7 Harley Fatboy Years To Avoid [Years To Avoid At All Cost]

The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy is a popular model known for its robust engine, eye-catching design, and superior ride quality. 

However, like all motorbikes, it has had its share of less-than-stellar production years. 

In this article, we will identify the specific years of the Fat Boy model that have been associated with recurring issues or complaints and explain why you should avoid them.

Harley Fatboy Years To Avoid

The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy is an iconic motorcycle admired for its classic design and robust performance. 

However, like any other vehicle, there are certain model years that have been criticized by riders for various reasons.

In order to ensure you enjoy the best riding experience, it’s essential to steer clear of these less favorable years. 

Usually, the 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2018 years of Harley Fat Boy are considered to be avoided.

1. 1999 Fat Boy

The 1999 model often appears on the list of years to avoid for several reasons. The Twin Cam 88 engine, which was first introduced in 1999, is known for a significant issue. 

This engine had a design problem with the cam chain tensioner that started to break down earlier than expected, leading to severe engine damage. 

What made this problem worse was that Harley Davidson used the same faulty parts in their repair kits. So, the issue kept happening until they finally fixed the problem in 2007.

Another issue was the bike’s susceptibility to severe vibration, leading to loosened bolts and parts, which required constant maintenance and tightening. 

The vibration was due to a weak motor mount, which made the ride uncomfortable and less enjoyable for many riders.

Moreover, the 1999 Fat Boy model was also known for its transmission problems. 

Riders often reported difficulty finding neutral or even having the bike pop out of gear while riding. 

This was a significant safety concern and another reason why this particular year model is typically avoided.

You should note that these issues can be resolved with aftermarket parts and modifications, but they require additional investment beyond the initial purchase. 

2. 2002 Fat Boy

The 2002 model has been known to experience certain issues that have led many to suggest avoiding this particular model year. 

One of the main reasons is its susceptibility to crankshaft problems. 

This model was designed with the Twin Cam 88 engine, which unfortunately had a flaw in the crankshaft design that caused it to become unbalanced. 

This led to a series of issues, including serious vibration, poor performance, and even engine failure in extreme cases.

Another problematic feature of the 2002 Fat Boy was the cam chain tensioner. 

This component had a tendency to wear out prematurely, leading to potential engine damage if not addressed promptly. 

Some owners have reported significant replacement and repair costs related to this issue.

Lastly, the 2002 model also had issues with its fuel injection system. The Delphi fuel injection system was known to be problematic, leading to erratic 

performance and, in some cases, complete engine shutdown.

While every motorcycle has its pros and cons, the number and severity of the issues associated with the 2002 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy make it a model year that many would recommend the worst year. 

3. 2003 Fat Boy

The 2003 Fat Boy is often considered a model year to avoid due to some prevailing issues that have been reported by riders over the years. 

One of the primary concerns faced with this model pertains to the Twin Cam 88 engine. 

This engine was known to have cam chain tensioner problems, which lead to serious engine damage if not addressed in time. 

The cam chain tensioner, which is intended to keep the engine’s timing chain at the proper tension, wears out prematurely, leading to potential engine failure.

The 2003 Fat Boy also suffered from an inherent design flaw with its closed-loop fuel injection system. 

Riders often reported poor idle and throttle response, and there were also cases where the fuel system caused engine overheating. 

This could result in wear and tear of several components, leading to substantial repair costs.

However, the vibration on the 2003 model was reported to be more extreme than on other Harley Fat Boy models. 

This led to issues with rider comfort and stability, and in some instances, it resulted in mechanical issues such as nuts and bolts shaking loose.

It’s important to note that not every 2003 Fat Boy will exhibit these issues, and many riders have had positive experiences with this model. 

However, if you’re a potential buyer, you should be aware of these known issues and consider them when making a purchasing decision.

4. 2004 Fat Boy

The 2004 year model, also known as the FLSTF model, has been flagged by many enthusiasts and experts the worst year. 

This is mainly due to the common issues associated with its Twin Cam 88B engine, which was used in this model. 

