I appreciate everyone's comment about how the shifter goes into neutral better when you do it from 5 mph to zero as opposed to when you come to a dead stop. I agree that does work, and the Harley rep sheepishly admitted that's how "harley folks do it." (because the gearbox stinks like that) I'm glad there is a workaround, but 2 things: 1) In LA, when lane splitting in slow traffic, you often do not really have that convenience. You really can't just be coasting in neutral - you need to be ready and in gear right up until you come to a stop at that light. This elimiinates the usefulness of the workaround. AND 2) Other motorcycles do not have this problem, indicating it is not industry-wide, and the manufacturers that do this, should just fix their transmissions. It's not impossible, others have done it. Make it a priority. I-MF

Ironic because it costs exactly what a 1969 mustang would if adjusted for inflation

I personally own a highly modified M8 Low Rider. Thing is amazing, I’ve ridden for thousands of miles on this thing along various states. Built like an old car, little minor things can get fixed and I have hence the mods and power comes cheap with a cam and a pipe, it’s like a giant lego for an adult that grunts like a fiery warhorse. Never thought I’d own a Harley but man, it’s an amazing thing.

I have a 2018 FatBob and I love it. Is the closest thing a Harley Davidson offers as a SportBike. It's a torque monster and it looks incredible, very unique.

I have been riding for over 35 yrs. The fat bob 114 is my first Harley. It did take some riding style adjustment, but after a season in the canyons of northern Utah, I can easily ride with just about any bike up there. I can also say, she's nimble enough to get a knee on the ground.

Honestly while I'm not much of a Harley kind of guy, this bike would be something I would get It's something that's pretty cool and not too brash

You get used to the turn signal setup once you've ridden HD's long enough. Especially with the accelerometer based turn signal kill (it also cancels on timeout while riding if you forget it or if you hit the button again) it becomes very intuitive & easy to use w/o adjusting the throttle. Regarding neutral, this is a "thing" on some bikes, it's not explicitly an HD thing (unless the Milwaukee 8 changed a bunch, but it wasn't explicitly a thing on the big twins last gen & the revo doesn't do it), my wife's nighthawk does it too. It happens especially on air/oil or air cooled bikes when the trans oil temp gets hot and thins out, but some bikes are more prone to it than others. To remedy it shift from 2nd to neutral while coming to a stop at 5mph and it'll notch right in without overshooting into 1st. If you shift into neutral at a stop it'll be hard to get it just right, but it's 10x easier if you do it while rolling slowly. Motorcycle transmissions are constant mesh and rolling has a huge effect on gear (dis)engagement. They won't abandon the turn signal, it's an HD trademark. But fun fact: BMW used to use the same exact turn signal design up until like 10 or so years ago. Come across like an '05 GS you'll have the same thing, but WITHOUT the accelerometer turn signal canceling. The street models, because of their stress on the India market, used a traditional turn signal, but overall HD won't abandon that design. But as I said, you REALLY do get used to it. I don't have any problems switching back and forth after owning bikes w/ it and w/ a normal design. And yea, the torque shove is extremely satisfying, even if it'll get demolished in a straight line by a proper sports bike. No replacement for displacement in terms of that instant torque. EDIT: The FatBob is an awesome bike, but I liked the Dyna one better, less futuristic. But with the stock drag bar it wasn't comfortable unless you had long arms, so hopefully this remedies that. This def. has way more power than the old one. Next you'll need to hop on a touring model like the road king!

I was always the guy bashing Harleys until I saw this one and lost it. Checking into it I learned that Harley has really come a long way, especially since 2018. They have features now like ABS, keyless start, inverted forks, quick adjustable mono shock rear, USB port, dual front disc, etc. Bought a 21’ fat bob and absolutely love it. I have no issues with finding neutral, but don’t care for the right blinker switch either. To get neutral, it takes a tight foot and ankle and pry up with force but not speed, you can’t tap it up with your toe. Oh, and the main reason the rear brakes feel soft is because they come with the pedal adjusted too low and that makes it difficult to operate. Raised mine in a few minutes, it’s adjustable. (Don’t forget the blue loc-tite on everything).

I'd like to see you review the Indian Chief Dark Horse 🐎

More bike content!

Believe it or not, this HD is one of my dreams in this life ...

