ONE of the most iconic Harley-Davidson bikes ever produced has been relaunched with a modern twist 35 years after it first hit the road.
In 1989, on a trip that became part of bike folklore, Willie G. Davidson rode his prototype of the Fat Boy down to Daytona Bike Week.
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One of Harley-Davidson’s best-selling models, the Fat Boy, has become an integral part of pop culture after appearing in the Hollywood Movie Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
Now Willie G’s kids, Bill and Karen Davidson, who watched their Dad design the original, have revealed a 2025 version, and bikers are going bonkers for it.
In the reveal video, Karen Davidson said: “It pays amazing tribute to the original and the fat boy legacy of 25 years.
“I watched my Dad design the stunning motorbike with all the guys, and still remember the first time I saw it.
“The DNA of the 1990 bike has been enhanced in the 2025 version.”
Her brother Bill Davidson added: “When I think of the Fat Boy, it screams emotion, when you’re riding it screams emotion, when you’re looking at it, it has emotion.
“The fact that the new version was produced where the original was designed at Juno Avenue is so exciting.
“The 1990s had his signature style, signature colour, his rebel spirit, and that’s lasted for 25 years.”
Just 1,990 models of the new chromed-out Fat Boy Gray Ghost will go on sale for $25,399.
The new model boasts a mirror-like finish that gives it a futuristic sheen, and the engine is a custom version of the Milwaukee-Eight 117.
But snazzy new engine features include a yellow trim, matching the original, and a round air cleaner like the original 1990 model.
The aptly named icon model claims an output of 101 hp at 4,800 rpm and 112 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm, compared to the regular Fat Boy’s claimed 104 hp and 126 lb-ft figures.
Fans of the iconic brand have gone wild following the announcement on social media.
One devotee wrote: “There’s really only one motorcycle company in the world that could have put together the Fat Boy, that’s Harley Davidson, it’s here to stay.”
Another wrote: “Nailed it! So glad you did the grey frame, keep that stuff coming!”
A third said: “Saw one in person yesterday! Beautiful bike and I love that it’s paying homage to the great Willie G! Also love the face of the brother and sister who rode it over to show him… priceless!”
At the end of the promotional video, the siblings vroom their creation over to show their Dad, grinning like Cheshire cats.
One particularly awed fan wrote: “Can you imagine getting to look at this beautiful bike in your garage for the rest of your life? I want one!!!”
The launch comes as Harley-Davidson continues to suffer a historic season of chaos as shareholders go to war with key decision makers.
The brand is in turmoil, after its CEO, Jochen Zeitz, stepped down due to poor sales performance and high inventory levels.
The company is now caught in a vicious leadership battle.
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