New here

[AllyM]

I'm new here and hoping you guys can give me some opinions.

I am just about to order a 2008 bike and have been set on the Fat Boy. I've now become uncertain after seeing the Rocker. I haven't seen it in the flesh but as I'm in the US at the moment, I hope to see one in the flesh at one of the Houston dealers. Does anyone here have one yet and if so what's the verdict on it.

I'm not a HOG member either at the moment but plan to join when I get the bike. I live in Aberdeen.

Ally

[DaveU]

I'm new here and hoping you guys can give me some opinions.

I am just about to order a 2008 bike and have been set on the Fat Boy. I've now become uncertain after seeing the Rocker. I haven't seen it in the flesh but as I'm in the US at the moment, I hope to see one in the flesh at one of the Houston dealers. Does anyone here have one yet and if so what's the verdict on it.

I'm not a HOG member either at the moment but plan to join when I get the bike. I live in Aberdeen.

Ally

I'm full of opinions, all of them right!! :)

I always think it's not so much a case of you finding the right bike, it's more the right bike will find you!!

When you and your bike meet .....you'll know.

I'm not really a softail kinda guy but looking at the two bikes the Rocker seems to be following more recent styling trends than the FatBoy. The wide rear, narrow front seems to be the in thing at the moment and I'd guess HD are following this trend to compete with "custom" dealers such as Thunder Mountain Cycles etc.

That's the emotional bit.:)

Now to the practical bit.

There is one important thing to consider and that's what you intend to do with the bike. Different folks do different things with thier scoots. Some folks like wee runs in the evenings and weekends, a bit of bar hopping, posing (yes we all do that) etc. Some like a bit of fast bendy stuff on twisty roads. Others like to go to a rally for the weekend or some even tour Europe on a regular basis. Also what you intend to do now may not be what you end up doing.

When I bought my first HD I had no idea I'd end up nipping down to Spain for a week, or ship the bike to the USA for a three week tour.

You can pretty much do all of these with any bike but some lend themselves to some things better than others.

Bar hopping, short rides etc, no problem with most bikes.

Twisty stuff can be fun with anything but if your pushing it, that wide back wheel could be fun and things like handling and good brakes get more important.

For touring you need to be practical and think about all the stuff you'll need. Tents, luggage, pillion etc and where you'll put it all if you wanna do that kinda thing.

Finally if you live in Aberdeen get yer arse along to our meetings at the Red Garth in Oldmeldrum on the first Wednesday of the month. You don't need to wait until you get the bike. You can meet people, see different bikes (if the weather is good :)) what people have done with them and use them for and get ideas before you make that investment.

Click on the link for details (on the link marked "monthly meetings" ) and when you come along find someone with an HD t-shirt and ask for Fred Henderson or Dave Urquhart

http://www.hognorth.btinternet.co.uk/

[banquo]

Good advice from Dave on the practicalities.
The Rocker will never be a practical scoot, and if you want something with that look, why not go for a real chop, and not a factory custom...?
Point number two: in my experience, car and bike, it's never a good idea to purchase a completely new model of anything. They all screw it up, whether it be H-D or Ford, and the best models to buy are the end of the line, where they have ironed out all the problems they didn't think of at the design stage. The last of the Evos was a far better machine than the first of the Twin Cams... (and the rest of the Twin Cams, some would say...;)). The bare bones of the Rocker is the same as any other '08 Softail, but the delays in getting it into the showrooms will not be coincidence...
http://hdforums.com/m_2680638/tm.htm
Finally, be ready to get it wrong. I bought an FXST because it had the look I wanted. Within a year, it had changed into something completely different, and looked nothing like my dream.
A screen, bags, touring seat, rack, all needed to make it useful, and all taking away the look I chose in the first place. Yes, they are all detachable, but they never get detached....

Still, that's what it takes to 'make it yours".

Don't believe people when they say you can't tour on a Softail, but if you're serious about it, throw away the OEM seat, and buy a real one...
Good luck, whatever you choose.

