Of course, here is a full article about the 1990–1999 Harley-Davidson Softail Evolution 1340 (FLSTF Fat Boy), written in the requested style and format.
The 1990–1999 Harley-Davidson Softail Evolution 1340 (FLSTF Fat Boy) is a heavyweight cruiser motorcycle that established a new design direction for Harley-Davidson and became one of the most iconic models in the company’s history. Introduced for the 1990 model year, the Fat Boy combined the classic lines of a vintage “hardtail” with the modern reliability of the Evolution engine and the comfort of the Softail chassis. Its distinctive, monochromatic look and substantial presence made it an instant sales success and a cultural phenomenon, most notably after its appearance in the 1991 film Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
Genesis and Design
The Fat Boy was conceived by legendary Harley-Davidson designers Willie G. Davidson and Louie Netz. The design ethos was to create a motorcycle that looked as if it were machined from a solid block of metal. This was achieved through a minimalist, monochromatic silver paint scheme with yellow-gold accents on the engine casings and a shotgun-style dual exhaust system.
The most defining visual characteristics of the first-generation Fat Boy were its solid, cast-aluminum disc wheels. Both the 16-inch front and rear wheels were solid, lending the bike an incredibly stout and muscular appearance. This was a stark departure from the traditional wire-spoked wheels common on most cruisers of the era. Other key design elements included a wide, “fat” front fender, a large seven-inch headlight, floorboards for the rider, and a wide, flared handlebar.
While the Fat Boy was a new model for 1990, it was built upon the existing Softail platform. The key difference that set the FLSTF apart from other Softails like the Heritage (FLSTC) or the Custom (FXSTC) was its unique combination of muscular, industrial styling cues. It was less about vintage nostalgia and more about creating a bold, modern statement rooted in Harley’s heritage. The name “Fat Boy” was derived from its wide, imposing stance—it looked “fat” from both the front and side profiles.
The Softail Chassis and Evolution 1340 Powerplant
At the heart of the Fat Boy lies the proven Softail chassis. This innovative frame, introduced in 1984, was designed to mimic the clean, uninterrupted lines of the rigid “hardtail” frames from the 1940s and 50s. To achieve this, the rear shock absorbers are positioned horizontally underneath the transmission, out of sight. This provides the rider with a more comfortable ride than a true hardtail while preserving the classic aesthetic.
Powering the 1990–1999 Harley-Davidson Softail Evolution 1340 (FLSTF Fat Boy) was the air-cooled 1340cc (80 cubic inch) Evolution V-Twin engine. The “Evo” was a monumental step forward for Harley-Davidson in terms of reliability and performance compared to its Shovelhead predecessor. It ran cooler, was less prone to oil leaks thanks to improved gaskets and castings, and delivered smooth, reliable torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed transmission and a clean, quiet belt final drive, formed the dependable powertrain that helped solidify Harley-Davidson’s resurgence in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Fat Boy’s status as a cultural icon was cemented by its role in the 1991 blockbuster film Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The image of Arnold Schwarzenegger, as the Terminator, riding the FLSTF Fat Boy through the streets of Los Angeles became one of the most memorable scenes in action movie history. This exposure catapulted the motorcycle from a popular model to a global symbol of American power and rebellion. Demand for the Fat Boy surged, and it quickly became one of Harley-Davidson’s best-selling models.
Throughout its first decade, the FLSTF Fat Boy remained largely unchanged, a testament to the strength of its original design. Minor updates included new paint options and subtle graphic changes, but the core formula of solid disc wheels, a muscular stance, and the reliable Evolution engine was left untouched until the introduction of the Twin Cam engine in 2000.
Specifications: 1990-1999 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy
| General | |
| Brand | Harley-Davidson |
| Model | Softail Fat Boy |
| Model Code | FLSTF |
| Model Years | 1990–1999 |
| Type | Cruiser |
| Performance | |
| Max. power (approx.) | 55 Hp (41 Kw) / 5000 RPM |
| Max. torque (approx.) | 71 ft-lb (96 N•m) / 2350 RPM |
| Top designed speed | ~105 mph (169 km/h) |
| Size | |
| Length | 94.1 in. (2390 mm) |
| Width | 35.2 in. (895 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 63.9 in. (1623 mm) |
| Seat height (Laden) | 26.2 in. (665 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 5.1 in. (130 mm) |
| Dry weight | 657 lb. (298 kg) |
| Engine | |
| Type | 45° V-Twin, Four Stroke, Air Cooled, OHV |
| Displacement | 1340 cc (80 cubic inches) |
| Bore × Stroke | 3.49 in. × 4.25 in. (88.8 mm × 108 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| Fuel supplying system | Carburetor (38mm Keihin) |
| Ignition control system | Electronic |
| Lubricating system | Dry sump |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.0 qt (2.8 L) |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission type | 5-speed, manual gear shift |
| Clutch type | Wet, multi-disc |
| Driving system | Belt drive |
| Chassis | |
| Tire size | Front: MT90B16; Rear: MT90B16 |
| Rim type | Solid Cast Aluminum Disc |
| Capacity of fuel tank | 4.2 gal (15.9 L) |
| Fuel consumption (approx.) | 42 MPG (5.6 L / 100 km) |
| Electric | |
| Battery | 12V |
| Brakes | |
| Front | Single disc |
| Rear | Single disc |
