Absolute Worst Harley Fatboy Years to Avoid (Or Else)

The Harley Davidson Fat Boy, a legendary motorcycle from the renowned Harley Davidson brand, has a rich history and a dedicated fanbase. However, like any longstanding model, there have been specific years where the Fat Boy faced challenges in terms of reliability, performance, or design tweaks. In this article, we’ll delve deep into these Harley Fatboy years to avoid, providing potential buyers or enthusiasts with essential information to make an informed decision. Ready? Let’s get to it!

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Table of Contents

What Were The Most Common Harley Fatboy Problems?

Harley Fat Boy with a Milwaukee Eight 114ci engine

The Fatboy series, despite its iconic status, has had its share of issues. Here are some commonly reported problems:

Rapid Rear Tire Wear: This issue is primarily reported on the 2007 Fatboy. The rapid wear of the rear tire can be attributed to several factors, including the weight distribution of the Fatboy, the type of tire used, and the tire pressure maintenance.
Brake Light Failures: This was a prevalent issue with the 2006 Fatboy, where Brake lights intermittently failed or did not work at all. This problem could be due to various causes, including Faulty wiring, blown fuses, or a malfunctioning brake light switch.
Carburetor Problems: The 2003 Fatboy, which uses a carburetor system for fuel delivery, had issues that could Prevent the bike from starting. Common problems related to the carburetor include clogged carburetor, improper jetting, faulty floats, vacuum leaks, and choke issues.
Hot Starting Issue: This issue was prevalent in the 1999 Fatboy. Hot starting problems refer to a motorcycle’s difficulty when trying to start after it has been running and is still warm.

Were All Fatboy Years Affected?

Not all years were affected by these problems. Some years were relatively trouble-free, while others saw a slew of issues. It’s essential to note that not every bike from a problematic year will have these issues, as individual experiences can vary based on maintenance, riding habits, and other factors.

Then, What Were The Main Harley Fatboy Years to Avoid?

Harley Fat Boys at a motorcycle rally in Colorado

The worst years for the Harley Fatboy, based on reported problems, include:

1999
2002
2003
2004
2006
2007
2018

Let’s delve into each of these problematic years, outlining the common issues and providing diagnostic and repair procedures.

1. 1999 Harley Fatboy

Diagnostic and Repair Procedure

The main issue in the 1999 Harley Fatboy was the hot starting problem. To diagnose this, observe whether the bike has difficulty starting after it has been running and is still warm. After a short break, like refueling or resting, the bike might have trouble starting. If this is the case, it’s likely due to a mixture problem or ignition issue.

To repair this issue, first, check the fuel mixture. A lean air/fuel mixture or off ignition timing can cause these hot starting problems. If the mixture is fine, the issue might be with the ignition system. Check the ignition switch, ignition coil, and battery for any faults.

Related:
> Harley Davidson Ignition Coil Problems: What To Do and How

2. 2002 Harley Fatboy

Diagnostic and Repair Procedure

There have been no major issues reported specifically for the 2002 Harley Fatboy model year. However, it is always advisable to be vigilant about common problems such as rapid tire wear, brake light failures, and carburetor issues that can affect any model year.

3. 2003 Harley Fatboy

Diagnostic and Repair Procedure

The 2003 Harley Fatboy had carburetor-related problems. To diagnose, check if the bike has difficulty starting. If it does, there might be a problem with the carburetor. Issues can include a dirty or clogged carburetor, improper jetting, faulty floats, vacuum leaks, and choke issues.

To repair this, clean the carburetor using a commercial cleaner. Ensure the jets are set correctly, especially if modifications have been made to the exhaust or air intake. Check the float in the carburetor and replace it if it’s faulty. Check for vacuum leaks and fix them.

4. 2004 Harley Fatboy

Diagnostic and Repair Procedure

There have been no major issues reported specifically for the 2004 Harley Fatboy model year. As always, keep an eye out for common problems such as rapid tire wear, brake light failures, and carburetor issues that can affect any model year.

5. 2006 Harley Fatboy

Diagnostic and Repair Procedure

The 2006 Fatboy was known for brake light failures. To diagnose this issue, check if the brake lights intermittently fail or do not work when you apply the brakes. If this is the case, the problem could be due to faulty wiring, blown fuses, or a malfunctioning brake light switch.

To repair this issue, first, check the wiring for any faults. If the wiring is fine, check the fuses and replace any that are blown. If the problem persists, it might be due to a malfunctioning brake light switch, which should be replaced.

6. 2007 Harley Fatboy

Diagnostic and Repair Procedure

The main issue with the 2007 Fatboy was the rapid rear tire wear. To diagnose this issue, observe if the rear tire wears out faster than usual. If this is the case, it could be due to the weight distribution of the Fatboy, the type of tire used, or improper tire pressure maintenance.

To repair this issue, check the tire pressure and ensure it’s at the recommended level. If the problem persists, consider replacing the stock tires with ones optimized for longevity, especially when subjected to the unique stresses of a heavyweight cruiser like the Fatboy.

7. 2018 Harley Fatboy

Diagnostic and Repair Procedure

The 2018 Fatboy had a recall due to a defective clutch actuator. This was initiated because the secondary clutch actuator cylinder may leak fluid internally, causing the clutch master cylinder to lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch. If you’re looking at a 2018 model, ensure that the recall has been addressed and the owner can provide proof of this.

Related: Harley 6 Speed Transmission Problems? Help Is Here, Trust Me

Which Engines Were Mostly Affected By These Issues?

The engines most affected by these issues were the 1340cc Evolution engines used in the 1990-99 models and the Twin Cam engines (1450-1690 cc) used in the 2000-17 models. The newer Milwaukee Eight engines (1746-1868 cc) used in the 2018-20 models have generally had fewer issues.

Related reads:
– A Shootout For The Most Reliable Harley Engine (What Is It?)
– Harley Twin Cam Problems: Double Cam, Double Trouble?

Were There Any Decent Years For The Fatboy?

Yes, there were several years where the Harley Fatboy performed exceptionally well, including the 1990 model, the 2002-05 models, the 2019 model, and the latest 2022 model.

Would I Still Purchase One? (Yes and No)

Despite the problematic years, the Harley Fatboy remains a popular and iconic motorcycle. If you’re a potential buyer, it’s essential to do your due diligence and research specific model years. Consult reviews, forums, and recall databases to identify problematic years. This way, you can make an informed decision and invest in a bike that offers the legendary Harley experience and dependable performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Harley Fatboy years commonly recommended to avoid?

Certain years like early 2000s models, particularly those from 2001 to 2003, are often mentioned due to reliability issues related to the cam chain tensioner in the Twin Cam engine.

Are there specific mechanical issues associated with certain Harley Fatboy years?

Yes, models from the early 2000s are known for cam chain tensioner issues. Other concerns include electrical problems in some mid-2000s models and potential oil pump issues in certain years.

Is there a difference in reliability between older and newer Harley Fatboy models?

Newer models tend to have improved reliability due to advancements in technology and design. Older models, especially those from the early 2000s, may require more attention and maintenance.

How do I identify if a particular Harley Fatboy year is problematic?

Researching online forums, reading owner reviews, and consulting Harley-Davidson mechanics can provide insights into specific model year issues. Pay attention to recurring problems mentioned across multiple sources.

What should I check when buying a used Harley Fatboy from a potentially problematic year?

Inspect the bike thoroughly, focusing on known issues like the cam chain tensioner, oil pump, and electrical system. Consider having a professional mechanic inspect the bike, especially if it’s from a year known for reliability concerns.