2021 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob - First Ride Review

Рет қаралды 27,403

Күн бұрын

When I first saw the new Harley-Davidson Fat Bob, I was immediately drawn to its looks. It's a brutish, squat muscular looking bike, which now has the equally brutish 114 cu in Milwaukee 8 motor. So not being a particular Harley or cruiser type of rider, what did I make of it? What's it like to ride, how does it perform, is it just form over function? I aim to explore all of these aspects of the 2021 Fat Bob during this video.
In this video I'm wearing;
Goldtop 72' Easy Rider Jacket - tinyurl.com/72easyrider
Bike Shed Protective Jeans - tinyurl.com/BSMCjeans
Arai Profile V Helmet - tiny.one/ProfileV
360 Bike footage was shot on an Insta360 One X2 - tiny.one/OneX2deal
Helmet and Bars footage on a GoPro Hero - Huge deal on Hero 10 - tinyurl.com/hero10deal
Intro 00:00
Engine, Gearbox & Controls - 00:40
Build Quality & Style - 02:50
Seat Height, Weight and Handling - 04:03
Is is comfortable? - 05:04
Price - 06:23
But its slow right? - 07:36
Equipment - 08:15
Ride Quality - 09:51
Who's it for? - 10:52
Any negatives? - 11:49
Conclusion - 12:55

Пікірлер: 79

@paulmorris3022 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Tony, I have had mine for just over 2 years now. i had a stage 1 done and added heated grips and cruise control and i have put on a Memphis shades windshield on it and an engine guard. love it

@1983mdg 2 жыл бұрын

I own a fat Bob 114 with Vance and Hines mufflers and stage 1, simply brilliant!!!!

@JLOSTAFF1 2 жыл бұрын

The only HD I would have. Seeing your review I think I want one even more!

@oztursen 2 жыл бұрын

I almost bought one of those after a test ride. This bike destroyed all my presumptions about HD. Currently riding a KTM 790 Adventure, I never would have thought I would like a HD. This bike did it! It's still in my radar if I can save a few bucks and open up some garage space.

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

As a fellow 790 Adventure owner, I felt the same!

@Dan-56 2 жыл бұрын

The “tractor” joke at the end made me laugh out loud 😆👍!

@stickers8447 2 жыл бұрын

Bought one in this colour about 5 months ago. Absolutely love it! 2500km’s so far and enjoy more and more each ride.

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear!

@andrewvickers4487 8 ай бұрын

I've been lusting after this bike for years - revisiting this video was a joy, one of the best reviews I've watched and I didn't thank you enough the first time round - top job mate. I can see that it really did pull at the heartstrings for you too!

@mancavemoto 8 ай бұрын

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it, yep it could have dragged me into the Harley-Davidson world

@joker6805 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for this great review, just myself the exact bike and look forward to some great driving!

@mancavemoto 2 ай бұрын

Enjoy!

@KSMotoCafe 2 жыл бұрын

lovely review mate! I loved the Fat Bob 114 when I test rode it for a review - the most comfortable and best looking softail in my opinion!

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers

@user-sw2lv3zp6o 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent review. I really like these bikes but my lower back doesn't allow me to get on with the low seat height/feet-forward combination. I think it's a stunning-looking bike, though, and I even like the look of the exhaust. The most attractive visual aspect is the drag bars and where the clock is.

@jjnewman65 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant review Tony. I loved that bit of camera gyroscope you did at 11m20s in. If I could afford another bike I’d buy a cruiser. Something like this or perhaps an Indian bobber.

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Jamie, yep I like the look of the Indian too, but I can’t seem to get hold of them to review any more

@user-sw2lv3zp6o 11 ай бұрын

Just watched this again. Great bike. Looks fantastic: the bars, the clock... Good review, Tony. 1990 [Nick J]

@mancavemoto 11 ай бұрын

Cheers Nick

@stuartmahoney8761 2 жыл бұрын

Another great review Tony. This Harley and the new Indian chief both look great. They are definately trying to step up for the next gen riders. I may finally trader my bobber in for one.

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Stuart

@CathodeRayNipplez 2 жыл бұрын

When I was young I took the piss outta these. Now I'm old I want one.

@Ride_on54 2 жыл бұрын

That was me as well especially this model

@danielbarber2677 2 жыл бұрын

Same! Have 3 other bikes in the garage but absolutely itching to get a Harley and most likely the Fat Bob. Turning 40 this year so that must be it!

