The Harley-Davidson FatBob 114 Is Like if Ford Built a Brand New 1969 Mustang Today - One Take
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- Опубліковано 20 чер 2021
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Don't judge, but this is my first-ever week riding an old-school type, air-cooled Harley Davidson, and I just had to see what it was like. I never understood their appeal, but now, I think I do. This is the new Fat Bob 114, part of the "Softail" series of motorcycles. It's got an 83 HP, 114 cubic inch (1860CC) air-cooled, pushrod V-Twin engine with four valves per cylinder, a belt drive, and weighs 676 lbs. Keyless start and ABS braking are the only real technologies on the bike, and the redline on the tach is so low, you'd swear it was a diesel. It handles better than it looks, but still not very well. It is a highly imperfect machine. But, as I learned after a week, it absolutely has its charms, and would make an excellent addition to a well-rounded motorcycle collection.
Harley-Davidson provided the bike, insurance, and a tank of fuel for this review.
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The Harley-Davidson FatBob 114 Is Like if Ford Built a Brand New 1969 Mustang Today - One Take - Авто та транспорт
I appreciate everyone's comment about how the shifter goes into neutral better when you do it from 5 mph to zero as opposed to when you come to a dead stop. I agree that does work, and the Harley rep sheepishly admitted that's how "harley folks do it." (because the gearbox stinks like that) I'm glad there is a workaround, but 2 things: 1) In LA, when lane splitting in slow traffic, you often do not really have that convenience. You really can't just be coasting in neutral - you need to be ready and in gear right up until you come to a stop at that light. This elimiinates the usefulness of the workaround. AND 2) Other motorcycles do not have this problem, indicating it is not industry-wide, and the manufacturers that do this, should just fix their transmissions. It's not impossible, others have done it. Make it a priority. I-MF
Harley make stupid and expensive and crappy quality motorcycles what do you expect lol, want to lane split get a japanese or european motorcycle that actually works as intended.
I agree completely! While I really like Harley Davidson I am absolutely sick of the excuses from them and the Harley faithful. For the prices they charge there’s no excuse for old, clunky sounding, hard to shift, transmissions! They charge a freaking PREMIUM price on their motorcycles and they don’t always deliver premium components for that money! Not cool. Inexcusable really. With my sportster I often wonder if it’s even worth searching for neutral? 🤷🏻♂️
If you are at a dead stop and stuck in first, give it a bit of a rev while you are attempting to shift to neutral and it'll go right in. :)
I’ve never tried that. I spend way to much time hunting for N at lights. I’m going to try that.
Just rev the bike a little bit and it will slide into neutral. It has to do with the slight drag on the clutch while disengaged, when you rev it overcomes that drag which is putting tension on the gears. Want to ride the real Harley that handles? I have a 21 low rider s.
Ironic because it costs exactly what a 1969 mustang would if adjusted for inflation
Why must you hurt me like this? Great observation though!
*if adjusted for massive central-banker theft
I personally own a highly modified M8 Low Rider. Thing is amazing, I’ve ridden for thousands of miles on this thing along various states. Built like an old car, little minor things can get fixed and I have hence the mods and power comes cheap with a cam and a pipe, it’s like a giant lego for an adult that grunts like a fiery warhorse. Never thought I’d own a Harley but man, it’s an amazing thing.
I have been riding for over 35 yrs. The fat bob 114 is my first Harley. It did take some riding style adjustment, but after a season in the canyons of northern Utah, I can easily ride with just about any bike up there. I can also say, she's nimble enough to get a knee on the ground.
I have a 2018 FatBob and I love it. Is the closest thing a Harley Davidson offers as a SportBike. It's a torque monster and it looks incredible, very unique.
Honestly while I'm not much of a Harley kind of guy, this bike would be something I would get
It's something that's pretty cool and not too brash
Same here, I'm not a Harley guy, but I'd have this if I was. I saw one parked in my neighborhood and was actually surprised to see it was a Harley when I got up close because of the clean looks without too much chrome.
