This Harley is a cross between a chopper and a drag bike
Is it a mix of the Fat Boy and Street Bob? That’s the immediate question that sprung to mind when I first heard about the Fat Bob. And, after seeing the motorcycle and riding it, I concluded that it actually is a mix. Not actually between the Street Bob and Fat Boy, but between cult choppers and drag bikes.
And it gets the ‘Fat’ tag from its massive front end, with a fat 130-section tyre and thick forks.
So, what’s the Fat Bob like? Typically American: It sits low, is quite big, and looks imposing. Our test bike was bright orange (it suddenly seems to be the preferred colour among nearly half a dozen motorcycles that have been launched in the past twelve months).
The distinct identity that the colour lends is enhanced by the dual headlights finished in chrome. Twin headlights were trending a decade ago, but do not look outdated even today, especially in chrome. There’s loads of chrome all around: The front forks, handlebar, instrument pod, airbox, engine, exhausts, and rear suspension.
(This story appears in the 25 January, 2013 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)