Harley-Davidson delivers Fat Boy Gray Ghost
Words NZ Autocar | Images Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson has just revealed the fifth instalment in the brand’s limited-run Icons Motorcycle Collection. Known as the Fat Boy Gray Ghost, just 1990 units are being built. The number is a nod to the year the Fat Boy launched. Celebrating 35 years of the cruiser, the asking price is $NZ45,995.
Chrome dome
Visually, the Gray Ghost will turn heads. Harley’s new Reflection finish makes it look as though the entire motorcycle has been sculpted from molten chrome. Achieved through a physical vapour deposition (PVD) process, this mirror-like effect hasn’t previously been applied to components as large as the tank or fenders on a production Harley. The finish is said to be more corrosion-resistant than traditional chrome.
Complementing the brightwork are chome covers and a bright silver powder-coated frame. Yellow accents on the engine and tank hark back to the original 1990 model’s styling. Nostalgic touches include a tasselled leather seat, a black leather tank strap, and winged tank medallions. The original Fat Boy had these. Each unit is also individually numbered.
More muscle and safety tech
Beneath the glitz lies Harley’s Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, good for 75kW and 171Nm of torque. Paired with a 2-into-2 exhaust, the set-up promises strong performance and a traditional V-twin rumble.
The latest Fat Boy chassis has also undergone a number of enhancements, with recalibrated suspension and selectable ride modes (Road, Rain, Sport). Rider assistance safety features include Cornering ABS, Cornering Traction Control, and Drag Torque Slip Control.
Check out our review of the 2024 H-D Road Glide here.
Expect a better ride too with a recalibrated preload-adjustable rear shock. There’s also a new USB-C port, and connectors for heated items are now more accessible. A five-inch analogue/digital instrument cluster clearly relays key data, while full LED lighting adds to road presence and visibility.
Rolling legacy
The Gray Ghost rolls on Lakester disc wheels, exclusive to the Fat Boy, shod in Michelin Scorcher 11 rubber, 160mm up front and 240mm at the rear, for an imposing stance.
As to the name, Fat Boy was chosen for its irreverent tone, a little self-deprecation from the brand that dared to be different. The model came to fame when Arnie pinched it and rode it off an LA overpass in Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
