Positioning:
Iconic cruiser, celebrating 15 years of the Fat Boy model, representing a significant era in Harley-Davidson's evolution.
Competition:
Competed against other American V-twin cruisers and custom-styled motorcycles from Japanese manufacturers, emphasizing style, heritage, and sound.
Defining Characteristics:
Distinctive solid disc wheels, fat tires, FL-style front end, wide handlebars, and the potent Harley-Davidson V-twin engine.
Anniversary Distinction:
Likely featured unique badging, special paint schemes, or upgraded components to commemorate the 15th anniversary.
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain (primary drive, final drive)
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front fork, rear shocks), steering, wheels, tires
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (hydraulic, calipers, master cylinders, lines, pads)
Electrical:
Ignition, charging system (generator/alternator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, battery
Fuel System:
Carburetor (likely Keihin CV 40 for this era), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipes, mufflers, mounting hardware
Bodywork And Trim:
Fenders, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, controls, mirrors, side covers, fairings (if applicable), cosmetic components
Emissions Control:
If applicable for the target market (e.g., evaporative emissions)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, chain adjustment/lubrication, brake inspection, tire pressure checks
Engine Overhaul:
Top-end rebuild (cylinders, pistons, heads), bottom-end rebuild (crankshaft, connecting rods, bearings), valve adjustments, cam timing
Transmission Service:
Clutch adjustment and replacement, gear oil changes, internal transmission component inspection and repair
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting circuits, testing components, wiring harness repair
Brake System Repair:
Pad replacement, caliper service, master cylinder rebuild, bleeding procedures
Suspension Service:
Fork seal replacement, fork oil changes, shock absorber service
Carburetor Overhaul And Adjustment:
Disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, jetting, idle speed and mixture adjustments
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic approaches to diagnosing common and uncommon problems
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification of necessary Harley-Davidson specific tools
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and component rebuilds)
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced, including torque specifications, clearances, electrical schematics, and troubleshooting flowcharts
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin OHV
Engine Family:
Evolution (Evo) Big Twin
Displacement:
1450cc (88 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in x 4.00 in (95.25 mm x 101.6 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 8.8:1 to 9.2:1 (varies slightly by year/model)
Horsepower Est:
Approx. 65-70 HP @ 5200 RPM (crankshaft)
Torque Est:
Approx. 76-82 ft-lbs @ 3500 RPM (crankshaft)
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (Keihin CV 40 typically)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91+ octane recommended
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson recommended 20W50 motorcycle oil or equivalent API SG or higher
Oil Capacity:
3.0 US quarts (2.8 Liters) with filter change
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition with dual fire
Length:
Approx. 93.7 inches (2380 mm)
Width:
Approx. 36.6 inches (930 mm)
Height:
Approx. 49.5 inches (1257 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 63.5 inches (1613 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 5.1 inches (130 mm)
Seat Height:
Approx. 26.1 inches (663 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 676 lbs (307 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 1160 lbs (526 kg)
Fuel Capacity:
4.5 US gallons (17 Liters)
Tire Front:
130/90-16 67H
Wheel Size Front:
16 x 3.0 inches
Wheel Size Rear:
16 x 3.0 inches
Bolt Pattern:
5 x 4.5 inches (114.3 mm)
Crash Test Ratings:
Not applicable (motorcycle)
Braking System:
Dual disc front, single disc rear hydraulic brakes
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, turn signals
Frame Construction:
Steel, rigid backbone, mild steel tubing
Suspension Design:
Designed for stability and ride comfort
Audio System:
Optional accessory audio systems were available, but not standard factory-integrated infotainment in the modern sense.
Features:
N/A (Focus on core riding experience)
Dashboard Features:
Analog speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel gauge, odometer, trip meter, indicator lamps (oil pressure, neutral, turn signals, high beam).
First Service:
1000 miles (1600 km) - Includes engine oil and filter change, primary chain case oil change, inspection of all fasteners, controls, and brake systems.
Subsequent Oil Changes:
Every 5000 miles (8000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.
Primary Chain Case Oil Changes:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or annually.
Transmission Oil Changes:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically at 10,000 mile intervals or as needed based on inspection.
Belt Drive Inspection:
Inspect tension and condition at 5,000 mile intervals.
Fork Oil Change:
Recommended every 2 years or 15,000 miles, or if performance degrades.
Engine Oil Spec:
20W50 Harley-Davidson recommended or equivalent API SG or higher
Primary Chain Case Oil Spec:
Harley-Davidson Primary Chain Lubricant or equivalent SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil
Transmission Oil Spec:
Harley-Davidson Formula Plus or equivalent SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 hydraulic fluid
Carburetor Idling Issues:
CV carburetor can sometimes develop rough idling or surging; often related to diaphragm, O-rings, or jetting.
Cam Chain Tensioners:
Evolution Big Twins use spring-loaded cam chain tensioners which can wear out and require replacement to prevent engine damage. The manual would detail inspection and replacement.
Oil Leaks:
Common areas for minor oil leaks can include primary cover gaskets, rocker box gaskets, and crankcase seals. The manual provides procedures for addressing these.
Belt Tension:
Improper belt tension can lead to premature wear or noise. Proper adjustment is crucial.
Electrical Connector Corrosion:
While less common than in later models, older connectors can be susceptible to corrosion, leading to intermittent issues.
Heritage:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an American icon of motorcycle manufacturing, known for its V-twin engines and cruiser/chopper styling.
Fat Boy Introduction:
The Fat Boy model was introduced in 1990, quickly becoming a flagship model, renowned for its distinctive styling inspired by post-WWII 'fat- fendered' bikes.
Anniversary Edition Significance:
The 2000 model year marked the 15th anniversary of the Fat Boy, a significant milestone for the model, often celebrated with special editions.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (various Harley-Davidson plants)
Era Context:
This period (2000-2005) represents the Evolution Big Twin era before the introduction of the Twin Cam 96 and later engines.