Oh, and if you buy a new bike, you get free HOG membership for your first year (and free Dunedin membership if you buy it from EH-D).
But a new bike every year, and get free life membership...:rolleyes:

[AllyM]

Thanks for the advise. I have been mailing the ED-HD about the Rocker but as I've said, I may see it here in the US. I think I still favour the Fat Boy. I just got curious when I saw the Rocker and wanted to check it out before I committed to a sale.

At the moment my thoughts on using the bike will be mostly short run/rally type stuff as my work takes me out of the country quite a bit and useage would be limited. This is unlikely to change in the next 5 years or so. With that in mind both bikes would probably meet my needs although the fat boy would be easier to expand the useage on at a later date if I get hooked and it's been my original choice for some time.

I know what you mean on the new model stuff, although I did buy a brand new L200 Animal in 2006 when they changed the model and its been great.

I'll let you know how I go when I get to the Houton dealers in a week or so.

Cheers Ally

[MikeT]

Hey Ally - good advice from both DaveU and Banquo and I fully agree with them - what you end up with after a year or two of digging into u r pocket for a few quid here and there (and there and there !!!) is a far cry from what u originally intended, but the best thing is ................... it's yours, and there's very few other bike makes that you can say that about !!
I'm a Softail fan, been running a Night Train for a couple of years now and I can tell you, I wouldn't change it for the world - my wife runs a Sporty R and we've done plenty of touring around South Africa on the bikes with no bother although my rear-end does get kinda numb after a while on the standard OEM seat ................ park bench comes to mind !!! My choice of the two that u r considering would be the Fat Boy and now with the 200 rear it's a beaut.
Happy Hunting.
Ride Safe and Enjoy.
Mike T

[Johnny the fox]

I'm with Dave you will know the bike for you when you see it in the flesh and you will know you just will. Bought my sporty after walking into the dealers - there wasn't another bike in the place as far as I was concerned. Toughest thing I've done was to decide to sell her after losing my heart to a Fat Bob - same thing - saw it & knew it was the one for me.

Course still waiting for the bloody thing to arrive form the States but hey come 03/04/08 I'll have nice new shiny wheels!!

Additional meeting point 3rd Wednesday of the month at the pub in Dunecht - a few brave souls known to meet up there

[The - Troublemaker]

Hi Ally, l'ld buy the Fat boy but l'm biased as l've had three of them, absolute love them them:D
cheers Paul

[RamDez]

Oh, and if you buy a new bike, you get free HOG membership for your first year (and free Dunedin membership if you buy it from EH-D).
But a new bike every year, and get free life membership...:rolleyes:

you get a free HOG membership, you dont get a free Dunedin membership, well I never last year.

[whiskey]

Hi there,

Whichever H-D model you are going for, get sorted so you can join us to a ride to"Sunny" Thunder in the Hebrides early May or the Run to St Tropez late May,

Cheers

Whiskey

[banquo]

you get a free HOG membership, you dont get a free Dunedin membership, well I never last year.

I stand corrected: apparently, although it was done at one time, now it's down to dealer discretion. No harm in asking at the time of purchase though. not likely to be a deal breaker, is it? ;)

[RamDez]

When I bought my first HD I had no idea I'd end up nipping down to Spain for a week, or ship the bike to the USA for a three week tour.


tell us more about shipping it to the USA?

What did it cost you and how long did it take to get it there?

cheers

[AllyM]

Thanks for all the advise guys. I'm very much swinging to the fat boy. Gary at ED-HD just mailed me today to say he had a standard Rocker in to view but as I'm in the states I can't get in yet. I'm hoping I'll see one early next week then I can get that out of my system.

I've just been checking up on paint sets here in the US. Just trying to figure out how to get a new paint set, and a set of bars back with me.:D

I haven't even got the bike and I'm already looking at customising.:)

I plan to buy in March so hopefully whichever bike I go for, Gary will get it quickly enough for me to join the summer fun this year. I know I won't be missing Thunder in the Glen. I need to get some info on that for bookings etc.

Ally

[RamDez]

is there still a 12 week waiting list for new bikes?

[AllyM]

I think there is still a 12 week waiting time. Gary told me it would take about that for delivery. That's why I need to decide and order in early March. Then delivery by end of May.

