How the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy became the Most Iconic American Motorcycle of all Time.
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- Опубликовано: 2 апр 2020
- A look at the 30th year anniversary Fat Boy and a in-depth look at what has made the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy the most recognizable motorcycle in American history. Matt Laidlaw goes into the Motorcycle, the Myth, and the Legend of the Fat Boy and some of the conversations that surround this "Over-sized, Fat" factory Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
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I’m 20 years old and I absolutely love this bike! Bought it a month ago and never regretted it!
Tristin , what number did you get ?
I love it too.
$?
I bought mine a couple months back. #2155 😁
@@caruser4 Congrats bro, hope you love it and ride safe.
I'm a younger millennial in Texas and I love this bike. Definitely want one as my second bike.
Matt - I’m the proud owner of 111/2500 and couldn’t be prouder. My first H-D at age 65. Great vid. Thanks for your continuing efforts to support this great American brand.
“I’ll be back...to buy a Harley”
I can still see Chris Connelly nearly shitting his pants, when he was supposed to interview Schwarzenegger at LA's Planet Hollywood, and Arnold rolls up to the table on a blue Harley FB. 🤣
Always loved the Fat Boy, big, tough bike, but seeing it in the blacked out finish just takes it to a whole new level. Even the missus reckons it's a good looking bike!
I'm of the train of thought that the original Fatboy was a middle finger to the Japanese at the time of it's release but will HD never admit it.
Yea, I should have also mentioned that. I've heard that thought come out of a few people's mouth that were in the bike scene during that time.
Yep, my thoughts exactly. That was the only thing that I could add given the tariff situation with motorcycles. The hysteria surrounding Japanese cars in Detroit in the eighties and the return to pro-American sentiment under Reagan.
My knee jerk reaction back when originally introduced was exactly that - a big FU to Japanese Mc industry and thought it had a tinge if racism as well. Then I thought well maybe it was some guy in marketing tying in the hot rod culture that describes various styles by Lo Boy and Hi Boy. If so then Fat Boy def makes sense. 🤣
it is so ironic now that the Japanese here Love American culture fly American flags wear clothes with American flags and in general think anything with American flag or flag colors is cool. call Harley's the KING of all motorcycles etc.
Ik vind hem mooi
I love the fat boy, also thanks to T2 and Arnold! I couldn't afford it myself so I got a Low Rider. I'm also excited to see the new bikes coming out over the next year.
Just bought mine last weekend - 2461/2500! Hoping for many good times and miles together. Thanks for the video, Matt!
The FXDR 114 is my dream bike. It's what drew me to Harley Davidson as a brand. But after seeing this I think I've changed my mind.
You've changed your mind to which brand
@@godwinthomasjose6931 I've changed my mind about the FXDR 114 and I'm considering the Fat Boy.
An amazing bike! I just bought a 2010 Fatboy Lo and love it!
Good video Matt, as always great content. Thanks for not only showcasing the new anniversary bike but going into some of the more somewhat controversial points about the Fatboy, never knew any of that.
I was at the dealership and absolutely fell in love with this bike.This will be my next bike for sure.
Thanks Matt! As usual great content. Keep your chin up notwithstanding your critics. I’m 63 years old, and had never owned a motorcycle, not even ridden on one. One day, I had an epiphany. It was time to enter the H-D world. And, yes the marketing experts were right - the FB spoke to me, but it called out the youth in me, the young and tough spirit in many if not all Americans, especially those of us who have faced and survived rough times, similar to now. So at the end of 2018, I went all in with the new lifestyle. Only bike riders (any mfg.) know that unique rush one gets in the twisties (yes you can ride the FB along the Angeles Crest or Bryce Canyon NP, and yes, the FB can hold its own in any wind) or on the open highway. However, I suppose when I get older, I may upgrade to a model more suitable to my age, but for right now - I’m OK with my 2019 FB. So Matt, thanks again for pumping out positive takes
I owned a 2013 Fat Boy Lo. Totally blacked out with V&H Big Radius 2 into 2 pipes. It was awesome! Loved the look and ride of that bike! And it turned heads everywhere.
