Classic and Classy Motorcycles Ltd

Historical Context

The 2010 Harley-Davidson Dyna Fat Bob FXDF was one of the more distinctive members of the Dyna family. Introduced for the 2008 model year, the Fat Bob combined the traditional Harley-Davidson Big Twin layout with muscular styling, a chunky front end, wide tyres and distinctive twin headlights. Its appearance set it apart from the more traditional Dyna models, while the 96 cubic inch Twin Cam engine provided the strong low-speed torque expected from a modern Harley-Davidson cruiser.

Technical Specifications and Performance

• Year: 2010
• Make: Harley-Davidson
• Model: Dyna Fat Bob FXDF
• Engine Displacement: 1584cc (96 cubic inches)
• Engine Type: Air-cooled OHV 45° V-twin Twin Cam 96
• Bore x Stroke: 95.3mm x 111.1mm
• Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
• Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
• Ignition System: Electronic
• Starting System: Electric start
• Transmission Type: 6-speed Cruise Drive
• Final Drive: Belt
• Cooling System: Air-cooled
• Engine Mounting: Rubber-mounted
• Front Suspension: Telescopic forks
• Rear Suspension: Twin shock absorbers
• Braking System: Dual front discs and single rear disc
• Fuel Capacity: Approx. 18.9 litres (5 US gallons)

Technical Advancements

The Twin Cam 96 represented a significant development of Harley-Davidson’s Big Twin engine and was matched to the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission. Electronic fuel injection provided more consistent starting and fuelling than earlier carburetted machines, while the sixth gear reduced engine speed during motorway cruising. The Dyna chassis retained exposed twin rear shock absorbers and rubber engine mounting, giving the Fat Bob a more traditional mechanical appearance while helping to isolate engine vibration from the rider.

Evolution of the Model

The Dyna family had developed from Harley-Davidson’s earlier FX models and combined Big Twin engines with a conventional twin-shock chassis. The Fat Bob joined the range for 2008 and introduced a distinctive new interpretation of the Dyna formula, characterised by twin headlights, wide tyres and an aggressive stance. The model remained part of the Dyna family until Harley-Davidson discontinued the separate Dyna platform after 2017, with the Fat Bob name continuing on the redesigned Softail chassis from 2018.

Competitors in the Market

The Fat Bob competed in the heavyweight cruiser market with motorcycles such as the Yamaha XV1900, Suzuki Intruder/M109R, Kawasaki VN series and other large-capacity Harley-Davidson models. Some competitors offered greater outright horsepower, but the FXDF concentrated on strong V-twin torque, distinctive styling and the traditional feel of Harley-Davidson’s rubber-mounted Dyna platform.

Legacy and Appeal

The 2010 FXDF has become an appealing example of the later Dyna generation, combining the traditional twin-shock chassis with the more modern 1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine, fuel injection and 6-speed gearbox. Its twin headlights, wide front tyre and muscular proportions give the Fat Bob an identity of its own, while the rubber-mounted Big Twin and belt drive make it well suited to both relaxed cruising and longer-distance riding.