2018 Harley-Davidson Fatboy (FLFBS) │ First Ride and Detailed Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ย. 2017
- 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.
www.laidlawsharley.com
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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. 👍👍
The details on this bike are astonishing!
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 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.
The more I see these 2018 bikes the more I love em. They are incredible machines.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
You do a great job with these videos, Matt. Always enjoyable and informative to watch.
Thanks !
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
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.
Looks super cool in the candy red paint. Love it.!
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.
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.
Love that Fat Boy. Great new look and a great vlog. Thanks again Matt.
+Clint Young Thanks Clint.
great review thanks for all the illustration a wonderful bike
I enjoy watching your reviews man. So professional.
+Rassane Lasso Thank you!
Excellent video and review (as always). Thank you!
+Warren Beers Thank you
Fat Boy, with those huge tyres, is really really marvellous.. thanks bro 😬💪💕
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.
So enjoy your videos, thank you Matt.
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.
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.
Great review...looking forward to the Heritage Softail review also...thanks for sharing
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.
Nice review Matt, as always. Though eagerly awaiting your review of the 2018 Low Rider. The pick of the new models IMO. Cheers.
Beautiful bike for the category you described Matt. Hope you sell a ton! Good job!
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.
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 !!!!!
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.
Thanks Matt, great video as always. I have been waiting for you to review this one, would you say the new model is a lot slower in the corners then the old model ??
I'm in love with this one and i have a question what are the options on handle bars????
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.!
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
Another great video
Thank you Matt 🙏🙏
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!
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.
Great review and video!thanks a lot.
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
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.
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.
That satin finish is nice.
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..
Awesome video and very detailed information...
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
This was a great review, then the last 6 seconds happened and it became a perfect review, haha!
Tks Brow for this review!
Great review
Great video!
NICE REVIEW about FLFBS 114.. ✍️ Thank you
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.
Thanks Matt, I just want it to sound more beefy, my previous bike was an 09 883 iron, I had stage 1 on it with Vance and Hines short shots on it and it sounded awesome, I’m kinda looking for that sound again, what would you recommend?
I pick mine up tomorrow!
Such a beautiful bike.
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.
I own a 2016 fatboy 110 motor its my second harley and i love it it is the king of the road
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 !
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!
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
Hey man, great review. I used to own a V-rod. How would you say the handling/turning compares?
It’s similar to the late model v rods with the 240 tire. The wide front tire on the Fatboy adds a little more muscle required to get it into the turn just right.
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.
I wish I had the money I would go get a brand new black one right now! Good video.
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.
cool in depth review....
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.
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)
Hey Matt, another awesome demo vid. Thanks for touching base on the handling aspect with regards to the thick beefy tires. By the way...at the very end of the video, was that you dealing with someone who had cut you off ?
+Mike Wastian Yes, when I get mad some people have told me I act like the terminator.
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.
Hey could you do a review and test ride of the new softtail deluxe
any idea on when you will do the heritage 114 review?
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 !!
Awesome looking bike. Are there any plans for a follow up model called the little man?
Matt, have a quick question. a couple of guys asking me about the new seat height on 2018 models. Since the ground clearance has been reduced then it defo helps shorter riders to ride but the seat height has been raised a bit, right? Then would that be a same situation for short-height riders as well?
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.
Hey, Matt great videos! I am researching bikes and will be honest that I am not a Harley bred rider. I am open to any touring/cruiser. My question is can the Fatboy be made into a bagger? I think the fatboy is my favorite of all bikes
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.
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 is one nice bike!
Just a quick question about the digital readout on the Harley. I have a 2006 softail heritage and the only options I have are the check my trip A & B and my current miles but I want all of the other options like the time, how far I can go till I'm on empty, and the gear with the RPM would that just be a system update I can get at my local dealer or can I not have that on my bike?
Hey Matt, How the heck do you get that baseball cap to stay on!?? :-)) Kept waiting for it to fly off....
Anyone know how fast this is compared to other 2018/2019 Harley bikes
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 ?
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 review! Matt, which one is the best handling softail? when should we expect for a LR review?
+Oto Kakhidze the Fatbob is. The low rider handles really well too. I'll probably have a review on that bike in a week or 2
Do you know if that speedo will work with 2016 5" hole models? I really like it...
+Harley Dave good question. I really don't think you can retro fit it to the older models.
Congratulations 👍
Can you post a link with the sissy bar options for this bike. Thank you
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.
Hey Matt, I love this bike, I have one myself, it’s the 114 wicked red and twisted cherry option, but I think it needs a set of mufflers, do I need to go down the stage one route or can I just add the mufflers without risking damage to my bike???
You can switch the mufflers without damaging your bike. You’ll get an aesthetic and sound benefit but no performance benefit without the tuner and air cleaner.
Stunning beauty..
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!
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.
Thanks for sharing. I have 2 Harleys a 2009 Sporty 1200L and a 2012 FXDC. I was thinking about trading them both in for a 2017 Low Rider S or a 2018 Low Rider. I ride with the better half on the back about 80% of the time so a backrest would be a must also. Between the 2017 S and the 2018 which only comes in a 107 which bike would you pick? Love the acceleration of the 2017 S by the way. Thanks!
+dheller777 The new 2018 Low Rider. I'd have to change bars for sure though. The new frame is so good.
Matt Laidlaw You mean esthetically or are they uncomfortable? Which bars would you suggest? I have ordered one and expect it in November.
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
Hi Matt how are the solid rims in the wind I know all the other fatboys were shocking in the wind are the 18s still the same
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.
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 👍👍