Harley-Davidson Fat Boy (FLSTF) review

The most iconic Harley ever made
Solid wheels, cool phat styling, simplicity
Physically small

£13,595 may appear a lot to shell out on a bike, but Harleys tend to hold their value phenomenally well. Instead of the usual three grand depreciation as soon as you walk off the forecourt, HOGS can actually rise in value if customised.

As one of Harley’s most distinctive machines (second only to the V-Rod), the Fat Boy has become an iconic symbol since it was launched in 1989.

For 2005 the standard machine is powered by a fuel injected 1449cc motor and is available in 13 colour-ways. Or for another grand a limited edition 15th Anniversary model is available with the big bore 1550cc lump and a host of extras including paint, seat, and chromed solid wheels.

The riding position is relaxed, the footboards have ample room and the rocker gear change system is a doddle to use. Aesthetically the Fat Boy is just about perfect. Fat rear fender, hidden shock for the hard-tail look and those gorgeous solid wheels.
£13,595 may appear a lot to shell out on a bike, but Harleys tend to hold their value phenomenally well. Instead of the usual three grand depreciation as soon as you walk off the forecourt, HOGS can actually rise in value if customised.

As one of Harley’s most distinctive machines (second only to the V-Rod), the Fat Boy has become an iconic symbol since it was launched in 1989.

For 2005 the standard machine is powered by a fuel injected 1449cc motor and is available in 13 colour-ways. Or for another grand a limited edition 15th Anniversary model is available with the big bore 1550cc lump and a host of extras including paint, seat, and chromed solid wheels.

The riding position is relaxed, the footboards have ample room and the rocker gear change system is a doddle to use. Aesthetically the Fat Boy is just about perfect. Fat rear fender, hidden shock for the hard-tail look and those gorgeous solid wheels.

Length (mm)2396
Dryweight (kg)307
Seats2
Seat Height (mm)645
Suspension Front41.3mm forks
Suspension RearMonoshock
Adjustability FrontNone
Adjustability RearNone
Wheels Front16" disc
Wheels Rear16" disc
TyresDunlop
Tyres FrontMT90B16 72H
Tyres Rear150/80B16 71H
Brakes FrontSingle 292mm disc, four piston caliper
Brakes RearSingle 292mm disc, four piston caliper
Tank Capacity (litres)18.9
Wheelbase (mm)1630
Ground Clearance (mm)130
Rake (degrees)32
Trail (mm)147
ChassisMild steel, tubular frame with rectangular section backbone
Cubic Capacity (cc)1449
Valves8
Torque (ft/lb)75
Torque Peak (rpm)3500
Bore (mm)95.3
Stroke (mm)101.6
Compression Ratio8.9:1
Valves Per Cylinder4
CoolingAir cooled
Fuel DeliveryElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
DriveBelt