I said th same thing till I saw that the rh blinker is on the the rh bar. Stoopid
You get used to the turn signal setup once you've ridden HD's long enough. Especially with the accelerometer based turn signal kill (it also cancels on timeout while riding if you forget it or if you hit the button again) it becomes very intuitive & easy to use w/o adjusting the throttle. Regarding neutral, this is a "thing" on some bikes, it's not explicitly an HD thing (unless the Milwaukee 8 changed a bunch, but it wasn't explicitly a thing on the big twins last gen & the revo doesn't do it), my wife's nighthawk does it too. It happens especially on air/oil or air cooled bikes when the trans oil temp gets hot and thins out, but some bikes are more prone to it than others. To remedy it shift from 2nd to neutral while coming to a stop at 5mph and it'll notch right in without overshooting into 1st. If you shift into neutral at a stop it'll be hard to get it just right, but it's 10x easier if you do it while rolling slowly. Motorcycle transmissions are constant mesh and rolling has a huge effect on gear (dis)engagement.
They won't abandon the turn signal, it's an HD trademark. But fun fact: BMW used to use the same exact turn signal design up until like 10 or so years ago. Come across like an '05 GS you'll have the same thing, but WITHOUT the accelerometer turn signal canceling. The street models, because of their stress on the India market, used a traditional turn signal, but overall HD won't abandon that design. But as I said, you REALLY do get used to it. I don't have any problems switching back and forth after owning bikes w/ it and w/ a normal design.
And yea, the torque shove is extremely satisfying, even if it'll get demolished in a straight line by a proper sports bike. No replacement for displacement in terms of that instant torque.
EDIT:
The FatBob is an awesome bike, but I liked the Dyna one better, less futuristic. But with the stock drag bar it wasn't comfortable unless you had long arms, so hopefully this remedies that. This def. has way more power than the old one. Next you'll need to hop on a touring model like the road king!
I was always the guy bashing Harleys until I saw this one and lost it. Checking into it I learned that Harley has really come a long way, especially since 2018. They have features now like ABS, keyless start, inverted forks, quick adjustable mono shock rear, USB port, dual front disc, etc. Bought a 21’ fat bob and absolutely love it. I have no issues with finding neutral, but don’t care for the right blinker switch either. To get neutral, it takes a tight foot and ankle and pry up with force but not speed, you can’t tap it up with your toe.
Oh, and the main reason the rear brakes feel soft is because they come with the pedal adjusted too low and that makes it difficult to operate. Raised mine in a few minutes, it’s adjustable. (Don’t forget the blue loc-tite on everything).
I'd like to see you review the Indian Chief Dark Horse 🐎
God that thing is so hot
More Indian reviews as well. He’d probably talk down on the Harleys after 😅
I was going to say, would like to see a comparison between this and the Indian chief
One thing Indian can’t do that Harley can: 131. Enough said.
@@rocketman3776 What's that, make a $9,000 sportster 🤣😆😂😝 ENOUGH SAID!
Believe it or not, this HD is one of my dreams in this life ...
More bike content!
Test drove one of these bad boys last week and had an absolute blast. It’s an experience that’s hard get anywhere else. An air/ oil cooled engine at 1800cc’s is just awesome, and to me felt very special. I thought it rode and handled fairly well too, with yes some effort required to tip it in but nothing crazy.
Overall a smooth ride, awesome engine, and awesome looks. First Harley I have tried and may have to pick one up later in my motorcycling journey.
The elusive HD Neutral strikes again
Why do you need to shift to neutral so much? Unless you want the bike to sit and idle for a while. I've had two Harleys and very seldom ever used neutral. You have a clutch!
I've been following this channel for years and had no idea about the motorbike element. What a great treat and a pleasant surprise to see the solid knowledge. Awesome, awesome!!
I have the last generation fat bob(dyna chassis) and I love it! The new softail frame and the m8 engine are far superior than what’s on my bike you got quite a treat!! Also neutral is a very soft touch you’re applying too much pressure it really doesn’t need that much effort to get it into neutral
Love my 2013 Dyna Fat Bob as well
Finding neutral was always a pain in the ass on my street glide. I had that bike for 10 years and it never changed. The trick is to lightly tap down from 2nd instead of up from first.
I find I spend far to much time chasing the elusive Neutral light.
