2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Review

Photos by: Dustin Woods and Tyson DeSilva

Perhaps overshadowed only by the outrageous custom choppers in the classic film Easy Rider, the iconic Harley-Davidson Fat Boy is among the most memorable motorcycles in pop culture.

Shortly after the Terminator uttered the memorable words, “I need your clothes, your boots, and your motorcycle,” Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character straddled a Fat Boy, donned a pair of dark sunglasses, and rode away into cinematic history.

Much changed since the release of Terminator 2 in 1991, including the Fat Boy. Generally, people who would be inclined to purchase one are looking for the distinctive characteristics for which Harleys are known.

Thankfully, the 2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy retains much of the styling and character that first drew attention when it was introduced. The bike pays a great deal of homage and respect to the past, but it also takes a few steps forward in its execution. While the chrome headlight assembly up front is larger than before, the wide tank with its integrated speedometer and the long, sweeping silhouette are familiar.

A Modernized Machine

Thumbing the starter button awakens the 1,923-cc (117 cu-in) Milwaukee-Eight Custom V-Twin engine and brings along with it a familiar rumble. Swapping out the stock pipes will, of course, further unleash the true glory of that iconic Harley sound. Unlike the Hogs of yesteryear, the more refined rubber-mounted engine doesn’t generate vibrations at idle that will rattle the fillings out of your mouth.

Raising your arms out to grab the thick grips of the wide beach bars with your legs stretched around the wide tank, you can’t help but feel a little like the Terminator yourself.

Many new motorcycles have become overly modernized and overrun with technology, but the Fat Boy doesn’t impede your riding enjoyment with gizmos and screens — simply a five-inch analog speedometer paired with a digital readout for gear position, fuel level, and ride modes. In addition to modern conveniences like the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), cruise control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes (ABS), the Fat Boy has an adjustable rear suspension and pre-programmed riding modes that add a level of comfort and control.

Rolling back the throttle unleashes the 104 hp and 126 lb-ft of torque at as low as 3,000 rpm. That’s an 11 per cent jump in power and a six per cent boost in torque over the previous motor. Continue winding back your wrist and the Fat Boy will pull like a freight train. It has more than enough gusto to ride two-up without issue.

As you approach double digit speeds, the riding position and lack of wind protection predictably become evident but not prohibitive. The throttle, clutch, and gear selector all feel much more refined and precise than before, but they have also retained that familiar substantial Harley feel. There’s a tangible feeling of quality materials with a high level of fit and finish.

Living Up To Its Name

The machined wheels wrapped in 160/60R18 rubber up front and 240/40R18 in the rear offer stability and presence, but not agility. Combined with its hefty 315-kg (694-lb) running weight and large, low floorboards, the Fat Boy’s lean angle is very limited.

It’s important to note what the Fat Boy is rather than what it is not. The heritage heavyweight cruiser is not a long-distance touring bike. Strapping on a windscreen and saddlebags will certainly allow for added comfort and convenience, but the riding position and seat firmness will begin to take their toll after a few hours in the saddle.

Relating the experience in automotive terms, the Fat Boy feels like the modern interpretation of a classic muscle car, much like a contemporary Chevrolet Camaro SS or an SRT-tuned Dodge Challenger. It touts styling cues that are modern yet nostalgic, it sounds great, and goes like a bat out of hell in a straight line. It feels much more refined and precise than previous iterations but still retains the original character for which it became famous. Controls are rudimentary and simple. The Fat Boy doesn’t concern itself with modern features like Bluetooth, lane departure warning, or autonomous braking.

Depending on your riding style, the 18.9-L tank will be good for around 300 km of range, which is plenty of time to spend in the Fat Boy’s scalloped seat. The large floorboards allow for you to adjust your riding position, which assists with posterior fatigue the longer you spend in the saddle. I spent the week piloting the Fat Boy on highways and city streets. When the weekend arrived, I used it to explore the winding roads of cottage country, where I enjoyed the straightaways far more than the curves.

Final Thoughts

Competitors in this segment are limited and very diverse. The Ducati Diavel offers modern exoticism, the Indian Chief and BMW R 18 boast retro-inspired nostalgia, while Triumph’s 2,500-cc (that’s not a typo) Rocket 3 muscle roadster is unlike anything else on the road.

The Fat Boy’s starting MSRP of $27,299 sits mid-pack among its rivals. The 1,802-cc BMW R 18 starts at a very approachable $16,995, while the Indian Chief starts at $18,899, the Triumph Roadster at $27,995, and the Diavel V4 topping the segment at $31,595.

Much more precise and refined than past iterations, the 2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy feels substantial, burly, and brutish. It’s an enthusiastic heavyweight cruiser rather than a nimble canyon carver or relaxed long-distance tourer. If the nostalgic looks, distinctive Harley sound, and commanding presence are more of a priority than sharp lean angles and modern technology, the Fat Boy offers a memorable and enjoyable riding experience.