Bike Files: Harley-Davidson Fat Boy

In a range of legendary motorcycles, the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy is arguably the most iconic of all. Delivering the quintessential Harley riding experience, it’s been a firm favourite since it was shown as a prototype at the legendary Daytona Bike Week in 1988.

Who are you calling Fat Boy?

Actually, if you want to be completely correct, the proper name of the current model is FLFBS Fat Boy® 114. It’s a member of the company’s Cruiser family and gets its nickname because of how wide it looks when viewed head on. It’s a chunky thing and that’s a big part of the appeal. We think it looks cool, and so do plenty of others. These days there are various close relatives, like the bobbed out Fat Bob, but the original came out over three decades ago now, based around the leaner Softail model of the time.

But what makes the Fat Boy so iconic?

There are many reasons why the Fat Boy came to embody 1990s Harley-Davidsons.  Firstly, it was unveiled to revellers at the Daytona Bike Week in Florida, a big deal now but absolutely massive back then. It was designed by Willie G. Davidson himself, grandson of co-founder William A. Davidson and a legend in his own right in Harley circles.

These things, not to mention the instantly classic looks, were enough on their own but, when Arnold Schwarzenegger rode one in the 1991 blockbuster Terminator 2: Judgment Day, an instant legend was created. It was popular and played its part in turning the Motor Company’s fortunes around.

So the Fat Boy is a 30 year old bike?

Not exactly. The name arrived in 1990 but like all popular bikes it has gone on an evolution. The first-generation bikes were built around the well-loved Softail platform and had the 1340cc ‘Evolution’ engine, which served it well for a decade, when a new model came along with the then latest 1450cc Twin Cam motor.

This would evolve in various guises for 17 years, before the latest ‘Milwaukee Eight’ unit arrived to power a new version in 2017.  Today the Fat Boy runs a 114ci (1868cc) version of that engine and is the most advanced version to date, even though it’s still one of the most traditional types of engine you can buy today.

Harleys are just big basic lumps, right?

We wouldn’t say so. For sure Harleys used to catch a bad rap. British riders were obsessed with race replicas and the idea of an old air-cooled V-Twin with pushrods and two-valves per cylinder didn’t appeal in the slightest.

Sure the latest model isn’t at the cutting edge of motorcycle technology, but it’s modern-ish and actually very cleverly designed. It’s still air-cooled and even has its valves actuated by old-fashioned pushrods, although there are now four of them for each piston.

Traditional it may be, but it is equipped with modern rider aids and is a far cry from the often derided forefathers of the 1990s and early 2000s.

What does it handle like?

Look, the Fat Boy is no sports bike. It’s a low and heavy motorcycle, but the package is far superior to those bikes of 30 years ago and the laid back ride is all part of the appeal. Japanese company Showa supply the suspension and the bike runs on tyres developed by French giant Michelin.

It’s predictable to ride but the clue is in the name given to this kind of bike: it’s a cruiser, not a scratcher. Enjoy at leisurely speed and you’ll really enjoy drinking in the character and the ‘potato-potato’ sound only a legendary Harley V-twin can make.

What’s so special about the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy?

It’s a Harley-Davidson!

Seriously, ask non-bikers to name a motorcycle brand and there’s a good chance they’ll say Harley-Davidson. It’s an iconic brand, one of the most famous in the world, and the look and the sound of the latest Fat Boy respects all those traditions. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but those who appreciate Harley’s heritage will be very proud to own one.

It’s one of the most famous models from one of the most famous motorcycle manufacturers. Where some motorcycles go out of their way to look svelte and sophisticated, the Fat Boy is designed to look imposing, with the chunky forks and really distinctive wheels which look like they’ve been machined from billet aluminium. Despite looking so solid, it’s actually pretty easy to get on with and has a really low seat.

What is not to like?

What alternatives are there to the Fat Boy?

Harleys are unique propositions. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, there really is nothing like them on the market.

If you’re on the hunt for an American cruiser but fancy something a bit different, their old rivals Indian are the only real alternative, with the Chief range probably closest model they offer to the Fat Boy.

In reality, if you’ve decided the Harley lifestyle is for you then you’re probably looking at choosing the Fat Boy or something else from the Milwaukee company’s range.

What you go for is very much going to be down to budget and personal taste because, as much as the riding experience, Harley ownership is as much about the lifestyle.

What is this Harley-Davidson lifestyle you speak about?

Harley isn’t a motorcycle, it’s not even a brand… it’s a way of life. H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) is very active in arranging regional, national and international rallies, and the local Chapters, as they are known, are usually very active in arranging ride outs and gatherings. If you see motorcycling as a social activity as much as a form of transport, you’ll surely understand H-D ownership.

Should I buy a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy

The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy is an iconic bike and it’s one of those machines you are either attracted to or not. It’s definitely not going to be everyone’s cup of tea but those who want a classic Harley-Davidson are not going to be disappointed.

Anything to look out for when buying a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy?

Buy on condition rather than age. Most live cosseted lives, so be wary of a Fat Boy in poor condition. Also, Harleys tend to be frequently modified and sensible mods, especially from the official H-D catalogue, can add to rather than detract from desirability.