So stopped by my local dealer and he convinced me to take the new Fatbob out for a ride. I was on the fence about the styling but can say it looks better in person than in pictures. The bike I rode was the grey that only comes in a 114. I noticed the cable clutch right of the bat and wondered why they wouldn't have used a hydraulic clutch, weight maybe? Also noticed that even with the 114 as the only option in grey it still doesn't come with cruise like the S models used to. Overall I like the look and think it would be a great candidate for the CVO or an S model upgrade.
So anyway to the ride part. First take off you notice the clutch is very grabby and quick. The 114 is very smooth and overall the bike was extremely easy to ride. I headed out the freeway at 75mph and found the throttle so touchy that it was hard to stay a steady speed but maybe it was just me getting off my pro street and expecting the same smooth throttle. The Fatbob is not designed to be a long distance bike so the freeway is not its happy place but it did okay. I got off the freeway and on to a twisty road for the return ride back to the dealer. This is where the Fatbob shined it handles so nimble and quick I felt like I could double the speed limit and it would eat it up. The throttle is quick to respond and the power delivery was really sharp and on point. I was disappointed when I got to the end of the road because I and the bike wanted more but unfortunately I had to return it. By this time I was getting used to the bike and it was so easy to ride I was smiling ear to ear.
Overall I really liked it, it is possibly the best handling Harley I have ever ridden, more upright than a V-rod and yes you do sit on top of it. As far as the 114 I wish I could put it in my Pro street it is more smooth and has better torque delivery than the 110.
Now I have no intention of parting with my pro street but as far as a fun bar hopper the Fatbob would be a great machine and would be on my radar if I was in the market. Unfortunately the next new bike goes to the wife and it wouldn't be on her radar. Everything she liked in the 2017s was discontinued in 2018.
Sorry so long but if your in the market for quick, light, fun bike and aren't planning any 1000mile trips the Fatbob is a great bike.

 

Thanks for the write up!

I have a 114 Fat Bob on order, but I do plan to do some long trips on it. Windshield and bags and it'll do just fine for me. I've done many 1000+ mile trips on my 2014 Fat Bob, and the new one should be even better....

 

How long is the delivery time on your order? Have any idea?

 

Yes the bike actually made me scream out loud involuntarly! Lol it was so much fun. It could handle highway easy. Sissy bar, luggage rack, swing arm bag and MAYBE windshield. I don't like most windshields since all they do it bobble my head and make my site blurry. A good shoie helmet is streamlined to break through the wind no problem. And a good leather jacket for the rocks and bugs. The fat tires make me feel so much safer. And the power and agility give you the confidence to ride hard.

 

Well, I am in the UK and the launch date for the 2018 models here is Saturday September 30th. So that's when I get the bike. Even if the dealer has it prior to that, they can't let me have it until then.

 

Good for you. A great bike and HD did a great job.

 

Nice write-up OP. Thanks for sharing.