Fat Boy reloaded

17. July 2024

Rick’s Motorcycles 2024 FLFBS 114 Stock Upgrade: A fatter tailend and a lot of detailing!

Since its premiere in 1990, the “Fat Boy” has been one of the most popular models in the Harley-Davidson range – and also an icon in the Rick’s Motorcycles program, the then young customshop in Rastatt started its career in 1994 with the widening of “Fat Boy” disc wheels. The refinement of a “Fat Boy”, whether Evo, Twin Cam or Milwaukee Eight, is practically part of Rick’s Motorcycles’ DNA – and all the necessary components have been tried and tested for years.

The stock disc wheels of the “Fat Boy” have also undergone a “design evolution” during Twin Cam years: there are numerous variations of the classic “Fat Boy” discs, CNC-machined in a different styles and in some cases already “pierced” or “slotted”. However, these design changes had never been as radical and visible as with the 2022 wheels, which are in fact still a variation of the disk wheels: What used to be a machined “recess” in the disk wheel is now completely cut out. This leaves a solid-looking disc in the wheel center – larger than the brake discs at the front and rear. For those who want the “classic disc”: Rick’s Design Wheels is still available today as a “disc wheel” version.

On this Rick’s Motorcycles upgrade, the standard wheels were retained but numerous small parts – forks, covers, brake disk inner stars and much more – were removed, dismantled and carefully powder-coated in black. A great effort, but a sure win for the superb look: with a new paint job and the re-colored black details, the FLFBS offers an extremely elegant “Sunday suit”. Riding this bike to the Opera? No problem!

As always, Rick’s Motorcycles sheet metal workshop has played a major part in the creation: the full metal front fender, which sits close to the front wheel, also serves as a “fork stabilizer” to strengthen the front end. The handcrafted tailend is either lowered to the perfect “parking height” with air suspension or offers excellent ground clearance in the “riding position” for speeding around the bends, when the roads of the Blackwood Forest are calling…

It is easy to install a 260 wide tire on the stock wheel – the popular “Fat Look” from front to rear, here particularly striking thanks to the contrast between the black stock wheels and brake discs. The tiny Kellermann Atto DF in black are mounted to the tailend, the license plate was relocated to the left of the swingarm using Rick’s license plate kit. The front “Atto’s” are hidden on the practical Rick’s brackets under Rick’s V-Rod handlebars – of course on Rick’s risers and with Rick’s “Good Guys” grips and adjustable hand levers.

As with many of Rick’s top custom bikes, the Good Guys II “Bandit” air filter and Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhaust system ensure genuine and authentic street performance. With Power Vision from Dyno Jet and a visit to the in-house test bench, riding fun with the 1868 cc engine is granted! Rideability is a particularly topic on this bike, as it is underlined in various details: With Rick’s ergonomically shaped grips and adjustable hand levers, the rider has full control of the power that is offered. The seat is an improvement of the stock part: Based on Rick’s base plate, added solid padding is supporting the spine. A smooth Rick’s seat-to-tank cover ensures a clean visual connection to the stock tank. Not only visually a genuine “Rick’s Powerbike”: It’s a “Fat Boy Deluxe” for highest demands – made by Rick’s!