AMERICANRIDER. COM JUNE 2026 | 57

By CHUCK COCHRAN

LAST FALL, I set out to find a budget Harley to turn into a stripped-down bobber. I had one simple rule: It had to be an older model priced under $ 10,000. After comparing several bikes, I settled on a 2009 Fat Boy.

Once it was in the garage, the transformation came quickly. Off came the oversized fenders and on went a new exhaust, LED turn signals, and a reworked rear fender and seat. The weight dropped, and the bike took on a more aggressive presence. With parts coming from a mix of aftermarket brands, it quickly earned the name“ Franken Fatboy.”

As the build evolved, one thing became clear: The stock air cleaner no longer fit the bike’ s look or performance. Flipping through the December 2025 issue of Rider and its Holiday Buyers Guide, I spotted the Feuling BA Air Cleaner Slim and immediately knew it was a substantial upgrade over what I had. It had a striking look and perfectly captured the vision I had for this build.

The primary purpose of the Feuling air cleaner is to significantly improve airflow for Twin Cam and Milwaukee-Eight engines. My Fatboy runs a Twin Cam, so I opted for that fitment. By lengthening the intake runners, the Feuling air cleaner increases air velocity and creates a smoother, more balanced flow into the combustion chamber. The result is noticeable: stronger power, smoother throttle response, and quicker acceleration, especially paired with the bike’ s now-reduced weight.

Beyond performance, the air cleaner’ s construction stands out. A CNC-machined billet aluminum velocity stack sits at its heart, featuring an optimal inner taper, opening diameter, and outer lip to maximize flow. It’ s wrapped in a one-piece billet aluminum cage, a cleaner and more refined alternative

to the bulky multipiece designs commonly seen. The result is both functional and visually sharp, while also making installation more straightforward for garage builds. The backing plate, stamped with Feuling and“ Made in USA,” reinforces the quality and craftsmanship behind the system.

For a winter bobber project, this upgrade does more than add power; it completes the look. The air cleaner, which is priced at $ 649.95, is available with a standard-width or slim cage, a chrome or black finish, a solid or clear cover, and a red or black reusable high-flow filter. That flexibility makes it easy to match any build style. I chose the slim cage with a black housing, a clear cover, and a red filter for a more aggressive contrast with the Fat Boy’ s silver and chrome finishes.

Installation was straightforward, with clear instructions for Softail and Touring models, though a final ECM flash was necessary to account for the increased airflow and prevent the motor from running too lean.

Firing up the bike, the exhaust roared through the garage, and I couldn’ t resist shouting,“ IT’ S ALIVE!” The Feuling BA Air Cleaner Slim has breathed new life into my Franken Fatboy. No longer just a garage project, the bike has been transformed into a full-blown monster, ready to terrorize the streets with stronger power and a more engaging presence.

FeulingParts. com