Consider Buying These Twin Cam Harleys Now for the Future
Twin cam icons Iron 883 and Fat Boy S should hold their value over time.
In the last few years we’ve said sayonara to two of the most iconic engines in Harley Davidson’s storied history: the twin cam and the evolution.
So, is now the time to invest in an HD powered by one of those engines? We know that Harleys have more lasting value than other brands of motorcycles, and the rarer they are, the better.
Not to mention the fact that many of the Harley faithful just love the “true Harley” sound of the older, air-cooled motors that you just don’t get with the new Milwaukee Eight and the Revolution Max.
Disappearing Models
So yes, it may be a good idea to pick up a good deal and buy one of those disappearing models. Allow me to make two recommendations: The Iron 883 and the Fat Boy S. Pick your year.
Both of these motorcycles could be collectors items of a particular sort in the future, and for different reasons. These are especially good choices if you like your bike black.
The 883s are often snubbed by Harley snobs, but it is in fact the cheapest “cruiser” motorcycle HD sold in the last years of the twin cam, although it is at heart a sportster despite the Motor Company’s marketing decision to re-classify it.
Escalating Prices
And who knows, with the rapidly escalating prices Harley charges for its motorcycles, the 883 may be the last affordable Harley for many people.
Besides that, it’s just a cool little bike. HD may have labeled it a “cruiser,” but it is more of a city bike, a bar-hopper, an “urban brawler” as the marketers say.
People usually refer to sportsters as beginner bikes, and the Iron 883 is indeed a great bike to learn on, but it is also a great commuter bike, averaging 51 miles per gallon.
It came out in 2010 as part of HD’s dark custom line and has stayed popular through the years, for good reasons. It looks, feels and rides like a Harley; if you took the badging off, it would still scream Harley Davidson just because of its muscular lines, blacked-out parts and simple, no-nonsense aura.
Ultimate Cruiser
The Fat Boy S is another story. The Fat Boy may be Harley Davidson’s ultimate cruiser and its most recognizable model to the general public.
But, the Fat Boy S is different in several subtle ways. First of all, it was only made for two years, 2016 and 2017, and had one of the biggest motors HD ever put in the Fat Boy, second only to the current Milwaukee Eight 114.
Before the 114 came out, the Fat Boy sported the Twin Cam 103B while the Fat Boy S is powered by the Twin Cam Screamin’ Eagle 110. The larger engine puts out 108 lb/ft of torque while the 103 has a little over 100 ft/lbs of torque. That’s more than enough power to move all that bulk around.
Best-Looking Harley Ever?
The Fat Boy S was technically the start of the Motor Company’s “S” series. Like the Fat Boy Lo, which was introduced in 2010, it takes black to a new level, with blacked-out details everywhere, from the exhaust to the handlebars, including the love ’em or hate ’em bullet-hole wheels.
To me, it is one of the best-looking Harley Davidsons ever made, particularly in denim black. It is also one of the most comfortable softails.
Neither of these two bikes are extremely rare birds like, say the Harley Davidson MT500, but they should hold their value very well and, in the meantime, be a blast to ride and just look at parked in the garage.
Photos: Harley Davidson
