Does anyone know the origin of the name “Fatboy” the popular fullsize Harley Davidson motorcycly? I was told by a Harley enthusiast that it is a compilation of the names of the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan at the close of WWII., Fatman and Littleboy.
Is this true and is it a slap at the competition?
I don’t know (I prefer Japanese motorcycles), but I’d always assumed it came from the fat gas tank.
I thought it was in reference to the “fat” back tire. A friend of mine said the back tire on a fat boy is as wide as the tires on his car and that he can sit upright on his Harley while at a complete stop with his feet on the pegs. Does anyone know if this is true of if my friend is full of it?
Could be that it comes from calling Harley-Davidson Bikes Hogs. This comes from the fact that early in the Harley’s history the Harley racing team used to take their mascot, a pig, to every race with them. Just a thought. If it’s any help, the Fatboy was only released in 1990 (according to the Harley-Davidson web site). While it has a lot of info, nothing particularly about the name, though. Probably a combination of things. Later all.
SarumanRex, your friend doesn’t have to be full of it. A good trials rider can balance on much thinner wheels.
From what I understand the trademarked name “Fatboy” was ripped off (by the motor company) from custom bike builders. Another variation is “Fat Bob”, indicating a cut down frame on a similarly styled bike. Other ripoffs include, “Softail” a modification originally conceived by Cal chopper builders, “Lowrider”, “Hog” and beleive it or not “vroom”.
Yep the motor company tried to trademark the engine noise.
EvilGhandi, the question remains as to what is “fat” about a fatboy Harley. Is it just a name, or do they mean fat as in PHAT?
Saruman,
Stay tuned. I am doing some work at a custom bike shop tomorrow and will ask the builders there for input.
bump