Ally

[AllyM]

Right guys, my head is full of fact and figures and I need some more help. I'm in the states at the moment and have been looking at all the various dealers websites. They are offering the 2008 fat boy for around $17,500 which works out at around £8874. Add 8.25% tax to this and its about £9700.
(not sure if I can dodge the tax by exporting, would need to look into that.)
I was reading somewhere that the duty and brokerage etc should be around 30%. This takes it to around £12,600.

Has anyone done this and what's the issues with warranty etc. Also is it easy enough to get it registered etc. I'm not set on this way but just wanted some feedback as I'm in Houston anyway. The dealers haven't given me a definite answer on the warranty question yet, although they are pretyy open to throwing in some extra bits and pieces.

While I've been looking my girlfriend just bought an 883 sportster here in the US so she will be having it shipped in the next couple of weeks.

Ally

[banquo]

Check the specs Ally.
I don't know how it is today, but US spec didn't have the alarm system, and both indicators and headlamps didn't meet UK specs. A US dealer will not sell you an HDI bike (at least they didn't when I tried).
You need to pay import duty, tax and freight, but bear in mind that both duty and tax are paid on the total cost of the goods, including the freight.
I think the duty is about 10% (but don't quote me) and of course VAT is 17.5%, and then you have SVA approval to deal with and registration.
I think it's easier to import a used bike than a new one - possibly less duty.
Harley used to do a deal where you ordered your bike, collected it from the factory, rode it around the States, returned it to York, where they crated it and shipped to your delaer for collection. There was no saving, but you got a few weeks of free riding. on't know if they still do that.
You should get tax back on expeorting.
http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?
Good info if you do a search on here.
http://search.opsi.gov.uk/
Done that before, but don't have it to hand. I looked into it in 2003, and decided it wasn't worth the hassle, so bought new bike here.

[DaveU]

Has anyone done this and what's the issues with warranty etc. Also is it easy enough to get it registered etc. I'm not set on this way but just wanted some feedback as I'm in Houston anyway. The dealers haven't given me a definite answer on the warranty question yet, although they are pretyy open to throwing in some extra bits and pieces.

Ally


Make sure you count in the cost of shipping plus there WILL be problems with US Customs/ Customs Agents etc etc which will add to the overall costs and they quickly learn when they have someone over a barrel desperate to the bike!!

The friend of mine who imported the Thunder Mountain bike had a few problems plus costs he didn't expect. He also had to get the bike tested here before he could register it. Then there's modifications to the lighting......etc etc

I'm not saying don't do it but there are hidden costs.

[DaveU]

tell us more about shipping it to the USA?

What did it cost you and how long did it take to get it there?

cheers

In 2000 me and a couple of mates shipped our bikes over so we could ride our own in the USA.

We had a few contacts which made it easier but it still turned out quite tricky. The bikes were flown over and back. Cost then was around £500 to get them over and £750 to get them back. The actual transport took about 3-4 days but the paperwork is tricky, especially on the way back when you're dealing on the end of a phone.(Customs agents seem to have a way of finding new forms that need more money)

On top of the logistics you have to find crates, (we got some free from Eddy Wrights), and have somewhere to crate them up and a fork lift to get them on a lorry. You need to take the bars off, drain the fuel, take the battery out etc etc. Like I say we had a contact at the far end who took delivery of the bikes, decrated them, put new batteries in etc

We were alos unable to get insurance for the flight part, insuring while in the US is ok but we were at risk if the plane went down.

Basically what I'm saying is it can be done but it's a lot of hassle and i wouldn't do it again. You do get companies who will ship them by sea and do all the paperwork though.

[AllyM]

In me trying to make up my mind about which bike to go for, I got talking to Chris at Clyde Harley. He has a 2007 fatboy with 700 miles on it which I liked. He also has a Rocker C coming in very soon. So basically he's taken a deposit and kept both bikes till next week to allow me to check out the Rocker in Houston this weekend. If I don't like the Rocker, I'll take the fatboy. If I do I take the new Rocker. Either way I get the bike I want very soon.:D I can hardly wait.
Be meeting some of you guys very soon.

