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V-twin softail cruiser motorcycle with solid-cast disc wheels From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, is a V-twin softail cruiser motorcycle with solid-cast disc wheels.[2] Designed by Willie G. Davidson and Louie Netz, Harley-Davidson built a prototype Fat Boy in Milwaukee for the Daytona Bike Week rally at Daytona Beach in 1988 and 1989.[3][4] Fat Boys produced from 1990-2017 are coded FLSTF, and FLFB (& FLFBS) from 2018.
Manufacturer | Harley-Davidson |
---|---|
Production | Since 1990 |
Class | Cruiser |
Engine |
1,868 cc (114 cu in) |
Transmission | Chain (Primary) / Belt (final drive) |
Brakes | Disc/disc |
Wheelbase | 1,636 mm (64.4 in) |
An oft-repeated false etymology claims that the name comes from a contraction of Fat Man and Little Boy, the atomic bombs dropped on Japan during WWII, as a symbolic insult to Japanese motorcycles.[5] This has been debunked, as the name "Fat Boy" actually comes from the observation that the motorcycle is somewhat wider than other bikes when viewed head-on.[6][5] In a 2015 interview, Scott Miller, Harley-Davidson's vice president of styling and product development, confirmed that the name was simply descriptive and had nothing to do with Harley's Japanese competitors.[7]
In the mid-1970s, mechanical engineer Bill Davis designed and built a predecessor to the Softail and patented the design in 1976.[8] Davis sold his patents, prototype, and tooling to Harley-Davidson in January 1982.[9] The Fat Boy was one of numerous Harley-Davidson models built on the Softail frame.
The 2018 Softail frame has a modified swingarm with a Showa rear monoshock suspension mounted beneath the seat, replacing earlier twin shocks. So as to provide a more comfortable and better controlled ride with improved handling, the front forks contain a Showa "Dual Bending Valve" (SDBV),[13] a cartridge simulator using two valves to control compression and rebound damping, giving linear damping characteristics proportional to fork stroke speed. Harley-Davidson claims the 2018 chassis is stiffer and lighter than earlier Softail and Dyna platforms.[14] Further upgrades include an LED headlight and 18-inch "Lakester" rims, with wider 160mm front and 240mm rear tires.[15][16]
For 2020, the Fat Boy is only available with the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine. Harley-Davidson also produced a 30th Anniversary edition for 2020.[17]
It is one of Harley-Davidson's best selling models and has appeared prominently in a number of TV shows and movies.[3] The Fat Boy earned a place in American pop culture after appearances in the movie Terminator 2: Judgment Day. One of the motorcycles used in Terminator 2 is displayed at the Harley-Davidson Museum. It appeared again in Terminator Genisys.[2][18][7][19]
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