At this point it's tradition
Many bikes have a tough time finding neutral at a stop. My 1098 had the same problem. The best solution is to get into neutral while coasting to a stop as opposed to when completely stopped.
I dunno, many bikes also don't. In my opnion, enough of them don't have this problem, that the ones that do, should fix the problem, and the rider shouldn't have to make that adjustment.
I've ridden other bikes and they all feel cheaper compared to this one. While 18k-20k is a lot, you're getting a bike that no one else comes close to making. Not that it's perfect, or "worth" that much, but it's the only one of its kind (as with other HD bikes). It's easy to ride and handles extremely well in twisties, fast AF, and sounds incredible :) I wouldn't want any other bike!
I’m an old motor cross rider and it’s the Harley for me I’ve just bought one and love it still breaking it in 👍
Matt you should really try a modified dyna or M8 softail. I think you’d like it
I Daily commute my Fat Bob in LA and I can say it's comfortable and enjoyable. The whole blinker issue you get use to it, practically alot of the things your pointing out you get use to and end up knowing how to perform all these task with ease because you become familiar with it. 🤷♂️
I see what you're saying, but Harley rear brakes are fucking ass
@@musclenugget92 How so?
@@ZombieZim713 have you ridden the new softails? I legit thought my brake was broken when i test drove a street bob. The fat bob's was marginally better and that's probably only because I was prepared to stomp on the pedal.
Look at the Harley forums people are shitting all over the rear brakes
Great review! Thanks Matt
I have never owned a Harley (BMWs and Ducatis), and I bought one of these after riding it. Really enjoy it, but the stock tires are not good and are a style choice that doesn’t work well functionally. Glad you liked the bike. Charming is a good word for it.
Yes!!! You explained the Fat Bob exactly the way I feel about it. Fat Bob has the best gear change of all the M8 engined bikes, personally I’ve never had an issue with Neutral on one, could just be that bike. I wish the big touring bikes felt more like the Fat Bob, they don’t, they’re just bog and cumbersome (to me, and I know I’m in the minority). I now have 2 weeks and about 1000miles under my Pan American - love it.
I’m not in a hurry anymore, so I enjoy riding my Fat Bob in the canyons and in the city. Nice review and keep on riding!
Excellent explanation and resolution. Thank you for the honest review!
Interesting you say not to use the beardscape for downstairs grooming. I think it’s the best trimmer ever made for the job. Substantially better than manscaped etc.
He's talking about the zero blade, not the trimmer as a whole. When he switched blades, he advised not to use that blade.
@@mitchellsteindler correct - standard blade ONLY for your balls the zero blade can do mad damage
Matt, ive been a fan for a min. Ur reviews are great for cars and suvs. Wishing I could mob the canyons. Been looking at motorcycles for a while. Really like the R1s ( 2009, 2014, R1M ), but also like the idea of an American motorcycle too. Saw the Fat Bob 114 maybe a year ago. Smiled ear to ear when I saw ur reviewing one. Keep up the good work man.
wow what a coincidence I was looking to buy one as my next motorcycle.
I love my harleys so I'm biased but I would suggest riding the revs higher around 3000-4000rpm.
Yep. Don’t lug the big jug machine.
He clerly doesn't know how to ride a Harley...you never ride at 1200 rpm. I have a Fat Bob and he should have been 2x his speed in the twisties and never drop below 2000 rpm.
@@ryanfoley2198 yea, especially with that commie stock exhaust.. Once you decat it, it sounds proper, and you wanna keep it singing at around 4-5k
@@CrusaderGeneral Agreed on the exhaust!! .... I put on a D&D fat cat on my 128 and I absolutely love it. I set my motor up for torque, so I hit peak torque (155 ft lbs) around 3450. Therefore, I tend to live 2200-4500 when I send it, but I am also making over 100 ft lbs at 2200. Conversly the stock 114 is not very happy at ~2k..lug city and you need at least 2800+ at all times to keep it fluid in the turns. But to your point, 4000+ is where the fun really starts :)
@@ryanfoley2198 128 for extra torque must be a nice upgrade on the fat bob platform. Probably need to use straps around your wrists to keep it from running away :)
Yup I have a 2021 and it’s hard to get to neutral on this thing, have to flick it up and down a couple times to actually get it and by that time the light has already changed lol. I also feel the same way about the blinkers, more times than not I have to almost completely take my hand off the throttle to reach that right signal. Also agree about the rear brake, it was great out of the factory but after just a couple rides it has gotten very mushy. But, I wouldn’t pick another bike over this one, it’s absolutely perfect in every single way. I think it’s as versatile as it gets. It has comfort and handling if you want to take it out in the twisties. I think if he were to have this bike for a longer period I think he’d change his mind.