@richiew3184 2 жыл бұрын

I chopped in my Tiger 800 for a Fat Bob 114 a few weeks ago after wanting one for a couple of years. I love it.

@sirrideabit651 2 жыл бұрын

I did the exact same thing, Tiger 800 for the Fat Bob, had mine 3 weeks awesome bike

@hansvancauwenbergh 3 ай бұрын

Brilliant review. Brilliant video and quality. Brilliant bike as I understand. Nicest of HD line-up as concerns for me. Only pitty that the green military color is not available in 2024 or can you do a professional paint job?

@MrAndrew1953 2 жыл бұрын

Agree with your comments on the exhaust system which I think I'd prefer blacked out. Fuel tank is too small for styling purposes. I'd change that for a 5 gallon tank as on the Low Rider. Some beefier sounding end cans would be nice, nothing too raucous. Not a fan of forward controls, definitely have to fit mids. Trash the drag bars for shoulder high Z bars that encourage you to sit back a bit and enjoy the scenery. I've seen some handle bar fairings that give some good wind protection. Toss up between one of these and a Pan America. Some interesting camera angles which you've gone to considerable trouble and expense to get. Thanks, much appreciated.

@stickers8447 2 жыл бұрын

The fuel range is frustrating at times, I’ve got one in the same spec as the test bike. It’s got a short shots one it which sounds great. Super comfortable on long distances however if you’re 5’10” or under, you will definitely want more relaxed bars

@MrAndrew1953 2 жыл бұрын

@@stickers8447 I'm 5'8 of stocky build. I was told with cruisers the most comfortable bar position is should high . Drag bars look as though they pull you too far forward. I like the twin disc front end on a big, heavy bike like the FB.

@stickers8447 2 жыл бұрын

@@MrAndrew1953 you’ll definitely want to change the bars then. On the FB you’ll find you’ll have a slight constant lean forward to have a comfortable grip on the bars. If you’re going to do lots of touring definitely get a front fairing for it though. The brakes are great too. I doubt you will be disappointed in the bike, I’ve had mine for 4 months and I never want to get off it. It’s such a great bike and you’ll get heaps of comments on it, especially if you buy the denim green. It really is an awesome bike that I feel is underrated

@JaySingh-ex6xc 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Tony, Had mine delivered yesterday went out on a short ride today what beast of a bike. Will be changing the rear mufflers to black Vance & Hines just to get a stealthier look and powder coat the exhast covers black too. Great review.👍👌 Atb.

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jay, nice and yes thats definitely the first thing i'd do too.

@vicfdez7830 Жыл бұрын

Nice review, would it be suitable for long rides? lets say Spain or Portugal? Still cannot decide between Street bob, Sport Glide or this one.

@leonardbartley5670 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent review. I own a 2016 Softail Slim S and love it for all the reasons you stated in the video, and I'm an old fart to boot.

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers

@andrewvickers4487 2 жыл бұрын

Great review and video thanks. Is that a photoshop edit on the exhaust pipes? Matte black powder coat is quite common but a gloss black finish would be awesome. The latter is a very tricky proposition due to the high heat and I haven't found any readily available options out there, although Harley did manage to pull it off on a 2018 CVO Road Glide...

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks and yes that was a photoshop mock up

@berndbitzer7669 11 ай бұрын

It has one big issue…..what to do with the luggage. This ans the more comfortable seating postion makes me go with the sport glide

@nigeloscarmarsden 2 жыл бұрын

It’s funny - I spent 20 years on Harleys and have just changed over to a KTM 1290 super adventure . Who knew that bikes could be so good ….

@stevenhill6214 2 жыл бұрын

I really like this one and i agree totally about the colour, it absolutely suits that bike perfectly. I would love to own one but i am somewhat limited by my short legs, the seat height is ok but i am wondering if the foot pegs are adjustable rearwards, and i would probably need the bars to be swept back a little more.

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

I think the pegs would be fine as they are not a reach, maybe sweeping the bars back more would help, but the pegs I think would be fine

@maxcheese5586 7 ай бұрын

What a ‘jolly good review’ 😂

@jeremiahbaguilod4660 11 ай бұрын

I’m planning to buy another bike but im torn between 2017 NIGHTROD and 2020 FATBOB. What do you guys think?