Test drove one of these bad boys last week and had an absolute blast. It’s an experience that’s hard get anywhere else. An air/ oil cooled engine at 1800cc’s is just awesome, and to me felt very special. I thought it rode and handled fairly well too, with yes some effort required to tip it in but nothing crazy. Overall a smooth ride, awesome engine, and awesome looks. First Harley I have tried and may have to pick one up later in my motorcycling journey.

Why do you need to shift to neutral so much? Unless you want the bike to sit and idle for a while. I've had two Harleys and very seldom ever used neutral. You have a clutch!

Great review! Thanks Matt

The elusive HD Neutral strikes again

I've been following this channel for years and had no idea about the motorbike element. What a great treat and a pleasant surprise to see the solid knowledge. Awesome, awesome!!

I have the last generation fat bob(dyna chassis) and I love it! The new softail frame and the m8 engine are far superior than what’s on my bike you got quite a treat!! Also neutral is a very soft touch you’re applying too much pressure it really doesn’t need that much effort to get it into neutral

Excellent explanation and resolution. Thank you for the honest review!

I've ridden other bikes and they all feel cheaper compared to this one. While 18k-20k is a lot, you're getting a bike that no one else comes close to making. Not that it's perfect, or "worth" that much, but it's the only one of its kind (as with other HD bikes). It's easy to ride and handles extremely well in twisties, fast AF, and sounds incredible :) I wouldn't want any other bike!

Matt you should really try a modified dyna or M8 softail. I think you’d like it

Many bikes have a tough time finding neutral at a stop. My 1098 had the same problem. The best solution is to get into neutral while coasting to a stop as opposed to when completely stopped.

Finding neutral was always a pain in the ass on my street glide. I had that bike for 10 years and it never changed. The trick is to lightly tap down from 2nd instead of up from first.

I have never owned a Harley (BMWs and Ducatis), and I bought one of these after riding it. Really enjoy it, but the stock tires are not good and are a style choice that doesn’t work well functionally. Glad you liked the bike. Charming is a good word for it.

I’m an old motor cross rider and it’s the Harley for me I’ve just bought one and love it still breaking it in 👍

Great review. Well balanced and to the point.

Great video, my next bike for sure

Yes!!! You explained the Fat Bob exactly the way I feel about it. Fat Bob has the best gear change of all the M8 engined bikes, personally I’ve never had an issue with Neutral on one, could just be that bike. I wish the big touring bikes felt more like the Fat Bob, they don’t, they’re just bog and cumbersome (to me, and I know I’m in the minority). I now have 2 weeks and about 1000miles under my Pan American - love it.

So, fun fact with finding neutral. It really depends on how well its been worn in, and how the clutch is adjusted at both the primary and cable. Or if it's hydraulic clutch, the condition of the fluid and diaphragm? In the clutch assembly. Its both a major struggle, but surprisingly easy to find neutral.

Had a chance to ride this same bike very recently. I'm kinda surprised you didn't mention the heavy(ish) steering. Once you tip it in, you gotta use quite a bit of counter-steer to maintain the turn. Or maybe it's my puny arms. I also find it mind-blowing that my Yammy with less than half the displacement makes the same power. Anybody looking at one of these should take a serious look at the Indian Scout Bobber. Similar look, 120lbs lighter and a little more power.

I’m not in a hurry anymore, so I enjoy riding my Fat Bob in the canyons and in the city. Nice review and keep on riding!

Interesting you say not to use the beardscape for downstairs grooming. I think it’s the best trimmer ever made for the job. Substantially better than manscaped etc.

I Daily commute my Fat Bob in LA and I can say it's comfortable and enjoyable. The whole blinker issue you get use to it, practically alot of the things your pointing out you get use to and end up knowing how to perform all these task with ease because you become familiar with it. 🤷‍♂️

Matt, ive been a fan for a min. Ur reviews are great for cars and suvs. Wishing I could mob the canyons. Been looking at motorcycles for a while. Really like the R1s ( 2009, 2014, R1M ), but also like the idea of an American motorcycle too. Saw the Fat Bob 114 maybe a year ago. Smiled ear to ear when I saw ur reviewing one. Keep up the good work man.

Liked your review. Excellent video of you riding the bike!

