2018 Harley-Davidson Fatboy (FLFBS) │ First Ride and Detailed Review
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- Detailed "First Look" at the Completely re-designed Softail Fatboy. This will mark the biggest change in the history of this Iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycle. A completely new chassis will all the peripherals to go with it. Matt Laidlaw does the walk-around and test ride with commentary.
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Matt Laidlaw with a keyless entry if you turn on the bike and walk away will it turn off automatically?
No, it doesn't.
Hello Mr. Laidlaw where did you stay at america which is the location how could we find out
Thomas jou no som men hoe whant to sale a fat. Boy or a trike
No problem Matt:)
These guided walkarounds are what I enjoy the most on Matt's channel, maximum drool factor. I don't think this Fat Boy has been praised enough. Too many hasty comparisons on the handling while the lines on this bike are so incredibly beautiful! It's not meant to be nimble, the clue's in the name, it's just one helluva stunning cruiser that continues to exude iconic status. 👍👍
I bought a 2018 Fatboy 114 last year ( vivid black ) . I had my local dealer put Vance and Hines big radius ground pounders on it along with Street Slammer drag bars . Love the bike . lots of power .
Love the statement of people living in the past with Harley’s. I have a 2018 Fatboy and I love it but I have friends that swear that “I’ll never go to a M8. They suck and I’ll keep my FXR or twin cam”. The new bikes are amazing and pretty sick to ride
Yea they are in denial. The new stuff is just better. Plain and simple.
Picked up 2019 114 Fat Bob yesterday. Glendale CA. Traded in my 883 Iron I had for two weeks. Well they tried to talk me into the FAT BOY. Great looking bike but did some research and not for me. I live near Mulholland and ride it all the time with my street bikes. Yamaha and BMW. Sold them. I got the sportster because I thought it would be similar to a street bike small, lane slip etc. Now the FAT BOB. Love this bike It handles like a dream seat is very comfortable. Dream suspension duel front disk breaks inverted shocks. Exhaust is my only thing I don't like and will change to some black slip ons. I'm in break in mode so I didn't open it up. But you can feel the power. The newer 114 there is like no vibration.
I feel like this bike looks way cooler in person than in pictures or video. It's quite awesome looking in person.
At $30K it should.
30k? Way over shootin it man.
yeah and you feel it from across the room. very sweet.
Put a tallboy seat on it, a mini-ape hanger bars, maybe the sissy-bar for a bag option, that would be my bike! I gotta have that 114 motor too, I would also like a smaller windshield option too! WOW! You got some messed up highways there in L.A.!
Man. Front to back, top to bottom, that is one beautiful bike! One of the best looking ones the MoCo has put out in years
The details on this bike are astonishing!
Matt, most people cringe at 28 minute video, however you are incredibly thorough with your bike review. The new Fatboy has been on my mind for sometime now and I thought I knew everything about the bike, but your video has enlightened me to a new level. Thank you and keep up the great work. I only wish you were my local Harley dealer, I would buy one in New York minute.
Love love love love love!!! I just picked one up and I'm in LOVE!! Previously owned a 2017 Slim S. This bike is better in every way! Great job Harley! You guys finally brought the company into the 21st century.
I test rode this bike at my local Harley dealership during their demo day's. I ride a 2016 Harley Davidson low rider it's my first bike and I got it cause my father said it was a nice bike and also my dealer said for a starter bike was more then enough. But if I had the choice of when I bought my low rider and say they had this model year out then for sure I would have bought this Fat Boy hands down. It felt more nimble then my bike,obviously the 114 motor compared to my 103 stock motor was a major difference in terms of acceleration and top speed. I loved every second of my test ride and was literally smiling the whole time of my test ride on it. Thankfully I had a full faced helmet on otherwise would have looked funny with a goofy grin on my face. hehehe
Love your video's Matt.
How did it handle turns? Did you have any issue like he says in the demo? I've ridden bikes with wide rear tires before and don't recall ever having trouble making turns at speed. Although I will say I could feel the bike wanting to straighten up so I had to really hold it in the turn.
