Cruisers

2005Harley-Davidson FLSTFI Softail Fat Boy

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The 2005 Harley-Davidson FLSTFI Softail Fat Boy is an iconic cruiser tailored for riders seeking classic American styling with modern reliability. Its 1449cc V-twin engine delivers substantial low-end torque, making it ideal for relaxed riding and cruising. Known for its distinctive fat tires and timeless design, this bike remains one of Harley's most recognizable and beloved models.

Capacity: 1449.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 307.0 kg
Seat height: 645 mm
Power: 67.0 HP (49.3 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (4)

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering25%

City riding45%

Daily riding55%

Touring55%

Two-up55%

Track5%

Best for: Built for relaxed boulevard cruising and iconic cruiser styling rather than outright speed or sport handling.
Built for: A classic, torque-driven V-twin cruiser that rewards a laid-back riding style with strong low-end pull and unmistakable Fat Boy presence.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders wanting agile cornering, off-road capability, or high-speed sport performance.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 645mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2005 Harley-Davidson FLSTFI Softail Fat Boy, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1449.0 ccm
Power: 67.0 HP (49.3 kW)
Torque: 101.0 Nm (10.3 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin
Power/weight ratio: 0.2182 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 95.3 x 101.6 mm
Compression: 8.8:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1630 mm
Overall length: 2396 mm
Seat height: 645 mm
Dry weight: 307.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm

Chassis & suspension

Rake (fork angle): 32.0°

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm
Front tyre: MH90-B16
Rear tyre: 150/80-16

Other

Color options: Vivid black, brilliant silver pearl, sierra red pearl, smokey gold pearl, black pearl, lava red sunglo, glacier white pearl, rich sunglo blue, two-tone chopper blue pearl and brilliant silver pearl, two-tone black cherry pearl and black pearl, two-tone si

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 4 recalls may apply

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSApr 2005 · 05V151000

CERTAIN SOFTAIL MOTORCYCLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, 'CERTIFICATION.' THE VIN/CERTIFICATION LABEL CONTAINS INCORRECT TIRE SIZE AND INFLATION PRESSURES FOR THE FRONT WHEEL. THE LABEL STATES THE TIRE SIZE IS MT90B21 AND THE INFLATION PRESSURE AS 30 PSI, WHEREAS THE CORRECT TIRE SIZE IS MT90B16, AND THE CORRECT INFLATION PRESSURE IS 36 PSI.

Risk: THE CERTIFICATION LABEL IS INCORRECT GIVING IMPROPER INFORMATION.

Remedy: HARLEY- DAVIDSON WILL MAIL INSTRUCTIONS ALONG WITH CORRECTED FEDERAL CERTIFICATION LABEL. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 6, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEMDec 2004 · 04V607000

CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVES. THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE 'ON' POSITION AND THE 'RESERVE' POSITION OF THE VALVE MAY HAVE BEEN REVERSED.

Risk: IF THE BIKE WERE OPERATING WITH THE VALVE IN THE 'ON' POSITION, THE BIKE COULD RUN OUT OF FUEL, THE EXPECTED FUEL RESERVE WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE DRIVER RUNNING OUT OF GAS WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL VALVE AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN FEBRUARY 7, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4080.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEMDec 2004 · 04E094000

CERTAIN FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVES USED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT, P/NOS 61338-02, 62169-02A, 61338-94D, AND 62169-95C FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2005 CARBURETED SPORTSTERS, DYNA, SOFTAIL, AND TOURING MODEL MOTORCYCLES. THESE VALVES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE 'ON' POSITION AND THE 'RESERVE' POSITION OF THE VALVE MAY HAVE BEEN REVERSED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL VALVE AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN JANUARY 27, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4080. IF YOU HAVE HAD OR INSTALLED A REPLACEMENT FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE IN YOUR MOTORCYCLE, PLEASE TAKE YOUR VEHICLE TO YOUR DEALER TO HAVE THE VALVE INSPECTED FOR PROPER OPERATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLYSep 2004 · 04V465000

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, A CONDITION OCCURS THAT COULD ALLOW PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL TANK. ON FUEL INJECTED VEHICLES, THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE FUEL TO SPRAY OUT UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN THE FUEL CAP IS REMOVED. ON CARBURETED VEHICLES, EXCESSIVE FUEL COULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE CARBURETOR, WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY ALLOW FUEL TO DRIP FROM THE AIR CLEANER.

Risk: THESE SITUATIONS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR CREATE A FIRE HAZARD FOR PERSONS OR PROPERTY ON OR NEAR THE MOTORCYCLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST EACH CANISTER FOR BLOCKAGE, THEN REPLACE AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN NOVEMBER 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.

These recalls cover some 2005 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →