2021 Harley Davidson Fat Boy | First Ride

2021 Harley Davidson Fat Boy | First Ride
I've been in love with the Harley Davidson Fat Boy even since I saw it in Terminator 2. So, a few years later I finally get to ride one of the most iconic motorcycles in pop culture, the Fat Boy! So join me for this first ride review on some lovely windy roads and even some sunshine!
Thank you to Harley-Davidson UK for supporting the channel and making this video possible.
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My Riding Gear:
Helmet - Shark D-Skwal 2.0
Jacket - Engine Hawk Cookies and Cream
Trousers - Rokkertech Vintage Jeans
Gloves - Oxford Brisbane
Boots - Daytona Arrow Sport GTX
My Camera Gear:
Helmet Cam - GoPro Hero 9 Black with Media Mod
Handlebar Cam - Insta360 One R
B Roll Cam - Sony A6300
My measuerments:
5'7" with 29" inch inseam.

[@Vladpryde]

Dan, as an American, I'm always humbled when I hear good reviews of classic American products by those outside of the US, so thank you for that. I know that both Americans and Brits go back and forth sometimes over stereotypes, hopefully in a good-natured way, but I would like to think that America did something right with Harley-Davidson. I do feel a mark of pride that America gave the world the Harley, just as Britain gave the world so many classic bikes as well; namely the Triumph Bonneville series, which I love (in fact, if I don't pick an Iron 883, then a Bonneville model might be my first bike). I think Harley hit it out of the park with this model, and like you I recall seeing the first one in Terminator 2 when I was 9 years old. Great bike! In my opinion, the 2022 model looks even better with the cutouts in the wheels. But besides that it's pretty much perfect as is. If it were mine, I'd change the exhaust to something else. That's a bike that definitely needs to be heard with looks like that, but not something overly obnoxious. I think the new Fatboy 114 is a "thinking man's motorcycle". If you want to upgrade it, then it takes some thought so that you don't ruin the original purpose of the bike, which is to be a cruiser, much like what the Cadillac Eldorado was in the 70s, That's my opinion anyways. Thanks for the review!

[@donaldsoncole3095]

This dude can ride !! I haven’t seen anybody run this big girl that hard on a video !!! She is a curvy girl !!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@mr.rustila3222]

Loved the video! Fun watching you drive a big Harley when you usually drive the more sporty alternatives. Gives a different point of view that's much appreciated. Keep posting, love the chill and fun vibe. 😊

[@rustworks2588]

Thanks for explaining the difference between soft tails and hard tails i never knew this! The bike looks breathtaking with those forks and wheels! Just perfect! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@jobyEN]

For me, the most beautiful Harley...

[@mplus1338]

The giggles say it all. Great vid Dan. 👍

[@shmac96]

That's the most un-Harley sounding Harley Ive ever heard lol. Definitely one of the best looking models in HDs line up! Look forward to a new Sportster S review! Most exciting bike I think since the Vrod as far as HDs go. Cheers!

[@jpeterman9699]

That's the best sounding Harley I didn't have to listen to

[@maxlloyd4830]

Your video really made me smile. Fab to hear a fellow Brit ‘whoop’ in excitement on a fatboy. I have recently purchased the same bike, but haven’t (yet) ridden it anywhere near as vigorously as you have! I’m not so experienced with bikes, so it’s difficult for me to be able to compare it to anything else. (My last bike was a Ducati monster 15 years ago). However, I had heard lots of comments about harleys being poor bikes to ride compared to other modern bikes, so it was very interesting, and comforting, to hear you be so positive about the bike’s handling and performance. I have found the suspension to feel good, but I will try playing with the dial to see if a higher number improves the feeling further. Thanks for vid and the inspiration 😀

[@davidhobson7851]

Just back from 350 miles over 2 days on my 2019…. Loved every minute of it, very comfortable and not very subtle!! Rode my r1250gs immediately after… and am thinking about selling the GS!

[@maidmentmadness7355]

Beautiful bike and another great video to go alongside! Brown-trouser moment 13:14 haha...

[@Englishbikerdan]

Haha definitely! 😂 Thanks for watching.