On my demo ride the fastest I could take it was up 60 mph. And no real twisties to really test it out on when I did ride it. I made just normal turns like at traffic llghts and stop signs basically but for me I could feel the difference in how it handled compared to my bike. It felt more nimble and even lighter then my bike which is crazy. I personally didn't have any issues with it but then again I couldn't really take any sharp turns to try out that aspect of how it would have handled either.
Never been a big fan of the Fat Boy until this year. That satin chrome is gorgeous. It's the nicest of the new Softails IMHO.
Honest review... I'm waiting for my 2018 Road King to come into the dealer in the next 2 weeks. I'm praying that the HD engineers did their "do diligence" on the M8 engine design enough so that it will be dependable and durable going forward. Nice work boys! I've been waiting for this day for at least 30 years... drive safe everyone.
You'll like the RK. I have a Milwaukee 8. I love it.
The more I see these 2018 bikes the more I love em. They are incredible machines.
I own a 2016 fatboy 110 motor its my second harley and i love it it is the king of the road
Nice video Matt. As always! Looks great...and all details and design is really cool. As a 82nd Airborne Army vet ...I'm digging it:)) Looks tough and ready to go like a freight train. Awesome!
Awesome man. Thank you for your service.
Matt Laidlaw
Good morning Matt... which rides better new fat boy or RK?
Why always mention the Military,i too served 22 years in the British forces,but i do not dwell on the past man it bugs me!!!!
some guys are like that. gets in their heads, they don't know how to shake it....
Scoot Jockey, it has nothing to do with dwelling on the past. US Army vets are proud to have served, for years it was not a cool thing. As an ex-US and British Army (REME) vet I am proud like Remus to have served. Back in my REME days the Brit army got little public support.
Updated Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy FLFB 2018 - 2020 still cool and a very universal bike as its predecessor legendary Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy FLSTF 1990 - 2017. But to be honest i prefer exactly the "old" Fat Boy FLSTF, just love more the "old" Fat Boy FLSTF, i do not know, just he such native, just a wonderful bike. Matt Laidlaw thank you for the interesting review of the updated Fat Boy, this bike really cool.
Great video Matt. While because of the fat tires this bike of course won't handle like say the Fat Bob or Street Bob. Still I believe you might have been a little bit too critical of it's overall handling not to mention the solid road feel & stability this setup delivers. This is one great machine. Can't wait to see the dependability these new Milwaukee 8's have. Personally I feel this is a much better power plant than in previous years. Again awesome video!
Fat Boy, with those huge tyres, is really really marvellous.. thanks bro 😬💪💕
The Fatboy looks better in person. The videos, pics and websites do it no justice. Go by a dealership to look at it. Not my riding style but just a Beautiful motorcycle.
totally agreeee
That satin finish is nice.
Coming 2019! The Fat boy Judgement Day Special Edition!!
Does it come with a 500 bobbed? (only those that shot one will know what I'm talking about)
Always been a Fat Boy fan. I’m doing a demo day in October at one if the Houston dealerships. Glad you mentioned the turning on this, I’ll keep that in mind. Another great video sir.
This is the review I've been waiting for, nice one Matt. I'm having one delivered two days after the official launch in the UK 114 Tempest Black. I loved this model at first sight. Going to launch day looking forward to seeing all the other new models. Cheers
+Andy Lace That's a great color. I've gotten one of those so far. You'll love it my friend. Enjoy.
Matt Laidlaw Thanks for the reply Matt you're doing a great job with the reviews.
Thanks for that honest review. Not a bike for me since I like long trips and cornering. Too bad because I really like the style.
2018 Fat Boy is gorgeous and amazing. You will need to hang on a little tighter with the beefier 114 engine. It's quite the difference in comparison to the 107. In the pacific northwest we have a lot of rainy and steel grated bridges - bike handles no problem. Need to work a little harder to get around the 90 degree turns with the big back tire. I give this bike a 9.75 out of 10!The only bad thing about the bike is the very stupid license plate location!!!! Sticks out like an oversize corn on a big toe. If anyone knows how to get the fender mount holder that's installed on the European models please post!
