2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob (FXFBS)│Test Ride and Detailed Review│First Ride on new 2018 Chassis
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- Опубліковано 15 жов 2024
- In-Depth Test Ride and review performed by Matt Laidlaw. Get a First Look at this new 2018 Softail Chassis on the completely redesigned Fat Bob. The Fat Bob has all the features suggesting it's the front-runner for the best performing bike out of the 8 new softails launched with the 2018 model year.
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Matt Laidlaw hey mat can you sell to export , im very interested in this one but in my country we don’t have a harley dealer
Huh? Your family owns that Harley dealership and your on patreon?
Aaron O'Rourke Matt I’m really thinking about this bike but the headlight is bothering me. I actually like it a lot but I don’t love it. I saw the video of a headlight conversion to a “club” style front end and round headlamp. Do you guys install these at the dealer or are they able to be ordered through you guys? It’s what made my consider and like the FatBob. I was really on the fence about. Low Rider S but with the amount of mods I’d end up doing to a Low rider S it seems like the Fatbob is already setup for all of that.
@@14880evilmonkey Exactly. Bit cheeky to ask people to donate money for what is essentially a channel promoting their dealership and bikes. Go ask Harley for some money!
Let me tell you guys about Matt.I walked into Laidlaws a month ago to buy some items. I saw Matt in his office. I figured he would be too busy to bother. I was wrong, i told him im a fan of his videos and we talked for almost an hour about motorcycles etc. Matt is straight up a nice guy and appreciates all his subscriber's
akata69 Thanks man.
I rode one (Fat Bob) last Sunday just like the one in this video. Industrial Gray with 114 c.i. I have owned many Harleys in my life. I currently ride a 2017 Road King daily and also own and ride a 2016 Breakout and a 2015 Freewheeler. I can say without hesitation the 2018 Fat Bob 114 is THE BEST Harley I have ever ridden...period end of sentence! The power, the tightness, the handling, the smoothness...so much better than any other Harley. I am definitely getting one!! I would love to purchase from you guys but live in Vegas. The boys at Henderson Harley have always been good to me and are getting me one in Vivid Black with 114 M8. As always thanks for the great video!!
Wow, amazing feedback/observation from a current '17 Road King owner...my current ride, '14 Limited is about to become history either this year or next...looking to go back to the softail line as my first HD was an '03 Heritage STC...The shear weight of the touring bike is taking a toll on my 150lbs 5'8" body frame and I need a lighter bike....so my two choices are Heritage STC or Fat Boy both in the 114ci displacement...choices...
sharkzf6 Just sold a CVO RoadGlide to a guy from Vegas. Thanks for the comment.
My wife wants to trade her 2017 Breakout stage 5 in for a 2018 Breakout 114ci :( i wanted her to get the Fat Bob 114 !!
The question is, does the 114 M8 sound like a Harley? So different sound than the awesome twincam, and almost identical to Japanese v-twins.
At least for me the new ones aren't of my taste (I want to find a 2017 deluxe and put samsons on it, the new one with LEDs and digital gauge is so weird). And everything you said about the fat bob reminds me my previous Ducati. Anyway, Harley changes and good for you if you like it but I get the feeling they might lose some hardcore oldschool fans while trying to appeal to other markets. At least they could keep some old models and 103 engines. Just my 2 cents
Mojo Wow... lot's of animosity... something you want to come out about?
The headlight and the exhaust looks fantastic.
Matt, you produce the best videos. You are fair and balanced with your opinions. I recently purchased the 18 Fat Bob with the 114. This is my 10th Harley I have owned over the last 30 years. This Fat Bob out performs any other bike I have owned. My last bike was a 2014 Street Glide. The Fab Bob with the new softail frame handles potholes, uneven pavement, and ruts in the roadway better than my Street Glide. Everywhere I ride my new Fat Bob it turns heads. I have had more compliments on my Fat Bob in 4 weeks than I had in 4 years with my Street Glide. I have had Dyna”s in the past. Trust me, you won’t miss it after riding the new softail frame. Those of you with a bad back or neck, the new softail is for you!
Nice bike, but may not be able to bring bike onto many college campuses, due to "Fat" naming label. Perhaps rename "Stout Bob" or "Slow Metabolism Bob"...
LOL I just spat my coffee out
Beautiful at every size bob.
dbradley3 chubby Bob?
