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[jimamtay]

Thinking of trading my 08 FXSTSSE for 10 FXDFSE in blk of course, can't really afford it out right w/o divorce. I like it plenty BUT sure will be tough to part w/ springer ??
Whatcha think??

[harris48cars]

You'd get a lot more for your money if you bought this bike from me. http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=38227.0 Plus I'm a little more motivated on the price but not much.
  Gary

[JeffsHogPen]

I think you would be stepping down. The Springer is a nicer ride.....But that is my openion.

[jimamtay]

Thanks for input, don't know yet, Harley joint offered 20 for trade & i paid 24,500 + 1000s more 4 exaust, TTS, chrome, etc.
We'll see
Jimmy

[harris48cars]

Don't buy that Springer till you get this months issue of American Rider. Yes, the overall review is okay but several unflattering things are said. After you read the Springer article go to the Dyno article where there is another unflatering comment. BTW Hogpen, I defy you to find a single article in any magazine that is unflattering of the SE Fat Bob. Particularly the brakes and handling. The Springer ain't even close. But as the American Rider artical states, the Springer is basically an around town bike made for looks. I'm readfing between the lines here. Having said all that the SE Springer has killer good looks which is why I almost bought one. But after reading early reviews and having the dealer tell me a front end rebuild is needed at 20,000 miles ($800). I actually checked out a 90's parts book and compared it to the 09 SE Springer parts book and all part numbers are the same regarding that front end. Nothing improved in 15 years? That did it for me.
  Gary

[2fatbob09]

I agree with Gary, the ride of the Springer IS NOT even in the ballpark compared to most of the Dyna family, let alone the beefed up suspension of the CVO Fat Bob.  My brother bought the 09 CVO Springer(Black/Emerald) and it is a very cool looking bike, but it IS NOT a comfortable cruiser for the long haul. It also handles like crap compared to the Fat Bob.

Most of the technicians hate the Springer front end as they need to be rebuilt on a regular basis and does not provise much support unless you are on perfect roads all the time.....BUT IT IS ONE VERY COOL BARHOPPER!

[jimamtay]

Thanks again guys, getting closer to 10 Fatbob all the time, waiting on my dealer to get it (the black one ya know), may be two more weeks

[BLM777]

Don't buy that Springer till you get this months issue of American Rider. Yes, the overall review is okay but several unflattering things are said. After you read the Springer article go to the Dyno article where there is another unflatering comment. BTW Hogpen, I defy you to find a single article in any magazine that is unflattering of the SE Fat Bob. Particularly the brakes and handling. The Springer ain't even close. But as the American Rider artical states, the Springer is basically an around town bike made for looks. I'm readfing between the lines here. Having said all that the SE Springer has killer good looks which is why I almost bought one. But after reading early reviews and having the dealer tell me a front end rebuild is needed at 20,000 miles ($800). I actually checked out a 90's parts book and compared it to the 09 SE Springer parts book and all part numbers are the same regarding that front end. Nothing improved in 15 years? That did it for me.
  Gary

Sounds like you may need to slow down on the reading and spend some time with owners and dealers who have some hands on experience with springer front ends.  The dealer is blowing smoke and selling unnecessary "rebuilds".  For those owners that do their own maintenance about 30 mins of care every 5K miles can and will keep the suspension in like new condition.  Most of the articles that I've read over the years are obviously written by "bike experts" whose knowledge of springer front ends is limited to their ability to determine a springer from others by the presence of a couple of coil springs somewhere around the headlight.  Below is a pic of a springer I sold about 10 years ago with around 25k on it.  The owner is now passing 72k with the original front end less a new mono shock replaced at 62k.

[harris48cars]

I did do my home work as the Springer was my first choice. My business is unrelated to motorcycles. However, two of my clients have Springers. Both have had problems. Major problems with one of them. My saleman at the dealer took me by the hand to the service department and pulled the records on a springer they had just serviced, They were at $1400 in front end repairs (12K on the bike). This dealer also showed me the parts books that showed not a single new part number in 15 years. Now I'm honest enough with myself to know this kind of stuff isn't typical, it isn't any kind of rare occurrence either. In the end, I saw enough, read enough, talked to enough people to realize I didn't want to take my chances, so to speak, with the Springer. Regardless, in the end, the Fat Bob simply trumps the Springer in every respect except in the looks department and that is actually to close to call.
  Gary

[jimamtay]

No Fatbob yet, last week of this month they say, could go to HD of north Dallas they have them all in stock. Trying to stay w/ my dealer, see how that goes.

[grc]

.................................................the Fat Bob simply trumps the Springer in every respect except in the looks department and that is actually to close to call.
  Gary

So, I guess the most important question becomes, do you want to ride the bike or just look at it?  There are plenty of folks who buy Harley's to park at bars and have people look at, and if that is what they want who am I to tell them they're idiots?  No different to me than the guy who buys a Corvette and only takes it out on the road a couple times a year when the weather is perfect, sits in the garage under a cover the rest of the year.  I guess if one has too much money it's probably better to spend it on Harley's and Corvette's rather than coke or other bad habits.

Springer's are a throwback, and they aren't going to handle as well as a more modern design, and the brakes tend to suck.  However, as BLM said, if you properly maintain that front end it will outlast most of the folks who buy one.  They aren't like a telescopic fork that can be abused and ignored for 50,000 miles, they need regular maintenance every 5k.  For those folks who just appreciate mechanical design and history, you won't find anything nearly as cool anywhere else on a brand new bike.

If it were me, I go with the Dyna.  But that doesn't keep me from wishing there was enough room (and cash) in the stable for both.

Jerry

[harris48cars]

What you say makes good sense to me Jerry.
  Gary

[Diamondback]

 

My two cents worth.  The Fat Bob is a great handling and fun bike.  I have had ridden a Springer and Fat Bob back to back for over two hundred miles each.

Fat Bob wins hands down.

 

P.S. Could be that's why HD makes numerous bikes.  Different styles for each of us.

[draperfish]

I've never ridden a Springer but they're beautiful  IMO.  I can tell you my Fat Bob is the best handling bike I've owned, I absolutely love it.  I highly recommend it.  I did have an 06 Night train and I can tell you there's a world of different between the handling of a softail and a dyna.

[Diamondback]

 

Also, have had a Softail custom for over six months and the Fat Bob wins again.