Excellent Review 👍 my man ,I'm looking to get my first Bike ever an this sings to me , an I'm just a cruiser not a hot dog at all !!!!!
Again thanks for the testride. I love the new softail line-up. The revamped Fat Boy looks super! i still like the old "classic" handlebars better. New headlight is cool !
Would like to hear the new softail streetcannons exhaust on the new softails.
I recently went ahead with, and thoroughly love a new black 114 fat boy. very muscular, still iconic and despite it's heft even a little athletic.
I've said it before and I'll say it again...Never really liked cruisers most of my life, but as you age you begin to open up to certain things you may not of liked in the past. Well, there is a few cruisers I'm really liking and at the top of those bikes would be the Suzuki Boulevard M line up and Harley-Davidson Fatboy. Both bikes are so cool! When it comes to cruisers I tend to lean toward more of what would be called a muscle bike and the Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S and Harley-Davidson Fatboy fit that bill.
Weĺ done Matt. Seldom seen such a good, and detailed Revue of any bike on YT.
I am one of those Dyna freaks that mourns the loss of my favourite HD FXDs. With this revue I am now very much tempted to do a test ride on one of these new Softtails.
Matt, your great video just convinced me a little bit more to buy a 2018 Fatboy 114 here in Berlin, Germany. Thanks a lot!
Cheers
Thilo
Looks super cool in the candy red paint. Love it.!
Matt. Well done once again. It's good that you now address the pillion/passenger seat. My other half has a real beef with HD every time she sees a passenger seat which doesn't really cater for a passenger. She understands that not everyone rides with a passenger, but that doesn't stop her from being critical when one (as in me and many others) pays so much for a new HD but then you have to replace the seat on what is a brand new bike and you shouldn't have to do that.
Great review Matt. Very, very cool bike. I can understand the "Blessing and Curse" dilemma facing Harley Davidson. They have to continually improve/innovate while not alienating their more traditional "Old School" clients. I also found their higher footpegs/floorboards a little more cramped.
+Bobber16 Yup. It's a fine line they have to walk. Hard to appease both crowds.
Thank you for the great review sir. I love this bike and want one so bad. Do you think HD is going to come out with a black out version of this bike? Like they did with the Fatboy s
Maybe in the future. I doubt we will see something like that for at least a couple years
I have a 2004 Fatboy and I love the 2018 styling! I would happily own both, if I could. HD got it right, imo, as far as revamping it's whole softail line. If someone likes the old style, they have 28 model years to choose from! Thanks for addressing the "better, than FXR" frame question. I have my FXR and I'm also starting a new FXR build. So I don't need HD to invent a similar bike! But I need a new reliable bike... family and ride buddies are getting tired of my brakedowns... tempted by the Fatbob 114... but I'm still curious about the future of the Sportster and the possibility of a whole new product... the Dyna crowd won't be satisfied yet... Great honest and informative review! I keep coming back every few days for your videos! Hope to visit soon.
Fantastic video and narration. I’m probably being a bit dramatic, but the bike is just
simply a work of art! Keep up the good work, Matt.
This one and the Breakout both 2018, 114ci are so hot.
You do a great job with these videos, Matt. Always enjoyable and informative to watch.
Thanks !
Just ended up to get a 2018 FB anniversary Blue. I am 6‘4 tall, can i do something to Further Improve seating/riding comfort ?
My dad has a 1990 Fatboy silver with the yellow engine stripes. hes the original owner and ever since i was a kid i wanted a Fatboy. now lets hope Laidlaw has a deal coming up soon so i can trade and get one
For crocodile Dundee I can always work a deal. Come see me.
Can someone tell me the difference between 2018 FLFBS and 2019 FLFBS ? I'm not seeing any changes except paint schemes ! Thank You in advance !
You were getting into the throttle pretty good, I read to keep my 107 under 3500 RPM for the first 500 miles. Great review, sucks the way it turns though. The front light and rear fender is a little funky looking to be on a Fat Boy.
Just bought that same bike ( wicked red ) 114 yesterday . Stump puller ...damn .