[@steveball2307]

Wouldn't want to have to ride one every day but as you said, boy it'd be nice to have one in the garage - plus a guy to keep it clean and polish the chrome!

[@Dukie48]

Awesome video! Curious as to what seats are on that unit ? Tks for sharing

[@db6625]

Great review, judging by the much laughter you had a fabulous time testing it😁 But because it’s too many ££££’s, I will just dream on🤨

[@jonathanmellish4439]

Looks amazing. I think the Sport Glide might be more useable day to day.

[@samuellee3980]

Great vid as usual! Keep up the good work and stay safe :) Also may I suggest doing another small cc bike hehe, always fun to see your take on sub 400cc bikes

[@davidyoung9561]

I must admit, I would love a Fat Boy.

[@howardroberts7113]

Looks a great bike, fun fun and chill chill

[@pagefella]

If you like in now, just wait until you get the aftermarket exhaust.

[@jimbandit1250sa]

Fantastic video but I’m annoyed as now I want one so much fun and you get to keep your license 👏👌😊👍

[@Englishbikerdan]

Haha thanks!

[@SteveW67]

No aftermarket exhausts available for 2021 Harley’s due euro 5 sensors 😢. I had a 2011 Fat Boy now I have a Sport Glide these M8 engines are so much better. Nice video thanks. 😎👍

[@sven7728]

Its available now: www.jekillandhyde.com/en

[@Dan_B_Rides]

Great review as always Dan. What an iconic bike. That’s the first bike I fell in love with when I was much younger, thanks to Arnie! Carnt believe I was 7 when I watched that film ha ha! That thing fly’s for being a big heavy brute. Love the sound and it just looks amazing. Awesome video 👍🏻

[@redstingraycorvette]

Vance and Hines big radius pipes it will sounds amazing Does the sissy bar come with it

[@MOTOUK1]

Nice Dan, have this bike next week! Monster 👍

[@Englishbikerdan]

Nice! I hope your vid does better! 👍

[@MOTOUK1]

Now if we were in the states it would do better 😂

[@Englishbikerdan]

Haha, absolutely! Hope you enjoy it!

[@login1226]

Is this the Sundowner Seat ? Not standard, which some say is uncomfortable…..not standard mirrors either, maybe why they vibrate ?

[@BunyipToldMe]

This is the shat pank ride for England man!

[@GR-sg2lv]

which did you enjoy overall more? the Triumph Rocket or this one? And was hoping you had a review on the Triumph Bobber but will go to another channel for their reviews.

[@Englishbikerdan]

I liked both for different reasons. The Rocket is just hard not to love due to the size of that engine and the torque, but it also handles very well considering. The Fat Boy is an iconic bike that I've been in love with since I was very young, so it has extra cool points for me. The Rocket is a mechanically better bike though. I've never been into Bobber's or that look of bike, maybe one day I'll test one. Thanks for watching!

[@pabloismael7209]

Very good video, Dan. You just need to take a ride with a Boss Hoss V8. That really is a BBBig Fat bike. Greetings and we continue to accompany you on the motorcycles.

[@Englishbikerdan]

This isn't even the quickest bike around. It's cool, and that's pretty much why it exists.

[@colinbrown364]

Fantastic review 👍thankyou

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks Colin!

[@bigfootninjajr1481]

If you had to choose between the rocket 3 and this, which would you choose?

[@Englishbikerdan]

Rocket 3. 😁

[@redjacc7581]

what bike doesnt have rear suspension?

[@Englishbikerdan]

All hardtails.

[@Rockyjeeper]

Although a louder sound seems better, you need to hear the sounds of this motor so you know when it’s getting ready to throw a part. Primary chain adjuster being the main culprit.

[@davidhobson7851]

Primary chain adjuster an issue on the m8 motor??

[@Rockyjeeper]

@@davidhobson7851 I am over 500 miles on my new bike, no issues so far. Was told if I touch the primary I would void my warranty. So far, “knock on wood” I have no issues except the clunking noise in the front which is the dumb idea of floating Break disk.

[@danthechippie4439]

@@Rockyjeeper what's that about the disk noise?

