By NastyNils· ·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser vs Retro Classic
Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Bob FXFB (MY2019) vs Triumph Bonneville Bobber TFC (DV01A)
Roll on the Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Bob FXFB from low revs and it's already shoving you forward on a deep rumble that doesn't buzz. The Triumph Bonneville Bobber TFC's lighter crank spins up eager instead.
So which one do you buy?
The Softail Fat Bob FXFB has the edge if…
Comfortable long-distance riding
Nose ahead: Softail Fat Bob FXFB
Deep into a long ride, the Softail Fat Bob FXFB asks slightly less of your back and shoulders. That comes from more range per tank and better wind protection. A small margin, and seat fit can overrule it.
The Bonneville Bobber TFC has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Narrow edge: Bonneville Bobber TFC
Back-road fun leans slightly toward the Bonneville Bobber TFC. Thank better suspension and harder acceleration for that. It's a narrow call, so trust your test ride.
Daily commuting & city riding
Small edge: Bonneville Bobber TFC
Day in, day out, the Bonneville Bobber TFC nudges ahead in traffic. It isn't a big enough gap to plan around.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
By a nose: Bonneville Bobber TFC
For your first season, the Bonneville Bobber TFC makes slightly more sense. Fit and confidence at a standstill still come first.
Keeping running costs low
A touch ahead: Bonneville Bobber TFC
The Bonneville Bobber TFC comes out a little ahead on upkeep. Only a little.
Which one's the smarter buy
Different classes, different trade-offs
These two bikes sit in different classes, so the money question is a trade-off. Neither is the obvious better buy for the cash you spend.
What makes each one tick
Softail Fat Bob FXFB
On Iron Mountain Road, the Fat Bob's stiff Softail frame and upside-down fork hold a clean line, with feedback that's easy to read through the bar. There's clearance for spirited riding. The brake lever's got a firm bite and clear feel at the front discs, and all that weight slows without a fuss. The big twin's thump hauls it out of every bend.
Bonneville Bobber TFC
The Bobber settles onto a neutral line through a corner, and its sorted geometry doesn't let the low chassis wander. A mid-corner bump doesn't change that. The Öhlins suspension takes the hit and keeps the chassis where it's pointed. The throttle's as crisp as a switch.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Bonneville Bobber TFC has the lower seat: 27.2 in (690 mm) vs 28.0 in (710 mm).
- The Bonneville Bobber TFC has the lower wet weight: 525 lb (238 kg) vs 672 lb (305 kg).
- The Softail Fat Bob FXFB makes more peak torque: 107 lb-ft (145 Nm) vs 81 lb-ft (110 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Softail Fat Bob FXFB
What owners say
Strengths
- Torquey, characterful Milwaukee-Eight engine
- Strong braking performance
- Surprising cornering agility
Bonneville Bobber TFC
What owners say
Strengths
- Surprisingly agile handling
- Uprated engine with free-revving character
Known problems to check before you buy
Softail Fat Bob FXFB
- Gas cap rattle The stock fuel cap can develop an irritating rattle.
Bonneville Bobber TFC
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they cost used
Both bikes priced used at the same age: 6 years old.
- Softail Fat Bob FXFB
- about $13,400
- Bonneville Bobber TFC
- about $7,500
At six years old, the Softail Fat Bob FXFB sits around $13,400 while the Bonneville Bobber TFC lands near $7,500. That's a $5,900 gap in the US market. These are estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
Where the spec sheets split
| Softail Fat Bob FXFB | Bonneville Bobber TFC | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 28.0 in (710 mm) | 27.2 in (690 mm) |
| Wet weight | 672 lb (305 kg) | 525 lb (238 kg) |
| Softail Fat Bob FXFB | Bonneville Bobber TFC | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1746 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine | 45° V-twin | Parallel twin |
| Cooling | Air/oil-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Power | 85 hp (63 kW) | 86 hp (64 kW) |
| Torque | 107 lb-ft (145 Nm) | 81 lb-ft (110 Nm) |
| Softail Fat Bob FXFB | Bonneville Bobber TFC | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 3.6 US gal (13.6 L) | 2.4 US gal (9 L) |
| Softail Fat Bob FXFB | Bonneville Bobber TFC | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Belt | Chain |
| Front brake | 300 mm | 310 mm |
| Front tire | 150/80-16 | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 180/70-16 | 150/80-16 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Softail Fat Bob FXFB | Bonneville Bobber TFC | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
| Front Suspension Adjustable | Not offered | Standard |
| Cruise Control | Not offered | Standard |
| USB Charging Port | Standard | Not offered |
| Keyless System | Standard | Not offered |
| Heated Grips | Not offered | Option |
| Luggage System | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
