Review : LEGO Creator Expert 10269 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy

Without transition, I give you my opinion on the LEGO Creator Expert set 10269 Harley Davidson Fat Boy (1023 pieces - 94.99 €), a box which, as indicated during the official announcement, will be available in preview for members of the VIP program from July 17, before global availability scheduled for August 1, 2019.

At first glance, this reproduction of the iconic Fat Boy model of the Harley-Davidson brand delivered here in version 2018 with the Big-Twin Milwaukee-Eight engine in version 107 (1745 cc) seems rather convincing.

The LEGO version of the motorcycle reproduces almost perfectly the massive and aggressive side of the machine with its compact frame which encompasses all the engine elements without leaving empty space. We find the massive fork at the front and the curve that slides towards the driver's seat to end with the very imposing rear fender which surmounts a huge Michelin 240 tire.

The assembly process is very pleasant. We logically start with the Big-Twin engine which will start to move when the motorcycle is moving. As often, when the model is assembled, we do not see the operation of the engine, but we know that it is there. The only interest of this sub-assembly therefore lies in the pleasure of building it and admiring its operation by manually acting on the gears. After, it will be too late.

The frame of the motorcycle is mainly made of Technic parts and during the assembly of the first parts we almost forget that this is a product from the LEGO Creator Expert range. The mix of these two LEGO universes works wonderfully here, each category of part being used wisely with the aim of offering a solid, functional and aesthetically coherent product in focus.

The sides of the tank, the exhaust lines, the timing cover and the footrests are pleasant sub-assemblies to assemble separately and then to fix on the frame, as one would do on a well-designed model.

Looking more closely, even very closely, we will inevitably find fault with the finish of this model which is intended as a high-end derivative product of a brand that knows how to maintain its legend by regularly revisiting its most emblematic models without completely distorting them.

The logos on each side of the tank are the only elements of the set to be pad printed. All the other elements are covered with stickers and for a product derived from a mythical brand, it's still a shame. Three rims are provided, two of which are coupled to integrate the large rear tire.

As you will have noticed, a few tenons remain visible on the sides of the tank. Some will appreciate this detail which helps confirm that this is above all a LEGO product. Others, like me, will regret that these (too) visible studs spoil the rendering of the model a little. The few studs visible at the front on the Ford Mustang also designed by Mike Psiaki seemed to me discreet enough not to affect the overall rendering, those left visible here are in my opinion more disturbing.

More annoying: while Harley-Davidson generally gives pride of place to chrome on its different models, LEGO is content here with a light gray which struggles to highlight the various chrome elements present on the Fat Boy. These are all these chrome which give a little lightness to this compact and massive Fat Boy model. The Lakester cast aluminum solid rims in the LEGO version are perfectly reproduced, but they also lack that little satin sheen that would give them a more graceful side.

The two exhaust lines are also a little dull and the presence of the barrels at the end of the line is detrimental to the overall aesthetic in my opinion. I am well aware that we are talking about a LEGO product here and the followers of the NPU (Nice Part Usage) will probably be more tolerant of the use of these barrels than I am. As far as I am concerned, these parts are above all barrels and they are not necessarily intended to be used as engines or body parts on modern or futuristic models.

At the level of the headlight, I find the finish a little rough with visible tenons under the transparent dome. A smooth pad-printed plate or, for lack of a better one, with a nice sticker whose details we could guess under the transparent part would have been welcome. As it is, we do not find the nice finish of the headlight present on the real model.
At the level of the saddle, the designer tried to reproduce the curves with the prominent area in the middle of the seat. The result is in my opinion a little average, even unsightly.

Even though I'm one of those people who generally prefer to have little or no stickers to stick on, I think there are a few missing to replicate the reflective elements placed on the bottom of the front fork and on the two elements that hold the guard. - rear mud. Their presence would have helped to give a more "finished" look to the model, especially in the absence of chrome parts.

The stickers used for the counter and the fuel gauge placed on the tank do the job. We would have liked pad-printed parts but we will do with these stickers whose cutting is not perfectly centered.

If the rear fender is rather faithful to the real model, the one placed at the front lacks a little inspiration. On the Fat Boy, this part really envelops the wheel following the curve of the latter very far forward, here it is far from the case and the LEGO version is more motocross accessory than anything else.

We could also discuss the technique used to reproduce the front fork with its cartridge suspensions that have become too bulky on the LEGO version and once again dressed in barrels visually a little too off topic for my taste. Even though the Fat Boy has a relatively thick fork, the LEGO version obviously does a bit too much on this point.

The handlebar is in my opinion very successful, it integrates all the elements of the real model with a well thought out assembly for the brake handles. The mirrors, which I have not correctly oriented in the photos, are covered with stickers with mirror effect.

Looking even closer, we notice that there is a blue Technic pin visible at the junction between the tank and the handlebars of the motorcycle. It's a detail, but even if some fans consider that these visible blue pins are mainly intended to remind us that we are dealing with a LEGO product, I find it a shame not to have replaced this one with a gray version, history of get a perfect finish.

On the other hand, it's hard to blame LEGO for leaving the chain visible when it is covered with a housing on the real model. The only functionality of the product being the setting in motion of the two pistons inside the cylinders of the engine, it was necessary to leave a visible indication of the presence of this mechanism.

Like the real one, the LEGO version of the motorcycle is equipped with a crutch that allows it to stay balanced when stationary. If the presentation angle seems a little too steep, LEGO provides a relatively inconspicuous buildable stand that doubles as a center stand and keeps the craft upright. Thinking about it, the designer could have gone to the end of the concept and made this support rotatable.

In summary, this set is in my opinion rather successful despite its aesthetic defects and it is placed closer to the Ford Mustang from set 10265 that ofAston Martin DB5 from set 10262 in the ranking of the most successful derivative products inspired by existing vehicles and marketed under the Creator Expert label.

The construction phase is very pleasant and the model can proudly stand on a shelf even if it will not be particularly noticed thanks to its chrome. Hopefully this nice set paves the way for other motorcycle models in the Creator Expert range. I say yes, especially to encourage LEGO to persist in this direction.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON FAT BOY SET 10269 ON THE LEGO SHOP >>

Note: The set shown here, supplied by LEGO, is included as usual. To participate in the draw, all you have to do is post a comment (avoid "I participate, I try, etc ..." be a little more constructive) on this article before the July 21, 2019 at 23:59 p.m.. You have every right to disagree with me, this is not eliminatory.

Update : The winner was drawn and was notified by email, his nickname is indicated below. Without a response from him to my request for contact details within 5 days, a new winner will be drawn.