How easy of a switch will it be going from a crotchrocket to a Harley (fatboy)?
nicholaskopka asked:
I’m looking to make the switch from a Suzuki GSXR 600 to a Harley Fatboy. I have like 5 years riding, but nothing bigger or heavier then my rocket. Just curious how easy the switch will be?
I’m looking to make the switch from a Suzuki GSXR 600 to a Harley Fatboy. I have like 5 years riding, but nothing bigger or heavier then my rocket. Just curious how easy the switch will be?
April 11th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Not all that terrible of a transition…
The fatboy is much heavier and won’t have the acceleration. You sit on it in a more comfortable way for long trips than on the crotch rocket.
Its kind of like the difference going from a small sports car to a Hummer. All the controls are the same… but the bigger vehicle just handles differently.
April 12th, 2008 at 3:31 am
You will be surprised at how easy the big Harley’s handle. just think before you buy, a Fat Boy comes w/few extras but commands it’s price due to popularity. If you might want saddlebags or spotlights later on then look at the rest of the model line. You can often get more for less. Be sure to check the H-D website for prices, some salesmen will try try to over charge. Also, don’t use H-D financing they’re a bunch of screw-ups whom might screw-up your credit rating & don’t buy H-D insurance it’s Progressive, get Dairyland.
April 13th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Think twice the weight & half the speed.
Personally, after 25 years on Japanese bikes (most recently a VF750 & then an FZR600), I’m more interested in a Star Midnight Warrior, than an HD.
April 15th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
the biggest problem you will have is scraping bit and pieces on the road.lot less ground clearance and the handling will not be as sharp and it wont stop as good.but once you get use to it you will cruise all day.
April 16th, 2008 at 8:25 am
You’ll be fine. Just remember to keep the motorcycle completely vertical at the stoplights, ’cause its heavier than you’re used to. Also - be careful when grabbing a handful of front brake when the wheel is turned. If you lock the front wheel like that, you’ll fall over.
Me, I went from Honda Nighthawk 450 to Kawasaki Police 1000. Fell over like that on the Police 1000. Took a couple more people to lift the darn thing.
April 19th, 2008 at 9:30 am
it will depend on you of course, and what you want from a bike. if you want tradition loyalty and hometown values along with a high resale value then make that move brother. if you want a worthless pile of rust five years from now then stay where you are. its a mindset dude its all about what image you want to portray!
April 21st, 2008 at 11:34 pm
if you ride a crotch rocket you will fit right in on the harley
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:02 pm
That’s funny-i just did the same move. Had a 97 gixxer 600 and just bought a buell mutant (1200). I’ve read A LOT of articles and it’s actually great that you learned on a sportsbike first. On a sportsbike you truly learn all the extreme skills. The one thing you will miss is the 600 scream and the top end powerband. The one thing you will love about the harley is the torque and sound. This is the reason why some love ferraris and some love 69′ camaros. You gotta slow down and smell the roses :). Enjoy that fatboy (enjoy the cheaper service and cooler community). See ya on the road.
April 24th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
You’ll be moving over to a much heavier bike. Less responsive in handling and performance. Also your body stance on the Fat Boy will resemble that of a full sail. Expect to eat wind and have your cheeks slap around like warm rubber. Still a great bike though.
April 24th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
I’ve always ridden sport bikes and motocross bikes. I just bought my first Harley, 2007 Softail Deluxe, and I was really surprised at how easy it was to handle. I love it, but to each his own.