2017 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob FXDF: Specs And Review

by Alex Braham 52 views

Let's dive into the 2017 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob FXDF, a bike that makes a statement with its aggressive styling and powerful performance. This machine isn't just about looks; it’s a well-rounded package that delivers a thrilling riding experience. Guys, if you're in the market for a Harley that stands out from the crowd, the Fat Bob FXDF might just be your perfect match. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know, from its specifications to its overall review, giving you a comprehensive look at what makes this bike so special.

Overview of the 2017 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob FXDF

The Harley-Davidson Fat Bob FXDF from 2017 is a bold motorcycle designed for riders who crave a distinctive look and robust performance. At its heart lies an air-cooled, Twin Cam 103 engine, displacing 1,690 cc (103.1 cubic inches), providing ample power and torque for both city cruising and open-road adventures. The engine features Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), ensuring smooth and efficient fuel delivery. Its distinctive styling includes features like a blacked-out finish, a unique twin headlamp, and a muscular stance, setting it apart from other models in the Harley-Davidson lineup. The Fat Bob's fat tires and sturdy suspension contribute to its solid handling and comfortable ride. This model is a favorite among riders who appreciate a blend of classic Harley-Davidson heritage with modern design elements.

The 2017 Fat Bob FXDF continues the legacy of the Fat Bob line, known for its aggressive styling and robust performance. This model is equipped with an air-cooled, Twin Cam 103 engine that delivers strong torque and a satisfying rumble. The engine's Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) ensures smooth and efficient power delivery, making it suitable for both city cruising and long-distance rides. One of the standout features of the Fat Bob is its blacked-out aesthetic, which gives it a menacing and modern appearance. The bike's distinctive twin headlamp and fat tires further enhance its unique look. The Fat Bob's muscular stance and comfortable riding position make it a popular choice for riders who want a bike that looks as good as it performs. Its well-tuned suspension and responsive brakes add to its overall appeal, providing a confident and enjoyable riding experience. The Fat Bob FXDF is designed to offer a distinctive presence on the road, appealing to riders who appreciate a blend of classic Harley-Davidson heritage and contemporary styling.

Furthermore, the 2017 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob FXDF is tailored for riders who appreciate a blend of aesthetics and functionality. The bike’s design emphasizes a bold and muscular appearance, making it a head-turner on the road. The blacked-out components, including the engine, exhaust, and frame, contribute to its modern and aggressive look. The distinctive twin headlamp not only adds to its unique style but also provides excellent visibility, enhancing safety during night rides. The fat tires, combined with a sturdy suspension system, ensure a comfortable and stable ride, even on less-than-perfect road surfaces. The bike's ergonomics are designed to provide a comfortable riding position, making it suitable for both short commutes and long journeys. The Fat Bob's responsive brakes and precise handling further enhance its riding experience, giving riders confidence in various conditions. Overall, the 2017 Fat Bob FXDF is a well-rounded motorcycle that offers a combination of style, performance, and comfort, making it an appealing choice for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts.

Key Specifications

Understanding the key specifications of the 2017 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob FXDF is essential for appreciating its capabilities and performance. Let’s break down the essential specs:

  • Engine: Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103
  • Displacement: 1,690 cc (103.1 cubic inches)
  • Bore x Stroke: 3.875 in. (98.4 mm) x 4.38 in. (111.3 mm)
  • Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
  • Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
  • Horsepower: 71 HP (52.9 kW) @ 5,000 rpm (claimed)
  • Torque: 92 lb-ft (124.7 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm (claimed)
  • Transmission: 6-speed
  • Final Drive: Chain
  • Front Suspension: Telescopic forks
  • Rear Suspension: Dual shocks
  • Front Brake: Dual disc
  • Rear Brake: Single disc
  • Front Tire: 130/90-16
  • Rear Tire: 180/70-16
  • Wheelbase: 63.6 in. (1615 mm)
  • Seat Height: 26.2 in. (665 mm)
  • Fuel Capacity: 5.0 gallons (18.9 liters)
  • Weight (as shipped): 670 lbs (304 kg)
  • Weight (in running order): 708 lbs (321 kg)

These specs highlight the Fat Bob's robust engine, providing substantial power and torque for a thrilling ride. The suspension and braking systems are designed to offer a comfortable and controlled experience, while the fat tires contribute to its distinctive look and solid handling.

The engine is undoubtedly the heart of the 2017 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob FXDF, and its specifications tell a story of raw power and reliable performance. The Twin Cam 103 engine, with its 1,690 cc displacement, delivers a potent combination of horsepower and torque, ensuring that the bike responds eagerly to throttle inputs. The bore and stroke dimensions, along with the compression ratio, are optimized to provide a balanced and efficient combustion process. The Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) system ensures smooth and precise fuel delivery, contributing to the engine's overall efficiency and responsiveness. The claimed horsepower of 71 HP at 5,000 rpm and a torque of 92 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm provide ample power for both city cruising and open-road adventures. These specifications highlight the engine's capability to deliver a thrilling and satisfying riding experience.

