7 Shocking Updates To The 2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 117 That Cement Its Legend

The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy has always been more than just a motorcycle; it’s a cultural icon, a rolling piece of Americana that defines the modern cruiser aesthetic. For 2025, Harley-Davidson is not just polishing the chrome—they are delivering a significant power upgrade and fresh styling cues that make this legendary Softail model an absolute must-see. This comprehensive breakdown, updated for December 15, 2025, dives into the latest changes, the new engine, and the enduring legacy that makes the Fat Boy a true myth on two wheels.

First introduced in 1990, the Fat Boy instantly captured the imagination of riders and non-riders alike with its wide, muscular stance and signature solid-cast disc wheels. The latest iteration, the 2025 Fat Boy 117, continues this tradition while injecting a much-needed boost of contemporary performance and technology, ensuring its commanding road presence is backed by serious power.

The 2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 117: Specifications and Core Features

The biggest story for the 2025 model year is the significant engine change, which elevates the Fat Boy from a powerful cruiser to a true high-performance machine within the Softail family. The displacement increase is a game-changer for veteran riders and new enthusiasts alike.

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• Engine Type: Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin
• Displacement: 117 cubic inches (1923cc)
• Horsepower (Estimated): 101 hp @ 4800 rpm
• Torque (Estimated): 125 lb-ft (specific 117 Fat Boy torque may vary but will be near this figure)
• Starting MSRP: Starts around $21,999 (for Vivid Black)
• Frame: Softail Frame (Hidden mono-shock rear suspension)
• Wheels: Lakester Solid Disc Cast Aluminum Wheels (New design for 2025)
• Iconic Features: Wide front end, massive 160mm front tire, signature shotgun exhausts.
• Standard Technology: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cruise Control

1. The Power Upgrade: Milwaukee-Eight 117 Engine

For years, the Fat Boy was defined by the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, a powerful V-twin that offered ample torque. For 2025, Harley-Davidson has reportedly swapped the 114 for the larger, more potent Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine. This move is particularly significant as the 114 is now considered the smallest of Harley's Big Twins in the lineup, making the 117 upgrade a clear statement of performance intent for the Fat Boy.

This 117-cubic-inch engine, or 1923cc, delivers a noticeable jump in horsepower and torque, translating to quicker acceleration and more effortless highway cruising. Riders will immediately appreciate the extra grunt, especially during traffic light pulls or when needing to pass quickly on the interstate. The increased displacement ensures the Fat Boy maintains its "raise hell" attitude.

2. The Return of the Gray Ghost Special Edition

A major highlight for the 2025 model year is the introduction of the Fat Boy Gray Ghost. This special edition harks back to the motorcycle’s early legacy, featuring a legendary silver and yellow color scheme that instantly grabs attention. Limited-edition colors and schemes like the Gray Ghost are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, often becoming some of the fastest-selling variants. This color option is a nod to the bike's history while feeling entirely fresh.

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Other available color options for the standard 2025 Fat Boy include the classic Vivid Black, as well as premium choices like Whiskey Fire with a Vivid Black two-tone option. The choice of color dramatically alters the bike's personality, from the sinister all-black look to the flashier two-tone finishes.

3. Iconic Design Meets Modern Refinement

The Fat Boy's distinctive look—a wide, muscular stance with a massive front tire—was originally designed by Willie G. Davidson and Louie Netz for its 1990 debut. The core aesthetic remains, but the 2025 model incorporates modern refinements.

The signature Lakester solid disc wheels have received a subtle update for 2025, maintaining their imposing, machined look while potentially offering improved handling characteristics. These wheels are arguably the single most recognizable feature of the Fat Boy. The bike’s wide front fork and the iconic Softail frame, which cleverly hides the rear mono-shock to give it a classic hardtail look, are also key elements that define its silhouette.

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4. Essential Tech Upgrades: ABS and Cruise Control

Modern riders demand modern amenities, and Harley-Davidson has made essential technology standard on the 2025 Fat Boy 117. Both Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Cruise Control are now standard features. ABS provides a critical safety layer, especially in unexpected or low-traction braking scenarios, while cruise control is a necessity for long-haul comfort, allowing the rider to eat up highway miles with ease.

5. The Unbreakable Pop Culture Legacy: Terminator 2

No discussion of the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy is complete without mentioning its star turn in Hollywood. The motorcycle achieved legendary status after its prominent appearance in the 1991 blockbuster Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

The film's most memorable chase sequence features Arnold Schwarzenegger (as the T-800) riding a 1991 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy while pursuing the young John Connor. The image of the T-800 on the imposing cruiser, jumping into the Los Angeles River, forever cemented the Fat Boy as the quintessential "tough guy" motorcycle. This cinematic connection continues to drive interest and curiosity in the model, making it a unique piece of movie history.

6. Riding Dynamics and Handling Improvements

Despite its heavy, muscular appearance—the bike has a curb weight of around 699 lbs—the Fat Boy is known for being surprisingly well-balanced. The 2025 updates, including the new wheel design and the inherent stability of the modern Softail frame, are aimed at improving handling. While it will never corner like a sport bike, the Fat Boy offers a low center of gravity and a comfortable riding position, making it an excellent highway cruiser and a manageable machine in city traffic.

7. Historical Context: Common Issues and Modern Fixes

While the new Milwaukee-Eight engine platform is highly reliable, older Fat Boy models (particularly those with the Twin Cam 88 engine from 1999-2006) were known for specific mechanical issues, such as the wear-prone cam tensioners and issues with inner cam bearings and lifters. The current generation of the Fat Boy, built on the modern Softail chassis and utilizing the advanced Milwaukee-Eight engine, has largely addressed these historical reliability concerns, offering a much more robust and maintenance-friendly experience.

Is the 2025 Fat Boy 117 Worth the Investment?

The 2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 117 is arguably the most compelling version of the model in years. The jump to the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine is a crucial performance differentiator, making it a more exciting ride than its 114 predecessor. Coupled with the standard inclusion of ABS and cruise control, and the striking new color options like the Gray Ghost, the bike offers a perfect blend of iconic styling, modern technology, and raw power.

For anyone looking for a cruiser that commands respect, possesses an unparalleled cinematic legacy, and delivers true Big Twin performance, the Fat Boy 117 is an exceptional choice. It’s a motorcycle that is as much a statement of personal freedom as it is a machine built for the open road.