Voluptous Bob?
Phat Bob?
Size-challenged Bob?
dbradley3 Big boned Bob.
When I first saw this bike I was instantly in love. The Fat Bob was already my favorite Harley, but this one is even better. I'll look into getting a used one in like 5 years when it's more affordable...
Despite the majority of naysayers and dislike in the direction this is all pointing towards, I'm in the minority but I really like it. Looks cool, and nothing wrong with metric. I could part with my GSA for this. Great work as always Matt, cheers!
Thank you! I've been waiting for the official Matt Laidlaw rundown on the new fat bob!
Maxwell Actual, it ain't official until it's been Laidlaw'd
I traded my lowrider s in for a new fat bob and after a day to get use to it i won't go back. I took it up to the local sort bike road it handles great and is fast. It could use a 120 tire up front for qicker turning and mid sets for playing with the sport bike guys. But it's a blast the way it is.
Hi Matt. I am 5'4" and about 140 pounds. Took the Fat Bob and Fat Boy out on Demo Day. Both 114. Thought the Bob was Sportier. Just barely reached the pedals. The 114 has the Wider Transmission. Had to scoot up to the tank. I ride a 15 XG750. That can't seem to stay out of my dealers shop. When I took the Fat Boy out I was able to 1/2 throttle it. Never knew anything that big and heavy could move like that. Fat Boy had the suspension set on "Marshmallow" and floated all over the road. One thing I did not like about the Fat Bob, The small Speedometer. I prefer having 2 gauges.
First of all, I have watched several of Matt's bike reviews and have always found him to be honest and objective. When you read or watch a review that does not do anything but complain and criticize a Harley Davidson, that's not objective, it's just an opportunity for people who don't like Harley Davidson's to make inaccurate, biased, and obnoxious comments. There is no such thing as having any motorcycle be everything to everyone,regardless of brand. If you ride a sports bike, you are going to give up ride quality and long distance capability. I don't want to speak for Harley Davidson but I think the idea of producing a bike like the Fat Bob is to increase performance while maintaining cruiser aesthetics. This was the idea behind the VROD, except to an even higher degree. As a side note, the VROD was my favorite model and am disappointed it will no longer be produced. Which is why I can understand why people are upset about the demise of the Dyna family of Harley Davidson motorcycles. On the other hand, I think people should listen to Matt and at least ride these bikes before writing them off. After watching several Harley Davidson investor relation videos and financial quarterly result presentations, they mentioned they are going to produce one hundred high impact motorcycles over the next ten years. I wasn't sure what that meant, now I do and think it's a positive move, it will keep Harley Davidson's leadership position in the motorcycle industry and grow it. This new lineup, the introduction of the Milwaukee eight engine last year, the mount Rushmore project of 2014, and on many other occasions before this, provides additional proof that Harley Davidson is a very customer service oriented company and consistently keeps the pulse on what people want out of their products, it also debunks the false notion that Harley Davidson's are outdated. Instead of always bitching and moaning, I think Harley Davidson should be commended for their ongoing efforts to build premium products.
+lawrence kauderer Thank you for your comment. 👍🏻
I’ve never owned a Harley. Been blessed to have owned a lot of bikes in my life, turning 71 next month. Have raced super sport bikes on road course and dirt bikes growing up. Recently had an opportunity to ride a 2019 Fat Bob with a phase II cam and after market exhaust. Had a lot of torque and quick. Am seriously thinking about bringing this home this week. I always said I would buy a Harley when I got old. I’ve given up on the old part.
The new bikes are nice but seem priced a little high for the average Joe.
CreedX360 yeah but alteast your paying for a modern bike and not just the brand
Thanks Matt for your help! Picked a 107 in Denim White Saturday at T-Town in Al and put 350mi on it today. Have owned two Vrods that I put over 100,000 miles on and the FB has a very familiar feel but much better handling and it loves to rev! Ride hard or stay home😎
Matt, thanks for the fair and extended review. It probably works better for your height but I don't understand a performance bike with forward controls. It seems like a confused concept.