I just bought one this weekend. I agree, a little more time on it and you get used to the handling. I can corner just fine on it! I love this bike!
Great review. Well balanced and to the point.
Generally speaking, I blinker when other cars around only, never had one on the right side though, but with enough reps I can see this easier over time, love the looks on this bike, there is a better rear break pedal out there that changes how you push on it and reportedly it’s performance.
Very cool. I'm definitely not the Harley type (I ride a SV650s), this does look pretty cool and a lot of fun. Maybe in another ten years I'd have something like this in the garage.
Idiot review.
Liked your review. Excellent video of you riding the bike!
LOL!!! I got 13,600 miles on my 2020 Fat Bob and neutral is still a problem. I love this bike. It is my daily commuter during the riding season...I live in Michigan! I did a Stage II and a TBR 2-1 exhaust and Screamin eagle extreame air breather. Also S&S 475 cam with a Trask transmission upgrade and Trashin supply cosmetic upgrades. This thing really moves!!!
Had a chance to ride this same bike very recently. I'm kinda surprised you didn't mention the heavy(ish) steering. Once you tip it in, you gotta use quite a bit of counter-steer to maintain the turn. Or maybe it's my puny arms. I also find it mind-blowing that my Yammy with less than half the displacement makes the same power. Anybody looking at one of these should take a serious look at the Indian Scout Bobber. Similar look, 120lbs lighter and a little more power.
The whole bike was so heavy, and I just don't have enough experience on other bikes to be able to isolate the steering specifically as being heavy. I'd like to try that indian, it sounds nice.
I loved the 2021 Scout Bobber I rode, only real downside was the standard seat. For longer distances, or for those with lower-back issues, you need the Comfort Seat
Which YAMAHA do you speak of? Also...if the power difference blows your mind..time to watch some educational videos on engine design and architecture.
I was on the fence a year ago, I was torn between the Pan America Special and the Fat Bob 114. I chose the Pan America, it can be a great machine. When it works. That being said, a year later. The Pan America will be gone in favor of a Fat Bob. Great review. Probably one of the best reviews of a Fat Bob honestly.
Great video, my next bike for sure
Great review first time I have heard someone ride a Harley and not have their ego problem stop them mentioning it’s difficult for the throttle hand to indicate
I have very big hands (My watch straps are set to 8") and if *I* am yoking the throttle every time I try to indicate, what would someone with normal hands do?
So, fun fact with finding neutral. It really depends on how well its been worn in, and how the clutch is adjusted at both the primary and cable.
Or if it's hydraulic clutch, the condition of the fluid and diaphragm? In the clutch assembly.
Its both a major struggle, but surprisingly easy to find neutral.
That's a great review and actually reflects my own experience on a recent test ride. In particular we're very much aligned with the references to the clutch and the weight (I own a 790 Duke). So what did I do? I went ahead and bought one. For me, the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts. Pick it up tomorrow.
Cool bike until I heard the price. Looks fantastic. Crazy Price. Great review Matt!
An extremely powerful sportster basically. I love it
You find neutral BEFORE you stop.
You get used to reaching the right indicator switch. We all do.
Been there a few times w/ the bike jumping out from under you. It’s unnerving to say the least. Vague neutral is a common thing as well.
