fatboy history
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From: Los Angeles, CA
RE: fatboy history
There have been quite a few threads on this in the past. I have heard varying stories. Some say it was named after the fatboy bomb dropped on Hiroshima. I believe thqat 1990 was the first year for it. I think it was introduced through Terminator 2 but am not certain. Just remember...I'll be baaaack.
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RE: fatboy history
In the early 1990's the Fat Boy design was introduced and quickly caught on. The name Fatboy was derived by combining the names of the two atomic bombs "Fat man" and "Little Boy" which were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. It was destined from the start to become a Collector's item among biking enthusiasts and definitely achieved that status throughout its existence.
Here are some pictures for you to look at..
First, the Fat Man
1990 (first year) Harley Fatboy
Same color scheme.
Coincidence? Nah, i'll never believe it.
EDIT::
Also, almost forgot..look at the logo used on the Fatboy tanks. Look at the logo the Air Force used at the time of WWII..
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From: North Georgia
RE: fatboy history
I'll keep looking for it again, but I once read an interview with Willie G. about this subject. Willie G. denounced the "bomb" association, admitting that it was a good play on words.
Aparently the name "Fatboy" stuck when the initial model was being shown around. Some local bikers checked over the new bike and said something as simple as "that sure is a fat boy"; referring to the large diameter fork tubes and beefy front tire. The year was 1989. The "Fatboy" debut was 1990.
I personally LIKE the bomb reference, but I think it is more legend than fact.
[sm=icon_cheers.gif]
Aparently the name "Fatboy" stuck when the initial model was being shown around. Some local bikers checked over the new bike and said something as simple as "that sure is a fat boy"; referring to the large diameter fork tubes and beefy front tire. The year was 1989. The "Fatboy" debut was 1990.
I personally LIKE the bomb reference, but I think it is more legend than fact.
[sm=icon_cheers.gif]
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RE: fatboy history
See, PoorBoy, i'm kinda the opposite. 
I think that was what Willie had in mind with the whole thing. He knew it would be easy to cop out on it, and sort-of keep the 'real' meaning out of the mainstream because it would cause a lot of flack.[&:]
I think that was what Willie had in mind with the whole thing. He knew it would be easy to cop out on it, and sort-of keep the 'real' meaning out of the mainstream because it would cause a lot of flack.[&:]
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RE: fatboy history
and as far as the large diameter forks, etc. to 'fatten' it up..the Heritage has a fatter look, in my opinion..because of the bigger fender, light bar, windshield, etc. Also, the touring bikes...So it being 'fat' shouldn't have stood out any more to the bikers, because it is actually 'skinnier' () than a few other bikes that HD built at the time.
) than a few other bikes that HD built at the time.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Williamsport, Pa
RE: fatboy history
fat man and little boy the bombs both had a yellow ring around them. I am sure that it was their intended meaning by it
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From: North Georgia
RE: fatboy history
ORIGINAL: michaelbarry
See, PoorBoy, i'm kinda the opposite. I think that was what Willie had in mind with the whole thing. He knew it would be easy to cop out on it, and sort-of keep the 'real' meaning out of the mainstream because it would cause a lot of flack.[&:]
See, PoorBoy, i'm kinda the opposite.
I think that was what Willie had in mind with the whole thing. He knew it would be easy to cop out on it, and sort-of keep the 'real' meaning out of the mainstream because it would cause a lot of flack.[&:]
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RE: fatboy history
I have a 1990 Fatboy, a guy I met at the local Harley shop stopped me in the parking lot and asked me if I knew the history, said he worked for a dealer back east and was told that the paint scheme (silver frame, tanks and fenders, with yellow highlights) was indeed a jab at the Japanese, that the name was taken from the two bombs and that the yellow rocker box spacers were meant to symbolize the two flashes from them. I guess I'll believe that one till I hear a one I like better, but I sure do like the look, had lots of compilments