2008 Harley-Davidson Softail® Fat Boy

2008 Harley-Davidson Softail® Fat Boy pictures, prices, information, and specifications.
Model Type
Cruiser
MSRP
$17,195
Warranty
24
Insurance
Finance
Generic Type (Primary)
Cruiser
Manufacturer Country
USA
Manufacturer Recommend Minimum Age
16
Parent Company
Harley-Davidson
Display Name
Softail(R) Fat Boy
Year
2008
Make
Harley-Davidson
Engine Brand Name
Twin Cam 96B(TM)
Engine Type
V Twin
Cylinders
2
Engine Stroke
4-Stroke
Torque (Ft Lbs/Nm)
89 / 120
Torque RPM
3300
Cooling
Air
Valves
4
Valves Per Cylinder
2
Valve Configuration
OHV - Pushrod
Bore (mm/in)
95.3 / 3.75
Stroke (mm/in)
111.3 / 4.38
Displacement (cc/ci)
1573.2 / 96
Compression Ratio
9.2:1
Starter
Electric
Fuel Requirements
Premium
US Miles Per Gallon (Hwy/City)
54 / 35
CAN Liters Per Kilometer (Hwy/City)
4.4 / 6.7
Fuel Type
Gas
Fuel Injector
Yes
Carburetor
No
Carburetion Type
Fuel Injected
Transmission Type
Manual
Number Of Speeds
6
Overdrive
No
Primary Drive (Rear Wheel)
Belt
Primary Drive (Engine / Transmission)
Chain
Gear Ratio (1/2/3/4/5/6)
9.31 / 6.42 / 4.77 / 3.93 / 3.28 / 2.79
Reverse
No
Heel Toe Shifter
Standard
Wheels Composition
Aluminum
Chromed
No
Tire Brand
Dunlop(R)
Front Tire Width
140
Front Tire Aspect Ratio
75
Front Tire Speed Rating
67V
Front Wheel Diameter
17
Rear Tire Width
200
Rear Tire Aspect Ratio
55
Rear Tire Speed Rating
78V
Rear Wheel Diameter
17
Front Tire (Full Spec)
Dunlop(R) 140/75 R17 67V
Rear Tire (Full Spec)
Dunlop(R) 200/55 R17 78V
Front Brake Type
Disc
Front Brake Diameter (in/mm)
11.5 / 292.1
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Rear Brake Diameter (in/mm)
11.5 / 292.1
Front Suspension Type
Telescopic Fork
Front Central Suspension Strut
No
Steering Damper
No
Rear Suspension Type
Twin Sided Swing Arm
Number Rear Shock Absorbers
2
Rear Suspension Material
Steel
Air Adjustable
Yes
Steering Control
Handlebar
Length (ft)
7.86
Wheelbase (in/mm)
64.5 / 1638.3
Ground Clearance (in/mm)
5.1 / 129.5
Length (ft/ft)
7
Length (ft/in)
10.3
Dry Weight (lbs/kg)
694 / 314.8
Wet Weight (lbs/kg)
714 / 323.9
Fuel Capacity (gal/l)
5 / 18.9
Engine Displacement to Weight (cc)
2.27
Seat Type
Two-Piece
Adjustable
No
Seat Material
Leather
Seat Location
Driver and Passenger
Folding
No
Seat Height (in/mm)
25.4 / 645.2
Number Of Seats
2
Detachable Passenger Seat
Standard
Grab Rail or Strap
Standard
Frame
Steel
Floor Board Location
Driver
Hand Grips
Standard
Foot Peg Location
Passenger
Chain Guard
No
Drive Shaft Guard
No
Fork Guards
Yes
Belt Guard
Yes
Hand Guards
No
Brush Guard
No
Heel Guards
No
Light Guard
No
Side Cover
Yes
Front Fender
Standard
Rear Fender
Standard
Rear Fender Rail
Standard
Top Crown
Standard
Tank Divider Material
Leather
Pocket
No
Stand Type
Kick
Handlebars
Standard
License Plate
Standard
Digital Instrumentation
Standard
Clock
Standard
Trip Odometer
Standard
Speedometer
Standard
Fuel Level Warning Type
Gauge
Service Reminder
Standard
Warranty (Condition)
Limited
Destination Charge
300
Battery Warranty (Months)
0
Paint
Standard
Headlight Mounts
Standard
Halogen Headlight (s)
Standard
Headlight (s)
Standard
Light Type
Halogen
Folding
Yes
User Reviews
9 reviews
  • Bad Motor on 2008 HD FatBoy
    By  (I am an Owner) on Oct 10, 2011

    I own a 08 FatBoy. After 3200 miles the crankshaft broke in two peices.

    I had it repaired, lucky that HD paid for repairs, but HD suggested that I upgrade the crankshaft. Cost me around 800 beans.

