Vulcan Drifter Riders

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114 is a cornerstone of The Motor Company's cruiser offerings. (Harley-Davidson/)

Overview

Since its introduction in 1990, the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy has been a pillar of The Motor Company's cruiser lineup—maybe somewhat surprisingly given an easy-to-mock name like Fat Boy. But what's behind its staying power? As CW said in its review of the original Fat Boy back in January of 1990: "What's different is the Fat Boy's monochromatic paint and beefier styling, making it seemingly more solid than any other machine in the H-D lineup." The Fat Boy's sweeping handlebars, wide aluminum-dish wheels, and, ahem, "husky" proportions have persisted through three-plus decades of development.

The latest-generation model, introduced in 2018 was available with 107ci or 114ci Milwaukee-Eight engines until 2020, when the full-fat M-8 114 engine became the only option. The M-8 114 is, amazingly, the smallest-capacity Big Twin currently in the lineup, and produces a claimed 94 hp at 4,750 rpm and 119 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. So even though the Fat Boy doesn't use the 117ci engine like other models in the cruiser lineup (e.g., Breakout 117,

Low Rider S, Low Rider ST), it hardly feels like a blight on its copybook. While it's an intentionally bare-bones motorcycle, ABS and cruise control come standard. To quote David Edwards' parting thoughts from 1990: "But it still has a silly name." In the long run, it doesn't seem like that's hurt it.

The Fat Boy uses the proven Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine. (Harley-Davidson/)

Pricing and Variants

The 2024 Fat Boy 114 in Billiard Gray for $21,999. Opting for Vivid Black adds $350; Red Rock, $525; or Sharkskin Blue, $650.

Lakester disc wheels aren't the solid discs that the Fat Boy debuted with in 1990, but help the motorcycle be less affected by crosswinds. (Harley-Davidson/)

Competition:

• Indian Chief, $14,999
• Harley-Davidson Breakout 117, $22,499

News and Reviews:

• <a href="https://www.cycleworld.com/story/bikes/2020-harley-davidson-fat-boy-30th-anniversary-first-look/">2020 Harley-Davidson 30th Anniversary Fat Boy First Look</a>
• <a href="https://www.cycleworld.com/harley-davidson-motorcycles-new-milwaukee-eight-big-twin-engine/">Harley-Davidson's New Milwaukee-Eight Big Twin Engine</a>

2024 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114 Claimed Specs

MSRP:	Starting at $21,999
Engine:	114ci (1,869cc), 45-degree V-twin; 4 valves
Bore x Stroke:	102.0 x 114.3mm
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/belt
Fuel Delivery:	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate w/ slip and assist function
Engine Management/Ignition:	Electronic
Frame:	Tubular steel w/ rectangular-section backbone
Front Suspension:	Dual-bending valve 49mm telescopic; 5.1 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Monoshock, preload adjustable; 3.4 in. travel
Front Brake:	4-piston caliper, 300mm disc w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	2-piston caliper, 292mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast aluminum; 18 in. / 18 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Michelin Scorcher 11; 160/60-18 / 240/40-18
Rake/Trail:	30.0°/4.1 in.
Wheelbase:	65.6 in.
Ground Clearance:	4.5 in.
Seat Height:	26.6 in.
Fuel Capacity:	5.0 gal.
Wet Weight:	699 lb.
Contact:	harley-davidson.com

The Fat Boy 114 in the Red Rock color ($525 extra). (Harley-Davidson/)
The Fat Boy's base-price color is Billiard Gray. (Harley-Davidson/)
The '57 Chevy-esque headlight nacelle and "beer can" fork covers give the Fat Boy a pure Americana look. (Harley-Davidson/)