For a very long time I've been searching for the bike Harley doesn't build. Bigger than a Sportster, smaller than a Super Glide. I've also thought about grafting a shovelhead into a Sportster frame or having shovel jugs installed on a Sporstster lower end. Both have done over the years, but yikes, the cost!

When I first saw the Fat Bob, especially the newer models parked next to the 48, I was drawn to the similarity of their front ends. I also like the double discs on the Fat Bob. It looks like the forks on that bike have finally been properly designed. So, I began to do research.

First, the Fat Bob is still way too heavy. That's not as big a deal as might think for a guy like me. They still make wrenches and saws, and it's easier to take garbage off than find lugs to bolt things on. Bigger fuel tanks are nice for my current riding style. I never know where I'm going or long I'll be there, but long touring is out of the question for now. I don't need five gallons, but 3.5 to 4 is great.

In doing this research I stumbled across the Fall 2007 edition of the "Enthusiast," and found an article on the Fat Bob by Reg Kittrelle. He finishes the article by stating he prefers the mid-point location of pegs and levers because he's shorter, and he thinks having many peg placement options is the answer. So do I, but I've come to like forward controls over the years, and I would have my own option.

However, here's another customer ready made for a 'Sportster Glide.' He wants to ride in various conditions. He wants to go up on the highway, but states the bike will "just about take you any place you'd like to go under most any conditions."

He also points out one thing I've noticed. That is, bikes seem to 'track' better the closer in size that the rear wheel/tire is to the front. I scraped a warning nipple on my 48 and I wasn't even trying--I was slowing down to navigate a round-about.

I think my concept of a middle weight is becoming clear. Additionally, I no longer need a screamer like Betty. A torquey slow poke with an extra highway gear sounds pretty good. They already make most of the stuff I like, readily available in the current custom catalog. Do a little trimming and improvement on the back end, and the bike might have some potential. She's still a little pudgy.

Next stop, a test ride in the spring.