Thunderbike Darkline Thirty • Harley-Davidson Fat Boy FLFBS Umbau

Limited anniversary model

Such a limited-edition anniversary model must be handled with care. The Fat Boy remains not only a Fat Boy, but also an icon! When Harley-Davidson presented the Fat Boy 30th Anniversary Edition in 2020, the company had to rise to the challenge. After all, striking the right balance between the long-outdated but still iconic Terminator design and a new, recognisable interpretation was no mean feat. The new wheel design and angular headlight housing were already in place. The magic number ‘114’ solved the problem. The limited-edition anniversary Fat Boy, of which only 2,500 were made, was given the biggest engine: 114 cubic inches (1,868 cubic centimetres). At least it lived up to its name.

Thunderbike Darkline Thirty - Harley-Davidson Fat Boy FLFBS Umbau Fat Boy FLFBS Milwaukee-Eight

Coping with a burden

Was that really enough? Our customer seemed to doubt it. Sure enough, he was soon confronted with the same issue. He now owned one of the rare anniversary models, numbered 350 out of 2,500 on the dashboard. This dashboard alone should be preserved, especially given the distinctive dent that makes it even more authentic. But how would it cope with this burden? One thing was clear: the paintwork could not be changed. The anniversary motifs on the tank flanks also had to be retained. However, he would like the boy to be a little fatter.

With a battle track, this certificate of authenticity couldn’t be more genuine. This Fat Boy was strictly limited edition. The paintwork had to be kept, as did the proof that it was an anniversary model.

The solution was obvious: big-spoke wheels from TTS with their thick spokes did the job at first glance. So first and foremost, we would say goodbye to the Lakester or short-spoke rims, which always look a bit pretentious. The redesign of the front end with a narrow 21-inch wheel, but these mighty big spokes, is almost a little subtle. We lowered it a little with our fork kit and rounded it off with our steel fender.

The narrow, 21-inch wheel has large spokes. This makes the Fat Boy look even bulkier.

Our Atlas handlebars, naturally on Atlas risers in ‘wide’ format, are enthroned above it. They are 35 centimetres high. They give the Fat Boy the perfect look. There are no external cables or wires to spoil the view. We have converted the clutch to hydraulic operation and routed the cable through the handlebars. There’s enough space.

The Atlas handlebars are positioned on Atlas risers, creating a harmonious and balanced look.

The distinctive headlight housing has stayed the same.

The handlebars now run cleanly through the clutch, which has been converted to hydraulic operation.

A character face with Stripe turn signals

The Clean model also features our hard-to-find stripe indicators. Like the forward controls, the grips have our satin finish and are finished off with New Custom toppers. The distinctive headlight housing remains. We believe that we have given the Fat Boy a distinctive face that reveals its origins at first glance, while also inviting you to take a closer look.

Our stripe indicators are hidden under the fittings. They are only visible on close up.

The rear design is similar. We have kept the size at 18 inches, but increased the width of the rubber to 260 millimetres. Fender struts are no longer necessary in the new millennium. Instead, we have fitted our steel fender on top, with cleanly integrated openings for the turn signals and rear light, which gives it a certain massiveness that suits the Fat Boy so well. The seat shell sits harmoniously in front of the fender, and we have reupholstered the saddle. We also lowered the rear with our Stage 2 kit and a 30-millimetre shorter shock absorber, of course.

Is there anything missing from the typical Harley appearance? Yes, the sound. We’ve made it a little fuller with the Shorty Big Shot system from Jekill and Hyde, which has been adapted to a V-Strike manifold system. This makes the sound legal in every mode and riding condition.

The footrests have a satin finish. No boot will slip on them!

The rear lights and indicators of the steel rear fender are well-hidden.

The Shorty Big Shot is from Jekill and Hyde. It makes the right sound.

It remains an icon

So, we’ve put more weight on the boy. We have rectified what Harley-Davidson failed to do five years ago. The anniversary bike has a new look, but it is still unmistakably the same model. You don’t need to read the number 350 on the dented dashboard to immediately recognise an icon.