Excellent review as always Matt, appreciate how much time these take. I will say, this bike is the only 2018 that I honestly like and would buy but two things will likely keep me from doing that. First and most important for me is the pegs, I have been riding for 37 years and have never ridden with forward controls and it looks like this bike does not have the capability of adding true mids, is that correct? The second issue for me is price, it just seems to be too expensive for what it is and if they want to get new younger riders in the fold these prices are possibly a problem. Anyway great video and keep up the great work
That was a comprehensive review, thumbs up! one question - are forward controls comfortable for aggressive riding?
p.s. Matt, I am waiting for your opinion about low rider, planning to purchase the one soon, need to choose between LR and slim.
this is the best Fat Bob of all time. An amazing bike, looks muscled and dark without losing the Harley Feel. Great review!
Nice review. I just can't get my head around the new styling. Each to their own I guess, I just prefer the traditional look.
Matt, I think you will be surprised with the ride of the Fat Boy.
Just got done with demo rides at the Milwaukee Rally. The Fat Boy handles superbly. It is the bike that I am going to replace my CVO Breakout. Fat Bob is number 2, then Deluxe being 3 for me.
From the presentation, the forks are standard cartridge not dual bending valve. Not that that's good or bad, but probably cheaper than developing DBV internals for the only bike with inverted forks.
Really dig this one, but would love to see them give more standard 17-19" wheel options. I have a feeling that those low volume tires are going to cost a small fortune.
I thought the seat with the gel padding was really comfortable, especially for a stock saddle. Can't speak for the passenger pad, though it felt like it had the gel, as well. This is my favorite new model! Love the originality.
Just got the 114. Love it thus far but wife too excited about the seat, as you pointed out. Looking at the Corbin aftermarket vs HD's Sundowner. Any real world opinions out there on this?
I test rode the Fat Bob and Heritage at my dealer last weekend during a release event. A lot of people complain about the new looks(myself included) but that disappears when you ride them. Definitely night and day difference over prior softail in terms of the ride. Harley definitely put more thought into the ride than the look, which is the point I guess. The Fat Bob kind of reminds me of a Suzuki Bandit in overall handling. Not a real sportbike but in-between cruiser and sport. I think the only question is, will the target audience be able to afford the price tag on the Fat Bob?
The only reviews I trust online! Thanks Matt for the detailed explanation!
The new seats on the softdynas look nicer than the stocks from previous years. Should check them out. Probably won't add too many miles but it is nice that it is a bit of an upgrade maybe?
+joojr2779 Yea, I feel like the seats are better.
Another great review Matt, thanks for the honesty throughout man! Do you feel like the new Street Bob is better suited to distance riding than the new Fat Bob? Thanks brother
So, Matt did a review of the 2017 in which he commented that it was the most underappreciated Harley Davidson (or maybe it was just the must underappreciated Dyna). Now it seems that this has suddenly become one of the hottest bikes for 2018. You're ahead of the curve Matt!
I was planning to buy a Low Rider S in 2018, but that doesn't look like an option. I'm still hoping for a mid-model year release of a Low Rider S. Second on the list was the Fat Bob. Now they've cut the tank down to 3.6 gallons. Maybe that's big enough, but rural riding doesn't often have too many opportunities for fuel. Decisions... decisions.
hands down the best reviews on youtube, great job matt and thanks for posting, for ppl looking to get into harleys; your reviews help a lot!!
I couldn't understand why so many people were upset about the frame upgrade. Harley didn't KILL OFF the Dyna line, they upgraded the frame/chassis and used it for both lines. The Fat Bob, Lowrider, and Street Bob ARE still being made. The only bike that was killed in the Dyna line was the Wide Glide. Maybe next year we will see the 114 motor in the Lowrider! With the new, 90 percent, stiffer frame, that would be an amazing bike.
Good video. I was all set to get a Low Rider S but now based on the new 2018 Fat Bob info I am on the fence. I rode a 1974 FXE in 1974..1975...currently on dirt bikes getting back into it. Great videos. You have provided hours of excellent information.
Awsome review, really like the bike. Do you think the extra investment for the 114 is worth it comparing it to the 107?
I need your help Matt lol. I’m very undecided on which fat bob. I honestly like the looks of the dyna fat bob but the features of the new one. I really respect your opinion so I thought I would ask. In your opinion, which model do you think handles best on the interstate? I think that would mainly be the deciding factor for me. Thanks.
I rode the 114 fatbob yesterday - there is no comparison with a dyna to this bike , I had a 2006 fully customised street Bob , this new bike out performs it in every way , more power , handling is way better , the suspension soaks up the bumps in a way I've never seen on a Harley before , this bike is on a different level , with a set of end cans on this I'd say it will sound real good , even on the stock exhaust it has a nice growl to it when revved up & this bike is powerful real good performance
+montha123 I couldn’t agree more. This bike really is next level HD
This is one "SWEET" ride! I went for a test ride the other day on this exact bike and if I were in the market for a new Harley this would be it! Thanks Matt for a honest review, keep up the good work!
What's Up Matt?! I've wanted a Harley all my life (dirt bike rider here). Decided it's time. Have watched all your videos over the last couple of months trying to decide which bike to get. Month ago I narrowed it down to the 2017 Softail Slim and the Dyna Low Rider (tested both and actually loved the feel of the Slim a Lot, but wanted to be able to ride two-up comfortably and ride a bit more aggressively than the Slim allows). Was about to pull the trigger on the Dyna when Harley decided to take the best parts of both bikes and create The Softail Low Rider! Awesome! I'm test riding a Bonneville Salt Low Rider in a couple of weeks. If I love it, I'm buyin it. Would love to watch your breakdown of the 2018 Softail Low Rider before I pull the trigger. Thanks for your videos man!
Also, what kind of helmet do you have? It's sweet.
Looking forward to your reviews of the Lowrider, Deluxe and Fat Boy Matt!
Please don't forget 3rd person shots to see how you sit on the bike. I'm 6ft3 so always interested in that.
One bit of info I missed in this vid is how you think the new chassis compares to the Dyna chassis, not only the old softail chassis. Is the new Lowrider that much better than the 2017 Lowrider S with its standard upgraded suspension for example?
Matt your the best bro! So informative, and professional. I'm a new rider on my GF YT account and your content has made both of us want to ride HD motorcycles, keep it up!
Glad I could motivate you man
Hi Matt, great vid as always. You had added the view of the rider on the bike to previous vids and it's missing from this one, shame as that is really useful, do you have footage of that?
Hey Matt coming at ya from Washington State, snow on the ground here means riding season is over, and your videos are helping me get through these dark times! I purchased My 2018 Fat Bob a few weeks after they came out , but only was able to ride for about a month before it had to be put away, I've rewatched this video several times just to see that view while I wait for Spring! Keep up the great videos and content!
Hey Matt how do you feel about the lack of a front fairing at highway speeds?
Great review Matt! I love the look of this bike! But my next one will be the Road Glide Special hopefully next Spring? I was noticing the big grill in front of this bike is it just oil cooled or is it water cooled? Thanks for the video and Ride Safe!
i purchased my 2018 black fxlr im 5'11 yes im waiting for forward controls love the handling put a sundowner on it very comfortable lifts you off pegs a little
Hi Matt, another great review.
I have a couple questions about the specifications that you discussed.
1.) Did you find out if the Fat Bob has a different cam that results in the maximum torque occurring at 3500 RPM instead of 3000 for the other two bikes you were comparing? F.Y.I., the information about torque is no longer shown on the Harley Davidson website.
2.) The trail for the Fat Bob appears to be greater than the Fat Boy. Can you confirm that the trail numbers shown are correct?
+Joe Glenn I haven't done additional research on the cam at this point. I can't confirm the trail numbers either. If i were to guess I would say the FatBob trail is shorter than the Fatboy. I haven't measured it so I can't confirm that either.
Thanks for the reply Matt. I visited my local HD dealer on Saturday. They were very down-to-earth AND willing to let me take any of the bikes on their showroom on a test ride. it was almost closing time, so I told them I'd be back next weekend. I'm leaning toward the Fat Bob. It was my no. 2 choice in a Harley Davidson before they killed the Low Rider S. I may still hold off for 6 months or a year to see if the Low Rider S makes a return.
My dealer has several 2017 Fat Bobs. They've already told me they could make a very good deal on one of those. I'm a fan of engines that can keep cool so the oil cooled heads on the Milwaukee 8 motor has me leaning that way. I plan on keeping whatever I buy next for a long time, so a little extra up font spending to get what I want is better than wanting to trade/upgrade in a couple years. Decisions...decisions.
Your videos really help a lot. I'm 6' 6'' & about 210 lbs. I'm looking forward to your 2018 Heritage Classic review. My last Harley was a 2011 Road Glide. I have no clue which direction I'm going next. Thanks for the videos!!
