HARLEY-DAVIDSON FAT BOY (1989 - 1999) Review

Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy motorcycle review - Riding

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Power:	65 bhp
Seat height:	Low (25.4 in / 645 mm)
Weight:	High (690 lbs / 313 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Definitive Harley. If retro-style cruising is your thing, the Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy has all the right bits in the right places, from the big Milwaukee V-twin motor to the characteristic disc wheels and even the badge on the tank. Not the most versatile or comfortable of Hogs, but the Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy is almost certainly the best looking.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

3 out of 5 (3/5)

For most Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy owners, it's surprisingly good. The rear ‘softail’ suspension (with the twin shocks hidden under the engine to give the hardtail look) may give a slightly harsh ride, but otherwise the antiquated but quaint Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy is well balanced, predictable and easy to steer and manouvere.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy's long-lived (it dates from the 1950s) pushrod V-twin was boosted again in 2006 from 1450 to 1584cc (the original 1989-99 motorcycles were 1340s) and is now respectably meaty, especially when liberated with some fruity Screamin’ Eagle of other aftermarket exhausts. Still a vibey dinosaur, though, but that’s part of the Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy's appeal.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Build quality is fair and the Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy is about as rugged as new motorcycles come. Steel proliferates over alloy, finishes are decent quality and mechanicals are generally proven and understressed, so you should have no worries with your Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy. Full service history is recommended, though.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Swings and roundabouts. At £13K, the Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy is hellishly expensive for what it is. There’s no clever technology, no impressive spec, no incomparable performance. But then, as the most desireable of Harleys, there’s no alternative, either and the Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy's value holds up well. You pays your money. Find a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy for sale.

Equipment

2 out of 5 (2/5)

With Harleys, most of the goodies come extra and the Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy is more basic a Harley than most. But what you get built-in is incomparable style, gloriously deep paint and chrome and high residuals. Most used Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boys will come with pipes and other Harley goodies already fitted and, if genuine Harley accessories, are worth extra.

Specs
Engine size	1584cc
Engine type	4v V-twin, 6 gears
Frame type	Steel double cradle
Fuel capacity	18.9 litres
Seat height	645mm
Bike weight	313kg
Front suspension	None
Rear suspension	Preload
Front brake	292mm disc
Rear brake	292mm disc
Front tyre size	140/75 x 17
Rear tyre size	200/55 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	44 mpg
Annual road tax	£117
Annual service cost	-
New price	-
Used price	-
Insurance group	15 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	65 bhp
Max torque	89 ft-lb
Top speed	110 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	12.2 secs
Tank range	124 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1999: 1340cc Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy launched as derivation of FLST Softail
1994: Exhausts changed to seamless type
1996: More modern switchgear and master cylinder adopted.
1997: Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy now with sealed battery
1999: New Twin Cam 1450cc engine adopted.
2002: Alarm and immobiliser now fitted on Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy as standard along with new bullet style indicators
2006: New Twin Cam 1584cc engine adopted on Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy.

Other versions

Screaming Eagle versions of the Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy boast a huge range of factory fitted extras and performance goodies and retail well over £20,000 when new. A rare but desireable take on the Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy.

Owners' reviews for the HARLEY-DAVIDSON FAT BOY (1989 - 1999)

3 owners have reviewed their HARLEY-DAVIDSON FAT BOY (1989 - 1999) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HARLEY-DAVIDSON FAT BOY (1989 - 1999)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Engine:	4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Value vs rivals:	3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Equipment:	3.3 out of 5 (3.3/5)

5 out of 5 Fatboy

28 October 2018 by Stew

Version: Special

Year: 2010

Highly reccomended

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

The ride is much smoother than I expected and the brakes are a big improvement over earlier models

Engine 5 out of 5

Loads of torque and quite quick for a harley , Vance and hines pipes help. Vibes none !

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Very reliable , bike all blacked out . Exceptional never let me down

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Mine easily gets in the high 40 s to a gallon .

Equipment 3 out of 5

Not interested in sat navy etc

Buying experience: Highly reccomended , try the dealers first you won't go elsewhere

3 out of 5 A chance to ride a Fatboy

14 July 2008 by mender

As a "dyed in the wool" sportsbike rider for the last 40 years, I was somewhat underwhelmed when my mate said he had a new fatboy on loan if I would like to borrow it for the weekend to "see what Harleys are about". It was a new '08 with the addition of very - very loud Vance & Hines slash cut pipes. My first impression was it was heavy (I ride a ZX9R E1 and TDM850)but was suprisingly easy to manoeuvre at low speed. I soon got the hang of slowing down (considerably) for bends, not because of stability, which was fine, but there is no ground clearance and I could only imagine how much the footplates would cost me to replace if I ground them away! I rode on motorway, A and B roads, The engine torque combined with the loud pipes was addictive, the ride is vibrating and rather harsh compared to a modern sportsbike, and anything above 80mph is just too uncomfortable, about 60 - 70mph was the optimum speed, to ride in relative comfort. I found the bike turned heads(probably due to the incredible noise from the pipes) and drew admirers whenever I parked up. It had a "presence" on the road which I have not experienced on a bike before. All in all I rather enjoyed it, However I must say that when I got back on my ZX9 to ride home my first thought was how comfortable and easy to ride it felt after the Harley. All in all, I can see some of what the Harley is about, but it's far too uncomfortable and too much like hard work for me! As for paying £13,000 for one ......!

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Engine 4 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Value vs rivals 2 out of 5

Equipment 3 out of 5

5 out of 5 2007 Fat Boy

27 April 2007 by wildy

The Fat Boy brings a smile to your face, every time you ride it. The ride is fine, as long as you treat it with respect. I have been over the Cat and Fiddle many times and the torque from the engine makes it a breeze. The attention the bike gets is unbelievable, with many asking to photograph it. Its a real coversation starter. That never happened with my BMW GS or Triumph Speedtriple. The weight of the bike is so low down, slow speed manouvers are a doddle. Fit and finish are excellant. The paint is very thick with lots of clear coat. Makes cleaning a treat and not a chore. Overall, I am over the moon with mine. Its stopped me from losing my licence, as high speed riding is a none starter.I`ve had more fun riding this at 60 then when ringing the neck out of my old Yamaha Thunderace. Recommended.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5