So as we continue to roll through HD's 2023 lineup today, we're testing the 120th Anniversary of Fat Boy.
First introduced in 1990, the Harley Davidson Fat Boy gained worldwide notoriety after starring alongside big Arnold Schwarzenegger in the iconic movie Terminator 2, and from then on, it's remained one of HD's most popular cruisers.
Over the following three decades, the Fat Boy predominantly remained true to its grassroots, which makes a lot of sense. I mean, why change something when you've got it right from the get-go? That's why there's only been a few slight modifications to the Fat Boy over its 33-year existence, with the biggest change back in 2018, when the entire Softail range was rolled out on new chassis. To be honest, the Fat Boy's styling was almost perfect from the first day it was released, which is reflected in the fact that it has always remained a staple model amongst HD's cruiser lineup for years, and mark my words, the latest 120th anniversary edition you see here is sure to be in high demand.
Once again, the Fat Boy's equipped with a Milwaukee 8 140-cubic-inch motor, which pumps out 119 foot pounds of torque and 100 horsepower at the rear wheel, offering great power no matter where you plan on riding. And of course, it retains that iconic muscular appearance, along with chrome from front to back, which is broken up nicely with the red accents on the air cleaner, the primary and timing cover, and of course, you can see it's stitched here into the seat, which also includes the Harley Davidson logo.
And when it comes to comfort stakes, the Fat Boy definitely ticks all the boxes. The low-bent bars, which are slightly pulled back, are in the perfect position and would suit both short or taller riders. Maybe not if you're six foot six; then you can look at some other bars available in the accessories list. I just found that there was no leaning forward to the bars. It just placed your shoulders in a comfortable position, and that accompanied with the big large footboards, you can crank out a few miles on the Fat Boy for sure. The suspension feels great too, and with the preload easily adjusted via the dial below your right leg, you can set it up just the way you need it. So whether you are planning to head away two-up with some bags strapped on the back, or you're maybe going for a more spirited ride across town with your mates, you can simply just adjust the dial and set it up to suit.
And how does it handle? Well, the wide wheel base of just over 1,600 millimeters and the 28-degree rate does help make the Fat Boy handle a lot nimbler than you first might think. Now, the Fat Boy isn't renowned for its ground clearance either, especially if you plan on riding hard through the corners, and if you do, be prepared for something to touch down, which is usually the footboards first. Having said that, anything grinding past that and you better hope you've got a touch of Evil Knievel's blood running through your veins.
Something else to bear in mind is the Fat Boy is also one of the heaviest models in the cruiser stable, weighing in fully [inaudible 00:02:30] at 306 kilos, but with a low center of gravity and that nimble handling, you really don't feel any of that weight once you're up and cruising.
So when it comes to colors, it's available in Vivid Black, Gray Haze, Bright Billiard Blue, and the one you see here, in Heirloom Red Fade, which I think is the most striking of the four, all finished in style with the 120th anniversary logo on the tank. Either way, if you're looking to upgrade your current HD, or even if you're looking to make the jump from a sports bike to a cruiser, the Fat Boy is definitely one bike you need to put on your test-bike list, especially if you're looking for a muscular cruiser with a slice of history as well.
#fatboy #harleydavidson #motorbike