2018 Harley-Davidson Softail® Fat Boy
User Reviews
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Attitude is just right
By (I am an Owner) on Apr 07, 2021For a vertically challenged who still wants to exude the biker image and a fun machine, the 2018 Fat Boy provides just the right experience. Thanks to its low seat and corresponding center of gravity, it is a joy to ride. Whether cruising around the local area or taking it on the road for longer ... trips, it is just right. While not having saddlebags, though they are available in the aftermarket, you can compensate for carrying your gear. A rear luggage rack with attaches bad carries plenty for daily rides. The sissy bar provides stability for a TBag on those longer outings requiring more gear. Yes, that's still less than a touring bike or Heritage, but by packing lightly, you can enjoy road trips. The meaty 240mm rear tire provides a nice steady, stable roll along highways and freeways. For those canyon carvers out there, this isn't the bike for you. I added the 19 inch windshield, which provides terrific protection up front. The M8 engine provides great power, enhanced by the lighter weight than the touring bikes. The solid wheels do grab crosswinds, so paying attention to the weather forecast is important when planning longer trips. At first I wasn't too enthused with the satin chrome finishes, but it's grown on me. Easier to clean and doesn't show dirt and such like traditional chrome does. Interesting that for 2021, H-D went back to regular chrome. The one major flaw for the bike is the stock seat, because it provides no lower back support. That was corrected by adding a LaPera custom seat, so now hours in the saddle are no problem. Finally and saving the best for last, the attitude on display is a head turner, even from other bikers. Pulling into an event surrounded by Road Glides and Street Glides and I still get the admiring look. The overall muscular appearance grabs attention. Ride safe!
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First time seen 2018 Fatboy up close
By (I am an Owner) on Sep 17, 2018I wanted to go and see new 2018 Fatboy up close to compare to my 2004 fatboy that I have had sense I bought it new in 2004 and it only has 10,000 miles on it now. I don't ride much anymore but I love my fatboy. I went to a locale Harley dealer and looked at new 2018 fatboy and noticed right off how ... small and short in length the bike was. My 2004 has way more room and longer in length. I sat on new fat boy and right away felt cramped on bike. I first had a sportster before my 2004 fatboy and it felt like I was on a sportster again. New Harley is lighter than my older fatboy but new bike looked and felt cheap. I feel Harley has gone wrong way on mew fatboy. The price is about $3000.00 higher than what I paid for my 2004 fatboy. I will for sure be keeping my old bike and will not be buying Harley bikes in the future.
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