@Ride_on54 2 жыл бұрын

Couldn’t agree with you more about the bike I bought one 👍

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

Nice!

@robertwitczak1225 2 жыл бұрын

Hi all I am looking at getting a fatbob ready for this spring I would like to ride to Spain during the summer can anyone let me know how it fairs on long motorway run thanks

@markmundy3435 2 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure if its me or what Harley are doing nowadays, but I do find myself looking at a lot of their modern bikes going Mmmmm! Don't get me wrong, it would still need to be a lottery win dream garage deal, as I still think they're a little over priced, I'm just not down with the "brand buy in" price hike, but when I find myself making that list they do seem to be working their way up the table. Think its only a matter of time before one makes it into the top half of that list. OMG, whats going on!!!

@gazb8667 2 жыл бұрын

Great video mate, I'm 6,2 with a 33 inch leg do you think it would still be suited for me? Cheers. Keep it up

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, yep no problem I would say

@MOTOUK1 2 жыл бұрын

Nice, I’ve just reviewed the Fat Boy on our channel very similar bikes 👍

@jonelvidge9191 2 жыл бұрын

Which dealer did you use Tony, or supplied direct from HD UK. Picked up my GT EasyRider jkt from Joe today. Really pleased with it.

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

It was from the HD UK press fleet. Nice! Enjoy the jacket, I’ll be wearing mine and riding the Fat Bob into the shop tomorrow!

@jonelvidge9191 2 жыл бұрын

@@mancavemoto damn I’m working, punting the boss’s Roller about with him

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

Tough life 😂

@SuperZeppelin2112 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry’ where can you get the jacket from?

@stuartmiller9648 2 жыл бұрын

Nice bike but i hate that rear number plate holder and for almost £17k you get a cable operated clutch rather than hydraulic.....would still like one tho.

@badger4361 2 жыл бұрын

Had the old twin shock fat bob, it handled horribly, but it was still a hoot to ride, I have a bit of a soft spot for Harleys.

@KevinofWessex 2 жыл бұрын

Lovely motorcycle .....

@bambalam9170 Жыл бұрын

A year and a half later and that base price has gone up by 2 grand!

@mancavemoto Жыл бұрын

ouch!

@bernardlesperance742 2 жыл бұрын

Try the Slim.

@phill1491 2 жыл бұрын

Loved this bike on the test ride, but couldn't figure out how it was priced as high as it is. Seems like it should be about 2k less.

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

I think you can say that about most HD's?

@dry509 2 жыл бұрын

Which do you prefer riding and why this or the sport glide? Thanks.

@laurieclair6293 2 жыл бұрын

@Matty Cook Thanks

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

I prefer the Fat Bob, the 114 motor does make a difference.

@TheLeevtr 2 жыл бұрын

Was watching this thinking some of the roads look familiar..... Essex if I'm not mistaken.

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

It is indeed

@TheLeevtr 2 жыл бұрын

@@mancavemoto I test rode one of those from Lakeside HD before it disappeared, thought it handled weirdly and wasn't keen. I did like riding the Sport Glide though.

@I_am_Thursday 2 жыл бұрын

Now I have one of these. Bought in 2018 new. I wouldn't say that I've been particularly happy with the rubbish build quality and suspect reliability. Definitely the 'worst' recent brand that I've owned for this. My local dealership were a joke too. Just be aware that after 10k I'm having to powder coat all the things that are rusting like mudguards, etc. But the warranty list has been huge. I think that most people buy into the lifestyle so much that they are forgiving of the shit standards - I am not. And I would never buy another unless it was very used and proven. That being said though, I've lost far too much on it to sell it and on the right day its fun. On that note - How has the 790 been? Any issues?

@mancavemoto 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing, the problem with only having a bike for a couple of weeks to review is that I don't get to see the long term ownership experience. Touch wood I've had no problems with the 790 other than the well known condensation in the display, but that doesnt happen often and its very minor when it does.

@I_am_Thursday 2 жыл бұрын

@@mancavemoto The condensation in the display on my fatbob was so bad that I couldn't see the speedo. 🙄 On the subject of exhausts, I put some black s&s slip ons on mine and powder coated the heat shields. The slip ons are rusting too so my advice would be that it you get one avoid American parts and maybe try S C project. I'm a fan of their exhaust on my Ducati and they seem to be built better.