The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy grows up in 2020. The petite 107 is dropped, and you have only one motor choice for The Plump One—the mighty Milwaukee-Eight 114. This is the largest-displacement Fat Boy ever, which started life with a 1340cc Evolution motor in 1990, and that leads us to the 2020 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 30th Anniversary edition.
If only the Terminator had had a Fat Boy 114 back in 1991—he would have had an easier time protecting John Connor on his Honda XR100R dirt bike. We didn’t jump the Fat Boy 30th Anniversary into any flood control channels, but we did ride it through the same neighborhoods.
2. With a 160mm front tire and 240mm rear, the Fat Boy’s intention to move forward with authority is made clear. With 700 pounds underneath you, carlike slabs of rubber on the 18-inch wheels, and a fork angle of 32 degrees, the Fat Boy demands that you go where you point him. You are definitely rewarded with a stable ride, as the annoyances of poorly maintained urban streets are rendered moot. Seams, bumps, and potholes are swallowed up by the Fat Boy without hesitation. You are going straight ahead, and nothing is going to change that mission. The Softail’s suspension has already proved itself—that’s a Showa Dual Bending Valve fork under those covers—and the extra rubber on the pavement gives you a bit of protection from harsh road realities.
4. When you do want to make a cornering adjustment, do not touch the front brake. Any invocation of the 300mm front disc makes the Fat Boy stand up and the front-end wobbles. Instead, feather along with the 292mm rear disc and exploit the rubber patch the 240 lays down. The Fat Boy will work with you, as long as the job is done on his terms.
6. Ergonomics on the Fat Boy reward riders of size. It’s not a ride for the petite, though everyone is welcome. It’s a rangy motorcycle, with floorboards up front, wide bars, and a thick girth. The seat height of 26.6 inches doesn’t discriminate, but if you don’t have a strong upper body, steering the Fat Boy will be overwhelming. The 160 that proffers stability also demands respect for its footprint. Hit the gym, if necessary.
8. Riding the 2020 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 30th Anniversary demands commitment. You are trading on the Terminator persona, so make sure you’re up to the challenge. Heavy steering and stability are the Fat Boy’s claims to fame—look elsewhere for agility. The power is there to get you in all kinds of trouble on the city street, so confirm your checking account balance before aggressively twisting the throttle. Be generous when people express appreciation for your motorcycle. If you can do all that and have $21,949 on hand, or the ability to borrow it, then you’re qualified for the Fat Boy 30th Anniversary experience.
Photography by Kelly Callan
RIDING STYLE
- Helmet: Arai Defiant-X
- Jacket: Joe Rocket Sprint TT
- Gloves: Joe Rocket Cafe Racer
- Jeans: Joe Rocket Accelerator
- Boots: Highway 21 Low Primary Engineer
2020 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 30th Anniversary Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin
- Displacement: 114ci
- Bore x stroke: 4.016” x 4.5”
- Maximum torque: 119 ft-lbs @ 3000 rpm
- Compression ratio: 10.5:1
- Valvetrain: Single cam w/ pushrods; 4 vpc
- Exhaust: 2-into-2
- Cooling: Air
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Primary drive: Chain
- Final drive: Belt
CHASSIS
- Frame: Mild tubular steel w/ rectangular section backbone
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable Showa Dual Bending Valve inverted 49mm fork; 5.1 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Spring-preload adjustable shock; 3.4 inches
- Wheels: Lakester cast aluminum
- Front: 18 x 4.50
- Rear: 18 x 8.00
- Tires: Michelin Scorcher 11
- Front tire: 160/60 x 18
- Rear tire: 240/40 x 18
- Front brake: 300mm disc w/ 4-piston fixed caliper
- Rear brake: 292mm disc w/ 2-piston floating caliper
- ABS: Standard
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 65.6 inches
- Rake: 30 degrees
- Fork angle: 32 degrees
- Trail: 4.1 inches
- Lean angle, right and left: 25.6 degrees
- Seat height: 26.6 inches
- Fuel capacity: 5 gallons
- Estimated fuel consumption: 47 mpg
- Curb weight: 699 pounds
- Color: Vivid Black Anniversary
2020 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 30th Anniversary Price: $21,949