It is the second quarter of 2022, and Harley Davidson has already released the 2022 edition of their Bob motorcycle series. The series includes Fat Bob and Street Bob. Both these motorcycle models are from the cruiser series.
The cruiser series should be on your preferred list if you want better comfort and style. Regarding this, the battle between street bob vs. fat bob becomes fierce. The newest models of these motorbikes use the incredible Milwaukee-Eight 114 engines for brilliant riding performance.
Except for the engine similarity, these two cruiser models have a distinctive appearance and many differences. Firstly, Street Bob comes at a lower price than the Fat Bob model. Also, Street Bob has no passenger seat, which Fat Bob has.
Why Should You Choose Cruiser And Touring Motorcycles?
Regarding Harley Davidson motorcycles, you may argue between their cruiser and touring series. Thus, it is crucial why you should choose the cruiser series. It is essential because we are talking about two high-class touring motorcycles.
- The most significant advantage of cruiser motorcycles is their comfort. If you want the comfiest ride, you must get a cruiser motorcycle. The motorbike offers a relaxed riding experience, even on long roads.
- The cruiser series from Harley Davidson is always known for its unique style. The stylish appearance of cruiser motorcycles is always helmed among the riders. Also, there’s an option to decorate and customize your cruiser with logos, chrome bits, an infotainment system, etc.
- The cruiser series will be a perfect choice if you are a beginner in motorcycle riding. As the cruiser series is smaller and has low seats, beginners will find riding and controlling these motorbikes easier.
- The low center of gravity of cruiser motorcycles offers superior riding easiness and comfort. You can relax and ride the bike in an upright sitting position. It also relieves back pain from sitting on a high seat for an extended period.
- The cruiser series offers superior audio and add-on facilities for riders. So, you will love the better customization opportunities for Fat Bob and Street Bob motorcycles.
These points should convince you to get a cruiser series from Harley Davidson. But which one should you choose between Fat Bob and Street Bob?
Let’s check it out with full details.
Street Bob Series: Specifications and Top Features
Street Bob series is one of the most popular mid-level cruiser motorcycles from Harley Davidson. The manufacturer has continuously upgraded its riding features, safety, and comfort. Following it, Harley has included top-of-the-line features in their 2022 Street Bob motorbike. As a result, the vehicle provides brilliant consistency and high performance.
- The 2022 version of Street Bob is referred to as FXBB. It uses the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine with a displacement capacity of 1746cc or 107 cubic inches.
- The wheels are made with cast aluminum with a black annihilator color font. It gives the cruiser bike a unique and stylish look. Also, you can quickly recognize the motorcycle by looking at its wheels.
- Harley has introduced foot control at the mid-mount position this time. It makes it easier to place the foot and control the motorbike.
- You can get the bike in for different color variations. Thus, you are at full liberty to choose your favorite color and express your style perfectly.
- It uses modern technology but maintains a minimalist design language. The forward lighting has the signature LED of Street Bob for a unique appearance. It helps the motorbike to distinguish itself from other models with ease.
- The front suspension and rear mono-shock both are high performance. The rear shock is easily adjusted, and the front suspension system is highly sophisticated. So, you will get a racing-car experience with superior steadiness.
- The newest Street Bob still has the famous Softail frame. On the other side, it has a lightweight design with high responsiveness for better riding performance on flat terrains.
As you look at the top features of Street Bob, you will find that the motorcycle is an outstanding product. It is beginner’s friendly and easy to ride. Also, with a classic Softail frame and superior suspension system, it is a dream bike for many riders.
Specifications Of Street Bob
Engine: Milwaukee-Eight 114
Model Code: FXBB
Brakes: Front – 4-piston fixed
Rear – 2-piston floating
Tires: Front – 100 / 90B19, 57H, BW
Rear – 150 / 80B16, 77H, BW
Length: 91.3 in. (2,320 mm)
Weight: As Shipped – 630 lb.
Seat Height: Laden – 25.8 in. (655 mm)
Bore x Stroke: 3.937 x 4.374 in. (100 x 111.1 mm)
Torque: 119 ft. lb. (149 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm
Displacement1: 1746 cc (107 cu. in.)
Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gals. (13.2 liters)
Oil Capacity: 5 qt. (4.7 liters)
MPG Rating: Estimated 47 mpg (5 l / 100 km) in city/highway
Exhaust: 2-into-2 offset shotgun
Fat Bob Series: Specifications And Top Features
The Fat Bob series is famous for its muscular design with a stylish look. Also, it has high performance with a powerful engine. Whether you frequently ride on city streets or highways for long tours, this motorcycle will be your perfect choice. Harley Davidson markets this motorbike as a cruiser and touring series hybrid. So, you get the unique facility of both ends.
- The 2022 Fat Bob series has a Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine to meet the power appetite of the motorcycle. It has a model reference of FXFBS. You will appreciate its riding comfort with improved power from the motor.
- Its foot controls are located in the forward section. So, riders may need to extend their feet slightly to reach the foot control. It won’t be a big deal for taller persons, but shorter persons might find it difficult. So, you must keep this foot control inconvenience in mind for Fat Bob.
- The wheels are made with cast aluminum and have graphics on them. The representations are made using laser etching, and wheels are available in denim black edition.
- Harley Davidson has used the split 7-stroke system for the Fat Bob’s floating brake strokes. It offers better stabilization for comfier riding.
- The Fat Bob comes in two attractive colors. You will have the luxury of choosing the motorcycle depending on your fashion statement and preference.
As you see, the Fat Bob motorcycle series offers outstanding features. It upgrades the performance of the motorcycle superbly.
Specs of Fat Bob
Engine: Milwaukee-Eight 114
Model Code: FXFBS
Brakes: Front – 4-piston fixed
Rear – 2-piston floating
Tires: Front – 150 / 80-16, 71H, BW
Rear – 180 / 70B16, 77H, BW
Length: 92.1 in. (2,340 mm)
Weight: As Shipped – 653 lb.
Seat Height: Laden – 27.7 in. (704 mm)
Bore x Stroke: 4.016 x 4.5 in. (102 x 114.3 mm)
Torque: 118 ft-lb (160 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm
Displacement1: 1,868 cc (114 cu. in.)
Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gals. (13.2 liters)
Oil Capacity: 5 qt. (4.7 liters)
MPG Rating: Estimated 47 mpg (5 l / 100 km) in city/highway
Exhaust: 2-into-2 shorty dual
Street Bob Vs. Fat Bob: A Detailed Comparison
Street Bob and Fat Bob motorcycles from Harley Davidson undoubtedly offer brilliant performance and riding experience. However, you must understand that you can’t have both motorbikes, although you would earnestly want them.
So, comparing these two motorcycles is a good idea and see which one meets your preference better. It will quickly help you in your motorcycle purchasing decision.
| Point of Comparison | Street Bob | Fat Bob |
| Model Code | FXBB | FXFBS |
| Engine | Latest Milwaukee 114 engine | Latest Milwaukee 114 engine |
| Starting Price | $15349 | $18330 |
| Torque | 119 ft-lb (160 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm | 118 ft-lb (160 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm |
| MPG rating | 47MPG | 47MPG |
| Exhaust | 2-into-2 offset shotgun | 2-into-2 shorty dual |
| Seat Height | Laden – 25.8 in. | Laden – 27.7 in. |
| Tires | Front – 100 / 90B19, 57H, BWRear – 150 / 80B16, 77H, BW | Front – 150 / 80-16, 71H, BWRear – 180 / 70B16, 77H, BW |
Now, let’s see the differences and similarities in details.
Engine And Its Performance
The engine plays a vital role in the performance of the motorcycle. In this regard, Harley has used their top-of-the-line engine for both Fat Bob and Street Bob. Both motorcycles have the latest Milwaukee 114 engine for the best riding experience.
With this engine, Harley has fixed the motorcycle’s fuel leakage and starting problem. So, you will get excellent performance from the machine on both motorbikes. However, Fat Bob has 1868 cubic capacity (CC), which is higher than the 1746 cubic capacity (CC) of Street Bob. So, you may find it slightly underpowered than the Fat Bob series. It is also visible in their torque capacity.