+jim jim you're about my size. I'll review the Heritage but I think you'll still want to stay with the touring chassis. Maybe not though
I'm looking forward to it. I know at our height the choices are limited. Thanks!
Great review. This is the Harley I've been waiting for as a second bike. I love my Ultra, but sometimes you just want something light that performs. The old dynas and soft tails all scraped way to fast. Can't wait to ride it!
Great video as always Matt. Is it just me or were you a lil crammed on the bike? It may have just been the angle. I'm 6'2" and on the 2017 I was stretched out comfortably. It looks to me like the forward controls aren't as far forward as the previous year. If you could set me straight it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you sir.
Yo Matt! Got back from the HD Factory in York, saw all the new bikes plus some sick CVO's. All I can say is if I was proud of being a Harley owner before I'm even prouder now. Your videos are an inspiration!!! And the new Fat Bob is a monster, I hear they are selling out as soon as the dealers get them!!!
You should really do a review with a passenger that would really help and also do the 2018 break out next and compare witch one you prefer this one or the break out thanks and awesome video
Really great reviee. When these were released I did not like. But now, this Harley line seems quite improved. I have a Yamaha Bolt and I think I'll give Harley a closer lookfor my next bike.
Going to test ride a Fat Bob this weekend looking forward to it thank you mad for another great video take care you definitely touch all the bases when it comes to motorcycles
Hey Matt, thanks as always. You said the cam in the Fat Bob is different to the one in Fat Boy (two of the best looking bikes in the new Softail range imho). After riding both 114, I would like to hear your thoughts on comparing touring M8 107 with Stage 3 (114) vs factory 114 please. I am particularly interested low end torque. Specifically, effortless or stronger take off from a set of lights, two-up with luggage when touring. I have tried the 107 and I had to rev extra 500rpm to get it going... which is not the end of the world but...
Also, do you think MoCo will release a new frame for the touring range? Lighter aluminium alloy frame? Touring bikes 'got the love' in 2017 with M8. 2018MY is for Softail. Maybe next year (2019 MY) touring bikes might get some of the new improvements? Factory 114ci, lighter frame, better lean angle, etc., While I am rattling off a wish list, maybe a hydraulic clutch that engages little earlier would be nice.
BTW, my wife and I will be touring Southwest in September for 3 weeks. At the moment, when we ride back from Santa Fe NM, we are planning to go straight down i40 through Barstow, Bakersfield and head up 101 to San Francisco. But if we get closer to LA, love to drop by your dealer and say hello.
Good video. You come over as very honest. I do have a question, though. I am really interested in a new 114 Fat Bob, but I have read about several of these new engines giving problems, some serious. Is that a thing of the past? Regards, Nick.
The headlight looks like an adapted scuba diving mask......was Lloyd Bridges on the design team...??
Thanks Matt. Was looking forward to you kicking off on the new 2018's. Initial photos of the release had me doubting on the new look. Still not sold on the bobbed rear guard on the FatBob... Stinging for your test on the 2018 FatBoy though. Its a shame about the Cali emissions. I would love to hear a new M8 with free'er breathing pipes... Keep 'em coming, Bro!
Matt, my salesman said that no discounts would be allowed this year, that any dealer found selling new bikes under list would be ... dissmised. Is that true?
S Defiel That's complete and utter BS. I got mine for 2k off list one month after they were released.
As always great work on the review, you've become my main staple for HD insight. I was just wondering about 114 motor option on some of the new softtails. Wouldn't it have been a logical step to put the 114 as standard on the touring models, or at least as an option? Also given the fact that the CVO tourers have been upped to 119. Doesn't really make sense to me. Love to hear your thoughts.
It was between this or a 2018 Super Duke 1290r. Did not mind the horsepower a lot less on the Harley but still too heavy. Also, the Super Duke had the TFT dash, IMU, Stability control, fully adjustable suspension, cornering traction control and cornering ABS. I went with the Super Duke
I really appreciated the previous model of Fat Bob, but I'm excited by the new version, and can't wait to try one out. I want to see how it's handling compares to my FXRS-SP.
I'm competely agree with you, any Dyna or even my 88ci Electra Police would be nothing compare to my 93' FXRS Convertible. Harley did a stunning innovation on this 2018 lineup. i'm curious on this Fatbob.
