Last Update: 15 October 2025

Belonging to the softail category the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo hosts the lowest seat height of 24.1/4 inches of all Harley’s models which makes it a popular choice for women motorcycle riders. It also has a slimmer seat. This results in a truly positive rider effect and confidence feeling with two feet securely planted on the ground.

The lowered centre of gravity makes the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo a breeze to control and manoeuvre. Features like rear suspension and optional ABS concealed under its customised close fenders maintain its “slammed” boulevard cruiser image!

Providing an added aggressive power ride than the 2011 model as the 96V-Twin has been replaced with a Twin Cam- 103V-twin engine! The expected array of classic Harley-Davidson style accents such as black bullet hole cast iron wheels, a ‘denim’ frame which is terminology for Harley’s black mat finish (be oh so gentle with this it needs special care i.e. cleaning) make it a truly fearsome appearance. The hand finished fuel tank like the designer centre piece on your dinning room table, is stunning! A leather tank strap, satin chrome side badges, and satin chrome speedometer and ignition switch console true elegance! The speedo face possesses a big, bold display for the odometer and a secondary display for gear and rpm. It’s all you need to know, at a glance.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON FAT BOY LO IN THE CITY

Urban riding as we know presents its challenges due to street car tracks, traffic jams, sporadically turning taxis and unpredictable pedestrians. The Fat Boy Lo is incredibly easy to manage in tight spaces too. This all due to it’s tremendous wide turning radius for those sharp tight turns and small street/parking lot slow speed turnabouts’.

By Harley standards, it is not a heavy bike, the 330 kg’s (727 lbs) is greatly moved about and mastered again due to it’s low centre of gravity (all the weight is close to the ground versus a sport bike where engine and weight are positioned higher) and low, low seat.

You have ample torque to perform with when exiting city to free-way on-ramps. Of course these engines emit heat!  And in rush hour traffic, idling in direct blazing sun you might have a semi-melt down. Tip: wear good insulated motorcycle pants (chaps?) to ward off the heat.

The suspension I’d class as “medium” proficiency as there’s strong feedback from the road. However, its fat tires and curvy fitted padded seat buffer most of this discomfort.

EXPRESS-WAY TEST

The Fat Boy Lo comes without a windscreen, so riding on the expressway, especially on windy days or when facing a strong headwind, can give your neck muscles a serious workout. For me, though, that’s part of the appeal. I enjoy the raw, open-road experience that the Fat Boy Lo delivers. However, if you prefer a bit more wind protection, Harley-Davidson offers a range of customisable windscreen options for this model.

FAT BOY LO ENGINE

It’s got performance clout and that you’ll appreciate when in the expressway passing lane, climbing hills, or long distance touring with luggage and/or a passenger. New for 2012 is the slightly larger Twin Cam 103™ engine delivering more pulling torque.  Its Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection jetting gives crisp, lively throttle reaction. And it comes at lower cruising rpm – you’ll experience less engine vibration, ride more smoothly and enjoy better highway fuel economy.

STANDOUT FEATURES: HD FAT BOY LO

Quiet Shifts: The Fat Boy Lo’s Six-Speed Cruise Drive^® transmission provides smooth, quiet shifting and reduces engine speed on the expressway or country highway,  providing a better meshing of engine turnover and road speed.

ABS:  It’s not standard package of the Fat Boy Lo – yet the option of adding ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System read more…) is available. The components are hidden within the wheel hub to continue with the bikes’ clean, streamlined design.

TURN SIGNALS: The turn signals are self-cancelling and, based on the speed and angle of the motorcycle, they know how long to stay on! Smart technology! Engaging the controls quickly becomes second nature so you can focus less on turning off your signal and more on enjoyment of the ride.

BLACK DENIM:  Harley-Davidson’s paint shop offers a stunning array of finishes, and I rode the Fat Boy Lo in the striking “Full Black Denim” scheme. This finish extends across the frame, swing arm, front shock covers, derby cover, horn cover, coil cover, oil tank, and air cleaner cover. The bike features black bullet-hole disc-cast aluminium wheels with matching outer rims, flat-black exhaust shields over the satin chrome shotgun exhaust, and gloss black half-moon footboards. Even the mirrors and headlamp are blacked out, with the powertrain coated in black powder with satin chrome accents completing the look.

FLOOR BOARDS:  Full-length foot-boards allow for many foot positions which are great for a long distance ride. Their rubber isolation reduces vibration for a more comfortable ride. For women riding motorcycles with a usual shifter, the heel-toe shifter will be treat to keeping your boots from getting scuffed. A heel/toe shifter provides quick, easy, heel shifting.

THE FINAL TAKEAWAY ON THE FATBOY LO

Riding any Harley-Davidson instantly captures your heart with its signature rumble, and the Fat Boy Lo is no exception. From the moment you grip its new lower-profile handlebars, you’re in for a thrilling ride, especially for female riders. The narrower seat is noticeable right away, and when you press the start button, you’ll feel the surge of power. While the price is on the higher side, Harley’s premium pricing is well-known. A word of caution for those opting for the black denim finish: it can be tricky to keep clean, so be sure to follow expert care advice.

Opposite to its name, there will only be “highs” (and ‘Hi’s’ from passers’ by) on this Fat Boy Lo!

MISC:

• Fuel Capacity 18.9 Litres;
• Oil Capacity (w/filter) 3.3 ;
• Weight, As Shipped 313 kg;
• Weight, In Running Order: 330 kg

Find a retailer and get your Fat Boy Lo!

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