Street Bob delivers 119 torque at 3000RPM, while Fat Bob has 118 torque capacity at 3500RPM. So, you will get better acceleration with the Fat Bob motorcycle. It is handy for long-distance tours.
Foot Control Placement And Performance
Foot control refers to the gear-changing facility of the motorcycle. Its placement in the bike is crucial as it essentially links with your riding comfort. It is helpful to match your bike’s speed with the road speed. Harley has used two different gear locations for the Fat Bob and Street Bob motorcycles.
Firstly, Street Bob has the gears in its mid-mount position. So, you may need to take your foot slightly backward to reach the gear and change it. On the other side, Fat Bob accommodates the gear in its forward position. It is more convenient to use than the mid-mount gear. It would help if you simply put your foot forward to reach the gear and change it.
Dimension And Weight Difference
Many people appreciate a lightweight and compact bike, while others enjoy heavyweight motorcycles. So, where do Fat Bob and Street Bob stand in this regard? Well, you will hardly find any difference in their weight because it’s exceptionally close.
Of course, with 653 pounds, Fat Bob is weightier than the 631 pounds Street Bob. However, this difference in 20 pounds for a motorcycle is negligible. You will not find anything decision-making point for the motorbike.
Their dimensions are also almost identical. Street Bob 2022 version is approximately 91.3 inches long. Conversely, Fat Bob 2022 is 92.1 inches long. So, it shouldn’t be a significant factor.
Infotainment System
An infotainment system is responsible for improving or degrading your riding experience on any motorbike. Regarding this, both motorcycles here use the standard Harley infotainment system. You can use it to connect with the smartphone for navigation and communication.
It also permits you to upgrade the infotainment system to the latest one. You can use it for Bluetooth connectivity and hands-free application. It boosts your riding experience superbly.
Passenger Seat
Do you prefer lone driving for long distances or through streets in your city? Or do you love a co-passenger with whom you may exchange your views while riding?
These questions can influence many people when they plan to buy any motorcycle. Regarding this, the passenger seat is an important inclusion to many people. Conversely, others will simply ignore the seat.
With all these considerations, Street Bob is ideal for those who want a co-passenger. It is mainly a touring model coming with a comfy passenger seat. It lets you ride with your loved one, kid, or friend and enjoy the time.
On the other side, Fat Bob doesn’t have a passenger seat at its back. So, it is suitable for solo riders mainly.
Color options
Harley Davidson motorcycles are known for their unique colors with different paint codes and color schemes. Thus, many Harley users are fanatic about the different color patterns of their motorcycles. Fat Bob offers you better selection options if you are one of them. It comes in four attractive colors. The colors for the Street Bob model include Vivid Black, Barracuda Silver Denim, Billiard Red, and River Rock Grey.
On the other side, Fat Bob comes in two colors: Vivid Black and White Sand Pearl. So, it doesn’t offer you many color options. However, its white pearl sand color looks as awesome as anyone can imagine.
Pricing
No matter how better performance and longevity a motorcycle delivers, it is useless for you unless you have the budget for it. So, you must look at the pricing of Fat Bob and Street Bob models. Regarding this, Street Bob has incredible affordability starting at $15,349. On the other side, Fat Bob’s price starts at $18,330.
As you see, there’s almost a price gap of $3000 between these two motorcycles. At this point, Street Bob is a better choice for its affordability, the inclusion of passenger seats, and four color options.
Final Verdict
As we conclude our discussion on Street Bob Vs fat Bob models, it’s time to give the verdict. It is a decision since both motorcycle models fight neck-to-neck regarding performance, riding comfort, safety, and worthiness.
Considering all points, we would suggest the Street Bob for cross-country tourists. Its added passenger seat is ideal for long-distance touring. Conversely, you can purchase Harley Fat Bon for city rides. You don’t have to worry about the mileage of both motorcycles. They deliver 47MPG with identical fuel and oil tank capacity.