FXR Division Builds a Harley-Davidson Fab Bob Roadracer
Daily Slideshow: This is what happens when they let the guys at the FXR Division have their way with the Milwaukee-Eight Fat Bob.
Originally A Fat Bob
When FXR Division got its hands on this bike, it was a standard 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob. Clearly, things have changed. Justin Coleman and Christopher Staab worked together to transform this motorcycle into a classic roadracer. Coleman and Staab, who have been a part of the Hot Bike Tour since 2013, were inspired by road-racing bikes of the past. They wanted to keep the style of these classic bikes but combine it with a modern V-twin engine. The first thing the duo did was to strip the Fat Bob down to its engine and frame.
Photos courtesy of Hot Bike.
Upgraded Engine
The guys may have kept the Fat Bob's engine, but it bears very little resemblance to its original state. The Milwaukee-Eight unit has been bored out to a whopping 151ci, meaning this bike doesn't just look like a roadracer, it goes like one too. The powerplant is a mishmash of various aftermarket parts supplied by Leading Edge Performance, S&S Cycle, and Harley-Davidson. The exhaust and airbox come courtesy of CMP Motorcycles and the whole drivetrain breaths through a throttle body from Horsepower Inc. When you twist your wrist on this beast, you'd better prepare your ears.
>>Join the conversation about this Fat Bob road racer right here in HDForums.
What A Rear
This Fat Bob goes like stink and, judging by how it looks, you wouldn't expect anything less. But it would be an insult to the road-racing motorcycles of old if this bike didn't handle equally as well. Thankfully, Coleman and Staab made sure it did. The rear swingarm is a Speed Merchant unit and keeps this Fat Bob rigid around any bend. This component was paired with a monoshock from Gears Racing Suspension which ensures everything stays tight whilst soaking up any nasty undulations on the road.
>>Join the conversation about this Fat Bob road racer right here in HDForums.
A Swift Halt
Having all that power is a dream for most motorcyclists, but that dream can quickly turn into a nightmare if you don't have enough stopping force. Ensuring this machine comes to a swift halt are Rebuffini brake calipers which wrap around Lyndall floating rotors. It's not just a bike's brakes which bring it to a stop. The front end setup plays a role too; this was all taken care of by Lenny Albin who added a modified Rebuffini triple tree.
>>Join the conversation about this Fat Bob road racer right here in HDForums.
The Right Rubber
A motorcycle might have the capability to accelerate, stop, and handle like a racing machine but, without the right rubber, it means nothing. Coleman and Staab understand this all too well and wrapped this bike's wheels with Pirelli Angel GTs. Speaking of the wheels, they have been color matched to the rotors.
>>Join the conversation about this Fat Bob road racer right here in HDForums.
Smooth Lines
From front to back, this bike has the smooth lines of a classic roadracer. While it keeps its Harley-Davidson gas tank, all the rest of the bodywork was produced in-house by FXR Division, including the handlebars. This bike is dripping in carbon fiber, starting from the front fairing which very closely resembles the shape of a Road Glide. The low tinted windscreen initiates the motorcycle's sleek look that continues all the way to the exhaust and exits through the rear tail unit. Coleman and Staab did everything to ensure this bike's looks matched its sporting performance.
>>Join the conversation about this Fat Bob road racer right here in HDForums.
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