Rick Talbot
5'6", 170 lbs.,
29" inseam
I rode the Kawasaki Voyager to Sturgis, and it was the lowest of the big touring rigs, so I felt pretty confident that when I stepped on to the stripped-down Vulcan 1700 Classic that I'd love this one just as much. Then I got on the Fat Boy Lo.
Maybe it's because the LoFat is lowered that it fit me better than any other big bike I've tested. I sit flatfooted on it, while on the Kawi, I'm lucky to reach the ground with the balls of my feet. I liked the narrow handlebars on the Fat Boy too; through traffic and at low speed I was more comfortable with it (though the bars are still a bit of a reach).
Even with a taller seat, the Kawi was still very comfortable to ride. I could reach the controls easily and even stretch my legs on the floorboards. I like having the heel-toe shifter on both bikes.
The Fat Boy feels like a hot rod, loud and rumbly, and the engine sounds and looks bad ass. The Vulcan felt smoother shifting through the gears and I liked running it at a higher RPM, especially in the corners. While the Kawi was stable and light steering, the Fat Boy wanted to be ridden hard and muscled through.
The Vulcan 1700 is an all-around great bike; comfortable, fun and safe and a great bang for the buck. But I really liked the Fat Boy Lo-it's torquey and fun, and fits me better than any other big bike I've ridden yet. The blacked out engine gives it a lot of appeal. If you're lookin' for cool, this is it.
Scott Hodgson
5'11'', 195 lbs.,
34" inseam
For me, the Vulcan is the more comfortable of the two, since the controls are in the right spot and it offers great lower back support. It's got a better motor than the Harley, and pulls to higher rpm wonderfully. The Vulcan is quick-handling for such a large bike, with a very light feel. That lightness continued to the clutch, which I could two-finger, and the precise transmission.
The Fat Boy's riding position made me feel like I had to lean too far forward, with a reach to bars that are narrower than I prefer, but the rest of the ergos were spot-on. Engine performance was very consistent and predictable with smooth delivery throughout the rpm range. You have to ride the Fat Boy at a mild rhythm for best results in the twisties; it won't allow you to toss it from corner to corner quickly. Although noticeably short on suspension travel, the LoFat's ride quality is stable, with some comfort and control.
The Vulcan's got big power, big comfort, and big value. This is a lot of bike for the money. The suspension adjustability, the large displacement engine and overall performance make this my pick between the two bikes tested.
Billy Bartels
6', 198 lbs.,
33" inseam
This is a tough pick for me. You can make a solid case for either machine, as neither is lacking anything fundamental for any of the testers here, which is a rare thing. The guys who usually go with function over form still gave a tip of the hat to the Fat Boy Lo for being a well-executed hot rod, while the guys who are all about attitude couldn't stop raving about how much fun the Vulcan is. Sound like dithering? You bet.
I've spoken of how all (or most) bikes are good bikes these days, or how all bikes have a spirit in recent editorials. I like both bike's attitudes equally: the LoFat says "Check me out, I'm cool," while the Vulcan 17 enthuses (like a big Labrador) "Wanna play?!"
All things being equal, I'll take the Vulcan by about $3300. But if you absolutely love the Fat Boy Lo, then buy it.