2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Specs & Review

Harley’s big-tire icon returns with more muscle and modern rider aids. This is a classic American cruiser built for torque-rich roll-on power, boulevard presence, and relaxed miles. In this Harley-Davidson Fat Boy review, we break down the official 2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy specs to help you compare it against other heavyweight cruisers.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine: Milwaukee‑Eight 117 Custom V‑Twin
• Displacement: 1,923 cc / 117 cu in
• Power: 104 hp / 77 kW @ 4,800 rpm
• Torque: 126 ft‑lb / 168 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
• Wet weight: 694 lb / 315 kg
• Seat height (laden): 25.9 in / 658 mm

Engine & Performance

The heart of the 2025 Fat Boy is the Milwaukee‑Eight 117 Custom V‑Twin. Displacing 1,923 cc, it’s tuned for thick, early torque and relaxed cruising. The spec sheet reads 104 hp at 4,800 rpm and 126 ft‑lb at just 3,000 rpm, which translates to strong roll-on response in real-world riding—perfect for city overtakes and effortlessly surfing midrange on the highway. If you’re comparing big cruisers, those numbers place the Fat Boy firmly in “muscle cruiser” territory.

Fueling is handled by Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), and the 2‑into‑2 staggered exhaust gives it the classic twin soundtrack (with the catalyst located in the muffler). A 6‑speed Cruise Drive transmission pairs with a primary chain drive (34/46 ratio), and the gear ratios (1st 9.311; 2nd 6.454; 3rd 4.793; 4th 3.882; 5th 3.307; 6th 2.79) keep the revs calm while letting the 117 pull hard from low rpm.

Harley includes three rider modes—Road, Rain, and Sport—so you can tailor the bike’s character to conditions and preference. The Fat Boy is also surprisingly practical for long days thanks to a 5.0 gal / 18.9 L fuel capacity and an estimated fuel economy of 47 mpg US / 5.5 L/100 km. For 2025, the Fat Boy officially carries the 117; earlier model years wore the “114” badge.

Handling, Comfort & Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Seat Height

The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy seat height is a super-accessible 25.9 in / 658 mm (laden), with an unladen figure of 26.6 in / 675 mm. That low perch builds immediate confidence at stops and in parking-lot maneuvers, especially paired with the bike’s long 65.0 in / 1,651 mm wheelbase and 30° rake. Trail sits at 4.1 in / 104 mm, and ground clearance is 4.9 in / 125 mm—numbers that reflect a stable, planted cruiser stance.

Suspension is substantial: up front, a 49 mm telescopic fork with dual‑bending valve damping, dual‑rate spring, aluminum triple clamps, and signature “beer can” covers. Out back, a hidden free‑piston coil‑over monoshock with 43 mm stroke and hydraulic preload adjustment keeps the rear tidy while letting you adapt to luggage or a passenger.

The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy weight is 694 lb / 315 kg (wet), which you’ll feel at walking pace. However, the low center of gravity and that generous seat height help offset heft for many riders. The ultra‑wide 240/40R18 rear and 160/60R18 front Michelin Scorcher 11 tires deliver tons of straight‑line stability and visual drama; expect a deliberate, confidence‑inspiring steering feel rather than flicky quickness. Overall comfort is cruiser‑relaxed, with the Fat Boy’s length (93.1 in / 2,365 mm) and width (40.0 in / 1,016 mm) adding to its substantial road presence.

Equipment & Features

Braking hardware includes a 4‑piston fixed caliper up front and a 2‑piston floating caliper at the rear, each gripping split 7‑spoke floating rotors. Rider safety enhancements are comprehensive: ABS, Traction Control (TCS), Drag‑Torque Slip Control (DSCS), plus cornering‑enhanced systems (C‑ABS, C‑TCS, C‑DSCS) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Electronics and visibility get a modern touch. The Fat Boy runs all‑LED lighting (headlamp, LED bullet turn signals, LED tail/stop). Instrumentation is a clean 5‑inch analog speedometer with LCD that displays gear position, odometer, fuel level, ride modes, heated gear indicator, TCS, ABS, TPMS, cruise, clock, trip, range, and tachometer.

Riders will appreciate the 18‑inch Machined Lakester cast aluminum wheels, the 2‑into‑2 staggered exhaust, and the 6‑speed Cruise Drive gearbox. Tires are Michelin Scorcher 11 in 160/60R18 (front) and 240/40R18 (rear). Oil capacity sits at 5 qt / 4.7 L.

Who Is the 2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy For?

This bike is tailored for experienced riders who value torque, style, and a low, planted feel. It shines as a daily cruiser, relaxed weekend mile‑eater, or attention‑grabbing boulevard machine. Newer riders may find the size and mass a lot to manage, though the low seat and robust electronics suite do help. Pricing starts at $22,599 (US) and €26,770 (Germany).

Torquepedia Verdict

If you want a classic American muscle cruiser with modern safety, the 2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy delivers. Its 1,923 cc Milwaukee‑Eight 117 brings effortless torque, the chassis is stable and confidence‑inspiring, and the rider aids and LEDs bring it squarely into the modern era.

Trade‑offs? The wide rear tire and substantial mass prioritize stability over flickability, and tight urban spaces will highlight the heft. But judged as a big‑inch cruiser, the Fat Boy remains a compelling, character‑rich pick in its class—and its spec sheet backs it up.

FAQ

• Is the 2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy good for beginners? It’s manageable for confident riders, but with 694 lb / 315 kg wet weight and 126 ft‑lb / 168 Nm of torque, it’s better suited to riders with some experience. The low seat and rider aids help build confidence.

• What is the seat height of the 2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy? Seat height is 25.9 in / 658 mm (laden) and 26.6 in / 675 mm (unladen).

• How heavy is the 2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy? Wet weight (running order) is 694 lb / 315 kg.

• What engine does the 2025 Fat Boy use? A Milwaukee‑Eight 117 Custom V‑Twin, 1,923 cc / 117 cu in, making 104 hp / 77 kW @ 4,800 rpm and 126 ft‑lb / 168 Nm @ 3,000 rpm.

• What rider aids and lighting does it have? It features ABS, TCS, DSCS, cornering‑enhanced ABS/TCS/DSCS, TPMS, and all‑LED lighting (headlamp, LED bullet turn signals, LED tail/stop).