Love the new 30th Anniversary Fat Boy. So much so that I traded my Road King for this one. Stunning bike, and iconic as Matt says.
What do you think of the Fat Boy vs the Road King? Both have been dream bikes of mine for a while now
Hey guys I made a mistake. The front wheel is a 160mm NOT a 130mm. Please forgive me.
Also just to clarify something, vintage Harley’s and vintage choppers using HD frames and engines are very hot right now. The choppers that I was referring to that are “dead” are the custom, big rear wheel choppers that we saw get really popular in the early 2000’s. Stuff like the OC choppers and Jesse James bikes. Which, by the way I think those builders are awesome. It’s just those custom choppers aren’t popular anymore. Their value plummeted.
I've heard that the Orange County Choppers style bikes are practically unrideable.
I own, and ride the hell out of, an '04 Fat Boy. With the mods that have been done it goes like a bat out if hell. And with the Sierea Red paint and lots of chrome it's one of the prettiest bikes ever.
This might sound goofy, but when I sit in the saddle and fire it up a grin comes across my face and my heart pumps kool aid.
Damn, I LOVE this bike !
I absolutely LOVE my 2020 FLFBS 114 in River Rock. On those Kansas days where the wind decides to blow 50mph, I can attest that the solid rims to not affect the motorcycle in heavy side winds, at least no more than a full-fairing sport bike, as I have 25k on those in Kansas, too.
I especially LOVED the intro, but certainly love the remainder of the video as well! Great job!
Matt Laidlaw for CEO!
RuggedRefinement why ?
@@gusseisern1151 Cuz he understands what people wanna buy, and HD is going to be a sinking ship if it doesn't keep up with a changing customer base.
Great Video , always loved Fatboy , owned 3 over the years.mImlove the anniversary, but it would be better with a medallion rather than sticker on tank
Great intro. Never was a big fan of this model; however, this bike looks great!
Interesting vid Matt. Riding a Fatboy for the last 5 years I can tell you, this bike is set apart from all other Harleys. The 30th anniversary model is incredible.
Terminator is what elevated the Fat Boy to becoming iconic. Arnie S rides an Indian now. Harley really f’d up, he should have been their spokesperson.
Hey Matt, thanks for sharing this video. I rode a 2015 Fatboy Special for theee years. It was a total Best ride ever. When I was a younger man I rode a Yamaha FZR 600 and thought that a Harley was too much bike for my skinny frame. As I grew sideways in my older years, all of the sudden the big Harley's did not look so intimidating. I believe those that are born to ride will eventually end up in a Fatboy. I have since moved to a Roadking and again it was love at first sight when I saw the model in the Vegas store three years ago. Harley bikes are like a fine wine, when you are young, you just cant see yourself spending more that $20 bucks to suit your palate, but once you grow up some, the more refine part of you will hunger for that Fatboy or Heritage that once seemed so unlike you.
as a 70kg im now sold on the review
Loved my 2015 Fat Boy but traded out for a 2020 Road Glide Special...hummm now I’m wishing I had it back. Great video Matt!
I own a 2002 Fat Boy, absolutely love it!! I have wanted a Fat Boy ever since I saw Terminator 2 in 1992. 4 yrs ago I finally made it happen. I believe when Willie G, and Harley- Davidson made the Fat Boy, it was a tribute to the military and building ( in my own opinion) the BEST Harley- Davidson ever.
I love the style of this Fat Boy. Actually, I like all of the Fat Boys and owned a 2006 Screamin' Eagle Fat Boy that I traded in for a 2018 Sport Glide. I like the improved handling, saddle bags, cruise control, and how the Sport Glide fits me.
For me peace of art,,my dream bike” thanks Matt for your video’s 👍😎 and stay safe up there.