Great review and spot on. I have the 107 for over a month and starting to love it more and more. I traded my Street bob and this bike is so comfortable. The back tire takes some getting used to for me and I was concerned about the solid rims being difficult to ride in windy conditions but last night I rode in pretty gusty winds and went over a couple of bridges and It was fine. Which oil would you recommend? Regular Harley oil which it came with or the full synthetic?
I've read alot of good things about Amsoil, may wanna look into it
Wat are those wide rear tyre handling around corners like ?
Just wondering does ut make any difference than old 2007 fatboy
I wish I had the money I would go get a brand new black one right now! Good video.
Great review awesome machine if I ever get rid of my 79 low rider this would be my cruiser bike sitting next to my touring bike great job thanks
+Michael Lomazzo Thanks for watching
Awesome Bike. I love this bike in the Anniversary Legend Denim Blue! Thanks Matt!
"The Anniversary Denim Blue" : is this a Levis collaboration? Which anniversary are we talking about ... the sacking of Eric Buell?
I just bought the Legend Denim Blue Anniversary Fat Boy. It is fantastic.
Nice review Matt, as always. Though eagerly awaiting your review of the 2018 Low Rider. The pick of the new models IMO. Cheers.
Thanks for a great informative review Matt. I learnt a few things - the difference in the monoshock travel with the different models and the dual balancing.
I noticed the heel shifter missing - one thing that I hated when I took a 2016 for a run once (I realise it can be removed). Also I understand that “filled” wheels catch side winds talking with other riders who have experienced this. You didn’t mention either in the review - not a criticism but just an observation.
Glad to hear that the suspension is far better with this new platform- I need to take one for a run.
With the new rear / front tyre dimensions setup not lending itself to good cornering- can you say that this has better handling than the old Fat Boy frame? Basically does the new Softail frame & suspension make up for those wider tyres- or would you say the old is better in this regard??
Thanks for a great review.(BTW I have a 2013 Fat Bob and love it so this would be a second bike).
+samuraidarryl Thank you. The side wind thing with solid wheels is a myth. You’ll be just fine in a cross wind. It is such a small additional amount of drag. The overall handling and characteristics are such that you can ride the new 2018 a lot harder and more aggressive. The new chassis more than makes up for any difficultly putting it into a turn. I’m sure if I rode the bike enough I’d get used to it as well.
Matt Laidlaw thanks for the reply and info. Glad to hear as I really didn’t like the one I rode. Very keen to get on the new one now 👍👍
Good honest review Matt, enjoyed it as always and you're right Harley has to evolve and if that means dropping a few old favourites, so be it. I'm also a former FXRS owner, loved it but I would take one of the new platforms over the FX everyday.
I went riding with my friends who had a Harley and i remember my calf touching the tail pipe by accident and ouch it hurt left no scar but it would never stop me from riding again bikes are so 😎
Wait, is that thing even running, I can't hear it, lol. You know the old saying, if they can't hear you, they wont see you, Vance & Hines please help this poor beast be heard!
+Syd Syko HD has to keep the stock bike under a certain decibel level. Nothing a good set of pipes can't fix.
I know Matt, just saying! Besides, I can't exactly be "that guy" with this bike at 5 AM when I take off for work, like I do with my '01 softail, it's just too damn quiet! (hey I'm performing a legit community service by making sure everybody is awake early and getting ready for work, lol)
Those "loud pipes" may or may not let those within ear shot hear your machine. The amount of distracted drivers on the roadways now days? I'd much rather rely on the application of properly practiced riding skills to save myself from harms way. Sign up for an MSF class that teaches even the seasoned rider skills they may need honing. Nice Vid Matt. Ride Safe!
I love it! My 1st 2 Harley's were and are Fatboy and FatboyLo I just love this new bike did you say you can't put bags on it?
Al
Love that Fat Boy. Great new look and a great vlog. Thanks again Matt.
+Clint Young Thanks Clint.
Great review as always. I like the new Fatboy for the most part except for the 240 rear tire. In my opinion the 200 was plenty of tire, and I hear it costs $350 to replace the 240.
+2hotFL yea the 240 is pricey.
i own the 114 for several months, only thing is: you have to make it lay down to carve a corner. just have to get used to it.
