From the moment I fired up the new Milwaukee-Eight 117 and felt its 126 lb-ft of torque plant me in the seat, I knew Harley had cooked up something special. The 2025 Fat Boy isn’t just a cruiser—it’s a study in blending classic swagger with modern performance. Here’s what caught me off guard.
Comfort That Feels Custom-Built
Climbing aboard, I braced for stiff cruiser ergonomics—but the Fat Boy’s wide floorboards and beach-cruiser bars slot your body into a natural, relaxed posture. The two-piece seat is surprisingly supportive: after two hours of winding through central California’s backroads, I felt fresh, not fatigued. Compared to the plush cocoon of a Road Glide’s windshield, the Fat Boy trades isolation for openness, and I loved the bar-side freedom.
That 240 mm rear Michelin Scorcher tire looks all chrome-show and no curve—but it’s more competent than hype suggests. Corner entry felt deliberate, not sluggish, and the large footprint planted the bike confidently through sweepers. Riders debate whether a 260 upgrade sharpens turn-in; I found a gentle lean and subtle weight shift tame the Fat Boy’s girth just fine. This isn’t a sportbike, but it handles twisties with poise.
It’s easy to write off a Fat Boy as all polish and no substance—yet Harley’s woven real tech into the package. All-LED lighting bathes the road in crisp white, while selectable ride modes (Sport, Road, Rain) let you tailor throttle and ABS behavior. The analog-digital hybrid console pairs classic styling with Bluetooth nav, and yes, there’s a USB-C port for charging on the go. It’s a cruiser that doesn’t feel archaic.
Riding the Gray Ghost limited edition was like piloting liquid metal. Thanks to Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), the Reflection finish resists corrosion far better than traditional chrome, and the result dazzles in sunlight. Only 1,990 units will ride off the line at an MSRP of $25,399, making each a bona fide collector’s piece.
“Those riders appreciated our post-war design DNA but also found themselves drawn to the clean simplicity of the Reflection finish,” says Brad Richards, Harley’s VP of Design.
If you live for personalization, note that the Fat Boy’s aftermarket ecosystem trails that of the Softail crowd. Riders emphasize the importance of securing essential accessories early, especially PVD-friendly parts.
What Surprised Me Most
Even seasoned riders swap tales of first long rides, tire-width debates, and showroom hunts for Gray Ghosts. The Fat Boy inspires “I wish I’d ridden it sooner” enthusiasm across the board. It’s not just steel and chrome—it’s a conversation starter and confidence booster.
Style-first cruisers seeking comfort and character will fall hard. If daily corner carving is your jam, slot in a Fat Bob or Street Glide test-ride back-to-back. Structure your demo day like this:
- Morning: Fat Boy—soak in comfort.
- Midday: Fat Bob—evaluate agility.
- Afternoon: Street Glide—compare touring prowess.
The 2025 Fat Boy surprises at every turn: bespoke comfort, credible handling, modern tech, and a finish that stops traffic.
