One of Harley-Davidson’s iconic models, the 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy is a reinvention of the big beast.
Gone is the Twin Cam motor, and it is replaced by the buyer’s choice of a Milwaukee-Eight 107 or 114 powerplant. That means 109 ft/lbs of torque at the ready on the 107, and a brutal 119 ft/lbs cranked out by the brawny 117.
The 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy also gets a new chassis, with a Showa Dual Bending Valve fork and single under-seat shock. The Lakester Solid Disc wheels are new, though true to the Fat Boy reputation.
The Michelin Scorcher tires do the Fat Boy name proud, with an imposing 240mm rear tire and reassuring 160mm front tire—both 18-inchers.
A big visual change is the new Signature LED headlight, as well as the satin finishes than includes a new cleaner dual muffler design with smother lines and a nicely camouflaged crossover tube.
For those with a sense of history, there are two 115th Anniversary editions, both with the Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight 114 powerplant.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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