Ally

[banquo]

I hear thery finally have a Rocker on the floor at Edinburgh H-D, and a Crossbones too. You'll love it, no matter what you buy...;)

Oh, and if you run across a paunchy, unlikely-looking Scots guy with a golf bag in one of the Houston dealers this weekend, that's just my brother trying to pick up some parts for me.... :cool:

[AllyM]

I hear thery finally have a Rocker on the floor at Edinburgh H-D, and a Crossbones too. You'll love it, no matter what you buy...;)

Oh, and if you run across a paunchy, unlikely-looking Scots guy with a golf bag in one of the Houston dealers this weekend, that's just my brother trying to pick up some parts for me.... :cool:

I'll listen out for the accent. I plan to do the rounds. Without seeing the Rocker I'm swinging to the Fatboy and I've already got a serious list of parts I'll be picking up for it if that's the way I go. Have you actually see the Rocker yet?

Ally

[banquo]

Nope, but one of the Perth guys was down there this week, looking at the Crossbones, and the guy said, "You'll see the Rocker on your way out."
Somehow, he managed to miss that moment :confused: but we are assured it was there....

[Johnny the fox]

is there still a 12 week waiting list for new bikes?

Ordered my Fat Bob in December & not expected till 03/04/08.
Kind of long 12 weeks but hey it will soon be here.
:cool:

[AllyM]

It's a long wait when you finally order. I won't have any time at all to wait though as the Rocker I was looking at is in soon and the 07 Fatboy is also on hold. I feel very fortunate that the dealer has both bikes and are willing to hold them till I decide this weekend, when I finally see the Rocker in the flesh.

I do feel I'm going to go with the fatboy though and this being the case I'm expecting some serious spending on custom parts this weekend. I have 5 dealers in the Houston area to visit this weekend. I can't wait.:) Now that's my idea of shopping.

On a separate note. My girlfriend has booked herself a five day course to get through her bike test after impulse buying an 883. Can anyone tell me if she has to do a theory test prior to the CBT. I thought not as she has a full driving licence, but she's not so sure as it was maybe different for the bike. I don't know as I did my bike test 23 years ago.

Ally

[ShirleyG]

You do not need to do the theory test prior to doing the CBT, but she will need to pass the theory test before sitting the bike test.

[HogHog]

My daughter did the CBT, without the Theory test. But as Shirley says, you will need to do the Theory before sitting the "Real" test.

Word of advice though.....

A young lad in the office was about to do his Theory and then his test. He bought a programme which would help him with the Theory and we all had a go.......

Not that easy...

I've been driving/riding for 25 years, and yet that blo**y programme caught me out.

So, if you are going to move on.... get the best help you can and try any programmes available to you.

I have no doubt that you are a good rider, but here you're adversary is not the Sorry Mate I Didn't See You's but the mind of a computer NERD.

So, fingers crossed for you and good luck..............

[AllyM]

Well I finall saw the Rocker C today and I have to say the pictures do it more good than I thought in the flesh. I wasn't that taken with it so will be sticking with the fatboy. I then spent $3000 today on custom parts and I'm going to other some other dealers tomorrow for the rest of the stuff I'm looking for. I'll be back in the UK next week and will be picking up the bike. I'll post some pics when I get the bike.

On the subject of helmets, can I get a helmet over here or do they not meet the EU specs. I've seen some really smart helmets but don't want to buy one I cant use at home. Any advise would be welcome.

Ally

[RamDez]

well I was told that the DOT helment very well could be legal by the end of the year.
I suppose it remains to be seen. They are supposed to be higher spec than the UK standard

[The - Troublemaker]

Buy a helmet that u like Ally as l and some friends have worn small beany and Davida shorty helmets with no probs. As for the Rocker saw it at the bike show and wasn't very impressed with it to be honest. Only clever bit is the fact that the seat folds away in to itself but l dont like the overall look of the bike, apart from the fact that u get a 240 rear tyre as standard. You'll be far happier with the Fatboy and parts are easy to come by for a softail.
cheers Paul

[AllyM]

Thanks Paul, I've seen a couple I like. I've also let the dealer know I'm taking the fatboy. I've spent a bunch this weekend on all the chrome bits I wanted. It's going to take me ages to getthe stuff on the bike. I can't wait to get to get started when I get back later this week.