This is a beautiful bike! Great video. Stay safe and ride safe bro.
As soon as my test is done - im buying on. Great review
Really good to hear that the solid front wheel won't get you blown off the road, I was told something similar that a cross wind would affect it pretty bad. I know I had a 450 that cross winds that gusted very high on interstate would make the font end get squarely, so I stayed to neighborhood roads wind very windy out.
Just bought a 2019 FXBB 5 days ago, and this was on the showroom floor. MAN this was one of the sexiest bikes I’ve ever seen. I’m only 23, and loved the terminator series growing up. But if I had the funds I would get this bike In a heartbeat. However my stage 1 fxbb has been absolutely wonderful, even came with a saddlemen seat and sissy bar.
Great review on a Badass bike Matt , keepim coming thanks .
Yeah, my dad loved his FatBoy and he rode the heck out off that bike, 5 hundy a day, and never heard him mention getting blown off the road because of the wheels. Lol. That myth probably started with a bar hopper who never rode further than his favorite sports bar or the mailbox, because it’s too windy out. And I’m over the PC.
Love this Anniversary bike. The faithful who buy bike after bike and throw miles down, should love this bike. Millennials have to be a small percentage of buyers, loaded down in student loan debt, wanting to wear their red Pumas and ride a scooter down to the beach. I think many of the guys who bought every FatBoy in sight in the 90’s have traded and now ride Street Glides & Road Glides. I’ve seen it amongst my crew... I personally love the Road King, no fairing or windshield; just gear up, and take a road trip.
Hey Matt. I currently own a 2013 fatboy anniversary model and bloody love it. Over here in New Zealand our roads are quite twisty, so I've learnt to move my body weight off the seat when going round corners instead of leaning the jike to much. Oh yeah and I've also just purchased a 2016 street bob for more challenging rides
Seeing its silhouette from every angle its a work of art!
The bike is real slick! Hopefully this along with the breakout gives the muscle cruiser a jump start. Great Vid as always Matt!
Just bought a 2005 today excited to start learning!
Nice way to start the weekend,ty...
The name definitely has its roots in the American military machine; like it or not.
Can’t wait to receive my 30th Anniversary Fat Boy next month. Kind of reminds me of the only other anniversary bike I’ve owned, the 1980 Sturgis, the first belt driven Harley.
WOW that fatboy is beautiful.
Great review Matt, as always.
The 114 M8 really runs great.
I flew to Jacksonville rented a Roadking from the Dealer there and road it down to Daytona bike week. LOVED the way it ran.
Seriously thinking about trading my 2015 Street Glide special in on a 114.
This bike is on my "to buy" list. Stay safe, ride safe.
Best intro ever!! A-Bomb reference has to be true, makes it even more BADASS!!
Awesome to give us the story behind the Fatboy. I got one of these last week to ride, and now not sure I should ride it that much lol. This bike does look sinister, but I have to disagree somewhat with the handing. It took me a good 100 Miles to get this thing to lay and stay in a corner, but now I have full confidence and the bike stays put and handles very well IMO. I also have a 2020 RGS and I feel I'm faster in the canyons on the Fatboy now. Great bike! My RGS getting a bit dusty for the time being.
Just watching this clip makes me want to go out and buy one. Not sure if we'll get many allocated here in Australia though.
I just got a 96 fatboy and it’s the best purchase I’ve ever made I love this bike,next will be a street glide but I take this dude on 800 mile trips just fine and it’s customized heavily but still I love it and it does great on the interstate
I recently traded in my 2019 street bob for the 2020 fat boy. I love the bike its a complete blast to ride and its comfortable
Mat great job with this Video, luv it 👍
Right, I'm sure HD wanted to associate the name of their bike with something that explodes.
