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Cruisers

2017Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy

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The 2017 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy is an iconic cruiser built for riders seeking classic American style with modern reliability. Known for its aggressive stance, massive front wheel, and distinctive design, it delivers comfortable highway cruising with commanding presence. Best suited for experienced cruiser enthusiasts who value tradition and heritage alongside contemporary technology and safety features.

Capacity: 1688.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 320.0 kg
Seat height: 670 mm
Power: 75.0 HP (54.7 kW) @ 5020 RPM

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What’s new for the 2017 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy

vs the 2016

Spec	2016	2017
Power	78.0 HP (56.9 kW) @ 5250 RPM	75.0 HP (54.7 kW) @ 5020 RPM
Torque	132.0 Nm (13.5 kgf-m or 97.4 ft.lbs) @ 3250 RPM	126.0 Nm (12.8 kgf-m or 92.9 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM
Seat height	690 mm (27.2 inches)	670 mm (26.4 inches)
Compression	10.0:1	9.6:1

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 670mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2017 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 →

Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based 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.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1688.0 ccm
Power: 75.0 HP (54.7 kW) @ 5020 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 130 CO2 g/km
Torque: 126.0 Nm (12.8 kgf-m) @ 3000 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2344 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 98.4 x 111.1 mm
Compression: 9.6:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2

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: 1690 mm
Overall length: 2396 mm
Seat height: 670 mm
Dry weight: 320.0 kg
Wet weight: 333.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm
Oil capacity: 3.30 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Twin shocks
Rake (fork angle): 31.0°
Trail: 147 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. ABS. 4-piston.
Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS. 2-piston.
ABS: Yes
Front tyre: 140/75-R17
Rear tyre: 200/55-R17

Other

Color options: Velocity Red Sunglo, Vivid Black, Olive Gold, Superior Blue/Billet Silver, Black Hills Gold/Black Quartz

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	2017	2019
Capacity	1338 cc	1450 cc	1584 cc	1688 cc	1688 cc	1746 cc
Dry weight	284 kg	284 kg	284 kg	313 kg	320 kg	304 kg
Seat height	654 mm	654 mm	654 mm	635 mm	670 mm	675 mm
Fuel capacity	—	—	—	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L