Cruisers

2018Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy

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The 2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy is an iconic cruiser that appeals to riders seeking classic American styling with modern reliability. Known for its aggressive, low-slung aesthetic and commanding presence, the Fat Boy delivers the signature Milwaukee-Eight power and torque that defines the Softail lineup. Its accessible seat height, manageable weight, and user-friendly instrumentation make it suitable for both experienced enthusiasts and riders transitioning to larger cruisers.

Capacity: 1688.0 ccm
Engine: V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 304.0 kg
Seat height: 675 mm
Power: 86.0 HP (62.8 kW) @ 5020 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy

vs the 2017

Spec	2017	2018
Engine capacity	—	1688.0 ccm (103.01 cubic inches)
Power	75.00 HP (54.7 kW) @ 5020 RPM	86.0 HP (62.8 kW) @ 5020 RPM
Torque	126.00 Nm (12.8 kgf-m or 92.9 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM	145.0 Nm (14.8 kgf-m or 106.9 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM
Top speed	—	155.0 km/h (96.3 mph)
Weight	320.0 kg (705.5 pounds)	304.0 kg (670.2 pounds)
Seat height	670 mm (26.4 inches)	675 mm (26.6 inches)
Fuel capacity	18.93 litres (5.00 gallons)	18.90 litres (4.99 US gallons)
Wheelbase	1,690 mm (66.5 inches)	1665 mm (65.6 inches)
Compression	9.6:1	10.0:1

Other years 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring55%

Two-up60%

Track10%

Best for: Built for style-driven cruising and boulevard presence rather than outright performance or long-distance efficiency.
Built for: A bold, muscular cruiser with iconic Fat Boy looks, a thumping V-twin character, and a commanding, laid-back riding stance.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or lightweight nimble handling.

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 675mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 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: 1688.0 ccm
Power: 86.0 HP (62.8 kW) @ 5020 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 130 CO2 g/km
Torque: 145.0 Nm (14.8 kgf-m) @ 3000 RPM
Engine type: V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2829 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 100.0 x 111.1 mm
Compression: 10.0:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Performance

Top speed: 155.0 km/h (96.3 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1665 mm
Overall length: 2370 mm
Seat height: 675 mm
Dry weight: 304.0 kg
Wet weight: 317.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres
Ground clearance: 115 mm
Oil capacity: 4.70 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Twin shocks
Rake (fork angle): 30.0°
Trail: 104 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. ABS. 4-piston.
Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS. 2-piston.
Front tyre: 160/60-R18
Rear tyre: 240/40-R18

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, Black Tempest, Industrial Gray, Bonneville Salt Pearl, Wicked Red/Twisted Cherry, Legend Blue/Vivid Black, Legend Blue Denim

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

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1998	2003	2009	2014	2018	2019
Capacity	1338.00 ccm (81.64 cubic inches)	1338.00 ccm (81.64 cubic inches)	1338.00 ccm (81.64 cubic inches)	1687.97 ccm (103.00 cubic inches)	—	1746.0 ccm (106.54 cubic inches)
Dry weight	284.0 kg (626.1 pounds)	284.0 kg (626.1 pounds)	284.0 kg (626.1 pounds)	313.0 kg (690.0 pounds)	304.0 kg (670.2 pounds)	304.0 kg (670.2 pounds)
Seat height	654 mm (25.7 inches)	654 mm (25.7 inches)	654 mm (25.7 inches)	635 mm (25.0 inches)	675 mm (26.6 inches)	675 mm (26.6 inches)
Fuel capacity	—	—	—	18.93 litres (5.00 gallons)	18.93 litres (5.00 gallons)	18.93 litres (5.00 US gallons)
Color options	—	—	—	Mysterious Red Sunglo/Blackened Cayenne Sunglo, Amber Whiskey, Brilliant Silver Pearl, Vivid Black	Vivid Black, Black Tempest, Industrial Gray, Bonneville Salt Pearl, Wicked Red/Twisted Cherry, Legend Blue/Vivid Black, Legend Blue Denim	Vivid Black, Scorced Orange/ Black Denim, Midnight Blue, Industrial Grey Denim/ Black Denim, Blue Max, Wiked Red, Rawhide

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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MotorcycleDB Review

The 2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy motorcycle is a true icon in the world of cruisers. With its unmistakable design and powerful performance, this bike is a dream come true for motorcycle enthusiasts. The 2018 model features a Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin engine, delivering exceptional power and torque for an exhilarating ride. The Softail Fat Boy also boasts modern technology and comfortable ergonomics, making it a pleasure to ride for long distances. Whether you're cruising through the city streets or hitting the open road, the 2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy delivers an unforgettable riding experience.

In conclusion, the 2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy is a standout choice for riders looking for a powerful and stylish cruiser. With its iconic design, impressive performance, and comfortable ride, this motorcycle is a top contender in its class. If you're in the market for a premium cruiser that turns heads and delivers an exhilarating ride, the 2018 Softail Fat Boy is definitely worth considering.