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M8 FatBoy 114ci Big Issues

  • davidald
    davidald
    6 years ago
    I got a 114ci Fatboy late last year and the thing tips in on right turns like crazy. Drive belt complains loudly in hot weather and now the front tyre is dead @ 6000k. Camber side is gone. Feels like the frame is bent but I am looking for ideas. Thinking of leaving it with the dealer until something is done.
    Any ideas?
  • Far Canal
    Far Canal
    6 years ago
    Indy is an Independent person (not Harley Davidson). Just make sure they are a qualified mechanic or HD can reneg on the warranty.
    Hope you get it sorted.
    Also, it is surprising what you can see with your eye as far as alignment goes if you have a good squiz.
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    6 years ago
    Maybe he could shed some light on it.....lol
  • davidald
    davidald
    5 years ago
    Just an update. Rear suspension has been changed under warranty twice because adjuster ring is seizing, Tyres still only last 6000k (3728 miles) at best. Drive belt still whines. I have avoided the rear suspension failing again by not carrying a pillion. No response from HD Australia. Dealer just talks shit. Ho Hum.
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    5 years ago
    Quoting davidald on 11 Apr 2019 06:42 AM

    Just an update. Rear suspension has been changed under warranty twice because adjuster ring is seizing, Tyres still only last 6000k (3728 miles) at best. Drive belt still whines. I have avoided the rear suspension failing again by not carrying a pillion. No response from HD Australia. Dealer just talks shit. Ho Hum.

    Seeing its over 12mths since the offer i made i will pay you $4500 now
  • JFE
    JFE
    5 years ago
    Low blow Pauly.
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    5 years ago
    Quoting JFE on 11 Apr 2019 09:11 AM

    Low blow Pauly.

    Ok you talked me into $4750 you smooth talker
  • Nutty
    Nutty
    5 years ago
    Where are you living Dave? I may know a decent race shop that can properly assess your bike. It has a  frame issue by the sound of it.
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    5 years ago
    Quoting Nutty on 11 Apr 2019 11:35 AM

    Where are you living Dave? I may know a decent race shop that can properly assess your bike. It has a  frame issue by the sound of it.

    I think its the over the top large tyres fitted std . I have ridden a few of the new Fat Boys and they handle like a Coles trolly!
  • Nutty
    Nutty
    5 years ago
    Quoting Nutty on 11 Apr 2019 11:35 AM

    Where are you living Dave? I may know a decent race shop that can properly assess your bike. It has a  frame issue by the sound of it.

    Quoting paulybronco on 11 Apr 2019 11:57 AM

    I think its the over the top large tyres fitted std . I have ridden a few of the new Fat Boys and they handle like a Coles trolly!

    Ive ridden them too Pauly and whilst that's true, there'd be problems word-wide if the issue was design-related. 
    Softail II Fattys with a straight frame handle better turning left, the OPs is the opposite! Something's bent.

    I'll bet my left nut it has a chassis or triple-clamp problem.
  • Grease Monkey
    Grease Monkey
    5 years ago
    I wonder if the neck is square? it's a bit odd, I didn't like the fatty but that wasn't the reason, leaving bits of it on the road put me off it.
  • Choco
    Choco
    5 years ago
    Sorry about the trouble you are having with your bike. Out of Harleys new Softail range I like the Fatboy but always worried about the handling with there tyre size. Also not good about the rear suspension trouble you are having. 
  • wildchild
    wildchild
    5 years ago
    Quoting davidald on 11 Apr 2019 06:42 AM

    Just an update. Rear suspension has been changed under warranty twice because adjuster ring is seizing, Tyres still only last 6000k (3728 miles) at best. Drive belt still whines. I have avoided the rear suspension failing again by not carrying a pillion. No response from HD Australia. Dealer just talks shit. Ho Hum.

    Whining drive belt is a sign of it being too tight.

    Has the belt tension been checked?

  • Bigfella
    Bigfella
    5 years ago
    Possibly due to the front wheel being offset by 10mm or so? An earlier model (not sure what year) fatboy had an offset front wheel, MoCo went away from it but brought it back in 2018 models (maybe 2017 even). Look at where front guard mounts on the forks, one boss/block is wider that the other. Mine favours right turns more than left turns as well, haven't got the klm's up to yours yet, so can't comment on tyre wear. 
    No suspension issues experienced yet, my generously proportioned Buddha like frame would more than likely make that issue show up sooner rather than later!
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