Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo Long Term Update

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo Long Term Update #1: Meet Fatty

The Fat Boy Lo was introduced in 2009 as one of ten new-for-2010 models, a lineup which saw the biggest new bike intro in Harley history. Though it's got all the signature cues of the Fat Boy family -- rolled fenders, bullet hole disc wheels wrapped in thick rubber, a rigid mounted frame, and a hardtail-look Softail suspension, among other features -- the "Lo" moniker refers to the bike's low-slung stance. The Fat Boy Lo's 24.25-inch saddle* was the lowest seat height available in Harley's 2010 lineup, and while that honor has since been reclaimed by the new-for-2011 Blackline (with its 24-inch saddle), the seriously squat Fat Boy is still intended to satisfy both style savvy, experienced riders and…ahem, the vertically challenged.

Power comes from a fuel injected, air-cooled and counterbalanced Twin Cam 96B V-twin mated to a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, and the mill is fed by a five-gallon fuel tank. Peak power comes in at 93.7 ft.-lb. of torque at 3,000 rpm, and the 1,584 cc engine averages 35 mpg city, and 54 mpg highway.

The 2011 Fat Boy Lo is priced at $16,299 in Vivid Black and $16,674 in Brilliant Silver Pearl, Black Denim, or White Hot Denim. Some of the 2011 features included fewer wires, an odometer with a trip switch, a single hazard button, and a larger odometer readout that can display gear position and engine rpms.

* Seat height is 24.25 inches laden; unladen, seat height measures 26.4 inches

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo Long Term Update #1: The One Year Plan

How was the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy be utilized over the course of the next year? For starters, the Fat Boy Lo -- or Fatty, as the reviewer who wrote this series dubbed the massive, 731 pound cruiser -- was ridden on everything from urban streets to canyon roads. Like the reviewer's other long-term loaners, any maintenance or repair issues were addressed through a factory dealership, which the reviewer paid for.

The reviewer relied on the Motor Company for accessories, which are available in rich variety from an 856-page catalog. 

As part of his official assessment on the Fat Boy, the reviewer said:

I've only ridden Fatty roughly 100 miles so far, and my impressions reinforce what I gathered during the bike's debut at Harley-Davidson's 2010 model year press launch which was held in Denver, Colorado. First off, this is a bike whose long, wide, and surprisingly low proportions make it feel relatively heavy, but lighter than its 731 pound mass might suggest. It fires up with a hearty burble, and spits out that famous bark that is one of Harley-Davidson's trademarks.
Do I look forward to life with Fatty?
Absolutely!
But first, I'm viewing the bike as a blank slate for accessories, which will be picked and installed before the next long term update.
Stay tuned.

MILEAGE LOG

• Miles ridden this period: 121
• Total miles ridden: 121
• Gallons consumed: n/a
• MPG: n/a
• Total odometer miles: 1,673