7 Best Year Harley Fatboy [Read Before Buying]

Harley-Davidson, a popular and well-known motorcycle brand, is famous for its strong and classic design. 

Over time, Harley-Davidson has made different versions of the Fatboy, each with its own unique appeal. 

Which captures the sense of freedom and adventure that Harley-Davidson is all about.

In this article, we will explore the best Harley Fatboy model ever made by looking at different versions over the years.

Best year Harley Fatboy

The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy is one of the most iconic motorcycles ever produced by the American company. 

It has had numerous iterations since its inception in 1990, each boasting unique features and improvements over the years.

Many enthusiasts hold different opinions on which year produced the best Fat Boy, but it’s commonly agreed that the 2005 edition.

Generally, 1992, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2013, and 2019 are considered to be some of the best years for Harley Fatboy.

1. 1992 Fat Boy

The 1992 Fat Boy has a special place in the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts. 

It was considered by many to be the best year for the Fat Boy. It stands out from the crowd due to its unique attributes and specifications that make it highly sought after.

The 1992 model was unique because it came with a solid cast disc wheel, a design element that was only prevalent in that era. 

The design was later replaced by a spoke wheel in subsequent models, making the 1992 version a rare and valuable find.

Under the hood, the 1992 Fat Boy was powered by a 1338 cc V-Twin, air-cooled, four-stroke, 45-degree V-Twin engine. 

It boasted an impressive power output of 67 horsepower and 83 Nm of torque, delivering a robust and smooth performance. 

The engine was paired with a five-speed gearbox, providing an exhilarating riding experience.

The unparalleled design of the 1992 Fat Boy, combined with its strong performance, heritage, and exclusivity, makes it the most valuable model. 

However, its appearance in the 1991 action blockbuster ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ further enhanced its iconic status among collectors and motorcycle enthusiasts. 

Overall, the 1992 Fat Boy represents a blend of power, design, and cultural significance that remains unmatched to this day.

2. 2002 Fat Boy

The 2002 model is considered by many enthusiasts to be the pinnacle year for this iconic motorcycle. 

The reasons for this are multi-faceted. Firstly, this model year features the Twin Cam 88B engine, a 1450cc air-cooled powerhouse that delivers exceptional torque and performance. 

This engine was paired with a five-speed transmission that offered smooth shifting and a broad powerband, making the Fat Boy a pleasure to ride in a variety of conditions.

In addition to its mechanical prowess, the 2002 Fat Boy also boasts a striking aesthetic that has made it a standout in the Harley Davidson lineup. 

The model features solid disc wheels, fat tires, and a broad handlebar, which gives it a distinctive, muscular appearance. 

The motorcycle’s unique fuel tank, teardrop shaped, along with its full fenders, shiny front forks, and decorative trim, gives it a distinctive outline. 

This look is now widely recognized as typical of the Harley-Davidson brand.

The 2002 Fat Boy also marked a significant milestone in Harley Davidson’s history, the celebration of its 100th year. 

Models from this year are, therefore, often considered more valuable due to their commemorative badges and limited-edition production status.

Overall, the 2002 Fat Boy’s combination of performance, style make it a highly valuable machine in the Harley Davidson family. 

Whether you’re a collector looking for a valuable piece of motorcycle history or a rider chasing the thrill of the open road, the 2002 Fat Boy stands as a testament.

3. 2003 Fat Boy

Its lasting popularity is due to a mix of elements, including its design, its performances, and the fond memories tied to the year it came out.

In terms of design, the 2003 Fat Boy boasts a robust, vintage aesthetic that harkens back to the heyday of American motorcycling.

It features a solid disc wheelset and a wide, comfortable seat that invites long rides. 

The bike was equipped with a Twin Cam 88B engine, delivering 86 ft lbs of torque at 3500 RPM. 

This powerplant, mated to a five-speed transmission, offers ample grunt for city cruising and highway speeds. 

Its engine was also counterbalanced, which greatly reduced vibrations, enhancing the ride comfort.

People love the 2003 Fat Boy because it’s rare. This version was a special anniversary edition, and not many were made. 

Because of this, they quickly became something collectors wanted to have.

These motorcycles had a special anniversary paint scheme and badges, enhancing their unique appeal and increasing their value over time.

One important thing to mention about the 2003 Fat Boy is that it handles pretty well.

Even though it’s a heavy bike – it weighs 694 lbs. When it’s not carrying any gas or oils, it’s easy to control.