Generally speaking, I blinker when other cars around only, never had one on the right side though, but with enough reps I can see this easier over time, love the looks on this bike, there is a better rear break pedal out there that changes how you push on it and reportedly it’s performance.

Great review first time I have heard someone ride a Harley and not have their ego problem stop them mentioning it’s difficult for the throttle hand to indicate

LOL!!! I got 13,600 miles on my 2020 Fat Bob and neutral is still a problem. I love this bike. It is my daily commuter during the riding season...I live in Michigan! I did a Stage II and a TBR 2-1 exhaust and Screamin eagle extreame air breather. Also S&S 475 cam with a Trask transmission upgrade and Trashin supply cosmetic upgrades. This thing really moves!!!

Yes more bike reviews!

That's a great review and actually reflects my own experience on a recent test ride. In particular we're very much aligned with the references to the clutch and the weight (I own a 790 Duke). So what did I do? I went ahead and bought one. For me, the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts. Pick it up tomorrow.

I was on the fence a year ago, I was torn between the Pan America Special and the Fat Bob 114. I chose the Pan America, it can be a great machine. When it works. That being said, a year later. The Pan America will be gone in favor of a Fat Bob. Great review. Probably one of the best reviews of a Fat Bob honestly.

Yup I have a 2021 and it’s hard to get to neutral on this thing, have to flick it up and down a couple times to actually get it and by that time the light has already changed lol. I also feel the same way about the blinkers, more times than not I have to almost completely take my hand off the throttle to reach that right signal. Also agree about the rear brake, it was great out of the factory but after just a couple rides it has gotten very mushy. But, I wouldn’t pick another bike over this one, it’s absolutely perfect in every single way. I think it’s as versatile as it gets. It has comfort and handling if you want to take it out in the twisties. I think if he were to have this bike for a longer period I think he’d change his mind.

wow what a coincidence I was looking to buy one as my next motorcycle.

I love my harleys so I'm biased but I would suggest riding the revs higher around 3000-4000rpm.

Very cool. I'm definitely not the Harley type (I ride a SV650s), this does look pretty cool and a lot of fun. Maybe in another ten years I'd have something like this in the garage.

To find neutral you need to push with your foot inwards toward the lever while pulling up

Pretty good review man honestly

Cool bike until I heard the price. Looks fantastic. Crazy Price. Great review Matt!

I own this bike and I have to say outta all the bikes I have owned this is the most nimble Harleys I have owned. It doesn’t feel like a 600lb bike I would have to agree with you on the finding neutral it’s a quirk that Harley’s are known for but is easy to commute on for me. One of the best things about Harley’s is you can modify it to your riding style. The only gripe I have about it is that it just doesn’t have the range I would like it to have due to its small gas tank about 100 miles Is all I get.

You really need a more free exhaust setup to truly enjoy this type of bike doesn't have to be an obnoxious wide open exhaust but just louder than stock and it will completely change your experience imho

Good stuff man.

Been there a few times w/ the bike jumping out from under you. It’s unnerving to say the least. Vague neutral is a common thing as well.

You find neutral BEFORE you stop. You get used to reaching the right indicator switch. We all do.

An extremely powerful sportster basically. I love it

you should see is BMW has a r1800 in its press fleet, 1800cc opposed twin and retro style, big burble'y bike that just chugs along like the fatbob

It’s super easy to find neutral on a Harley. Lightly press up from first and blip the throttle. It will slot right in. This bike is much better with mid controls and some risers.

My type of Harley. Excellent overview. I can see why you have so many subscribers.

Never thought I would see a pov a Matt shaving

Unfortunately Matt, they likely won't go away from that turn signal control scheme any time soon. I have a Harley Sportster that's literally 20 years old, and has the same system.

The horse power and torque numbers you quoted are for the 107 engine. That bike is fitted with the 114 engine, and it produces 94 HP and 118 ft.lbs of torque. You are right, it is a torque monster for sure.

Gotta try a Low Rider S next!!

Hey Matt, you set the preload on the rear suspension to the lowest (squishy-est) value possible at 1. High preload is actually 5. You might notice it a little soft in your review because of this. There is a chart for this in the owner's manual. Also there is a way to adjust the position of the controls so that they work better for you.

Love you videos! Could you please do a review of the 117 low rider s ?

