Here is the story of my 2018 Fat Bob build, shortly after riding one at work "Huntington Beach Harley I decided it would be my next bike. I rode it and was really impressed with the power and handling. I thought this could be a great bike to build and I could be one of the first to do so. i still had my 2011 FXDWG cool bike for cruising but not for handling, shortly after I was cut off in the rain and went down. I was not hurt that bad mostly just my pride a little it had been years since I had been down, but I used this to my advantage using my insurance money to put down on a new 2018 Fat Bob. There was a lot of noise out there about the new Softails and HD killing off the Dyna. My shop wanted to show how these bikes were a great new platform and they helped me get one, so we could show what one could be with a little bit of work. So here is the build pictures so you can see how my Fat Bob came together with the help of the MAN "Kevin" at Big Bear Performance in San Bernardino CA. Kevin and I spoke about the Fat Bob and he said he had some ideas and a vision of what he could do with one, so we decided lets do it and a few weeks later I dropped it off so he could start.
Thanks to all that helped this build, especially The Man Kevin from BBP and Huntington Beach Harley Davidson who made this build possible! https://www.bigbearperformance.com/ We all know Kevin is a Fing Wizard ! https://www.hbharley.com/ #1 Harley Shop !
Very nice. But why are you doing all that work to go back to dual shocks instead of the mono shock?
Seems a pretty expensive route to travel when Ohlins have a mono shock upgrade for the 2018 Softails.
i was wondering the same. I get changing the swing arm if you hate the stock look but going from mono to dual shock isn’t a performance improvement. So looks?
The mid setup looks pretty rad.. you have any close up pics? Just did a conversion on mine but maybe would help lots of guys out!
What adm says, also those struts might not be up to the task if those shocks are going to be mounted on them. I suppose some strengthening will be planned?
What adm says, also those struts might not be up to the task if those shocks are going to be mounted on them. I suppose some strengthening will be planned?
the cast aluminum struts attached to frame w two (2) 3/8 fasteners will not support the shock loads during normal riding conditions, they would need to be direct mounted to frame with a welded steel bracket and custom fender support, an aluminum swingarm with mono shock interface would perform much better with the new frame. Otherwise awesome build here, thanks for sharing these details..very interesting.
Kevin from BBP is working on it as far as it being up to task. He is working directly with Ohlins on this project. As far as mids, I can post more pics soon, He will be offering the mids as a kit. He will also be offering the shocks and swingarm as Kit too along with other Softail products. Stay tuned
Last edited by HBFatBob18; 05-17-2018 at 11:50 AM.
Reason: RE
WOW! I just do not understand why you would want a dual shocked swing arm??? To me that is going "backwards" in performance. Although, this will make the Dyna diehards happy! LOL
Also, the new exhaust looks sharp! But, it appears to sit too low now.
Still would like to see the final results...have fun with the build!
Kevin from BBP is working on it as far as it being up to task. He is working directly with Ohlins on this project. As far as mids, I can post more pics soon, He will be offering the mids as a kit. He will also be offering the shocks and swingarm as Kit too along with other Softail products. Stay tuned
Nice... do the mids mount with a clamp around the frame? or are they drilled through the frame tube?
05-16-2018 | 11:52 PM
Updates HB FAT BOB 2018 Build
