5 Things I Hate About My 2005 Harley Davidson Fatboy CVO Fatboy Friday #7

[@BeelzebubLXXV]

Hi, I'm from Norway. I have a silver one, like the one in the back there. Had it for many years and I love it. But your 5 issues I must say are spot on.

[@JamesFrost74659]

Hoy, I have a 2004 Fatboy, I love it of course. The rust problem, thank goodness I don't have that problem at all and I live two blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. Thank goodness I can park both of my Harleys inside a extension to the house that has some climate control. (Downstairs in the washroom, washer, dryer, waterheater and a nice size workbench) No rust....so far. The seat on my Electra Glide sucks, 100 miles my butt is numb. I rode it a 140 miles today. The sixth gear, yeah that would be nice for both of them but I like to run both of them at 68 to 72mph @ 2900 to 3000rpm. A perfect speed for them to just purrrr. With a good set of pipes it reminds me of flying an old WW2 radial engine aiplane. If I need to run 75 to 80mph I can no worries but I'm not cruising at those speeds. 5 gears is just fine with me. Man I'm sorry you have rust issues, that definitely sucks. Stay safe mates.

[@TheBadgers]

The rust issue was just with the brushed metal part of the paint job all their regular paint is usually great

[@donaldfinley2829]

I agree with all of these except the seat. My bike had an upgraded seat when I got it. The one that I really agree with is the gear. Everytime I'm hitting 65-70 mph I reach for that next gear, forgetting I don't have a 6 speed transmission. Good video. Good info. Thank you

[@TheBadgers]

Hi Donals, thanks for watching sounds like you have never ridden on the factory seat, so why would you disagree that the seat is horrible?

[@DennisTheMenace5150]

Keeping my 2000 fatboy forever

[@jdreyno1958]

Hi Sonny. Great points! I had a 2013 Fatboy before I got my current bike, a 2015 Ultra Limited. It was a great bike but I only had it about a year before I traded for the Ultra. No complaints about the Ultra, except that my left grip is deteriorating like yours are. Not a super big deal, but doesn't seem like that should be happening. Stay safe!

[@TheBadgers]

The Ultra is a great bike for sure, it is sad you pay fro a premium product and get less than expected. Thanks for watching!!

[@michaelcaron7659]

I hear you man about the five speed thing I just sold my 2005 Heritage because of that and I just bought a 2023 Fat Boy and man what a difference with the six speed 👍 Love it

[@tennwingman3350]

Great explanations, I was blown away by the rust and the cam tensioners. Thanks for sharing. Be safe, have fun.

[@TheBadgers]

yes the rust is a flaw for that particular paint job and the tensioners are across the models

[@johnarnold5891]

Am English got a 2008 fat boy and other harleys, love them all no hates am 75 years old they are my top bikes, they beat all my bsa triumphs Enfields and nortons, i don't ride them anymore, why because i can't bloody start them,,,damed kick starts 😅

[@j79meyerify]

Beautiful bikes! funny I have an '07 that has the 6 speed and I almost never use sixth gear!

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

So funny… I tricked out my 05’ fxsti to include that seat, and never tire of it; to include iron butt ride’s and NEVER tire of the seat. In fact, I get numb on cushy seats.

[@TheBadgers]

Wow that is impressive just shows you there is a but for every seat.

[@karenfromireland]

Another great video. I love when someone can love their bike so much but still have the honesty to point out the flaws. I was shocked about the rust. Is there some kind of sealant coat that could stop the mositure getting into the metal paint?

[@TheBadgers]

Thanks Karen, as far as sealant goes probably but seams once it starts it is impossible to stop.

[@thevieweybrothers8960]

Rust is the same on 09 CVO Springer rear guard

[@TheBadgers]

@@thevieweybrothers8960 that is a bummer live that look but the rust is horrible

[@seandziewik-1980]

I worked at Calibre that did those paint, not much you can do to prevent it. That is why HD stopped doing metal grind. Cool look, but if you get chips and do not add shaker bottle clear immediately it will rust. I have a siver bike and mine has it to.

[@TheBadgers]

Yeah what a bummer, is it easy to repair? Can you grind it and reclear it

[@seandziewik-1980]

@@TheBadgers yes ypu have to regind then a ton of clear to relevel...it's a pain

[@cliftonwilder]

Good video. I liked the points you brought out. Nothing super terrible that can't eventually be fixed (by you). I have a 2000 Fat Boy that I bought used. It's pearl white and chrome. The seat is again something you really can't ride for any distance (at least for me). so I put a Wild Ass seat cushion on it, and, so far so good. Changed out to spoke wheels and LED's through out. And...sure wish there was a 6th gear.