It looks amazing in person and I'm waiting for our local dealer to get a demo bike. Hopefully soon.
This is definitely the youtube's best video about the new FatBob, ty for this!
The mustang seat is the ticket ! You can cruse across the country then .i am
Thinking of adding a 5 gallon tank to my 2023. Why not and some anchor points for the forks to carry extra fuel . Lol fat bob with the mustang seat with back rest is like sitting in my recliner at 85 on cruise control. It’s amazing what a seat and a few foot peg upgrades can do .
One thing Matt i would like a seat to give me about 2" more room and can't find one from Harley are they in the works. Thanks
I was sad about dynas for about 10 minutes but dam this new fat bob has grown on me, think ive found my next bike
Matt, Just wanted to say thank you for your videos and the quality by which you objectively review. I have always been a sport bike rider (Kawasaki EX500, ninja 636, ninja 650, Susuki GSXR 600, GSXR 750, Honda F4, Honda F4i) and I was excited by the street rod 750 until I got to sit on it and found my knees well above the tank (34" inseam). And then 2018 came, and after hearing your comments on the 2017 fat bob and now the 2018 fat bob, I went to a demo day for HD last weekend. the roadster 1200 handled nice but the engine was anemic and my hips HATED the foot position. then, I tried the 2018 fatbob 107, i had ridden a Japanese cruiser once and hated it, it just felt wrong to my sport bike body. i cant really ride sport bikes anymore due to bad knees and tight rider triangles designed for 5'5" Asian dudes. the 2018 fatbob is NOT a cruiser, AND I LOVED every second riding one. i officially like a Harley Davidson, and i was born and raised just outside Milwaukee WI, lol. I like the styling as a cross between a HD and a Ducati, it felt light despite looking heavy, the brakes were cherry, the steering was natural and responsive, the seat comfy yet supportive, the semi-mid/eased forward controls didn't make me feel stretched out and allowed enough leverage to counter steer by pressing a foot down. the smaller tank allowed for easy access to the brake and the shifter (i found the 5 gallon tank on the 2017 pushed my knees out too far to easily use the foot controls). the clutch was light and smooth with a good engagement zone. fueling was crisp and smooth. engine brakes smooth, down shifts were peach. i had to get used to the motor liking a bit of clutch delay on upshifts. that suspension felt awesome on a second spin with the preload turned up. just one mans opinion, but HD engineering and marketing deserve a round of applause, they made a fine motorcycle and this sport bike rider may very well end up owning one.
Nicodemus Great summary. I came off a EX500 to the 114 Fat Bob and love the bike!
I’m planning on upgrading from my iron to the fatbob this weekend and I can’t decide if I want to go with the 107 or 114!
You’ll love the bike. Both engines sizes are good. Good luck.
Matt Laidlaw Thanks! I think you’re right Matt I’m excited either way!
Keep up the good work with the videos I watched all of your 2018 reviews I like that you give so much detail on each bike.
Good video man. I've been thinkin bout finally picking up my first Harley and I think this is the one. When I do, I'll head over to your shop brotha. Thanks for the video man.
a lot of people complaining but HD has to evolve.
Not really, they just have to evolve technology wise but not design
I like this bike a lot. Can't wait till Saturday to take one for a test ride. This thing would look sweet with carbon fiber slipons. T-bars??? Not a big fan of drag bars. How about a mid controls as an option??
Neo Smith can't with the stock exhaust. You'd have to change out the exhaust.
How tall should be a guy to ride this bike, Mr Matt? I'm kind of small... 1,73m tall... I think it means 5'8" tall, right? Is it equal the 2017 model?
I am your height and I had the previous generation and I had no issues riding. The new one should even be better.
This is actually a great looking bike. Harley makes heavy ugly bikes in my opinion, outside of the V-Rod and Super Glide, but that is just my thoughts, so that should not make it true to anyone else. I am also glad to see that this bike is liquid cooled, which means it may actually not breakdown like most Harley's seem to do for us that ride more frequently. I am going to wait a couple years to see if this bike has mechanical problems like Harley's usually do and if not, I will get one. If it does, I'll just get that V-Rod I was looking at. This bike should have mid-controls though if they view this as a performance bike. Forward controls are never ideal for performance and cornering. You hit it out of the park with the looks on this bike HD Motorcycles.
