Canberra HD has Fat Bob 114/Fat Boy/Street Bob’s on demo so I’m booking in to try them out in a fortnight. I reckon I’m going to have the same feelings re: engine but I’m keen to see what these ‘next gen’ HD’s are like. 

Hope I don’t like them too much as that would complicate a couple things!

I couldn’t find anything I liked about the new Fat Bob bar the prospect of a 114 and the forward controls. On looks and static feel only, I liked them over the previous model where I felt they were a couple cm’s too forward for me (cured via thicker soled riding boots). That rear end is garbage and the tank should be on a sporty. I thought there was easily enough space for a bigger tank while complementing it’s lines. WTF is with the headlight. Bah.

Saying all that, as someone who isn’t really a Fat Boy riding sorta bloke, I didn’t mind the look. Seemed like a modern interpretation of a classic to me. I might be on my own but there you are.

I’d be investing in a Radguard or similar to protect the new frame mounted cooling fins.

According to the salesman, customer feedback on looks hasn’t been great but the overall vibe after riding them is very positive. Bit of a reverse for Harley’s hey? We talked about how a large part of HD’s motivation with the new range, esp the Fat Bob, was to attract new riders to the brand. When I asked what’s the strategy to bring these people into the shop ... he looked at me blankly. There isn’t one. For mine, I don’t think relying on one page ads and typically piss poor journo reviews will do it. 

Anyways, booked into to ride some next week.