You really need a more free exhaust setup to truly enjoy this type of bike doesn't have to be an obnoxious wide open exhaust but just louder than stock and it will completely change your experience imho
I own this bike and I have to say outta all the bikes I have owned this is the most nimble Harleys I have owned. It doesn’t feel like a 600lb bike I would have to agree with you on the finding neutral it’s a quirk that Harley’s are known for but is easy to commute on for me. One of the best things about Harley’s is you can modify it to your riding style. The only gripe I have about it is that it just doesn’t have the range I would like it to have due to its small gas tank about 100 miles Is all I get.
Yes more bike reviews!
Never thought I would see a pov a Matt shaving
Pretty good review man honestly
Unfortunately Matt, they likely won't go away from that turn signal control scheme any time soon. I have a Harley Sportster that's literally 20 years old, and has the same system.
I thought the PanAm left it behind
Love you videos! Could you please do a review of the 117 low rider s ?
Good stuff man.
My type of Harley. Excellent overview. I can see why you have so many subscribers.
Hey Matt, you set the preload on the rear suspension to the lowest (squishy-est) value possible at 1. High preload is actually 5. You might notice it a little soft in your review because of this. There is a chart for this in the owner's manual. Also there is a way to adjust the position of the controls so that they work better for you.
OK well we are going to have to deal with the Harley personnel on this one. When they delivered the bike, the guy who trained me on it says "and this is the rear preload adjuster here," I said "what is max stiff, for a 260 lb fat guy?" and he set it right where you saw it. I was not given an owners manual with the bike, and I was not told how to adjust the position of any controls.
If it helps you I'm a 250 pound fat guy and I'm generally running it at 2.5-3. I haven't looked in the book a few years but I'm pretty sure its softest setting is for a 180 pound rider.
Gotta try a Low Rider S next!!
Great review, the only HD's I like are the V-ROD Night Rod, and the Fat Bob. However, you mentioned twice that the bike is air cooled. Seeing as I am only a filthy cager, and do not actually own a bike, let alone this amazing beast, is the Fat Bob not oil cooled? I am quite confident that it does in fact have a radiator right up front.
It’s twin cooled (oil and air)
The horse power and torque numbers you quoted are for the 107 engine. That bike is fitted with the 114 engine, and it produces 94 HP and 118 ft.lbs of torque. You are right, it is a torque monster for sure.
It’s super easy to find neutral on a Harley. Lightly press up from first and blip the throttle. It will slot right in. This bike is much better with mid controls and some risers.
To find neutral you need to push with your foot inwards toward the lever while pulling up
you should see is BMW has a r1800 in its press fleet, 1800cc opposed twin and retro style, big burble'y bike that just chugs along like the fatbob
keep doing the spectates man, they are great stuff :)
You just got to get use to it (like anything)... Once you work it out, it's a lot quicker around those roads than you'd imagine. A bike is only as good as it's rider and most of us aren't as good as our bikes 😁
I just started looking into Bikes, would this be considered a competitor against the Indian bobber scout and the Harley Iron 1200?
Similar-ish, but not really competitors. If those bikes are like comparing a Tacoma and Ranger, this bike is a Raptor.
I originally set out to by the Indian Bobber myself. I have never owned nor thought I would own a HD. I test road both and hands down the 2021 Fat Bob HD was the superior bike in my opinion.
I have a 2020 fatbob 114 and finding neutral is interesting. Is it common to all harleys?
It's common to the Harley big twins
@@drofrehterc v twins are killing me 🥲 oh well I will just get better at finding it
Largest displacement does not mean best horse power and torque vs weight ratio. This is why I'd love to see your impression of a 2005 Kawasaki ZRX1200R, which has 111.7hp, (rear wheel delivered), and 80.7lbs of torque with a wet weight of 545lbs.
Yes, I own a ZRX1200R.
Yes, I debated the XR1200.
Yes, I have a bias that started at foot peg cornering clearance.
Yes, my Rex is heavily modified with breather block off plates, stage three jet kit, full Tsukigi race exhaust and PM Chicane race rims.
Yes, I have a bias.
What ball powder would you recommend i use when riding this kind of machine 🤔 my good man?
