Featured New Year. New Ride. New Outlook.

Thanks for the congrats, @Yorkshireman. Yes, that Rocket 3 is tempting and I do find myself drawn to it when I'm at the dealership sort of like I've been with the Fat Boy. But if I'd traded for a Rocket I'd have exchanged one "zoom zoom" bike for another--or at least that's my perception of the Rocket. I mean, with a name like "Rocket"...

I do agree that if I named my bikes the Speed Triple would need a male name. Not quite sure why I feel that way but I'd never thought about your reasoning. Hmmm, makes sense to me.

 

I did start to notice that my bike (or my iPhone) is a bit right-handed, @DCS900! And when I went back to look at all the photos I've taken of the new Fat Boy so far, only ONE was of the left side. And it's not a very good photo at that. That said, here is proof that my new bike does indeed have a left side.

 

Thanks, Dougie! I appreciate the congrats. And I agree about how good-looking the Fat Boy is as well as how fab the M8114 engine is. This is the 4th bike I've had with that engine and I'm a big fan. Back when it first came out in the touring line, I really didn't want to like it and I continued to hold fast to the previous Twin Cam. Now I'd be hard-pressed to go back. Say, did you used to have a Fat Boy? I know that someone on the forum did and for some reason I keep thinking it was you.

 

I thought that was you that had the Fat Boy I've seen photos of on the forum, Dougie! I'm glad to know my memory isn't totally shot. What year was your Fat Boy? I have to say that I don't blame you for opting for the Rocket. That is an amazing bike! And it's clear you love it and ride the heck out of it. Super Glides were such cool, iconic bikes. And even better with a performance mod or two. My two intros to Harleys were Mr. Sandi's 2001 Fat Boy and our good friend, Kelly's, Super Glide (I'm not sure what year it was but I think around 2010 or 2011). My first Harley--and bike--was a 2010 Street Bob and I've been a big Dyna fan ever since. I never have ridden a V-Rod but have always been curious what they'd be like to ride. What did you think of the Night Rod SP??

Yeah, it is tough to make a change to a different bike when you love the bikes you currently own. For awhile now I've said of my bikes--"OK, I'm good now. I don't want a different bike". Mr. Sandi just laughs. And then something new comes home with me. I've never disliked any of the bikes I've traded. Quite the contrary. But that doesn't mean I don't like the new addition even better. I rationalize my trades by claiming that I was a newbie to motorcycles not too long ago so I'm still refining my likes and tastes.

P.S. I think you should get another Fat Boy, Dougie.

 

Thought I'd share a few photos of the inspirational "original" Fat Boy that was in our household. Here are a few photos of Mr. Sandi's 2001 Fat Boy from ten years ago or so. I've lots of fond memories of riding pillion with him back when we first started dating.

These were at a Christmas Toy Run.




At home... at this point this was to become Mr. Sandi's home.


This was in 2013 west of Las Vegas in Red Rock Canyon State Park.


He really liked this Fat Boy but wound up selling it to a friend not too long after this photo was taken. He replaced it with a 2013 Road King Classic which was better suited to the touring that we were starting to do together. Now he wishes he still had it. Recently (since I got my Fat Boy) he has talked about getting another Fat Boy from that 2000 or so time frame and doing it as a "project bike" with a friend of ours who loves projects.

 

Good question, @Dartplayer. I've only ridden the Fat Boy about 130 miles so time will tell. But so far I really enjoy "naked cruising" as you put it (I'm assuming you mean sans fairing or windshield and not, um, clothing)

Although I anticipate riding the Fat Boy "naked" most all of the time, I'm contemplating getting a small-ish quick release windshield at some point, something I could pop on and off so I have an option. But for longer or really windy rides I'll typically probably opt to ride my Street Glide. My Softail Low Rider S was completely naked, too, (the little fly screen was primarily for style as far as I'm concerned) so I got pretty used to being on a Harley that didn't have wind protection. And these days I exclusively ride in a full-face helmet so that helps.

The 114 engine certainly is very capable and has a ton of get-up-and-go, especially in terms of torque. I highly recommend that you do go test ride the M8. And I'd love to get your thoughts and opinion on it when you do! Maybe you can test ride a Fat Boy with an M8.

 

I agree on all counts, @Iron. I'm not keen on that number plate mounted on the back, and it's even worse with that light pooching out over the top of the plate. I'm definitely not a fan of the white on the Fat Boy, either. And yikes! I just did the conversion on £18k to U.S. dollars and it's $24,359! That's $4K over the MSRP on a 2022 Fat Boy! Well, somebody someday just might see it and have to have it.