(Being highs school age when the first fatboys came out )I’d say that the common consensus at the time was that it was a Japanese bike killer named after the two atomic bombs. No telling if there was any truth to that but everyone my age at that time definitely wanted one. Another great video 🤘
It sucks that it isn't selling as much. I loved my 2002. Had it until 2016 when I finally traded for a Road Glide. But, this 30 year anniversary is beautiful.
Absolute blast, love it.
This bike looks the goods but like you said basically only built for straight roads. Test road a 2018 model 114 with a stage 3 kit and it was amazing but went with a 2018 heritage classic that is a joy to ride everywhere. Fatbob is fun also, man I want them all, great review 😀👍👍👍
Awesome video. And thank you for the info. Wish I knew how to ride. Maybe sometime in the future.
Great Video Matt! The Fat Boy (like most Harley's) is a true work of art! Still prefer the 1st Generation Fat Boy being a little less aggressive and its beautiful color combinations and chrome!
I'm interested to see what it looks like after the next redesign. 😎
My first HD was a FatBoy, an iconic bike for the brand. Performance baggers and dyna's/low riders are the current trend for sure, but this is a model that should always be around.
I am a millennial and I am a girl. I bought this bike. I couldn’t sleep for days after I saw this in person at my local dealership. I do prefer my Breakout slightly more for rides but this bike is everything and much more. I take it out sometimes for Sunday morning ride or to the gym. Still keeping it at very low mileages because it is that special and close to my heart.
So you have a breakout and a Fatboy? Nice! Enjoy the bikes.
@@MattLaidlaw yeah , this Fatboy is more like collectors item, I have only put 270 mileages so far. Thank you :-)
Man... !!! this is my dream bike. I hope they don't discontinue its line.
2009 Fatboy. Best bike ever...! Will probably buy a newer model in the future.
Same…!
Hello Matt thank you for all the great video content very much enjoy each and every time you share a new one but I still enjoy my 1995 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic maybe one day I will come see you about a Road King thank you again for your wonderful content keep up the good work.
Thanks for watching!
I have owned a Softail Slim and a Street Glide Special. I traded the Slim in on the Street Glide and Sold the Street Glide last year because of my back and Neck issues. If I ever get to where I feel like I can ride again my next bike will be a Fat Boy. I love the way they look and handle. I rode a 19 last year.
Love my '02 FatBoy and hope to keep it forever!
That's a beautiful bike, unlike this monstrosity.
Absolutely one of my favorite Harley models. My brother has a 1997 and a 2018 FatBoy 114 is going to be the third Harley in my stable. No doubt. Yes, i think the A-Bomb reference is correct and I’m fine with that. I’m not politically correct so it’s fine. Great looking tank badge that’s truly iconic. Keep up the great work Matt...
Great video Matt. I am watching from South Africa and I have only seen one dealer post about one on the way. Keen to check it out.
Hey bro my name is Shaun, or you can find me on youtube search
SHUTUPSHAUN
But if need something from the states or are curious about something. I could possible help. Dont be afraid to ask?
Thanks Matt, Its a beautiful bike.
I love the 2021 fat boy, so much so I bought one, the only other bike with real style was the softail slim. But the fat boy one.
Love the channel and content, keep up the good work.
This video was even better than your usual excellent videos. Thank you for clearing up the wind/steering issue BS that I myself get frustrated trying to explain why it just doesn’t happen spoked or mag wheels vs solid disks have no significant difference in side drafts. Both mag/spoked and disk wheel bikes will be pushed in strong side drafts and not so much in lighter drafts. Just because you felt pushed during side drafts on a disk wheeled bike doesn’t mean it wouldn’t happen on a spoked wheel bike. Just not a significant difference. Also I love the
Fat Boy and I believe it was named after Fat Man Little Boy. I’m not offended and I’m from Japanese decent and proud to be an American as well. Political correctness sucks as well I my opinion. Why should we be ashamed of all the good the United States has done. Great bike great company great country. God Bless America. If anyone thinks this sounds stupid then they should find a better country and just move there.
