Harley-davidson Fat Bob
The Harley-davidson Fat Bob has a top speed of 185 km/h (estimated, note: varies by year and engine variant), produces 93 hp and weighs 303 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.8/10.
The Harley-Davidson Fat Bob was introduced in 2008 as part of the Dyna family, featuring a distinctive dual headlight setup and a raw, muscular streetfighter aesthetic that set it apart from other Harley models. It underwent a significant redesign in 2018 when it moved to the Softail platform with the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, gaining a more rigid frame and modern suspension. The Fat Bob is notable for its aggressive, blacked-out styling and wide front tire that give it a unique stance among Harley cruisers.
93 hp
Power
145 Nm
Torque
303 kg
Weight
185 km/h (estimated, note: varies by year and engine variant)
Top Speed
6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L, real-world estimate for 2018+ model)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Strong Resale Value
The Fat Bob consistently holds 70-80% of its value after 3 years, outperforming most cruiser competitors. Its distinctive dual-headlight styling keeps demand high in the used market.
Watch the Cam Chain
2007-2016 Twin Cam models are known for cam chain tensioner wear, which can become costly if ignored. Always verify service history and listen for ticking at startup before buying used.
Milwaukee-Eight Reliability
2018+ models with the Milwaukee-Eight 107 or 114 engine are significantly more reliable, running cooler and requiring less frequent maintenance than older Twin Cam engines. This generation is the recommended buy.
Generations & Specs by Year
Introduced on Dyna chassis with twin headlights, 96ci Twin Cam, later optional 103ci engine.
Moved to Softail chassis, Milwaukee-Eight 107ci or 114ci engine, improved suspension, redesigned frame.
Used Buyer Review
"The Fat Bob rewards riders who want character over compromise."
$12,000-$18,500 usedThe Fat Bob is Harley's most genuinely interesting bike in years — aggressive stance, fat front tire, and that Milwaukee-Eight thumping away underneath you. The 114ci version is the one to hunt down used; the 107 feels a touch breathless above 70mph on highway runs. What you're actually buying is surprising handling for something this wide and heavy. It steers with real intent, not the lazy wallowing you expect from a cruiser this size. Buying used, check the front forks obsessively — owners who've lowered them for aesthetic reasons often compromise the geometry badly. Also inspect for aftermarket exhaust work. Half these bikes have had stage one tunes and slip-ons which is fine, but botched tune jobs cause fueling issues that'll haunt you. Pre-2020 models had some cam tensioner concerns worth investigating, so pull service records or walk away. Realistically, a clean 2018-2022 Fat Bob with reasonable miles is a genuinely usable daily rider with enough character to keep experienced riders engaged. It's not pretending to be something it isn't.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Harley-davidson Fat Bob — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALListen for rattling on cold start near primary cover
Check for ticking noise, ask for service history
Test battery voltage, inspect stator and regulator outputs
Listen for weak fuel pump hum, check for stall reports
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Decent if maintained, avoid neglected examples
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Harley-davidson Fat Bob
Harley-davidson Low Rider S
Harley-davidson Low Rider St
Harley-davidson Dyna Fat Bob
Harley-davidson Fat Bob 114
Harley-davidson Low Rider El Diablo
Compare Harley-davidson Fat Bob Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Harley-davidson Fat Bob vs Harley-davidson Low Rider S
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Fat Bob vs Harley-davidson Low Rider St
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Fat Bob vs Harley-davidson Dyna Fat Bob
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Fat Bob vs Harley-davidson Fat Bob 114
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Fat Bob vs Harley-davidson Low Rider El Diablo
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Harley-davidson Fat Bob Guides
More from Harley-davidson
View all Harley-davidson models →Community Reviews
Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Harley-davidson Fat Bob? +
Primary chain tensioner wear and noise: Listen for rattling on cold start near primary cover (moderate) | Cam chain tensioner failure on Twin Cam engines: Check for ticking noise, ask for service history (serious) | Electrical gremlins and charging system issues: Test battery voltage, inspect stator and regulator outputs (moderate)
Is the Harley-davidson Fat Bob a good motorcycle? +
The Fat Bob rewards riders who want character over compromise. Rating: 7.8/10. Best for: Experienced riders wanting a credible daily cruiser. Avoid if: New riders or those prioritizing fuel economy.
What is the horsepower of the Harley-davidson Fat Bob? +
The Harley-davidson Fat Bob produces 93 hp @ 5,020 rpm (2018+ Milwaukee-Eight 107; note: Harley rates in torque primarily, hp is an estimate), with 145 Nm @ 3,000 rpm (2018+ Milwaukee-Eight 107) of torque. Top speed: 185 km/h (estimated, note: varies by year and engine variant).
Is the Harley-davidson Fat Bob good for beginners? +
Yes — the Harley-davidson Fat Bob is a reasonable choice for new riders (93 hp is manageable), weighing 303 kg. Experienced riders wanting a credible daily cruiser
Is the Harley-davidson Fat Bob reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Harley-davidson Fat Bob, notably: Cam chain tensioner failure on Twin Cam engines (Check for ticking noise, ask for service history). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Harley-davidson Fat Bob good for daily use? +
Experienced riders wanting a credible daily cruiser Fuel: 6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L, real-world estimate for 2018+ model).
How fast is the Harley-davidson Fat Bob? +
The Harley-davidson Fat Bob reaches a top speed of 185 km/h (estimated, note: varies by year and engine variant), producing 93 hp at 303 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Harley-davidson Fat Bob? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Harley-davidson Fat Bob, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/harley-davidson/fat-bob/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
