2018–2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Milwaukee-Eight 107 (FLFB Fat Boy)

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The 2018–2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Milwaukee-Eight 107 (FLFB Fat Boy)** marks a pivotal chapter in the history of one of the manufacturer’s most iconic models. Launched as part of Harley-Davidson’s 115th-anniversary celebration, this generation represented the most significant redesign of the Softail platform in decades. The new Fat Boy moved away from the long-running Twin Cam engine and legacy frame, introducing a completely new chassis, the powerful Milwaukee-Eight engine, and a bold, modernized aesthetic that redefined the motorcycle’s character for a new era. Instantly recognizable from its prominent role in the 1991 film Terminator 2: Judgment Day*, the Fat Boy has always been a symbol of muscular, steamroller presence, a trait the 2018 update amplified considerably.

A Generational Leap from the Previous Model

The departure from the previous generation Fat Boy (designated FLSTF) was comprehensive. The most critical change was the retirement of the Twin Cam engine in favor of the new Milwaukee-Eight. The Milwaukee-Eight 107 (1746cc) V-Twin engine featured four valves per cylinder (eight total, hence the name), a single chain-driven camshaft, and dual counter-balancers. This resulted in a smoother, more refined engine with significantly reduced idle vibration, increased power and torque, and improved heat management compared to the air-cooled Twin Cam 103B it replaced.

Beyond the powertrain, the entire chassis was redesigned. Harley-Davidson consolidated its Dyna and Softail platforms into a single, unified Softail frame that was substantially stiffer and lighter than its predecessor. This new frame abandoned the old under-engine suspension in favor of a single, easily adjustable monoshock tucked beneath the seat. This design preserved the classic “hardtail” look of the Softail line while dramatically improving handling, cornering clearance, and overall ride quality.

Design and Styling of the 2018–2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Milwaukee-Eight 107 (FLFB Fat Boy)

Visually, the 2018 Fat Boy was a dramatic reinterpretation of the classic formula. While the outgoing model was defined by its chrome-studded, bullet-hole disc wheels, the new version adopted a more contemporary and industrial look. The most striking features were the solid-disc “Lakester” wheels, which were now wrapped in massive Michelin Scorcher tires—a 160mm front and a formidable 240mm rear. This gave the bike an incredibly planted and aggressive stance.

Harley-Davidson also shifted from bright, polished chrome to a widespread use of satin chrome finishes on the engine covers, forks, and exhaust. This provided a muted, modern sheen that contrasted with the painted components. The headlamp was updated to a powerful Daymaker Signature LED lamp, housed in a newly shaped, muscular nacelle that flowed seamlessly into the massive front forks. The overall effect was a motorcycle that looked machined from a solid block of metal, blending its heritage with a clear, forward-looking design language.

Riding Dynamics and Performance

The combination of the new frame and engine transformed the Fat Boy’s on-road behavior. The Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine delivered a strong, linear wave of torque right from low RPMs, providing effortless acceleration for city cruising and highway passing. The dual counter-balancers made long-distance riding more comfortable by quelling the harsh vibrations of older models, yet retained enough of the signature Harley-Davidson pulse to feel engaging.

The stiffer, lighter frame and improved suspension provided a level of handling previously unseen in a Fat Boy. While the massive 240mm rear tire still required deliberate input to initiate turns, the bike felt more stable and composed through corners. The new Showa front forks and adjustable rear monoshock offered a more compliant ride, absorbing road imperfections with greater ease. The improved cornering clearance meant riders could carry more speed through turns without the fear of scraping the floorboards, a common trait of the older models.

Technical Specifications: 2018-2020 Harley-Davidson FLFB Fat Boy 107