The Twin Cam 88B, while generally reliable, was known to have problems with the cam chain tensioner. 

This component was not as durable as needed and often experienced premature wear. This wear leads to engine failure, a costly and time-consuming issue to repair.

Another reason to steer clear of the 2004 Fat Boy model is its susceptibility to wiring harness problems. 

Many riders reported electrical issues, which are often traced back to the wiring harness. 

This part was prone to degradation over time, which led to a range of electrical problems, from minor inconveniences like the failure of lights to more serious issues like the motorcycle not starting at all.

Furthermore, some of the 2004 Fat Boys were found to have an issue with the transmission bearings. 

If these bearings fail, the motorcycle potentially loses its ability to change gears, thus hindering the riding experience.

While the 2004 Fat Boy has its allure in terms of style and performance, the recurrent issues with engine components, electrical wiring, and transmission can lead to hefty repair bills.

5. 2006 Fat Boy

The 2006 model, while iconic in design, is often considered one of the problematic year models by many motorcycle enthusiasts and experts. 

This particular year was plagued by problems with its Twin Cam 88B engine, which was prone to severe overheating. 

This led to a ripple of associated problems, including warped components, oil leakages, and, sometimes, a total engine failure.

However, the 2006 Fat Boy was notorious for having a problematic cam chain tensioner. 

The stock tensioner had a tendency to wear out prematurely, which led to catastrophic engine troubles if not replaced in time. 

The bike also faced recurrent issues with its transmission, specifically in terms of difficulty in shifting gears and a rather clunky and abrupt engagement that impeded the riding experience.

Another notable concern was the poor fuel economy and the excessive vibration at high speeds, which cause discomfort during long rides. 

These problems, along with a few electrical issues and the general unreliability of this year’s model, make the 2006 Fat Boy a less desirable choice in the Harley line-up. 

6. 2007 Fat Boy

The 2007 Fat Boy is often cited among the models to avoid due to a range of issues that compromise its reliability and performance. 

One of the main complaints stems from the engine, which suffers from the Twin Cam 96’s infamous cam chain tensioner problem. 

This issue leads to serious damage if not addressed promptly, potentially resulting in expensive engine repairs.

Moreover, 2007 also marked the introduction of Harley’s first attempt at electronic fuel injection (EFI). 

Unfortunately, it was not as refined as it could have been; riders often reported difficulty starting the bike and maintaining a steady idle, particularly in cold weather.

Another significant concern with this model year was the six-speed transmission, which was new for the Softail line in 2007. 

While the additional gear was a welcome feature, it was marred by reports of hard shifting and ‘finding neutral’ problems.

The quality of the chrome was not up to par for Harley standards. Many owners reported the chrome flaking off the bike, which can be more than just an aesthetic issue. 

The metal underneath can corrode if left unprotected, leading to further complications.

7. 2018 Fat Boy

The 2018 model has often been criticized by riders for its noticeable shortcomings. The main issue with the 2018 Fat Boy comes from the Milwaukee-Eight engine. 

Despite being strong and smooth-running, many riders have reported that the engine gets too hot, particularly in slow traffic or on long rides in warm weather. 

This increase in temperature doesn’t just make the ride uncomfortable, but it also causes bigger mechanical problems as time goes on.

Another concern was the redesign of the Softail frame. While this change was intended to improve handling and stability.

Many riders felt it actually made the ride less comfortable and less responsive, especially at higher speeds. 

However, the 2018 Fat Boy was heavier compared to its previous versions, making it harder to handle for some riders, particularly in tight turns or riding at low speeds.

It also had a problem with its suspension setup. Despite the rear suspension’s mono-shock design being an improvement, the front suspension was considered too rigid. This often resulted in a bumpy ride on uneven roads.

This makes long-distance rides physically taxing, causing fatigue and discomfort.

The frequent overheating issues, the unresponsive and heavy frame, and the stiff front suspension make the 2018 Harley Fat Boy often avoided by potential buyers.