exhaust, duno tuned it. You would have a monster. That would be plenty of power..I just got one and it doesn't feel heavy at all, no vibration at all. Yes! the sound is the tires and yes you could adjust the suspension.

[@BackDraftBikes]

Thank you for the tips, will be looking to try one again this year

[@phineashenshaw]

As a former owner of a 2018 Fatbob114, as well as the owner of a Concours 14 and a CBR954RR, there are a few things I would like to point out. 1. You have to shift more often on this bike. You want to pass, you have to down shift most of the time. 2. The maximum Torque RPM is around 3000 to 3500rpm. Unlike other bikes where the torque RPM is way higher. When the RPM gets to 4500+ on an M8 the torque goes to sh**. 3. This bike has a preload adjustment. You can make it as hard or as soft as you want. 4. All Harley-Davidson bikes make noise and have vibration. If you the the M8 makes noise, try an EVO or a Twincam engine. 5. I agree about the forward controls. But it did not take me long to overcome them. I could have gotten center controls for it. But it just was not worth the money. 6. The default speed limiter kicks in at 110moh. But it will do 160 on the Dyno unrestricted. So stock, this thing will not go any faster than most passenger cars. Mainly due to the speed rating of the stock tires. I am not attacking the video or the rider. Nor am I defending the bike perse. But the bike is a fast bike if you ride it correctly. I could beat most sport bike off the line. But again, you have to do a lot of short shifting and be more RPM aware when you want to pull a power move. Good video and thanks!!

[@BackDraftBikes]

Good tips, thank you !

[@huambo]

I echo many of your sentiments. I test rode a 2020 Fat Bob, and it was my first Harley. I was also drawn by the looks, it being somewhat different from the usual offerings. I went in with some preconceptions. I was told the test bike was stage 3 tuned and had V & H slip ons. I actually would've preferred a non tuned bike to try, because the stage 3 pushes the price far too high to be acceptable. A quick summary would be. Brakes were great. Power was underwhelming (coming off a 1050 Triumph Speed Triple) it has loads of torque, but it also weighs almost 200lbs more than my Triumph, so it evens out. It's extremely heavy and ponderous in corners. The UK has lots of really small roads with sharp bends, this thing took some persuading to get into the curves. To be fair, I don't mind this as I enjoy an involving ride. Having said that. I love the street presence it has, I like the noise it makes (albeit far too loud for me, as I wear ear plugs usually) and I love the looks. I think for the size of the engine, it's too slow with too short a spread of power. It's nice to have 110ftlbs of torque, but why does this bike need to be short shifted so much? With this much torque it should pull in every gear at all RPMs, otherwise all that cubic capacity feels wasted. At the end of my rambling, would I buy one. Strangely yes I would if I could as a second bike, but it would need to be stage 3 or 4 tuned. This takes the cost from 16k up to 20k UK pounds. That's 27,000 US Dollars. And there lies my issue.

[@BackDraftBikes]

Thank you for the feedback. In my other videos you will see many Triumph vids. I current ride the Scrambler 1200 XE. Had a few S3's over the years, awesome bikes. I like all bikes, it is neat to try new ones, but just sometimes dont see what the fuss about HD is, and they are a lot more $$$. Cheers!

[@1satisfiedmind]

The fenders aren't chopped, lol, they are "Bobbed", hence the name Fat Bob. Great review.

[@BunyipToldMe]

That noise is not normal and the excessive vibration suggest a damaged fork or bearing.

[@charliepoodle5151]

Lol, it’s completely normal for this bike, you need to own one, or know harleys before you make such comments..... lol

[@BunyipToldMe]

@@charliepoodle5151 Oh don't say that! I'm about to buy one. Tell me instead that you've never owned one and your just joining in with the Hog Knockers.

[@charliepoodle5151]

@@BunyipToldMe I have owned over 20 harleys ( honestly) and I build a few as a semi hobby, and currently have a 2012 (103) sport glide bagger on air, a 2008 (96) night train, and a 2019 FXFBS, and it’s the best Harley I have ever owned, by a country mile. Try borrow one for 100 miles.......

[@BunyipToldMe]

@@charliepoodle5151 20 Harleys? That's one hell of a recommendation!

[@watermusic711]

You start riding with plastic and end with metal

[@jjs8046]

"lots of vibration, lots of vibration" - no SH*T?! On 114 cu.i. V2, huh??? How that's even possible!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@christianmouraux7269]

Well, You are obviously discovering Harley... and all the reasons why we buy Harley’s 😀

[@1Paolod]

I have a 2020, Luv the bike. Like anything else. It needs slip on exhausts, I put Tabs zombie, sound is awsome. Replaced seat. Added led. Other stuff too. Change tires too Avon Cobra, Bike changes like night and day. I do agree with the foot controls rear break is out of place. 630 lbs read up before u give any bike a review. This by far is in my opinion and what my preference is, one of the best Harleys on the market.

[@board.member]

Nice review, thanks. I suspect that your height comes into play in most bikes that you ride. Mostly though, I think that this is the sort of bike that grows on you. If you did this review after a few months, I am pretty sure it would get more than a 4. I'm not an HD rider by the way.

[@satudave]

Another cool video man👍👍. I have had had 3 Buells in the past and recently bought another 2002 X-1. My wife rides a 2018 Fatbob In real world riding it’s just about the same as far as accelerating. Of course the first corner you hit it’s a completely different story. Our Buell definitely feels seat of your pants faster. Our 2019 Speed Twin is just a touch better than both. My 2 cents for what it’s worth. As enjoy watching your channel 🤘

[@BackDraftBikes]

Awesome! Thank you for the complements! I really loved my Buell, super fun to ride and FAST. Ride safe brother!

[@karamlevi]

The weight makes it planted. I live in a windy area. I’m centered. I don’t fight wind... the wind apologizes to me ;-) (Humor)

[@BackDraftBikes]

AWESOME

[@daviddamora232]

That bike definitely sounds off I bet because it’s a demo bike it’s been beat on. The people I know that own them have two main complaints the bronze/gold color exhaust and the price tag. But they love it so they just eat the price.

[@watermusic711]

This bike is not for soy boys!!!!!

[@THEREALZENFORCE]

It's a bike for mostly 90% of 50 and over year old almost senior citizen suburban Rebels-wannabe-weekend-cosplayers (like in the movie Wild Hogs) who want slow acceleration, low top speed and bad cornering. The other riders go for "real men" bikes like the Triumph Rocket 3 and Triumph Street Triple RS 1200, Ducati XDiavel, Diavel, Streetfighter V4S, Monster1200, Panigale V4R, KTM Super Duke R, Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 factory, Bmw M1000RR, S1000RR, S1000R, Kawasaki ZH2, Suzuki Hayabusa Turbo. For a cheaper 12k (instead of a way overpriced 19k) a Fat Bob 114 would make a nice beginner bike before your try to ride the bikes above mentioned.

[@THEREALZENFORCE]

I guess it's for such riders ;-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnjcfHV8eMmSq5Y kzbin.info/www/bejne/r53LpJWchrmDerM

[@seahunter75]

@@THEREALZENFORCE You have watched one to many KZbin bike videos and forgot to get out and ride. Its not what you chose to ride, its about loving to ride. Find your ride.

[@kennetheroh4052]

630 pounds