2013 Victory Hard-Ball vs 2013 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2013 Victory Hard-Ball 2013 Victory Hard-Ball

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 50° V twin SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, self-adjusting cam chains, hydraulic lifters
Power
96.9 hp / 71.3 kW
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
340 kg / 751 lbs
2013 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 2013 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, V-Twin, Twin Cam 103B Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, two valves per cylinder, with Integrated Oil-Cooler
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
329 kg / 725 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2012 - 132013
Make ModelVictory Hard-BallHarley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
Dimensions
Seat Height667 mm / 26.2 inLaden 635 mm / 25.0 in Unladen 690 mm / 27.1 in
Wheelbase1647 mm / 64.8 in1635 mm / 64.2 in
Ground Clearance 120 mm / 4.7 in-
Length2372 mm / 93.4 in2396 mm / 94.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight340 kg / 751 lbs-
Fuel Capacity22 Litres / 5.8 US gal18.9 Litres / 5.0 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR1151 lbs / 523 kg526.0 kg / 1160 lbs
Oil Capacity4.73 L / 5.0 US Quarts3.3 Litres
Wet Weight-329 kg / 725 lbs
Performance
Max Power96.9 hp / 71.3 kW-
Max Torque144 Nm / 14.6 kgf-m / 106 ft-lb134 Nm / 13.7 kgf-m / 98.8 ft. lbs @ 3500 rpm
Engine
Displacement1731cc /106 cu-in1690 cc / 103.1 cub in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, 50° V twin SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, self-adjusting cam chains, hydraulic liftersFour stroke, V-Twin, Twin Cam 103B Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, two valves per cylinder, with Integrated Oil-Cooler
Bore x Stroke101 x 108 mm98.4 x 111.1 mm
Compression Ratio9.4:19.6:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledAir cooled
ExhaustSplit dual exhaust with crossoverChrome, over/under shotgun exhaust with dual mufflers
Fuel InductionElectronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle bodiesElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Ignition-Single-fire, non-wasted, map-controlled spark ignition
Starter-ElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V, 18 Ah-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-plate-
Final DriveCarbon fiber reinforced beltBelt
Gear Ratios-1st 9.311 / 2nd 6.454 / 3rd 4.793 / 4th 3.882 / 5th 3.307 / 6th 2.79
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Mild steel, tubular frame; rectangular section backbone; stamped, cast and forged junctions, forged fender supports; MIG welded
Suspension - Front43mm Conventional telescopic fork41.3 mm telescopic, chrome dust covers
Suspension - RearSingle, mono-tube gas Cast Aluminum with rising rate linkage, Preload adjustable springHidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over shock
Rake 32° 31°
Trail170 mm / 6.7 in147 mm / 5.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front130 mm / 5.1 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear75 mm / 3.0 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 300mm floating rotor 4 piston caliper, ABS2x Discs 4 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 300mm floating rotor 2 piston caliper, ABSSingle disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front130/70-18 67H Dunlop 491 Elite II140/75R17 67V
Tyres - Rear180/70-16 Dunlop Elite 3200/55R17 78V
Wheels-Optional Style Type Mirror Polished Chrome, Bullet Hole Disc Cast Aluminum (front and rear)
Wheels - Front-Silver, Bullet Hole Disc Cast Aluminum
Wheels - Rear-Silver, Bullet Hole Disc Cast Aluminum

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2013 Victory Hard-Ball and the 2013 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2013 Victory Hard-Ball - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 144 Nm vs 134 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.

2013 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: Laden 635 mm vs 667 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2013 Victory Hard-Ball vs 2013 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2013 Victory Hard-Ball and 2013 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy?
The 2013 Victory Hard-Ball uses Four stroke, 50° V twin SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, self-adjusting cam chains, hydraulic lifters, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy is powered by Four stroke, V-Twin, Twin Cam 103B Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, two valves per cylinder, with Integrated Oil-Cooler.
Which is lighter, the 2013 Victory Hard-Ball or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy is lighter at 329 kg compared to 340 kg for the 2013 Victory Hard-Ball - a difference of 11 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2013 Victory Hard-Ball or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy has the lower seat at Laden 635 mm, making it more accessible. The 2013 Victory Hard-Ball sits higher at 667 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2013 Victory Hard-Ball or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 Victory Hard-Ball has the edge in higher torque, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.