In 2013, the American motorcycle maker launched the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Special, a cruiser motorcycle part of the Fat Boy series, made only for British riders, with an edgier, aggressive appearance than the Fat Boy Lo.
The bike shared all elements and technology with its Fat Boy siblings, including the Twin Cam 103B engine and the six-speed Cruise Drive transmission, but with a more modern touch to its overall appearance.
Most of the bikes chrome was replaced by black powder-coated paint and packed blacked-out elements, such as the fenders, bullet-hole full-disc aluminum wheels, headlight housing, fuel tank, engine covers, frame, and exhaust pipes with satin chromed mufflers.
The bike retained the Fat Boy classic appearance, provided by the teardrop-shaped fuel tank, wide handlebar, low tow-piece dual seat, valanced fenders, round headlight, raked-out front fork, and full disc aluminum wheels.
At the bike's core, the 1,690cc four-stroke V-twin air-cooled engine was still in charge, assisted by an Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) system, delivering smooth power, fast acceleration, fewer emissions, and 132 Nm (97 lb-ft) torque at 3,250 rpm.
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Special featured a rigid-mounted engine that has also received a black treatment. Only the head covers and cooling fins were satin chromed-finished.
The bike's hardtail appearance was given by a concealed horizontally-mounted shock absorber that offered a rigid-suspension look. On the front, it packed a raked-out telescopic fork.