Very good review, Matt. The Fatboy is my favorite HD model, and I'm a little torn about a couple of things on these new bodies, but I'm sure they'll grow on me.
Stage III looks nice on the graph.
if I lived in southern California I'd come round but im a pomme living in south west Australia with a 2017 laguna orange fat bob .
That, you just sold me on That, I was looking at a different bike, but that! How custom is that? who needs a car!
+Steven Queue haha. I didn't have a car for about 5 years. Just ride everyday.
I think the nacelle would look awesome in Black!
What a beautiful bike, matt..that bike really look like a freight train..in a good way..Lol..
Great video, like always..thank you..
Looking forward for breakout video..
I pick mine up tomorrow!
Hi Matt, I am from Europe.
I have been watching different videos on YT of the 2018/2019 Fat Boy numerous times lately, but this video I must have watched a zillion times. March latest this year I am going to buy a new 2019 Fat Boy 107 in wicked red. Your video is really inspiring. I have been to the dealer a couple of times now and never have seen a Fat Boy marked as being sold there. So I was thinking the Fat Boy isn't too popular here and I won't be seeing a lot of them, which I haven't in the past year (haven't seen one actually). Boy was I wrong. The guy at the dealer told me they have sold 9 Fat Boys in December last year. So me being the only one owning this beautiful bike in my region is not the case. That doesn't bother me though. Just looking at the bike is satisfying.
I am also watching your other videos of course (I'm a subscriber), always fun to watch them. Keep them coming.
This was a great review, then the last 6 seconds happened and it became a perfect review, haha!
Love the Fat boy! Nevertheless i think it would be a good second bike! As of now im looking into a Heritage Classic as my main bike. Thanks for the videos! Greetings from Panama 🇵🇦
Such a beautiful bike.
I'd love to see a dark version of this bike! Don't get me wrong I'd have this on a heart beat but if they did a blacked out one I'd struggle to choose.
Much nicer than new Breakout.....new Breakout has to small gastank
I've seen people put the larger tank on the breakout but I agree, front wheel is too big and raked on breakout
Hi there, nice video and beautiful bike. I plan on purchasing a new fatboy but as I understand it they come in at least 3 options _ standard, low and another version I believe. If this is the case for the 2018 plus fatboy could you please explain the difference between them
I ride a BMW K 1600 GT bike. Great bike. Their new B version is one great riding/looking beast. But I've decided on this very same bike as my 2nd bike (in white though). I'll customize it with reduced fenders especially that monstrous rear one when the after market presents them.
One question. HD 2018 catalog page 265 (B) shows 2 Profile Low Rear Suspension mono shock(s) which lowers the bike about 3/4 ". Serial # 54000134 is for the FLHC/FLHCS bike. #54000143 is for the FXFB/FXFBS bike. Why NO Fat Boy FLFB choice? Thanks.
Great work again. I always thought the solid wheels made you more susceptible to crosswinds and therefore harder to control. Your thoughts?
FLHT 2000
ok. Thanks
+bern1228 That's a myth. Cross winds don't severely affect this bike.
Haven't had a problem. I thought so also at first.
Appreciate the input. Thanks.
Saw your new ride Matt..Congratulations!! If I had the money I’d go for the street glide special too but we veterans don’t get paid enough for that, LoL! I’m 5’5” and test rode the 107 Fatboy cause they didn’t have a 114. I really loved it and felt super comfortable with the bike. So much better compared to my 2014 SuperLow 883. My only question to you would be 107 black or black 114 Fatboy?? Do I need to really fork out that $1300 bucks; is it a huge difference!??
Thank you, and thank you for your service. To answer your question, no, the 114 isn't a huge difference. The difference is there especially with roll-on power at higher speeds but the 107 still runs really strong.
i own one. ( i am army). you will always wish you had. my 114 is a true beast. it growls, it roars, and the power is off the leash. give it some gas and you are in the next county. and my last bike was a 2017 night rod.
Great vid as usual Mattl! Do you know if there is or will be fog/passinglights matching the Fat Boy? It would look awesomely massive with two similar but a bit smaller lights both sides of the headlight. How about cruise control?
