The Harley Davidson Fat Boy is an iconic and unforgettable motorcycle that needs no introduction. Appearing in Hollywood films, immortalized as a Lego toy, and achieving countless other accomplishments — this model has solidified its place in the bike world. In this article, we will delve into the history of the classic Harley Davidson Fat Boy and uncover all it has to offer from design to performance.
The Early Years of the Harley Davidson Fat Boy
Willie G. Davidson and Louie Netz, two renowned Harley stylists, debuted the iconic Fat Boy in 1989 as a 1990 model which was inspired by their 1949 Hydra-Glide. This Softail variant soon catapulted to become one of Harley’s bestselling models.
Terminator 2 Harley Davidson Fat Boy
In 1991, the Fat Boy was propelled to global fame following Arnold Schwarzenegger’s spectacular appearance in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The movie featured a legendary chase scene with an amazing stunt by the Fat Boy – one of its most renowned motorcycle stunts in film history. It’s not surprising that several years later, one of these very same bikes used on set sold for over $480,000 at a Profiles in History auction held back in 2018.
The Design of the Harley Davidson Fat Boy
The Harley Davidson Fat Boy is a remarkable motorcycle with a bold hot rod design. Its wide forks, formidable Lakester wheels, and twinkling chromed headlight nacelle all contribute to the unique look of this motorbike. The unmistakable 240mm-section rear tire gives it an extra edge that propels its distinctive style even further and is complemented by the wider frame which speaks volumes about its power and handling capacity.
| DIMENSIONS | SPECIFICATIONS |
| LENGTH | 2,370 mm |
| SEAT HEIGHT, UNLADEN | 675 mm |
| GROUND CLEARANCE | 115 mm |
| RAKE | 30 |
| TRAIL | 104 mm |
| WHEELBASE | 1,665 mm |
| TYRES, FRONT SPECIFICATION | 160/60R18,70V,BW |
| TYRES, REAR SPECIFICATION | 240/40R18,79V,BW |
| TYRE, TYPE | Michelin™ Scorcher™ “11” |
| FUEL CAPACITY | 18.9 l |
| OIL CAPACITY (W/FILTER) | 4.7 l |
| WEIGHT, AS SHIPPED | 304 kg |
| WEIGHT, IN RUNNING ORDER | 317 kg |
While the iconic Fat Boy has seen some modern modifications recently, including a digital fuel gauge replacing the old analogue dial in its “dummy” left gas cap on the tank, traditionalists may be unhappy with this change as it was harder to decipher.
Performance of the Fat Boy
Harley’s iconic Fat Boy model has long been a favorite of Australians, but in 2017 they took the already established success to new heights. By introducing the Milwaukee Eight 107 and 114 engines along with two innovative stiff frames to their Softail range, Harley improved the suspension, weight distribution, and overall powertrain performance for all users. The result? Even more Aussies now have access to an unbeatable bike that offers superior ride quality than ever before.
| ENGINE | Milwaukee-Eight™ 114 |
| BORE | 102 mm |
| STROKE | 114.3 mm |
| DISPLACEMENT | 1,868 cc |
| COMPRESSION RATIO | 10.5:1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| EXHAUST | 2-into-2 staggered; catalyst in muffler |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| ENGINE TORQUE TESTING METHOD | EU 134/2014 |
| ENGINE TORQUE | 155 Nm |
| ENGINE TORQUE (RPM) | 3250 |
| HORSEPOWER | 94 HP / 70 kW @ 5020 rpm |
| LEAN ANGLE, RIGHT (DEG.) | 25.6 |
| LEAN ANGLE, LEFT (DEG.) | 25.6 |
| FUEL ECONOMY TESTING METHOD | EU 134/2014 |
| FUEL ECONOMY | 5.5 l/100 km |
The 2021 Fat Boy boasts a powerful 114 engine with some subtle styling retouches. However, due to its low-profile 240mm rear tire the ride can be uncomfortable and difficult in corners. As you navigate uneven terrain, the sturdy rear tire follows every camber, bump or crack on the road making for an exhausting experience. Despite these obstacles there is something uniquely special about conquering them; hardcore riders may even find it adds to this bike’s macho allure.