[@TheBadgers]

Thanks for watching Clifton, most all of it are minor things that can be changed for sure

[@newenglandmoto3202]

I just bought my 2005 HD Fatboy last year from a HD dealership here ME. I love it and I get the cam chain tensioner the dealership I got a from made sure that was changed before I took delivery on it. Looking forward to future videos about the Fatboy.

[@TheBadgers]

Awesome congrats, did they give you the work order for the cam shoes. I only ask cause I worked at a dealership and our answer was always yes we took care of that, and they never took care of anything. Just saying better safe than sorry.

[@newenglandmoto3202]

Good point I will have a look in my paperwork

[@donaldfinley2829]

Haven't ridden on the factory seat for the Fatboy. But have for the 1200 custom sportster, and the '15 ultra tour. Both of those seats were pretty well padded though.

[@TheBadgers]

This was a speciality seat for that specific bike looks awesome rides horrible

[@Michael-n3o]

I have an 06 cvo fatty the purple and copper one with flames. I have two little squiggle rust marks on the brushed metal that’s been cleared. A guy had told me that was something the painters did on all the 05 and 06 cvo fattys. He told me they did that as kind of a signature. The pic of the one you showed is horrendous mine kind of looks like they were a signature. Hope mine doesn’t turn out that way. Although I’ve had it for many years now and they have never gotten worse.

[@fjde009]

Agree with you on the Seat it's a Butt killer! Had mine replaced

[@ronaldsirois2740]

Love these videos, have a question, would a 2005 cvo fatboy exhaust fit on a 2005 FLSTFI ? Thanks

[@TheBadgers]

I believe so since the 103 from the cvo is just a stroked 88

[@ronaldsirois2740]

@@TheBadgers That's true, thanks for your insight.

[@RonSmith-lz2tw]

I have the Cobalt Blue 2005 CVO FB, I've been searching for Crash bars without success, all the brands that state they will fit they all are hindered by the floor boards which are longer than std FBs. Any idea who makes a crash bar for this bike?

[@TheBadgers]

This one should work if not you can return it amzn.to/3NrGFpE

[@DennisTheMenace5150]

Going to gear cam tensioner next week at 32,000 miles.

[@TheBadgers]

Make sure you measure your runout

[@Crackrjack-dk8bm]

My guy answer me this. I got a 96 fatboy. I get going over 45 and it’s sways. Wheel bearings are good fork seals are good I changed the fluid and so on. I was told my factory Harley tires like to follow the road but was also told it could be my rear shock absorbers. Im at a loss. It sucks man. It literally feels like the bike is gonna wash out. It’s all stock no bags just a shield. I am kinda light in under 180 i thought maybe that could be it but idk!

[@TheBadgers]

If your factory tires are dunlop get rid of them as soon as possible, that is likely the issue, other thing is the neck bearings, have you checked and adjusted them?

[@dang2473]

Hi Sonny, 04 fatty here....what tires do you recommend? Thanks​@@TheBadgers

[@TheBadgers]

@ personally run the Metzler cruistec on mine the

[@curtmiller6358]

Any experience with 96 ci fat boy my 2007 fb compensator wore out At 21,000 miles

[@TheBadgers]

I went comp eliminator on my bike

[@curtmiller6358]

@TheBadgers ive heard alot of bad things about doing that how long have you been running that

[@TheBadgers]

@@curtmiller6358120,000 miles

[@xlrider1565]

I own a 2005 Wide Glide (carb'd). The Motor Co. Cuts corners in strange ways/places. Example, in the canchest, they come stock with a cheap, cast aluminum cam plafe/oil pump. Then, they ha e the nerve to offer a S.E. Camplate/oil pump out of better quality materials. To me, they find excuses, or engineer INTO the bike, parts that can be upgrased to their S,E, line of parts. Double dipping into your wallet, is their goal. I ❤ Harleys, but they do some weird shit like that. Aloha! 🤙

[@bernardlesperance742]

I believe 5 gears can be upgraded to 6 gears. I recall someone revealing in a video that they had done so.

