The Harley Fatboy is a reliable choice within the entire Harley motorcycle series. Thanks to its outstanding quality and unique design, it has become the ideal option for numerous motorcycle enthusiasts.

It can generally meet the driving needs of most people. Even if one is not tall, riding this bike poses no problem. For those who are not well-versed in American heavy motorcycles, it is not overly difficult to get started. Why is the Fatboy so classic? We must mention the "Terminator T-800" starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The motorcycle ridden by Schwarzenegger in the movie was the Harley Fatboy, which served as an inspiration for many people's interest in American cruisers and Harley-Davidson. Another notable feature of this bike is its excellent value retention, regardless of whether the supply of motorcycles is abundant or scarce.

When you mount the Fat Boy, you will notice that it feels very light when standing. This is due to its front and rear extra-wide tires, which provide excellent stability during riding. However, the new Fatboy has some difficulties when cornering as the wide tires create an upright feeling. For riders who are not particularly tall, there is a small detail to be aware of when riding the Fatboy. Do not simply rely on the online seat height parameters. Because the Fatboy's seat is wider, riders need to spread their legs completely. Coupled with the thicker transmission box on the left side, it requires a bit more effort to move the motorcycle forward and backward, which can be regarded as one of its few minor drawbacks.

Looking back at the styling evolution of the Harley Fatboy over the past decade, it has been truly remarkable. Around 2014 - 2015, the Fat Boy was powered by a 96 cu. in. (1585CC) engine, presenting a retro style. In 2016 - 2017, it was equipped with a 103 cu. in. (1690CC) engine, and the Fat Boy had large round lights and closed wheels with small round cut-out rings, a style closer to the first-generation Fat Boy, which attracted a large number of enthusiasts. In 2018, the Fat Boy underwent a major restructuring. The overall shape added a sense of technology and became more substantial. The originally thin headlights were integrated with the front wall array to form a one-piece headlight, and the wheels became completely enclosed. Engines were available in 107 cu in (1745CC) and 114 cu in (1868CC), and the headlights and steel heads were polished aluminum, giving the motorcycle a more textured and modern appearance. By 2019, due to technological changes such as emissions upgrades, some of the Fat Boy's features changed accordingly. From 2018 to 2021, the styling of the Fatboy remained almost unchanged until 2021, when the overall part of the motorcycle changed from an aluminum polished finish to a pure chrome finish, with components like the gearbox cover and dashboard trim becoming chrome-plated, a chrome finish that made the Fatboy even more prominent. The 2022 model year saw another minor facelift, with many detailed changes. For example, the gas cap was changed from a separate left and right side to a double wing on one side, the Harley logo was changed to a single aileron, and the wheels were changed from closed to cut-outs, all of which further enhanced the Fat Boy's overall aesthetics and recognizability. By 2024, the overall shape of the fat boy has not changed, but the addition of cruise control has undoubtedly improved the convenience and comfort of riding, making long-distance riding more enjoyable.

The common modification directions for the Fatboy are diverse. Before modification, it is necessary to use the correct Harley diagnostic tools. Many people choose to install high handlebars and add Vance & Hines' Skull & Bones kit to make the entire motorcycle more personalized and dominant. Others spend a great deal of effort and cost to black out the entire motorcycle, including the front headlight cover, shock steel head, intake and exhaust, and other parts, giving the whole motorcycle a mysterious and cool style. If a more economical approach is desired, using some of the original parts with electroplating treatment can also create a unique modification effect. In addition, some friends will modify it into a large straight plate, short tail wide tire air movement style, similar to the shape of Wolverine, this modification style is full of power and wildness. Of course, there are also some low-key riders who will choose to add a windshield, handle heating, a full motorcycle cover, a folding backrest, and replace a low-profile Screamin' Eagle tail section to create a casual style of modification, maintaining personality while ensuring riding comfort.

With its unique charm, the Harley Fatboy has numerous topics worthy of exploration, whether in terms of driving experience, classicism, or styling changes and modification potential. It is not only a motorcycle but also a cultural symbol and a symbol of life attitude.

Article image quoted from：