Largest displacement does not mean best horse power and torque vs weight ratio. This is why I'd love to see your impression of a 2005 Kawasaki ZRX1200R, which has 111.7hp, (rear wheel delivered), and 80.7lbs of torque with a wet weight of 545lbs. Yes, I own a ZRX1200R. Yes, I debated the XR1200. Yes, I have a bias that started at foot peg cornering clearance. Yes, my Rex is heavily modified with breather block off plates, stage three jet kit, full Tsukigi race exhaust and PM Chicane race rims. Yes, I have a bias.

keep doing the spectates man, they are great stuff :)

Great review, the only HD's I like are the V-ROD Night Rod, and the Fat Bob. However, you mentioned twice that the bike is air cooled. Seeing as I am only a filthy cager, and do not actually own a bike, let alone this amazing beast, is the Fat Bob not oil cooled? I am quite confident that it does in fact have a radiator right up front.

Try and get a hold of the 1250 custom early

You just got to get use to it (like anything)... Once you work it out, it's a lot quicker around those roads than you'd imagine. A bike is only as good as it's rider and most of us aren't as good as our bikes 😁

I love harleys regardless of the bad rep that often get. My only issue is the bikes are TOO DAMN EXPENSIVE. $18,000 for this, probably before the stealerships shovel on extra costs, is just out of reach for most people

Just got my first bike yesterday, 2018 Fat Bob 114 in denim black, it's a beast. Came with stage 1 tune and bassani 2-to-1 exhaust, she's a hog for sure!

I don’t agree with this “reviewer” at all. The Fat Bob is the most maneuverable and agile Harley at this time. He says the Fat Bob is “heavy”?? Nothing could be further from the truth. This bike doesn’t feel “heavy” at all. Take this review with a grain of salt. The rear brake is fine. “Five or six bike collection”? Come on, dude! This is an incredible bike and it rides like a dream! Also, it rides wonderfully through winding curves! This bike loves curves!

What ball powder would you recommend i use when riding this kind of machine 🤔 my good man?

You think those blinkers are bad. My ironhead sportster has it so you have to actually hold the button on each side for it to blink 🤣 It's impossible to work the throttle or the clutch while indicating a turn.

I think of metric bikes like a fighter jet... Harley's are more like 'steampunk' in a way... its all about the engine for me... the torque... even the cars I've had have been torque monsters.... starting with a '74 Pontiac with a big block lol

An Indian FTR 1200 review would be dope

can u review the new honda fireblade

Some bikes like to "creep" or roll forward to find neutral/first gear

The neutral thing is very much a Harley standard complain. Both my bikes do it, especially when it gets warm from traffic

that finding neutral is a problem on sportsters too. i bought a 18' sportster new and the salesman told me overtime it'll be easier to find neutral. 20k miles later and i can say that is NOT TRUE.

I need to hurry up and get my riders license so I can fulfil my dream of being a road warrior. Bikes are getting too cool and badass not to.

I beg to differ on the price I paid 28,530.00 but then again it's been upgraded to the max before I even saw it

Question for anyone who’s pretty much intermediate/Pro in knowledge about used motorcycles. Buying a used 2021 HD Fat Bob with 2,509mi is that a lot for a HD?😮

Suits mat, next step litre bike around a racetrack 😋

I get mine in neutral on the first or second try.

It is a nice bike.

Can you please do Indian Chief Bobber or a Scout Bobber?

Maybe it’s just me, but this style turn signal is much more intuitive and easy to use.

You ride the Indian FTR next.

Honestly very curious to see if the BMW R18 bike is actually hurting this thing's bottom line

I just started looking into Bikes, would this be considered a competitor against the Indian bobber scout and the Harley Iron 1200?

Try a street glide

I have a 2020 fatbob 114 and finding neutral is interesting. Is it common to all harleys?

It's easier to find n while still rolling into the stop

Do people in the US go into neutral at every stop sign?

Anybody using blinkers?

Welcome to HD

I believe every bike has it's purpose but you get way too little return on your money on this one. Cut the price in half and it's got value and all faults forgiven but 18-20k is crazy.

A pity about the standard exhaust sounds crap

Cool 😎

The separate blinker thing is just silly. Complicated for the sake of being different.

Bring back the Dyna HD