2018–2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Milwaukee-Eight 107 (FXFB Fat Bob)

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2018–2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Bob 107 (FXFB)

The 2018–2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Milwaukee-Eight 107 (FXFB Fat Bob) marked a radical redesign for one of the company’s most distinctive cruisers, blending aggressive, modern styling with a completely new chassis and powertrain. Launched as part of Harley-Davidson’s ground-up overhaul of its Softail and Dyna lines, the new Fat Bob moved away from its previous platform to join a unified, stiffer, and better-handling Softail family. This generation redefined the model’s identity, targeting a rider seeking bold aesthetics backed by a significant leap in performance and handling dynamics.

A New Chassis: The End of the Dyna

The most significant change for the 2018 Fat Bob was its departure from the Dyna platform, which was discontinued entirely. The previous Fat Bob models (2008-2017) were built on the Dyna frame, characterized by its traditional twin external shock absorbers. For 2018, the Fat Bob was reborn on the all-new Softail chassis.

This new frame was designed to be substantially stiffer and lighter than the outgoing Dyna and Softail frames it replaced. The most prominent feature was the switch to a single, adjustable monoshock hidden beneath the seat. This design preserved the classic “hardtail” look that Softail models are known for while delivering a modern, more responsive ride. The change resulted in improved cornering clearance, greater stability, and a more comfortable experience over varied road surfaces compared to its predecessor.

The Harley-Davidson Softail Milwaukee-Eight 107 Engine

At the heart of the 2018-2020 Fat Bob is the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. This powerplant was a major advancement over the Twin Cam engine used in the previous Dyna Fat Bob. The “Eight” in its name refers to the eight valves (four per cylinder), which, combined with dual spark plugs per cylinder, improved airflow and combustion efficiency.

Key benefits of the Milwaukee-Eight 107 include:
Increased Power and Torque: The engine delivered a noticeable boost in torque, providing strong acceleration from a standstill and improved roll-on power at highway speeds.
Smoother Operation: A single internal counter-balancer was engineered to cancel 75% of the engine’s primary vibration at idle, resulting in a smoother, more refined feel without losing the characteristic Harley-Davidson pulse that riders expect.
Improved Heat Management:** The engine was designed to run cooler, enhancing rider comfort, particularly in slow-moving traffic.

This engine provided the Fat Bob with performance that matched its aggressive looks, offering a riding experience that was both visceral and more controlled than ever before.

Design and Styling

The 2018 Fat Bob adopted a muscular, post-apocalyptic aesthetic that set it apart from anything else in the Harley-Davidson lineup. Its styling was polarizing and unapologetically modern. Key visual elements included a distinctive horizontal LED headlight, chunky, high-profile tires on solid disc “Lakester” wheels, and a unique upswept 2-1-2 exhaust system with a custom-style finish.

The ergonomics were equally assertive, featuring a flat, drag-style handlebar and forward-mounted foot controls that created an aggressive, fists-in-the-wind riding posture. The minimalist design extended to the short front and rear fenders, a solo-style seat, and a clean rear end, all contributing to its stripped-down, performance-oriented look.

Handling and Suspension

Complementing the new frame and engine was a completely overhauled suspension system. The front end was equipped with a 43mm inverted cartridge fork featuring Showa’s Dual Bending Valve technology, which provided linear damping characteristics for a more controlled ride. The rear suspension featured the new, easily adjustable monoshock, with a convenient external knob for preload adjustments, allowing riders to quickly tune the suspension for a passenger or luggage without needing tools. This combination of a stiff chassis and modern suspension gave the Fat Bob a level of agility and cornering capability previously unseen in a bike with its aggressive stance and wide tires.

Specifications

General
Brand Harley-Davidson
Model Softail Fat Bob 107
Model Class FXFB
Model Year 2018–2020
Type Cruiser
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 1160 lb. (526 kg)
Maximum passengers 2
Performance
Max. power Approximately 86 Hp (Rear Wheel)
Max. torque 107 ft-lb (145 N•m) / 3500 RPM
Lean Angle (Right) 31 degrees
Lean Angle (Left) 32 degrees
Size
Length 92.1 in. (2340 mm)
Width 37.8 in. (960 mm)
Height 44.1 in. (1120 mm)
Wheelbase 63.6 in. (1615 mm)
Seat height (Laden) 27.7 in. (704 mm)
Ground clearance 4.7 in. (120 mm)
Curb weight (As shipped) 653 lb. (296 kg)
Curb weight (In running order) 675 lb. (306 kg)
Engine
Type Milwaukee-Eight 107, 45-degree V-Twin, Air & Oil Cooled
Displacement 107 cu in (1746 cc)
Bore × Stroke 3.937 in. × 4.375 in. (100 mm × 111.1 mm)
Compression ratio 10.0:1
Starting system Electric starter
Fuel supplying system Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Exhaust 2-into-1-into-2; catalyst in header
Lubricating system Dry sump
Oil capacity (w/filter) 5 qt (4.7 L)
Transmission
Transmission type 6-Speed Cruise Drive
Clutch type Mechanically actuated, 10 plate wet, assist & slip
Driving system Belt drive
Primary reduction ratio 34/46
Final reduction ratio 32/66
Gear ratio 1st: 9.311; 2nd: 6.454; 3rd: 4.793; 4th: 3.882; 5th: 3.307; 6th: 2.790
Chassis
Tire size (Front) 150/80-16,71H,BW
Tire size (Rear) 180/70B16,77H,BW
Rim type Denim black, Structure cast aluminum with laser etched graphics
Brakes Front and rear black, split 7-spoke floating rotors. 4-piston fixed front and 2-piston floating rear calipers.
Rake (steering head) 28 degrees
Trail 5.2 in. (132 mm)
Capacity of fuel tank 3.5 gal (13.2 L)
Fuel consumption (Combined) 47 mpg (5 L / 100 km)
Electric
Battery Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 17.5Ah, 310 CCA
Headlight LED Daymaker Signature Headlamp
Gauges 4-inch analog tachometer with digital speedometer, gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, range and tachometer indication
Suspension
Front Fork Single cartridge 43 mm inverted with aluminum fork triple clamps; triple rate spring
Rear Shock Hidden, free piston, coil-over monoshock; 56 mm stroke; toolless hydraulic preload adjustment
Front travel 5 in. (127 mm)
Rear travel 4.4 in. (112 mm)
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