Btw, it seems at bit hard to turn/handle? How is it in comparison with like a Breakout of yesteryear's with an equally wide rear tire?
Keep the videos coming!!!
+Dark Of Light At this point I don't think there is a passing lamp kit that can be installed on this bike. The cruise control can easily be installed. I have to test ride the breakout but I anticipate it handling about the same.
Wanted one of these for years and I love the new design. Anybody know about wind sheer issues with the new wheels? Are they still as common as the old ones? Everyone I've ever met with a Fatboy has complained about getting caught in a gust and nearly losing it.
Great review Matt, your videos on the new 2018 bikes are the best. When you showed the 115 Anniversary Edition in the pop-up window while you are talking about the sissy bar, I see a swingarm bag mounted on that bike. Is that the older 2017 bag modified to fit the new 2018 model? Cheers.
Hey bro.. kindly tell me that which one is better in riding and comfort between fat bob and boy?? Because they both bikes are very similar so its very hard for me to judging
Very nice, clean, looking bike! I’m not even a Harley guy but this one is special. Too bad it’s overpriced by a good amount. 10 min from Baldwin Park
HEY Matt Im a 5'9 260 pound guy just want to know would i be comfortable on this bike? I like this style of bike over the touring model
Good review, I do like the head lamp cowl (finally they made it look more than scrap pot metal sandwich plates), but still waiting for Harley to do something with the left side of the bike (mainly the primary pan and its ugly clutch pack, but I think the hydraulic clutch pack design sticks out slightly less). Sorry, but the hand grip position looked as if it would be horribly painful after 30 minutes of riding on you, Matt.
In a good old military tradition Harley should have called a Street 500 bike Little Man. Or maybe they are still saving this model name for something even smaller to compete in the Asian markets with all the 125 cc bikes. :)
Is there any word on a HoldFast detatchable Tour-Pak rack for the Fatboy? I'd like to have a detachable bagger-kit using a TP rack and easy brackets for hard bags, but the Fatboy and Breakout appear to be the only two softail models where the TP rack is not available!
A giant single buell type front brake would probably work better and look insanely cool. Redesign the wheel a tiny bit so they look like one piece. Perhaps it would look even cooler if it was wider and without holes in it
NICE REVIEW about FLFBS 114.. ✍️ Thank you
This looks like such a nice bike
They are man. The new softails are badass.
Matt,
As always, great videos and information. Can you do a video on how to clean Fatboy wheels? I can’t find anything worthwhile and I’m sure that you have some great suggestions for us. Keep the videos coming!
Awesome review Matt!!! Can’t wait to get your take on the new Low Rider 2018. I’m thinking of getting it 🤔
+Merifield thank you. That review is coming. Maybe 1-2 weeks.
great review thanks for all the illustration a wonderful bike
Another great video
Thank you Matt 🙏🙏
Very nice bike think the new design of it is growing more and more . Always loved the Fatboy's. Matt have u decided yet on what your next bike will be? anything u are leaning towards?
Yea, I'm really thinking a Street Glide Special. Probably in the Salt Denim. I know - I've kinda been there and done that.
Have to accelerate hard with the Milwaukee Eight to cover up the whine :)
Matt, awesome videos. What's your fave from the new Softail lineup? Mine would be the Fat Boy but I don't want the wide wheels and don't care for modern styled headlight/forks.
Finally Harley Davidson got it right. For the first time I am seriously considering to buy a Harley.
Thanks for a good review. But tell me about those grafs - can you tune this bike to have more than a hundred HP?
Beautiful bike for the category you described Matt. Hope you sell a ton! Good job!
Awesome looking bike. Are there any plans for a follow up model called the little man?
Hi Matt,
I recently test rode this in a demo truck event. My self at 5.10 height ,Its super comfortable in seating position and the seat also has good padding this time. Only concern I had is it does not lean easily in corners because of the fat rear tire.Just curious to know what handle bars are those that comes as stock ? I ride a 2013 sportster 1200 custom. Btw, I watch all your videos and I like them very much. Good work !!
man, I wish we could lane split here in NJ