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What People Are Saying About the 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob

Posted by Oakland H-D Contributor on Oct 25, 2017 12:00:00 PM
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The all-new Fat Bob has found its way on to the showroom floor at Oakland Harley-Davidson. As of the writing of this article there were 4 2018 Fat Bob models on the floor in varying colors and engine configurations. With a half dozen or so more on the way to round out the end of the year. 

...and our team can not be more excited to have such a (relatively) large inventory because this motorcycle is amazing. Our Sales and Service teams agree that this motorcycle is one heck of a ride. 

To top it off there is a lot of great chatter in the motorcycle media world about the styling and performance of this motorcycle. So we have put together a collection of comments about one of the most-talked-about redesigned Softail models from some industry leaders. Click on the names just below the comments to read up on the full articles. 

 2018 Fat Bob | Harley-Davidson USA

"Of all of the bikes updated in the 2018 Harley-Davidson Softail cruiser line, the Fat Bob--formerly a Dyna rubber-engine-mount model with twin shocks--stretches brand DNA the most. The Fat Bob is no longer sort of a chunky-tire, muscled-up step-brother to the Street Bob. The Fat Bob now has an even stronger identity of its own, and that identity is fierce."

"Harley suggests the Fat Bob’s performance exceeds even that of the 2017 Dyna Low Rider S--largely considered the best Dyna ever made--all thanks to things like dual disc front brakes, its powerful new motor, redesigned chassis and suspension, and a new 2-into-1-into-2 performance exhaust."

-Sean MacDonald of Cycle World

2018 Fat Bob | Harley-Davidson USA

"With an exacting throttle response and near flawless fueling, the 1746cc powerplant is at home in the city or being wrung out in the canyons, making it an incredibly versatile piece of kit. All of this delivered in a smooth, yet vibrant V-twin package thanks to dual counterbalancing. If you’re looking something with more legs, the Fat Bob 114 is powered by a Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine."

"Don’t let the spec sheet fool you—the 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob can lean. Although the maximum lean angles are a mere single degree greater on paper this year, it certainly doesn’t feel that way on the road. The Fat Bob does seem to like a bit of direction, which adds to the thrill of it. It is engaging—push when you want to or just relax and take in the scenery."

"Despite my affections for the Low Rider S, the 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob has it, and all other Dynas, beat in every conceivable way. With a completely new chassis set up, the Milwaukee-Eight engine, and compliant suspension, the idea of custom builders turning wrenches on this model is even more appealing and, in the end, that’s what owning a Harley-Davidson is all about—customization and personalization."

- Nic de Sena Ultimate Motorcycling

2018 Fat Bob | Harley-Davidson USA
 
"So, this bike was super nimble in traffic around town, more than competent in the twisties, and real fun jamming down PCH, but how would it be on the freeway? I got a chance to find out when we headed back to HD HQ on the 405 North. If you’ve ever ridden this section of SoCal slab, you know it sucks! Potholes, rain grooves and years of haphazard repairs coupled with the angry commuters that fight it out every day make this one of the more treacherous stretches of roads in SoCal, but the Fat Bob handled it with ease. I got onto the freeway effortlessly, merged into the fast lane effortlessly and once I could do so, I cracked throttle-by-wire wide open and waited to feel what the road told my bike. I was surprised the uneven tarmac felt smooth and fast, my back reaffirming this initial assessment. I liked how when traffic appeared in the horizon, the ABS brakes drew the bike to a safe speed effectively and I really liked how nimble and light the #freedommachine felt when splitting lanes, as is inevitably the scenario whenever running the gauntlet of highways and byways in the land of sun and sand."
 
 
2018 Fat Bob | Harley-Davidson USA
 
"Handling characteristics are substantially more rigid than either the previous Softail or Dyna, and are better than any stock big twin I’ve ever ridden."
 
"Press photos of the Fat Bob left me a little puzzled when I watched the unveiling last week. Seeing the bike in the wild and riding it changed my mind about the controversial styling."
 

 

2018 Fat Bob | Harley-Davidson USA

 
"The Milwaukee-Eight 107 packs some serious torque. I was unprepared for this because, at idle, the 107 has nearly non-existent vibration and seems very well-mannered. As I ran through the gears, the vibration was still minimal but acceleration through the gears was nothing like I have ever experienced on a stock V-twin."
 
"The 2018 Fat Bob carved through the turn better than any other V-Twin bike I have previously ridden—ever. I was blown away. It’s responsive handling was more akin to a supermoto bike half its weight. The all-new chassis does a good job of carrying its weight low and providing a low center of gravity, which helps the bike feel very agile."
 
"The 2018 Fat Bob Softail setup provided more traction, stability, and much improved rear suspension. As much as the Fat Bob was adept at slicing turns, it was stable as an arrow—no twitchiness at all. The only headshake was from the one attached to my shoulders as I was in disbelief over the handling improvements."
 
"The Fat Bob comes with forward foot controls but trust me when I say they felt perfect on the bike and didn’t feel weird or take away from the bike’s handling prowess. The design team and engineers definitely did it right in this department."
 
"As I ripped off a few more laps around the track, the bike seemingly getting better and better, I quickly came to a conclusion: The 2018 Fat Bob was one of the most fun motorcycles I have ever ridden. Period. That is a pretty bold statement from me as much as the Fat Bob is a pretty bold statement from Harley-Davidson. Regardless of bike category, engine type, or size, the Fat Bob is like re-discovering motorcycle riding. It’s that fun."
 

 

2018 Fat Bob | Harley-Davidson USA

"Rock star looks, super hero attitude"
 
"Despite my affections for the Low Rider S, the 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob has it, and all other Dynas, beat in every conceivable way. With a completely new chassis set up, the Milwaukee-Eight engine, and compliant suspension, the idea of custom builders turning wrenches on this model is even more appealing and, in the end, that’s what owning a Harley-Davidson is all about—customization and personalization."
 

-Evans Brasfield Motorcycle.com 

2018 Fat Bob | Harley-Davidson USA
 
"If you've never considered a Harley before, try one out on your favourite twisty road. You might be surprised - and so will your mates on zippy sports bikes."
 

 

2018 Fat Bob | Harley-Davidson USA

 

If any of these comments piqued your interest, come down and take one of the new 2018 Fat Bob motorcycles for a test ride. It's without a doubt one of the best ways to determine for yourself. Schedule a test ride with one of our product specialists today.

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Excerpts from media coverage: 
 

 

Topics: Oakland H-D News, Motorcycles, Current Rider

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