2008–2011 Harley-Davidson Dyna Twin Cam 96 (FXDF Fat Bob)

The 2008–2011 Harley-Davidson Dyna Twin Cam 96 (FXDF Fat Bob) is a cruiser motorcycle introduced by Harley-Davidson as a new model for the 2008 model year. As part of the Dyna family, it was built on a frame characterized by its traditional V-Twin engine, dual external rear shock absorbers, and a focus on performance-oriented styling. The Fat Bob distinguished itself within the lineup with its aggressive, post-war “bobber” aesthetic, most notably featuring twin headlamps, chunky tires on 16-inch slotted cast aluminum wheels, and a unique 2-1-2 “Tommy Gun” exhaust system. It was designed to appeal to riders seeking a bold, custom look straight from the factory floor, combined with the torque-rich performance of the Twin Cam 96 engine.

Upon its release, the Fat Bob was a significant new addition to the existing Dyna platform, which included models like the Super Glide, Street Bob, and Wide Glide. It did not replace a previous model but rather carved out a new niche. Its primary differences from its Dyna siblings were stylistic and ergonomic. The most striking differentiator was its dual 5-inch headlamps, a feature not seen on other modern Harleys at the time. While other Dynas used a more traditional single headlight, this dual setup gave the Fat Bob a menacing, streetfighter-like presence. Furthermore, its use of a beefy 130mm front tire and an 180mm rear tire on matching 16-inch wheels gave it a muscular, balanced stance, contrasting with the skinny front wheel of the Wide Glide or the more classic proportions of the Super Glide. The forward foot controls and low-rise, flat “drag” style handlebar also created a distinct, aggressive riding posture.

Design and Styling

The FXDF Fat Bob’s design ethos is rooted in the “bobber” tradition, where non-essential parts are stripped away to reduce weight and create a minimalist look. Harley-Davidson interpreted this with a dark, muscular theme. Key styling elements included a bobtail rear fender with a dual-ring LED taillight, a low-profile 5-gallon fuel tank with a console-mounted ignition, and a one-piece, two-up seat.

Many components were finished in black, including the powertrain, air cleaner cover, battery box, and rear shock covers, reinforcing its aggressive character. The slotted disc cast aluminum wheels provided a touch of modern custom style, while the “Tommy Gun” 2-1-2 chrome exhaust with its slotted heat shields was a signature feature, contributing to both the bike’s look and its distinctive exhaust note.

Powertrain: The Harley-Davidson Dyna Twin Cam 96

At the heart of the 2008–2011 Fat Bob was the air-cooled Twin Cam 96 engine. This 96-cubic-inch (1584cc) 45-degree V-Twin was rubber-mounted to the Dyna frame, a design choice that isolated the rider from excessive vibration while still allowing the characteristic Harley-Davidson rumble to be felt. The engine featured Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), providing reliable starting, smooth throttle response, and improved fuel efficiency over carbureted predecessors.

Paired with the engine was Harley-Davidson’s 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission. This gearbox provided strong acceleration through the gears, with the sixth gear acting as an overdrive for relaxed, lower-RPM highway cruising. The powertrain was engineered to deliver a significant amount of torque at low RPMs, peaking at approximately 92 ft-lb, which translated to strong roll-on power and a satisfying feeling of acceleration in real-world riding conditions.

Chassis and Handling

The Fat Bob was built on the robust Dyna chassis, known for its relative stiffness and capable handling compared to the Softail line. The front end featured stout 49mm forks, while the rear suspension consisted of dual coil-over shocks. This setup provided a ride that was firm yet compliant enough for long-distance comfort.

Braking performance was a notable strong point for a cruiser of its era. The Fat Bob was equipped with dual disc brakes on the front wheel, clamped by four-piston calipers, offering confident stopping power. A single disc with a two-piston caliper handled braking duties at the rear. The combination of the strong chassis, competent brakes, and wide tires gave the Fat Bob predictable and stable handling, inspiring confidence in corners and during high-speed cruising.