Is the Harley Davidson Fat Boy Worth the Price?
The Harley Davidson Fat Boy is a legendary motorcycle that has earned an enthusiastic fan base throughout the world. Countless imitations have been made, and it even has its own Lego toy! Yes, the ride can be rough but don’t let that stop you from enjoying all this bike’s signature aesthetic style and hot rod power. All of this comes with an incredibly affordable price tag of only $20,199 – making owning one of these iconic rides more feasible than ever before.
Conclusion
To finish, the Harley Davidson Fat Boy is a renowned bike with an iconic hot rod style and celebrity renown. Its unique design has made it the most imitated motorcycle in history. The 2021 model has seen minor changes: a few styling updates along with a digital fuel gauge have been included. With its timeless look, it’s no wonder that this classic motorbike continues to be so popular.
The Fat Boy’s low profile 240mm rear tire may cause some performance issues, yet that doesn’t take away from its allure among riders. For a ride-away price of $20,199, you can experience motorcycle history firsthand and be sure to draw attention wherever you go. Invest in your dream bike today.
FAQs
Below are a list of the most frequently asked questions on the Harley Davidson Fat Boy:
What is the history behind the Harley Davidson Fat Boy?
In 1989, Willie G. Davidson and Louie Netz revolutionized the motorcycle industry by introducing the Harley Davidson Fat Boy – a modern take on its 1949 Hydra-Glide predecessor. Their creation was an instant success, quickly becoming one of Harley’s most popular models.
The revolutionary Softail Fat Boy has earned its place in history as a timeless classic that continues to captivate riders today with its iconic style and performance.
Why is the Harley Davidson Fat Boy so iconic?
Acclaimed Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger made the Fat Boy a star when he rode it in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. It became even more iconic after its legendary jump scene shot in the LA sewers, an unforgettable motorcycle stunt that will live on forever through cinema history. This popular bike has been replicated countless times and further immortalized as a Lego toy to be enjoyed by all ages.
How does the Harley Davidson Fat Boy perform?
The 2021 Fat Boy, featuring a 114 engine and subtle styling improvements, has some drawbacks. Since its low profile 240mm rear tire offers an uncomfortable ride experience as it constantly follows the contours of the road – bumps, curves and cracks – taking corners can be tricky. The bike’s harshness makes for tiring rides, making this new model not quite living up to its expectations in terms of performance.
How much does the Harley Davidson Fat Boy cost?
For a 2021 Fat Boy with its exceptional pre-eminence, the ride-away price of $20,199 is certainly sensible.
What are the dimensions of the Harley Davidson Fat Boy?
Featuring an impressive wheelbase of 1,665 mm and a length of 2,370 mm, the Harley Davidson Fat Boy stands tall at 675 mm with 115mm ground clearance. With 18.9 liters fuel capacity, this powerful bike only weighs 317 kg in running order.
What engine does the Harley Davidson Fat Boy have?
Conquer the open road with the powerful Milwaukee-Eight™ 114 engine of a Harley Davidson Fat Boy. This impressive machine boasts an incredible bore size of 102mm, stroke length of 114.3 mm and delivers 1,868 cc’s in displacement – all packaged together with a 10.5:1 compression ratio to ensure maximum performance from its Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) fuel system.
Is the Harley Davidson Fat Boy worth the investment?
The Harley Davidson Fat Boy stands out as an iconic symbol of motorcycling excellence, earning the admiration and reverence of devoted fans everywhere. Despite a sometimes-tiring ride due to its hard suspension, this bike’s distinctive design and hot rod performance more than make up for it.
Invest in a piece of motorcycle history with confidence when you pay $20,199 for your new ride-away – you won’t be disappointed by the attention it will draw wherever you go.