    Took the FB for a long ride, had to stop almost every 120-125 miles ...

    Read More
  • 105th Anniversary Edition
    By  (I am an Owner) on Jan 31, 2011

    I've owned this bike for about 2.5 years now. Nearly 23,000 miles. I ride it as often as possible: short rides, occasional commuter and on longer rides (2,000 - 3,000 miles). I've been as high as Pikes Peak, through Beartooth Pass, the Oregon and California Coasts and countless places in between. ...

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  • 2008 Fatboy
    By  (I am an Owner) on Jan 06, 2011

    I love,love,love my Fatboy.Of all the bikes I've owned,it is by far the best.

    The wide tires makes for a smooth ride.

    I also love the look,it has a bobber look to it,but is very modern. I just can't say enough about it.

    Read More
  • 08 FATBOY
    By  (I am an Owner) on Mar 11, 2010

    I bought my FATBOY in March of 08, I hadn't ridden since the early 80's when I had a LOW RIDER like em both. The FATBOY look is what I liked back then and am very happy with this bike now. Fuel injected, F A T tire did the chrome wheel exchange looks good rides good. Took it in March for 10,000 mile ...

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  • fat boy simply the best
    By  (I am an Owner) on Jan 09, 2010

    i am 60 years old have ridden most bikes started riding motor cycles when i was 12 years old , i can only say they have finaly produced the best cruiser in the world the 2008 model has everthing 200 back wheel power in every gear comfort and head turning style ,

    it is an absolute pleasure ...

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  • 2008 Harley Davidson Fatboy
    By  (I am an Owner) on Jul 12, 2009

    Have owned this bike from new for nearly 10 months as a leisure rider. Have come from Fireblades, SP1's, Yamaha Roadstar 1600, Firestorms and many others.. Its simple as this, I am now comfortable, relaxed, and finally satisfied. I can ride for hours with no wrist pain and with the cheese and ...

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  • All is well that ends well
    By  (I am an Enthusiast) on May 02, 2009

    We bought a 2008 Harley Fatboy Anniversary Edition after two Yamahas. The Yamahas served us well over many miles, no mechanical issues whatsoever. We wanted a Harley and fell in love with the paint scheme on the 105th Anniv bikes, so we traded the 2007 Venture in and rode home on our fatboy. ...

    In contrast to the Yamaha's flawless performance over the miles, we were stunned at how much we lost at trade in, even a full dresser like the Venture hurt when it came to resale value.

    We had several problems with the Fatboy to begin with. First, we had oil leaks, three of them. Took two service calls to get them all fixed, but they did get fixed and no more leaks. Second, I noticed one day that my right rear passenger peg was missing, and it didn't just fall off, the mounting bolt was broken off in the frame. I called the Harley shop and they said that wasn't a warranty item and they would not cover it. I went down to the dealer to raise a stink, maybe things fall off of 1994 sportsters, but NOT off a $20,000 brand new bike with only 4,000 miles on it! The dealer informed me that the factory tells them to deny things like this at first and hope we go away. But if you complain, then they will fix it. So I complained and they did fix it.

    We have had a couple thousand miles without incident since then and with this behind us, I am thoroughly enjoying the Fat Boy. There really is something different about riding a Harley, it's not just an ad phrase. I love this bike, its ride, its sound. My mechanical problems are not common with other Hog riders I know, so I would gladly recommend this bike to anyone gettiing off a Jap cruiser and thinking about a Harley. There are cheaper Hogs, a Super Glide goes for around $12k. But this is a smooth ride and awesome looker as well.

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  • Greatest Ride Ever!!!
    By  (I am an Owner) on Sep 22, 2008

    I have owned my fat boy for nearly a year now and commute to work daily on it. The only problem I have experienced was the computer (ECU) crapped itself on the freeway on the way home from work. I rang the harley assist who collected the bike and delivered it to the dealer. The dealer said it was ...

    The bike rides like a dream. The foot boards often scrape when cornering but they can be replaced eventually. This is fun at night when sparks fly out from the side when cornering.

    Starting is not a problem firing first time every time. Even in the hot aussie summers she works like a charm. Power delivery is very smooth. There is only one better feeling that I can think of than taking a long sweeping corner and putting down the power, it just makes you warm and fussy all over.

    I would highly recommend this bike. From the first moment you fire the baby up you will have a smile on your dial!!!

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  • Improved over the '07 Model!
    By  (I am an Owner) on Sep 05, 2008

    The biggest improvement is the centered front wheel. The '07 model's front wheel is was centered in the fork. It is off center by about 3/4 inch. The fender is center to the wheel and it is this that causes the slider to come down and gouge the fender when the suspension is at it's bottom. The fix ...

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