FAT BOY GROWS MORE MUSCLE
THE FACTS
PICTURE: MEGAN RUDD Harley-Davidson first introduced its Softail range in 1984. That’s the year Frankie Goes to Hollywood spent six weeks at Number One with Two Tribes; the Miners’ Strike started and British Leyland launched the Montego. Production of that much-maligned, yet popular, saloon car ceased in 1995, but Harley’s Softail range is still going strong.
Softail means that, unlike old-school, rigid-framed cruisers, the bike has rear suspension.
This year that frame was made stiffer and lighter, and the suspension was updated to suit.
The other upgrade is the use of the Milwaukee Eight motor in either 107in or 114in variants – that’s 1753cc and 1868cc in our money.
The model I’m looking at here is the Fat Boy. And first impression is that this Fat Boy has been working out – it’s big, muscular and mean looking.
It’s got solid cast aluminium wheels, a huge 160mm front tyre and a whopping 240mm on the rear. The massive LED headlight sits in the equally big yoke of the Showa upside-down forks.
You’re immediately struck by the plush seat and its proximity to the tarmac, which meant I could easily get both boots planted flat.
The ride position is upright, relaxed and comfortable and the overall build quality is excellent.
The bars are low and wide and the instrumentation is set on top of the tank.
The rear end is also uncluttered, with a short mudguard and neat LED light bar.
Fire it up and you get that familiar deep V-twin rumble. Out on the road, that partially oil-cooled 114 motor delivers tons of torque.
The use of two balancer shafts means there is virtually no vibration.
In a straight line, the Fat Boy is a joy to ride – smooth, super comfortable and with loads of grunt.
Cornering is a different matter. Those fat tyres really make their presence known and you almost have to fight against them to get the thing round.
It’s not helped if there’s any breeze in the air to catch those solid ‘Lakester’ wheels.
Another little grumble is that, while I think the tankmounted clock looks great, I found I had to actually tilt my head down to see it. And I didn’t like having to take my eyes of the road for that extra few seconds.
Those issues aside, this Fat Boy is certainly the best of its breed.
It’s an iconic model and will, I’m pretty certain, prove very popular with
Harley fans. Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
Engine: Power: Torque:
Colours: Price: Cornering is a battle