You have got a great attitude and it's people like you that making living in this country a better place to live. Political correctness is a joke. I bought this bike today, a 2022 model but I do absolutely loved the blacked out style of this bike, if it was available today I would have bought it. With an attitude like yours you're gonna go places, stay safe bro.
@@peterjones4621 God Bless you God Bless America and thank You for the kind words.
American classic Bike looks awesome
A true Holly Davidson thanks for the video Matt take care
When I first saw the fat boy in T2, I thought it was a classic HD. I was suprised to find out it was the newest model. The styling was spot on.
Really Looking great 💥
had a pearl white one from 2000 and man was she sweet. i always liked taking corners as you could lean it over and scrap the running boards to throw sparks at night. wish i'd never sold it but got a last of the carbureted street glide's loaded it up with the hand bars pegs, new seat and touring bag for the back and then had to sell because of divorce, didn't think i was ever going to stop crying. now to ride a bike on streets and highways with all the texting and BS with cell phones it's 50/50 if you make it home.
my first was a 78 1/2 super glide sweet looking copper color paint and rode it to nashville to see brother and back. i had 4 hogs over the years and put minimum 100,000 miles on them all some over 100,000 miles lots of close calls and one wreck that messed up my left ankle pretty bad but man so much fun it was unreal. my fastest 130 mph with chick on the back, she was holding on real tight to say the least.
would love to have one of these 30 annyfers if had the bucks.
Nice Looking Bike and Arnold Made This Bike Even More Famous LOL....Stay Safe Matt and i am Just Waiting To Start Harley Rider Academy at Mt.Sac When it Opens Up Again.
Nice. Hopefully the virus ends soon
Not sure about the link to the bomber but this bike is totally badass and totally unique! There is a massive appreciation of the Softail and Fatboy models in Europe and the 30th FB allocations In England were sold out within days!
Really informational!
You need to do a video on how covid-19 is impacting socal riding, socializing, etc.
very good review MAT
I have been waiting for this review. I bought mine right before COVID19 lock down. I'm just under 500 miles. I have #475/2500. I absolutely love it, but when the wind blows hard I have been pushed around a bit especially in open areas. I'm 6' 177 lbs. I am not sure if that is an issue. Been pushed around on my old bike (Street Bob) before, but not nearly as much as I have been on the Fat Boy. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love it. Especially with the custom upgrades.
I love my 05 Fatboy. I like the look of the newer ones but I agree with what you said, us younger riders (I’m 24) want something that not just looks good but handles good. The new Fatboys with the fat tire don’t handle good. I would like to see them shrink the tire size back to how it was in the early 2000’s. It still looks mean and awesome but it also handles half decent.
I own number 575. 🤙🏼
Awesome bike, love the Fat Boy. Rode my 1998 FLSTF yesterday and it's the best! Wish I had an extra $22 grand to add the anniversary bike to my garage but guess I'll just stick with the 20+ year old one that's paid for and still running great.
Matt that bike is beautiful, stunning even.
Matt, it is pretty coincidental that the bomb was silver/yellow stripes, and the Fat boys tanks is a one & only badge which relics the Army Air badge of the 40's.., just saying🤔 love the Bike!!
Fatboys so popular in Australia. Took a hit with the 2018 redesign, but people are coming around to it again. It so suits the wide open spaces here. Such a tough, robust motorcycle. I think it should remain a H D mainstay in their range. I like the new models coming, but don't forget what made you great!
Great Video and nice camera angles on the HD. I am waiting for my 30 year annevirsary in Africa (Namibia). It will be the only one in the country. Just hoping production was completed before the covid-19 stopped production. Hoping it is on the way to Africa. Will be trading in my 2019 48 special for this beautity. Will definitely be showing it off and driving it as much as possible.
Gorgeous. I’m getting one.
I don’t know if the name was taken from the alleged source, but I don’t care. The Fatboy is friggin badass, comfortable, and mean-looking! I’d love to have a 2020 Fatboy with the 114! I will say that if a company had the balls to name a badass bike to be a middle finger to a country that was an enemy to the United States at the time, it would be Harley Davidson.
