Harley-Davidson’s 2025 Fat Boy Gray Ghost
Paying homage to a 35-year-old legend
More than three decades ago, a shotgun toting cyborg introduced the world to Harley-Davidson’s original Fat Boy model in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The bike soon picked up the moniker the Gray Ghost due to its simple silver metallic color scheme. As part of the Motor Company’s Icons Collection, the 2025 version of the Gray Ghost pays tribute to the bike first introduced 35 years ago in 1990. But this latest rendition more closely resembles Arnold’s nemesis in the movie, the T-1000, liquid metal chrome cyborg. That’s due to the stunning, reflective finish selected for the new Gray Ghost’s tanks and fenders giving them a chrome effect.
The mirror-like surface is created by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process. Using a vaporized aluminum alloy along with positive and negative charges applied to the vaporized solid and the part, the pieces are coated and then overlay with a clear finish. The result is chrome-like but with superior corrosion resistance. And it just gets better.
Fitting with its Icon Collection designation, the 2025 Gray Ghost is limited to only 1,990 total production units, each numbered with commemorative badging.
The powerplant is elevated to the new Milwaukee Eight 117 Custom engine delivering 101 HP and 122 ft-lb of peak torque (the 1990 model came with an 82 cubic inch Evo engine putting out 60 HP). New suspension front and rear combine with a low seat height for optimum rider comfort. And when coupled with the footprint of a 160mm front and 240mm rear tires, it makes for a stable platform with acceptable cornering (it’s no canyon carver) despite the bike’s 694 lb. curb weight.
Selectable, electronic ride modes (Road, Rain & Sport) control performance characteristics while ABS, a Traction Control System, Drag Torque Slip Control and LED lighting provided for all components upgrade this cyborg to the modern age. But all that glam and performance comes at a price with the 2025 FLSTFI Fat Boy Gray Ghost costing $25,399 MSRP (the original Ghost was approximately $13 grand).
It is a sweet machine offering an enjoyable riding experience and, since it is a limited edition, no doubt will be in demand. To call it “gray” is almost an insult to its sparkling appearance. And while it is most certainly no “ghost”, wisping about unseen, it does shine when paying honor to the legendary original.
~Robert Filla
#HarleyDavidsonFatBoy
#GrayGhostMotorcycle
#IconsCollection
#Terminator2FatBoy
#LimitedEditionBike
#MilwaukeeEight117
#ChromeFinish
#FatBoy2025
#HarleyDavidson
#Motorcycles