H-D Softail Springer Classic & Screamin’ Eagle Fat Boy

This year’s big news in the factory line up is of course the long anticipated Screamin’ Eagle Fat Boy. Harley-Davidson’s CVO, Custom Vehicle Operations, department finally got their hands on the most popular model in the softail line up. They loaded it with chrome and accessories and applied a super two tone paint job with brushed steel accents. Parts of the fenders and tank are left unpainted, are ground in a creative way and are then painted over with clear. All three color combinations are breathtaking, they did a great job with the paint. I also decided to give you a quick riding impression of Softail Springer Classic, the reincarnation of the Ol’ Boy which was quite popular in both its Evolution and Twin Cam guises. Riding the 103” Fat Boy back-to-back with the 88” Springer Classic allowed me to compare the differences in engine power and the differences in front suspension compliance more easily.

The Springer Classic is the model closest in touch with Harley-Davidson’s past.Modeled after the 1948 Panhead, the FLSTSC has a nostalgic look unlike any other model in the line up. The carbureted model I tested started up immediately and settled into an idle after just 15 seconds or sowith the choke on. The mirrors on the bike remained clear at all speeds, the counterbalancers in the engine working perfectly. The bike steered well, the springer front end is very rigid and strong. While a little rougher than the telescopic forks on the Fat Boy, these front ends break in nicely and after 1,500 or so miles come into their own. The springer soaks up freeway bumps and small ripples with ease after the proper break in and really only has a curious feel in bumpy corners. But since all Harleys are quite low to the ground,no one is going to be taking these corners quicklyanyhow. Overall, with the new smooth motor, one can ride a bike with 40’s style forks and get a comfortable ride. Just be aware if you test ride one that the forks are quite stiff when brand new. The red and black version of this bike has an even older appearance than the all blue one, though both have the old style metal emblems on the tank. The handlebars and seat seem to be set up for shorter riders. The Fat Boy’s bars have a gentler bend and the big inch bike has a lower, flatter seat. This combination suits taller riders better.

After riding the 88-inch Springer around, the Fat Boy’s increased displacement is noticeable after just one or two short straightaways. When pulling away from a light, the throttle just needs the slightest opening to for a clean get away. You have to give the 88” engines a little more throttle. The low end torque of the larger motor is at play here. This 103” bike really needs pipes, a free flow air filter and a recalibration for these new parts to unleash the true potential of the 103” engine. But comparing stock to stock, the 103” engine is a gas. The counterbalancers take out all unpleasant vibration but you can still feel the difference in size, the mirrors on the big engined bike tend to blur a little during acceleration. As for the little stuff, the handlebars on the Fat Boy have a great bend, they are very comfortable. The tach is visible and useful and the custom floorboards have a nice feel.