[@raleighusaf]

I have the 2006 version. Has the same seat. 200 tire. Guess same seat looks same. Hard as you said. I don't like the chrome. Want to change mever have. Alao they air filter. Not a fan. 06 has fall mice controls and grips

[@gordonwrichert8240]

the chrome buttons are available from harley

[@TheBadgers]

lol the point is that a cvo should have come with chrome buttons

[@Cliffhanger_MFC]

Hey im about to trade my 2004 in for a 2005 fatboy that has 32k miles on it. It has been all upgraded to a champion show quality bike. How much is it to change the cam chain tensioner out? That will be the first thing i do if i buy it. Everything else is solid and this bike is in extraordinary condition. Update: I bought me a 2007 roadking classic with 17k on it and got 6 k for my 2004 sporty 1200c and only had to pay 3k for the King. It rides sooo smooth and such an unbelievable ride and bike.

[@Cliffhanger_MFC]

Also I am going to trade in my 2004 sportster 1200c with 17k miles on it for the 2005 fatboy since i have always wanted one and it is tricked out with everything i would want so only thing i would add is a sissy bar for a duffle bag for cross country travel. What are your thoughts and any suggestions and tips would be greatly appreciated.

[@TheBadgers]

Well a lot of things factor into this question, are you doing this job or having it done by a shop? I would call a few couple of local shops to get a quote. If doing it yourself pretty inexpensive parts wise, but you will want a few specialty tools

[@Cliffhanger_MFC]

@@TheBadgers Thanks for the reply. I went and looked at that fatboy and it may look awesome but it didnt feel right and there was a 2007 road king classic with 17k miles and i bought that bad boy and it was the best decision i ever made. It is my dream bike and it was a one owner older fellah and its in mint premo condition!!!! Also the harley dealer gave me 5k for trade in on my 2004 Sportster 1200 C.

[@haroldyazzie3538]

@@Cliffhanger_MFC a cycle shop quated me 800-1000 to install a cam upgrade. I'll have to buy the kit first . My 03 Fatboy has 43000k on it. I took off cam cover and definitely needs changing from spring tensioners to hydraulic tensioners. I took out a piece of the cam shoe, yikes!

[@johnsims5330]

try not to look at it as a seat, rather try to look at it like a saddle. ya gotta find one that's comfy to You.

[@angelomorello4539]

I have the same exact bike/color I love it

[@bramblr]

I ride a 06 cvo fatboy 35k just did the spring tensioners

[@TheBadgers]

did you stick with springs?

[@bramblr]

@@TheBadgers yes I did and replaced breathers in rocker box

[@08soloblade]

Well you know im not a Harley guy, but i feel ya on that 6th gear problem. 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheBadgers]

Just keep shifting hoping one day it will magically appear.

[@08soloblade]

@@TheBadgers lol. I still do that to this day 🤣🤣

[@andyb6454]

I was told by a guy that did it to his 2005 (for sale on multiple sales sites currently). It costs $1800 to add the extra gear. Seems reasonable, yes?

[@jodywood4923]

Order a seat and grips. Could've replaced them in half the time to make the video.

[@TheBadgers]

Sure could have but then I wouldn’t have made the money on the video. That would cost me money this made me money

[@josephroy4132]

What kind of seat is on the silver one

[@Gym.yt.shorts]

my dad has the same bike and its just awesome

[@TheBadgers]

Love mine I only need the Blue one to complete the collection

[@daryldavis5615]

2000 FB. It’s odd to me there’s zero place to put anything

[@richardknott2021]

you sound like a perfect candidate for a Goldwing..

[@TheBadgers]

Nothing I could ever do to a gold wing to make it have as awesome as that bike is

[@outdoorluxuries2887]

Gotta get the 96 twin cam

[@TheBadgers]

Why would I want to go backwards from a 103 to a 96?

[@outdoorluxuries2887]

@@TheBadgers because the 96 twin cam was the best engine Harley has produced

[@TheBadgers]

@@outdoorluxuries2887 wow really my 103 has 115k on it gonna say that is a pretty solid motor, but hey to each his own

[@wasupfool5692]

Not a fan of the CVO, to much chrome for me. Funny thing is i used to love Chrome

[@TheBadgers]

Yeah to each their own I am still a fan of chrome

[@deanmyers-u4e]

I have that exact bike

[@johnarnold5891]

Ho bye the way they all have 6 gears

[@TheBadgers]

Huh?? Your Fatboys have 6 gears??

[@Khawarij19]

I have front disk problem on this bike ..

[@TheBadgers]

Not sure what you mean pretty vague what the problem you have?