[@korazon3spinado]

Did you like this or the sv650 better?

[@RikkiHockey]

Would you rate this bike over the Triumph Rocket 3? Which would did you like better?

[@Englishbikerdan]

To me, very different experiences.

[@RikkiHockey]

@@Englishbikerdan but..thats not really an answer.....

[@Englishbikerdan]

@@RikkiHockey People always want me to give them a "which is better" answer for them. It's not something I can always do, it's like saying "do you prefer steak or ice cream". I like both, for different reasons.

[@davidhobson7851]

Hate Harleys, hate cruisers!! Rode a Fatboy, totally got it, now own a 2019 with the satin finish, gotta be easier to keep in good nick in the UK than full chrome

[@danthechippie4439]

What's it like to live with in the UK weather?

[@andycrawley8276]

Harleys are sweet...

[@michealmcconnell7463]

If it's loud you know what you can do you don't like it you know what you can do

[@stevehemming5797]

is the speedo in KM ? not MPH ?

[@Englishbikerdan]

MPH

[@lapinobel]

Purely for comfort, this one or the rocket?

[@Englishbikerdan]

Ooh. Probably this tbh.

[@lapinobel]

@@Englishbikerdan thx, got a 2021 Low Rider S but looking for more comfy ride, so considering a FatBoy or Heritage. Love the looks of the FB more.

[@ChalkyHonky]

If you want comfort you buy a Goldwing. Probably gonna get more power too!

[@ChalkyHonky]

Dont get me wrong I love Harley Davidsons but if I was spending 30 grand and didn't care about my country I would buy a honda for comfort all day. If you want a rocket buy a GSXR

[@volvot5turbo]

As much as I love this bike, the handling puts me off.....I think the Fat Bob would be better suited? I don't own either, just looking into them for now.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Yeah the Fat Bob was a bit better handling for sure. I reviewed one a few years ago.

[@startmeup5156]

Definitely chrome over that satin finish they had before.

[@davidhobson7851]

Only to look at, satin over chrome all day long for trying to keep in the uK!

[@crumblymal8479]

I actually find myself liking this monster price is out of my league but I would if I could ,different silencers maybe bars and that's it for me and I have always had four's luv it cheers : )

[@shaahin6818]

I guessed the HD riders don't know how much sound pollution they make, now I think they know and they enjoy it in a sadistic way Good that HD has some relatively silent ones

[@Englishbikerdan]

This actually has very little to do with HD riders, or even HD making a choice. It's Euro5 regulations. If HD want to sell these bikes in Europe they have to adhere to strict noise and emission laws.

[@shaahin6818]

@@Englishbikerdan thanks for the info. I have heard some very loud noise out of heavy bikes here in UK, and I assumed that this model is relatively silent by choice. Great channel anyway

[@Englishbikerdan]

@@shaahin6818 Thanks mate 👍

[@enthrallingusername]

The reason I want to own a Harley is because of the look and more importantly the noise 😔 Bloody euro regulations.

[@AmAtOrY7]

Dan, how about this year's rebel 1100? All reviews I could find say that it is limited to 100mph, is this the case with UK and European versions of the Rebel 1100?

[@Englishbikerdan]

Not too sure, never had it above that but felt like it would go past that fairly easily.

[@AmAtOrY7]

@@Englishbikerdan People in the comments saying that Rebel 300 and 500 can go 90-95 mph easily, therefore I do not see a point of getting an 1100 as it completely defeats the purpose of getting a 'bigger bike' in this case. Also it has been tested on both DCT and Manual transmission and it does not go above 100mph 6th gear 4-5k rpm. I asked you this because I could not see any UK or European reviewers on it and whether there are different limitations on the speed. Anyway, thank you Dan.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Ah it'll easily go over 100. Also it's about how it gets there. Totally different to the 500.

[@16_bit_mr_j57]

If neutral is proving tricky, then a little blip on the throttle whilst trying to get neutral normally does the trick with a Harley 👍

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks for the tip!