Ally

[AllyM]

Finally got back into the UK yesterday. Popped into West Coast Harley and hd a chat with Chris, I saw the Fatboy I'll be picking up next week. Had to say I was most impressed and the Vance and Hines straight shots sound the dogs danglies. The guys had a good laugh at the picture of my girlfriends pearl pink 883 sportster. She's got her theory on Wed and starts a six day training course next weekend to get herself through her test.

We plan to get to a meet or two and meet up with some of you guys.
I have to say I spent far too much on parts while in the states. I bought so much I couldn't get it all home, lucky I'm heading back out in two weeks.

I've attached a pic of the bike. Not a good one as it was just my phone. I'll post more as I get the parts fitted.

Ally

http://http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/1825/fatboyeg7.th.jpg (http://img442.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fatboyeg7.jpg)

[RamDez]

remember we have a gallery you can post direct from your computer

[banquo]

Looks nice Ally. Those 17" Alloys give it a completely different look from the 16". I hear the weather was awful in Houston.....:eek: at least it was when my brother went shopping for me.. ;)

[AllyM]

The weather wasn't so bad for me, there was some rain. Did your brother manage to get what you wanted? I got a load of stuff, most was stock as I went round about six dealers. The last of what I wanted will be in when I get back in two weeks time. I think I went a bit mad. I won't recognise the bike when it all gets fitted. I've bought new bars and chrome controls with all the diamondback lines. I've even ordered an new solo seat and a lowering kit.
I'm really looking forward to seeing it all fitted.

Ally

[The - Troublemaker]

You got any room in your suitcase as l wouldn't mind a few dealer t-shirts in large, no asking for freebies like, would square u up when we meet u
cheers Paul

[banquo]

My brother doesn't have the committment...
One dealrer, but he brought something back...
Just off to collect it now, on the old Guzzi, Softail still being in bits.

[AllyM]

I have no problem getting some shirts.
I spent almost three days doing the rounds with the dealers. I ended up spending a fortune with them all. One thing I did notice is that the parts over there cost the same in dollars as we pay in pounds making them half the price at todays exchange rates. I glad I do the Houston trip now and again.

I'll be picking up my bike this week so I'll be checking for any meets coming up.

Ally

[MikeT]

Hi Ally - I'm with Paul on this one : saw the Rocker C at the show last weekend and had a seat on it - NOT a comfortable bike at all. Bars come back way too far to make the riding position anywhere near acceptable(for my frame anyway!) - reckon you made the right move to go the Fatboy route. I ride a Nightrain and just love the comfort of the Softail rear and prefer the look without the shocks in full view. (picky, picky !!!)
Enjoy the new scoot.
Ride Safe & Enjoy
Mike T

[AllyM]

Mike,

I have to agree, I think I made the right choice. I just needed to see the Rocker and get the idea out of my mind. Now I have decided on the Fatboy I want to take a bit of a refresher on the bike. I haven't ridden for a while and am under no illusion as to my skills. Anyone know if they run anything that might just brush up my skills again.

Aly

[banquo]

Riders Edge is good but very expensive. Has bonus you can ride anything in the range, so a good choice if you're swithering between one machine and another.
Most local riding schools offer a refresher course, on your bike or theirs, or if you feel pretty confident, why not use IAM for an advanced riders course?

[AllyM]

I'm well chuffed today. West Coast Harley delivered my bike today. :D I'll take some pictures tomorrow and post them. I cant wait for the weather to get better.:D

Ally

[banquo]

Aye, well, you couldn't have had much worse weather for your first weekend anyway....;)
We woke up to snow on the ground this morning, and I guess it's worse up your way. Spring is just around the corner, but is it a wee bend, or one of these big long sweeping ones that goes on forever....:confused:
Enjoy :cool:

[AllyM]

Your not wrong there. I've had the bike in the garage all weekend and an endless stream of mates coming by to see it. At least I've had time to switch out a load of parts. I'm heading back out to the states on Friday and will hopefully get the rest of my parts home. My poor girlfriend did her CBT this weekend and was cold and miserable. She's contiuing the training this week and is due to do her test on Thursday. I think she's very brave doing it in this weather. She's very excited about the delivery of her pearl pink 883. She's desperate to be ready for its arrival. Hope we get some nice weather so we can get the bikes out and get to a meet.

Ally