In addition to the engine, the chassis and suspension components of the 2017 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob FXDF play a crucial role in its overall performance and handling. The telescopic forks at the front and dual shocks at the rear provide a well-balanced suspension system that absorbs bumps and undulations in the road, ensuring a comfortable ride. The dual disc brakes at the front and a single disc brake at the rear offer confident stopping power, enhancing safety and control. The fat tires, with a 130/90-16 specification at the front and 180/70-16 at the rear, contribute to the bike's distinctive look and provide ample grip and stability. The wheelbase of 63.6 inches (1615 mm) contributes to the bike's stability and predictable handling characteristics. The seat height of 26.2 inches (665 mm) makes it accessible to a wide range of riders. These specifications highlight the Fat Bob's design emphasis on providing a comfortable, stable, and confidence-inspiring riding experience.

Riding Experience

What’s it like to actually ride the 2017 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob FXDF? The riding experience is defined by its powerful engine, comfortable ergonomics, and distinctive styling. The Twin Cam 103 engine delivers strong torque, making acceleration smooth and responsive. The bike handles well, offering stability and control on various road surfaces. The fat tires contribute to its solid feel, and the suspension does a decent job of absorbing bumps. The riding position is relatively upright, providing comfort for both short commutes and longer rides. Overall, the Fat Bob offers a satisfying and enjoyable riding experience that blends performance with comfort.

The engine performance of the 2017 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob FXDF significantly influences the overall riding experience. The Twin Cam 103 engine delivers ample torque and horsepower, ensuring that the bike responds eagerly to throttle inputs. The engine's smooth and predictable power delivery makes it suitable for a wide range of riding conditions, from city cruising to open-road adventures. The exhaust note is characteristically Harley-Davidson, providing a satisfying rumble that enhances the riding experience. The engine's responsiveness and power make it easy to overtake traffic and maintain a comfortable cruising speed. Overall, the engine performance of the Fat Bob FXDF contributes significantly to its enjoyable and engaging riding experience.

The handling and comfort of the 2017 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob FXDF also contribute significantly to the overall riding experience. The bike's sturdy frame and well-tuned suspension provide a stable and controlled ride, even on less-than-perfect road surfaces. The fat tires offer ample grip and contribute to the bike's solid feel. The riding position is relatively upright, providing comfort for both short commutes and long journeys. The seat is well-padded, adding to the overall comfort. The bike's brakes are responsive and provide ample stopping power, enhancing safety and control. The combination of good handling and comfort makes the Fat Bob FXDF a versatile motorcycle that is suitable for a wide range of riding conditions.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's look at the pros and cons of the 2017 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob FXDF:

Pros:

  • Aggressive Styling: The Fat Bob’s unique design stands out from other Harley models.
  • Strong Engine: The Twin Cam 103 provides plenty of power and torque.
  • Comfortable Riding Position: Suitable for both short and long rides.
  • Good Handling: Offers stability and control on various road surfaces.

Cons:

  • Weight: The bike is quite heavy, which can affect maneuverability at low speeds.
  • Fuel Economy: Not the most fuel-efficient option.
  • Stock Exhaust: Some riders may want to upgrade for a louder, more aggressive sound.

These points should help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.

Looking at the pros in more detail, the aggressive styling of the 2017 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob FXDF is one of its most appealing features. The bike's unique design, with its blacked-out components, twin headlamp, and fat tires, sets it apart from other Harley-Davidson models. The strong engine provides ample power and torque, ensuring a thrilling and engaging riding experience. The comfortable riding position makes it suitable for both short commutes and long journeys. The good handling characteristics provide stability and control on various road surfaces, enhancing the rider's confidence. These pros make the Fat Bob FXDF an appealing choice for riders who want a motorcycle that combines style, performance, and comfort.

Turning to the cons, the weight of the 2017 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob FXDF can be a drawback for some riders. The bike's heavy weight can affect maneuverability at low speeds, making it challenging to handle in tight spaces. The fuel economy is not the most efficient, which can be a concern for riders who prioritize fuel efficiency. The stock exhaust system may not provide the desired sound for some riders, who may want to upgrade to a louder and more aggressive exhaust. These cons are important to consider when evaluating the overall suitability of the Fat Bob FXDF for individual riding preferences and needs.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the 2017 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob FXDF is a distinctive and powerful motorcycle that offers a unique blend of style and performance. Its aggressive styling, strong engine, and comfortable riding position make it an appealing choice for riders looking for a bike that stands out from the crowd. While it has some drawbacks, such as its weight and fuel economy, the overall riding experience is satisfying and enjoyable. If you're in the market for a Harley-Davidson that combines classic heritage with modern design, the Fat Bob FXDF is definitely worth considering. Guys, it’s a ride that will turn heads and deliver a thrilling experience every time you hit the road. Whether you're cruising through the city or embarking on a long-distance journey, the Fat Bob FXDF is a reliable and stylish companion that won't disappoint.