All right...I'm here one month later, i have test rode the 114ci fat bob in hd Granada (Spain) about 40km...and now i can't get the bike out of my head...superb...i was more interested in the street bob or low rider now the fat bob comes in to the equation too
+Sr. D The Fatbob is just a bad machine. It's by far my favorite in the Softail lineup.
Thank You for another great review and demo ride Matt. Enjoyed your coverage of the 2018 models at the dealership reveal. A real privilege to allow us to be " a fly on the wall", at that function!. Looking forward to your upcoming vlogs on the new HD models.Safe Travels.
It looks good. There aren't other bikes that look like that and it's bulky style is aesthetically pleasing.
Matt excellent video as usual. I realise it's still very early days but what seems to be the buzz from customers and yourselves on the new softails? You Tube seems loaded with Fat Bob tests and hardly anything else yet. I love the Slim and Heritage but both seem to have lost some character in the redesign
octanefreeride I'll be doing a reviews on all the softails. I think people are just especially excited about the Fatbob because it's the highest performing, most unique of all the bikes. Plus I think every dealer got atleast one of these initially. So there are a lot of these bikes out there at this point.
Matt Laidlaw thanks as usual. Looking forward to the whole set
Getting my car paid off next month seriously considering getting a new fat Bob thanks for your videos
Can you change the copper color exhaust cover on the Fat Bob? It kind of ruins the look in my opinion..nice detailed video as always!
white 114, stage 4 , carbon fiber wheels with ceramic bearings and discs coming soon, Lord willing.
Nice video Matt, thanks. Just want to say I am a happy owner of a FatBob 114 after owning a Heritage since 2005. I found that while my Heritage was comfy for the long haul, so is my new FatBob. I put the low profile smoked windscreen on it and that made a massive difference to my comfort level. Even a relatively mild wind can fatigue you and cause much discomfort. So for the long haul, a windscreen really boosts the comfort level. I will be riding my FatBob on many long hauls and think it will do just fine for touring. :)
I own a 18 freewheeler and a 17 streetglide and the fat bob will be my next Harley I want one so bad... this is a great review btw
I really dig the new fatbob. If I had the cash I would have gone with that over my iron 1200. I love the sportster though. It sounds so good and it is a vast improvement over the 07 sportster I had
Fat Bob is one of my favorite HDs for looks. Love the look. 👍🏽
i noticed when you stopped, you were placing your hands over heads and pipes . Did you find too much heat on your right thigh? Noticed one review of rider saying his 500 mile trip , that was his complaint.
Matt, great vid man. Bike looks great... test riding one this Saturday. Question: you've rode the 17 LRS and now the 18 Fat Bob 114. (Arguably both years "performance" bikes) if you had to buy one- which one and why. Just would love your input.
Tommy K I'd buy the 2018 Fatbob. Mostly because the frame is so much better and the Milwaukee 8 engine is better.
Thanks Matt. That's the way I'm leaning. I've got a Sportster 48 and love the wider tire "feel" on the road. I've always wanted a Low Rider, but this 114 engine and the lighter / stiffer frame has got me thinking. Love it in Flat Black w/ Black Screaming Eagle Slip Ons. Thanks for the reply man. Keep those great vids coming!
Thanx for the test. I love the new Softails. Question : is there a back-up way to start the bike if the keyless system has a flat battery? The old system lets you overrule the security via personal code, i hope the new ones have a similar system.
Alain De Pauw you know, I haven't personally messed with the over ride code on these 2018's yet. I'm sure they have a similar system as the old bikes to disable the security with a 5 digit pin. I'll discuss this in future videos. Thank you for the question
Thanks ! Harley security system is standard on all european bikes for years now. But a lot of riders don't read the manual...and don't know what to do when the battery on the fob runs out. Love the channel!
The only problem with this bike is the paint finish choices. I'm old school and love glossy finish, but most of the colour choices are matt finish. The vivid black looks like the only choice for a fan of glossy. What a gorgeous bike though.
I would like to see you guys do a build on one of these. This bike is growing on me. A 2 into 1 exhaust and some 10 inch t bars would be epic.
We have one coming soon.
Matt Laidlaw Thanks Matt! Looking forward to it.
Hey Matt, have you test all the 18 models? Which one would you perfer? The street bob, fat boy, fat bob or the breakout?