I lived in the Bay Area from 89’-93’ and a master tech at the original San Jose HD told me the same story about the Fatboy right after its release.
I wish being a fat boy made me iconic, but so far it’s just made me diabetic. 🤨
...and with this coronavirus lockdown I have started getting Gout.......
This is maybe the funniest comment I have ever read on any video ever lmfao
monsanto...
I'm going to hell, I laughed so hard at this, but probably only because I am a type 1 diabetic myself
Damn! Great video!!!
In Malta Fat Boy followed by Breakout is the best selling Softail.
When it’s all said and done, I don’t care what other brands introduce and are “trending” Their is NO replacement for the iconic models of Harley-Davidson. And I mean the air cooled V Twins such as Fat boy, Lowrider, Sportster and all the touring lineup. Their is no replacement for these iconic models in ANY generation! Don’t be fooled, Harley-Davidsons air cooled V Twins are still king of cool no matter what high tech flavor of the day motorcycles come along. My garage says so!
Paul Healey This is 100% right!
And that attitude there is the reason why Harley will be filling for bankruptcy or taken over by some investment house in the next 24 months. Everything you said is absolutely BS and is the reason why this company can't get out of the rat hole that people like you have you dragged them so far into.
Harley-Davidson is still on the Top of premium Motorcycles list in the Millennials head but they are mostly looking for reliable, durable bikes with cheap prising, look at KTM, Honda or Yamaha, all these brands sales are unbelievable, but all the sales are from small, entry level Low priced bikes, that is a Fact, it’s just like Samsung low priced phones sell more than Apple i phones because of their low pricing scales.
@@rinkukoradi2539 You have absolutely not a clue what you're talking about at all. If Harley was still on top of premium motorcycles for millennials (Spoiler, I'm a millennial) they would be buying them but they are not. Take a look around the industry in the western world, Harley is the only manufacture who has actually lost sales. Ducati, BMW, Triumph, KTM have had all there sales numbers increase and they don't make cheap bikes. They are very expensive motorcycles. Harley makes stupid expensive motorcycles that no one wants, thats why their sales have gone from over 400,000 bikes a year to 200,000 bikes a year in the last decade. Thats why their stock went from over $70 a share to trading under $20 a share. It's people like you that keep the company from growing up and getting with the modern world. Go look at the numbers, the bikes Harley is turning out don't sell. Despite what you think millennials have no desire to get on a Harley and likely never will. If they are going to spend what it costs to get a Harley they are more likely to spend $5000 less and get on a Diavel, a R nine T or a SuperDuke. You just don't get it and neither does Harley.
Donovan Lewis do you know how many times Ducati was owned & sold multiple times 😂 by many firms, likewise many bike brands, Harley-Davidson is the only One Motorcycle brand in the whole World, which stood against time since its inception,
Love this bike man! I literally called Laidlaws HD to see if I can purchase that bike from you guys but unfortunately I couldn’t because I live in Hawaii and need to be there in person😂😂😂awesome videos tho!
I've never really gotten into bikes, but I've always taken a liking to Fatboys. It is purely because of Terminator 2, which is my all time favourite novie.
And now, I really want one. I would LOVE to own one!
The 30th Anniversary FatBoy is an amazing bike. Looks absolutely killer.
I always thought the name came from the bulky style. I've alway loved the Fat Boy because I thought it looked a little retro. Love that big front end!
Have a 2019 model - this is next level though . Love it. Can’t believe people would rather a street bob over this ... and yep - I love that it’s named after legendary bombs that ended the war
I LOVE the new Fatboy huge fan always have been and always will be great job guys😎
100% WW2 tribute bike. Nothing wrong with that. History shouldn’t be deleted because it offends someone.
Love your videos Matt. My go to for Harley info 🤙🏻