[@John-FO-1661]

The main reason we don’t see many of Fat Boy on the road is: Fat Boy are only good on Straight Lines * Not made for Road you have to Turn \ Sharp Corners, never heard from any reviews where the riders aren’t complaining about handling The Tiers are too Flat Just like the original Sportster Roadster Tires Changing to the right Tiers makes it to a Much more enjoyable Ride - Not only in a Straight Line

[@LifelongMusicJunkie]

That does not look like the stock seat. Do you know which seat that is? I am shopping around for a seat upgrade for my Fat Boy.

[@Englishbikerdan]

I'll ask HD and get back to you. 👍

[@LifelongMusicJunkie]

@@Englishbikerdan Looking at the HD parts website, it looks like the Touring Hammock seat, which of course, is the most expensive one they sell for the Fat Boy 😁. At work we used to have a saying: Why pay less when you can pay more 😂

[@Englishbikerdan]

@@LifelongMusicJunkie Ha, well that sounds about right doesn't it!?

[@slyguyaction]

That seat is hideous looking on this bike, but I'm sure it's super comfortable for both rider and passenger and in the end, that's what counts. I like how it was also outfitted with nice H-D grips and chrome switch housings. I've got a RoadGlide Ultra and Sportster 72 but this bike is next on my list. I'm looking for a 2018 FatBoy 114 in the two-tone red color. Great review, and your enthusiasm is fun to watch. Keep up the great work. Ride safe...

[@1990-t1j]

In Europe I have a 1670 cc MT-01 which puts out 110 ft/lb at 3,700 rpm and only weighs 263 kg wet / fuelled. You can imagine what that the torque feels like: no traction control or ABS. Proper bike. I prefer the 114 Fat Bob to the Fat Boy, but they are both too heavy. I would really like a Sportster 1250 S.

[@eagle1845]

I own a 2022 Fat Boy, same vivid black color, at 94 hp it really does have excellent acceleration, it actually sounds good when riding it, I may buy different pipes someday but I'm in no hurry. I will be adding cruise control, heated grips and bags that are easily detachable, I like naked bikes, never liked riding a huge dresser, not my style. The bags can be purchased from Harley, they are over $900 and total garbage, made of vinyl and😢 they fall apart (Chinese made) they have terrible reviews, so I researched bads and found Viking, an AMERICAN company makes great leather bags at one third of Harleys price, sorry Harley but you dropped the ball there. I will get a sissy bat I can lean against on longer trips and maybe a detachable windshield but I'm in no hurry for that, I don't like the looks of the bike with all that gear plugged on top of it, naked as much as possible. The bike has one flaw, the front disc brake physically moves when stopping and makes a clunking sound, I have yet to address this with Harley but I will, this issue has been mentioned in other videos. At over $28,000 out the door one wouldn't expect this problem to exist but it's not a deal breaker, just annoying. Overall I love the bike, it's a much better bike than my original 1996 Fat Boy, more refined, runs much better, faster, electronic ignition, anti-lock brakes, key fob security system, overall it's a pleasure to ride and I pity the cagers stuck in their ugly electric Prius. I find it sad that motorcycling seems to be less popular today, the young today are too busy playing Xbox, smoking dope and eating junk food, oh, and they're not even working, still living with mom and dad, they couldn't even afford to buy a used bicycle, I digress. I'd like to see more riders today, they don't know what they're missing. Thanks for the video, you ride like me!, ride safe mate.

[@subratamridha1339]

You are like a baby when you enjoying a bike

[@Englishbikerdan]

Or, just an adult having fun. I know it's a rare thing in the this seemingly miserable world!

[@mohammedines6182]

Combien coûte cette belle monture ?❤️👍

[@rogermurph101]

Mirrors, grips, switch housings, seat; none of that is stock on that bike. Neither are the rear blinkers if they’re led. The thing with the gear indicator going off, I don’t know why they did that. There’s a button behind the clutch lever. When you depress the clutch, the indicator goes off. Makes no sense. Before I bought mine, I was really worried about the handling characteristics. So many reviews claiming it was hard to handle in corners. I’ve never ridden a sport bike, so maybe compared to that? But since owning one, I’ve felt all those reviews were just a bunch of hot air.

[@jokeeffe2006]

A relic

[@Snek03]

Dan, it is very dangerous driving a Fatbot like that on the wrong side of the road.

[@Englishbikerdan]

You're the first person to ever say that..... 😏

[@atifawati9108]

Viewr from india

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thank you 👍

[@sameervvsameer6419]

🏍️♥️♥️♥️♥️🥰👍

[@michealmcconnell7463]

If it is not loud it is noisy

[@plasmafussion]

Bad to the Bone!!

[@Englishbikerdan]

DUHHH NUUUU NUUU NU!!!

[@احمدالاديب-ز8ح]

اللهم صلي وسلم وبارك عليه افضل الصلاة والسلام يارسول الله

[@mukku36]

come with me if you want to live

[@jagdpanther6327]

Harley just catching up with the Japanese in the cubes department.

[@michealmcconnell7463]

This is what I've got to say about it being loud wonit's loud walk this way talk this way and you can give me a kiss

[@kennypool]

Exact copy of 2002 honda shadow 1100.

[@barackblows1942]

It’s the other way around.

[@jonathanmichaels8331]

These big bikes are not meant for the little UK roads and shitty weather.

[@Englishbikerdan]

We have a saying here, no such thing as bad weather, only bad riding gear! :)

[@matty6848]

The only people who think our roads are too small to ride Harley are shitty bike riders. Plenty of Harley owners in the U.K. who ride their Harleys perfectly fine on U.K. roads🙂

[@nealbeard1]

This is so far off the original 50s style model. Looks bloody horrible. Heritage just not working for HD anymore. Why should it when you can buy better for less?

[@davebarnessr.5805]

WRONG , The original Fatboys including the Fatboy Lo earned this moniker, This new total revamp ?? Solid wheels don’t make it a Fatboy. I’ve done the walk -around and the magic is just not there. If I want big power? I will buy a freakin Yamaha!

[@Englishbikerdan]

Oh you sound fun. 😊

[@AmritGrewal31]

The motorcycle that derived it's name from Fat Man and Little Boy Love you Dan, but F Harley & all it's motorcycle

[@Englishbikerdan]

That's never been acknowledged/proved as being the origin of the name.

[@matty6848]

@@Englishbikerdan the truth is the name fat boy comes from the tyres. The rear tyres that Harley used were off the WW2 B52 bombers and the tyres were nicknamed “fat boys” by the repair crews. Hence when Harley fitted the same tyres off the B52 they decided the name the bike “fat boy”

[@Englishbikerdan]

@@matty6848 I've been near a B52 and those tyres were huge. I can't imagine the bike tyres would ever be big enough.

[@matty6848]

@@Englishbikerdan well it may not be a B52 then but a smaller bomber? The guy who told was a mad Harley fanatic, owned Harleys for years, he knew all the history of the company think he had even been too some Harley museum in America. He’d read up loads on them, so I did take what he said as gospel. You may have too research it a little, but he definitely told me the tyre spec was the same that was used on some WW2 American bombers.

[@Englishbikerdan]

@@matty6848 Not sure tbh. Those aircraft tyres are huge, but would be funny to see one on a bike!

[@bassraymond]

Your comentry is terribly boring try to be more professional

[@Englishbikerdan]

Haha thanks for watching. Maybe lighten up a bit eh!

[@matty6848]

Don’t watch then🙂

[@SheldonElectricals]

Certainly not one for me! Hate the look and for me, motorcycling is all about handling and fun, they are all a bit too 'fat old man cruiser' for me! Each to their own, but I won't be buying one!

[@Mikethebike1959]

Why did you watch it then?

[@pauldurdan1549]

You will probably be fat and old one day. If you're LUCKY! Don't be such a BOAT AND ANCHOR!!!

[@LanceEJones]

Looked like it handled just fine. It's only a different take on riding. A sport bike would scythe through with only a thought needed to tip it in. With a big cruiser, a big Harley, you need to muscle it around. With speed limits, it's all about preference.

[@matty6848]

Or you can’t afford one?

[@brandonjoseph3422]

Harleys are sad bikes.