+Cipped I haven't ridden them
All enough. I will be riding them all and doing full reviews. I think the answer to the question is going to be dependent on you and your riding preferences.
Awesome review!!! Do a Street Bob one as well !
George Michael it's coming my friend. Probably 2-3 weeks.
I saw in another video some other Harley dealer put mid controls on the new softail fatbob. Can same be said about Laidlaw's Harley Davidson.
Are the inverted forks fully adjustable? Rebound Compression and Pre Load/Sag? How about steering damper? The brembo breaks like on the baggers would have been a nice up grade. Is the bike balanced now or like all Harley's let go of the handle bars and it pulls to the left don't know why they cant fix this. Harley says you should never let go of the handle bars then why did they put a touch screen Info on the bike? They were speechless.
Matt Laidlaw what have you heard for real world fuel mileage on the 18s. I'm loven some of the bike but that 3.5 gallon tank is small. And the ones with 5 gallon tanks just aren't as nice. Thank you
Hi there...so I've been a Yamaha guy for like the last 30 years, but I've gotten the itch to step up to a Harley. My local dealer has the Fat Bob with a 107 in white, and I am liking it a lot. I'm not sure if i should hold out for the 114 with ABS. Any suggestions? I subbed! Thanks for the video!
Thanks brother. The difference in power from the 107 to the 114 isn’t as dramatic as some people might think. However for 1,800 bucks it’s worth the money. It depends on your riding preferences. If you do a lot of hwy speed stuff I might lean you towards the 114. It has a better 60-90 mph. Resell is good to be a lot easier on the 114. ABS I would get if the road conditions where you live aren’t the most ideal. For CA with our weather one might argue that you Don’t need it. The ABS is never really a bad thing though, it helped me yesterday when I pulled off on a dirt road. The front wheel started to lock up and the abs kicked in and helped me keep the bike upright. If the dealer is working you an incredible deal and you take everything else into consideration then i wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger.
@@MattLaidlaw Thank you for weighing in...I do appreciate your input, as one who knows. I'm just debating if I want to make the jump from Team Yamaha because I have been happy riding them. I have a few months to think about it--snow is on the roads here in N.E. Nevada. Anyway, thank you again.
Hello Matt, Thanks for your advise last week. After watching your video I am reconsidering and instead of getting the second hand Vrod 2003, I will go for a Softail Dyna Fat Bob 2018.
Keep the good work with your videos.
Best regards from London
Francisco
nice review on this one matt. they are going for the younger market on this build here. may have a good seller, time will tell!
Thanks Matt
I have a couple of questions
First does this bike water cooled or is that a oil cooler
Second are the front suspension adjustable
Third is that a two piece seat??
Lastly where they put the horn
Not water cooled. Oil Cooled. No, front suspension is not adjustable. The seat is two piece. Horn is above the oil cooler up by the neck of the frame.
Cool
Thanks
It would be nice in your videos to see someone sitting on the bike to show the ergonomics of it. As for it not being a long distance bike the 3.5 gallon tank makes sure of that. I have a 2004 Night Train with a 5 gallon tank, I’m reluctant to trade in for a new bike as this is one of the reasons. My NT still runs great and I bet it’s even more uncomfortable than this Fat Bob. Especially the Iron 48 which is an awesome bike but a 2.5 gallon tank??? What’s going on Harley? I’m in South Florida but love watching your videos.
Do you recommend it for a 6’6” man? Very nice review👏🏼
Great video Matt. I'm looking forward to one on the Heritage. I owned a '13 Heritage, and I'm debating between that and a Road King, I'm a big guy and I sit well on my current Heritage, but I'm considering a RK based in part on what you have mentioned in the past concerning big men and bikes. However if the new Heritage is the same size as the old ones, but with the vast improvments I may just be happy getting a new Heritage and skipping the Road King. Decisions, decisions.
Please do a Street Bob video. Thanks for the great videos man!
The only thing I'm not a fan of is the exhaust but that so happens to be one of the easiest things to switch out! Safe to say I'm a huge fan of this bike and I hope to get one soon. Great video as always! Keep it up :)
Since the cat is in the mufflers now it should be as easy as putting on new open endpipes, no? Would also be less expensive than on the previous models where you had to buy a whole new exhaust.