According to the publicity material from Harley-Davidson, the Fat Boy is "what a motorcycle ought to be . . . big and solid and massive, with full metal fenders, forks like tree trunks, a chrome headlight the size of a boulder, and a beefy V-twin to send it down the road." John Wheeler reports.
It goes on to extol the solid disc wheels, wide 150mm rear tyre and floorboards large enough for Big Foot-sized boots.
"You're living large," it exclaims.
Our interest in this Harley was aroused a few years ago when an American, stationed in Germany, announced his intention to come to Ireland on one for the first-ever Iron Butt Rally in this country - the event involves 1,000 miles in 24 hours. None of us thought the Fat Boy an ideal choice, given the nature of Irish roads.
All of us were more than mildly surprised when the memorably named Dr Homer Krout II finished the run in impressive style well ahead of most Irish riders.
The chance to sample the Fat Boy arose recently at Silverstone Harley-Davidson in Towcester, a mecca for all things Harley and home to most of its Press Bike fleet.
To the non-Harley mortal, this bike seems much like any other variant of the all-American cruiser - lots of chrome, massive construction with no thought of weight and a very laid-back style.
In all very much what Americans, and lots of Harley enthusiasts this side of the Atlantic, think "a motorcycle ought to be".
So, let's judge the Fat Boy:
The mirrors give a decent rear view. The extremely low-set seat is very comfortable. The handlebar height and layout is typical cruiser style. Instruments are simple and clear - the speedo is housed in the tank and incorporates an LCD trip. There is vestigial provision for a passenger.
The very low seat height made for good, confident slow-speed riding.
We found the front brakes weak by European standards but the rear brake was much better. The traditional Harley levers seemed to have been made for mammoth hands. A less "form over function" style would suit most riders better.
Steering response was good by cruiser standards - that is, ponderous at first but one quickly gets used to it. The little vibration there was came in the pleasant rather than obtrusive range.
Gear changes were positive with a very solid feel, typical of the whole machine. Clutchless changes, both up and down, were possible.
Clutch action is light and smooth. The tall gear ratios seem well-chosen and made for a relaxed, effortless ride.
Acceleration was surprisingly good, but the weak front brake detracted from the confidence the rest of the machine provides.
For its comfort, stable and effortless ride we give it high marks. It's a machine that feels as if it could go on for ever in thoroughly relaxed style.
Despite a typical cruiser-style small tank capacity, which allows for, at most, 158 miles between fuel stops, we could see how it could so well cover long distances. Add a screen and it would be very pleasant - by the way, dozens of Harley-Davidson approved accessories are available.
In all we quite liked this pleasant, capable machine. For those to whom such things really matter, the price starts at €23,500 - and, given the way these machines hold value, this can be considered an investment.