Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114 2024 — Specifications

Harley wanted to refresh one of its most iconic machines. In 2021, this modernization work resulted in… bright chrome replacing satin chrome. A somewhat lightweight evolutionary stroke; but entirely in line with the firm's communication spirit. Just like the addition of the cruise control in 2023. Invisible on the motorcycle and only activated by a desire for cruising.

Anyway, you don’s touch the Fat Boy, except during the major Softail turnaround that ousted the Dyna. This piece of stylistic marble and patinated steel, drifting through history, has not resisted a designer's audacity. The Fat Boy is even more Fat, and its front now bristles with a more neo than retro crest.

It took daring. And Harley dared. The face of this Fat Boy will shake up more than one. Still shielded, the headlight has clearly swung towards modernism. With a slight memory of the Suzuki VZR 1800 Intruder. A breath of impudence that only brushed the forks, leaving the entire silhouette in its comfortable cocoon of conformity. A zest nevertheless for the rims, boasting an American muscle-car style presence. Its tires become monstrous: 240 at the rear, and a 160 at the front - the widest ever fitted to a series H-D. Formerly Terminator’s mount, the Fat Boy would fit better in Fast & Furious.

A brazenness that the motorcycle can fully assume thanks to the grafting of the Milwaukee Eight engine. With 1870 cm3, the cylinders can widely distribute big torque. 15.8 mkg strive to torture the rear tire, brought to 240 mm wide (+ 40 mm). These are no less than 3 mkg gained from the Twin Cam 103. Perhaps the purists will cough knowing that 4 valves agitate per cylinder. But this modern block, designed to last / evolve, will know how to bring a smile to use. A more intimidating air filter, badged with the displacement (in cubic inches), reminds the layman which motorcycle he is sizing up. With such a displacement, it takes over from the thunderous Fat Boy S of 2017, ignited by the Twin Cam Screamin'Eagle of the ex-CVO.

Fat Boy in soul and Softail in technique. As a result, the machine benefits from the major evolution carried out by Harley. The frame, redesigned, reinforced and lightened, requires 50% fewer parts and 22% fewer welds. Almost 6 kilos lighter, it is above all 65% stiffer. This leads to a final improvement in overall chassis stiffness of 34%. An improvement for stability, enhanced by the new suspensions. The rear is completely revised with a single shock absorber (with easy preload adjustment) while the front recovers the forks from the Touring models. To conclude, and contrary to its denomination, the new generation Fat Boy loses weight. Technical evolutions have removed 16 kilos.

M.B - photos manufacturer