Just got my first bike yesterday, 2018 Fat Bob 114 in denim black, it's a beast. Came with stage 1 tune and bassani 2-to-1 exhaust, she's a hog for sure!
can u review the new honda fireblade
I think of metric bikes like a fighter jet... Harley's are more like 'steampunk' in a way... its all about the engine for me... the torque... even the cars I've had have been torque monsters.... starting with a '74 Pontiac with a big block lol
Try and get a hold of the 1250 custom early
I love harleys regardless of the bad rep that often get. My only issue is the bikes are TOO DAMN EXPENSIVE. $18,000 for this, probably before the stealerships shovel on extra costs, is just out of reach for most people
I've found the "bad rep" is usually repeated from people that don't own a HD that just repeat the stereotypes they've read elsewhere.
Question for anyone who’s pretty much intermediate/Pro in knowledge about used motorcycles. Buying a used 2021 HD Fat Bob with 2,509mi is that a lot for a HD?😮
That mileage is fine. The first service should have been done at 1,000 miles.
An Indian FTR 1200 review would be dope
You think those blinkers are bad. My ironhead sportster has it so you have to actually hold the button on each side for it to blink 🤣 It's impossible to work the throttle or the clutch while indicating a turn.
Suits mat, next step litre bike around a racetrack 😋
How is it for tall riders? (I’m 6’4)
u'll like it. its got forward controls. i'm 5'4" and any cruiser with forward controls is hard to reach.
if you're tall in the torso and arms, and short in the legs, it will be great.
You'll be fine, I have one, I'm 6'1" short torso but 36" inseam. The forwards fit me like mids do for my shorter friends.
Honestly very curious to see if the BMW R18 bike is actually hurting this thing's bottom line
I love the Harley and the big inline BMW K bikes but the R18 feels more ponderous than a Harley touring bike. I tried to like it.
It's not. Ride them back to back. Apples to Oranges.
Some bikes like to "creep" or roll forward to find neutral/first gear
The Diavel does this as well. If I pull in the clutch, put gentle pressure on the foot lever in 2nd while coming to a stop, it will drop right into neutral at about idle speed
@@sesquila this is not that good of a solution for lane splitting in traffic, where you are not in second gear.
@@TheSmokingTire i dont understand why finding neutral is important during lane splitting?
I beg to differ on the price I paid 28,530.00 but then again it's been upgraded to the max before I even saw it
You ride the Indian FTR next.
It is a nice bike.
Anybody using blinkers?
I get mine in neutral on the first or second try.
Maybe it’s just me, but this style turn signal is much more intuitive and easy to use.
what school is it ?
Do people in the US go into neutral at every stop sign?
Cool 😎
Try a street glide
The neutral thing is very much a Harley standard complain. Both my bikes do it, especially when it gets warm from traffic
670lbs??? Where did they stuff all that gravity 🥵
I have one, It's all metal. Very little plastic on it. Even things like the turn signal housing is robust metal, feel like they weigh a pound each. Trim pieces that are plastic on most bikes are metal on Harleys and besides the wheels, there's hardly anything else on it that's aluminum.
It's easier to find n while still rolling into the stop
Agreed! 😉
Can you please do Indian Chief Bobber or a Scout Bobber?
The separate blinker thing is just silly. Complicated for the sake of being different.
It feels easy and comfortable after a bit. I’m fine using the appropriate thumb to indicate.
One button for each hand, SO complicated. I don't like riding bikes without it now. Plus the auto cancel is nice "I'm aware others have that feature".
@@ZombieZim713 honestly the auto-cancel works most of the time. I still thumb the switch to clear it just in case.
Should have sent an FXLRS.
that finding neutral is a problem on sportsters too. i bought a 18' sportster new and the salesman told me overtime it'll be easier to find neutral. 20k miles later and i can say that is NOT TRUE.
the harley rep who picked up the bike kinda sheepishly was like, "yeah, that's a thing. the experienced harley riders always hit neutral at a few miles an hour on the way down to a stop, because it's such a bitch to get into while stopped."
Bring back the Dyna HD
I need to hurry up and get my riders license so I can fulfil my dream of being a road warrior. Bikes are getting too cool and badass not to.
It's a fairly simple test here in Pennsylvania
Just got mine last month. Bikes are definitely cool 😎
Same here dude. Because the state is a dick I have to wait till October to swing a leg over.