Cruisers
2016Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy Special
37 fields on record
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy Special is a heavyweight cruiser built for riders seeking classic American style with modern technology and comfort. Known for its iconic low-slung silhouette, massive presence, and accessible seat height, it delivers authentic Harley character with electronic conveniences like ABS braking and advanced instrumentation. Best suited for experienced cruiser enthusiasts who prioritize style and heritage over sportiness.
- Capacity
- 1690.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 320.0 kg
- Seat height
- 670 mm
- Power
- 77.8 HP (56.8 kW) @ 5250 RPM
What’s new for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy Special
vs the 2015| Spec | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear brakes | Single disc. 2-piston | Single disc. 2-piston. ABS. |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- It's built for boulevard cruising and making a bold visual statement rather than for outright speed or long-distance touring efficiency.
- Built for
- It delivers a big, torquey V-twin rumble with strong low-end grunt, favoring relaxed, deliberate cruising over aggressive cornering or high-rpm thrills.
- Not ideal for
- This is not the right bike for riders seeking agile canyon carving, off-road capability, or a lightweight, nimble daily commuter.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.
Engine
- Capacity
- 1690.0 ccm
- Power
- 77.8 HP (56.8 kW) @ 5250 RPM
- CO2 Emissions
- 130 CO2 g/km
- Torque
- 132.0 Nm (13.5 kgf-m) @ 3250 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Fuel consumption
- 5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l)
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2431 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 98.4 x 111.3 mm
- Compression
- 9.6:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Belt
- Clutch
- Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1630 mm
- Overall length
- 2385 mm
- Seat height
- 670 mm
- Dry weight
- 320.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 333.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 18.90 litres
- Ground clearance
- 125 mm
- Oil capacity
- 3.30 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Front suspension
- Telescopic fork
- Rear suspension
- Twin shocks
- Rake (fork angle)
- 31.6°
- Trail
- 147 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Double disc. 4-piston. ABS.
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. 2-piston. ABS.
- ABS
- Yes
- Front tyre
- 140/75-R17
- Rear tyre
- 200/55-R17
Other
- Color options
- Charcoal Denim, Amber Whiskey, Crushed Ice Pearl, Black Denim, Vivid Black
- Comments
- Sold in Europe.
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 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1690 cc | 1690 cc | 1690 cc | 1690 cc |
| Dry weight | 313 kg | 313 kg | 318 kg | 320 kg |
| Seat height | 670 mm | 670 mm | 670 mm | 670 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 18.9 L | 18.9 L | 18.9 L | 18.9 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy Special?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy Special has a Capacity of 1690.0 ccm (103.13 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy Special have?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy Special has a Power of 77.8 HP (56.8 kW) @ 5250 RPM.
How many gears does the Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy Special have?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy Special has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy Special?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy Special has a Torque of 132.0 Nm (13.5 kgf-m or 97.4 ft.lbs) @ 3250 RPM.
How much does the Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy Special weigh?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy Special has a Dry weight of 320.0 kg (705.5 pounds).
Shop this bike
Affiliate linksWe may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Similar bikes
Same category, weighted similarity
2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe
1688 cc · 320 kg · 670 mm
2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim
1688 cc · 308 kg · 650 mm
2016 Suzuki Boulevard C50 B O S S
805 cc · 277 kg · 700 mm
2016 Suzuki Boulevard M90
1462 cc · 328 kg · 716 mm
2016 Yamaha XVS1300 Custom
1304 cc · 293 kg · 670 mm
2016 Honda Stateline
1312 cc · 305 kg · 678 mm
More Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
1986 Harley-Davidson FLTC 1340 (with Sidecar)
2026 Harley-Davidson Street Bob 117
2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S
2026 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra
2026 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST
2025 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide
2026 Harley-Davidson Road King Special
1987 Harley-Davidson FLHTC 1340 (with Sidecar)
Please log in or register if you'd like to leave a comment.
Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.