This is because the weight is spread out well, and it’s got wide handlebars, making it simple to steer. So, even if you’re new to riding, you won’t find it hard to manage.

4. 2005 Fat Boy

The 2005 model is often considered the king model of the Harley Fat Boy lineup due to its unique blend of power, aesthetic appeal, and timeless design. 

The model’s popularity stems from its introduction of the Twin Cam 88BTM, a 1442 cc air-cooled engine.

Which not only delivers an impressive 63 horsepower but also offers an unrivaled smooth ride. 

Its engine was coupled with a 5-speed gearbox that provides a well-balanced torque range.

In terms of visual appeal, the 2005 Fat Boy stands out with its distinctive solid disc wheels, a feature that has become synonymous with the Fat Boy name. 

The bike also benefits from a low 25.4-inch seat height, giving it an aggressive stance and making it accessible to a wide range of riders.

Its robust build quality and its details set it apart from the other models in its lineup.

From the chrome over/under shotgun exhaust with dual mufflers to the fat FL forks and classic headlamps, every element of the bike exudes Harley craftsmanship. 

However, the 5-gallon fuel tank allows for long-distance travel, further enhancing the bike’s allure for serious motorcycle enthusiasts.

The 2005 Fat Boy represents the perfect harmony of style, performance, and comfort, making it one of the most sought-after models in the Fat Boy lineup. 

5. 2007 Fat Boy 

The 2007 Fat Boy is considered by many enthusiasts to be the best year for this iconic range. 

What sets this model apart is its blend of classic design aesthetics, robust performance, and unmatched durability. 

The 2007 Fat Boy features the Twin Cam 96B engine, known for its smooth, reliable power delivery, and its displacement of 1584cc provides ample muscle for any ride.

Its strong engine doesn’t take away from its well-crafted design. The unique bullet-hole style wheels, made of cast aluminum and covered in wide tires, give it a strong foundation. 

This ensures great control and balance on the road. Moreover, this model is famous for how comfortable it is to ride. 

Due to its low seat (only 25.4 inches off the ground), it’s easy to manage and control.

In terms of aesthetics, the 2007 Fat Boy stands out with its distinctive paint options and chrome overload, catching the eye of every passerby. 

The bike’s detailing, from the polished aluminum front forks and the chrome hub cover to the silvery, solid-disc wheels, contributes to its impressive look.

As a part of Harley-Davidson’s Softail line, the 2007 Fat Boy harks back to the hard-tail choppers of the ’60s and ’70s while balancing modern technology and comfort features. 

This perfectly orchestrated blend of the old and the new makes the 2007 Fat Boy not just a motorcycle but a piece of mobile Americana and a landmark in motorcycle history.

6. 2013 Fat Boy

The 2013 model is often seen as the best model in the Fat Boy series. People love it for its timeless style, strong engine, and outstanding features.

Its classic look, solid wheel discs, broad handlebars, and powerful 1,690cc air-cooled twin-cam engine perfectly capture what it’s like to ride a Harley.

The bike’s power and torque are remarkable, with the ability to deliver 98.7 ft-lbs of torque at just 3,000 rpm. 

It also has a fuel-efficient EFI system to ensure optimal performance per liter of fuel. 

Its handling, despite its hefty size, is amazingly nimble due to its low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution.

The 2013 Fat Boy model also incorporates advanced technology, like anti-lock brakes for improved safety, a security system, and a hands-free ignition fob. 

These combined features, with its iconic design and performance, contribute to its high value and demand among motorcycle enthusiasts. 

7. 2019 Fat Boy

Several factors contribute to its popularity, starting with its unique design aesthetics. 

A robust, muscular look, combined with the satin-chrome finish and beefy 240mm rear tire, give it an unmatched road presence.

The 2019 Fat Boy is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, the most potent engine offering at the time, providing a displacement of 1868cc.

This translates into a massive 119 ft-lb of peak torque at just 3,000 RPM, ensuring exhilarating performances in any gear.

This model incorporates advanced features such as anti-lock brakes and high-performance front suspension, making it not only powerful but also safe and comfortable. 

The LED forward lighting enhances visibility, while the signature LED headlight retains the classic Harley design.

The 2019 Fat Boy is highly desired because it perfectly combines a classic style, up-to-date technology, and performance upgrades. 

This mix, along with the top-notch quality Harley-Davidson is known for, makes the 2019 Fat Boy valuable not just as an investment but also as a true symbol of the classic motorcycle.