Just announced, LEGO® Creator Expert 10269 Harley-Davidson® Fat Boy® will be available directly from LEGO exclusively for LEGO VIP members from 17 July 2019, with general availability beginning on 1 August. The price will be £84.99/ US$99.99/ CA$139.99/ DE€89.99/ FR€94.99/ 799DKK. We asked Ben Davies (ProfessorBrickkeeper) to take it for a spin to see what new and recoloured elements it includes.
New Moulds
Created specifically for this model, Motorcycle Rim Ø 75 Solid (6268590 | 46334) has been created based on the actual motorycle’s iconic Lakester Rims. The instruction manual notes that this element was designed so that it could be used individually or doubled up to mount the large rear tyre.
To create the large rear wheel of the Fat Boy, a new 35 mm wide motorcycle tyre element has been designed. The new element, Wide Motorcycle Tyre Ø 94.2 (6268590 | 46335), borrows significantly from the design language of Motorcycle Tyre Ø 94.2 (4567999 | 88516) (which appears here for the first time since 2015), with a subtle inlaid tread pattern.
Recolours
Taking inspiration from the Wicked Red model of the Fat Boy, the set includes a number of new and rare pieces appearing here in Dark Red. It is worth noting all these parts use the newer New Dark Red ABS formulation, which we examined in an article earlier this year.
The following Dark Red parts debut in 10269:
- Technic Brick 1 x 1 (6267414 | 6541)
- Slope 1 x 2 with 1/3 Plate (6251611 | 92946)
- Slope 1 x 2 with Cutout without Stud (6267498 | 28192)
- Plate 2 x 2 with Single Hinge Finger (6269870 | 92582)
- Bracket 1 x 2 / 2 x 2 (6267486 | 21712)
- Bracket 1 x 2 / 2 x 4 (6264035 | 21731)
- 3 x 3 x 2 Quarter Dome (6056481 | 88293)
- Curved 2 x 4 Slope (6254429 | 93606)
Several rare (defined here as having previously appeared in two or fewer sets, or out of production for several years) Dark Red parts are also featured in 10269:
- Left Angled 2 x 3 Plate (6267490 | 43723) (Last appeared in 2004)
- Right Angled 2 x 3 Plate (6267492 | 43722) (Last appeared in 2004)
- Right Angled 2 x 3 Brick (6253641 | 6564) (Last appeared in 2005, re-introduced 2019)
- Right Angled 3 x 3 Slope (6257449 | 48165)
- Left Angled 2 x 3 Brick (6253648 | 6564) (Last appeared in 2005, re-introduced 2019)
- Left Angled 3 x 3 Slope (6257448 | 42862)
- Wedge 3 x 4 x 2/3 Cutout (6252370 | 11291) (Last appeared in 2013)
- Inverted 1 x 3 Slope (6264024 | 4287) (Last appeared in 2014)
- Wedge 3 x 4 with 1 x 2 Cutout (6182219 | 28842)
- 1 x 1 Modified Brick with Studs on 2 Adjacent Sides (6267495 | 26604)
- Plate 4 x 4 x 2/3 (6264023 | 45677)
- Angle Beam 4 x 6 (6267488 | 28978)
- Barrel 2 x 2 x 2 (6278993 | 26170) (Last appeared in 2004)
- Wedge 3 x 4 x 2/3 Triple Curved (6157781 | 93604) (Second Appearance)
One of the most exciting recolours in this set is the barrel. The last appearance of this part-colour combination was 15 years ago, in two 4+ Pirates sets from 2004, so it remains a highly sought-after part.
Several other rare or newly recoloured parts appear in this set, in a variety of colours.
Debuting in Black are Brick 1 x 2 w. Pins (6269869 | 30526) and Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular with Extension (6269866 | 53586). Both Slope 1 x 2 with Cutout without Stud (6267487 | 28192) and Inverted Slope 1 x 4 with Cutout (6267482 | 32802) also appear in Black here, after being introduced in the summer 2019 sets.
In Transparent Red, Modified 1 x 1 Half Circle Extended Tile (Stadium) (6264033 | 24246) appears here for the first time.
A Dark Stone Grey / Dark Bluish Gray 2 x 2 Macaroni Tile also appears, after showing up in 10266 NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander in June.
Surprisingly, this is the set debut of the Inverted 1 x 3 Slope (6267489 | 4287) in Brick Yellow / Tan, which has only previously appeared in a limited edition LEGOLAND California witch model from 2004.
Decorated Parts
This set includes two new decorated parts, each featuring an askew Harley-Davidson logo printed with Silver Ink on a Dark Red 2x4 tile.
- Flat Tile 2X4 with Harley-Davidson Logo Left (6269050 | 87079)
- Flat Tile 2X4 with Harley-Davidson Logo Right (6269055 | 87079)
Building the Model
The parts for the Fat Boy model come in four pairs of numbered bags, while the hubs and wheels are all loose in the box. Another bag includes the instructions and stickers.
Like previous LEGO Creator Expert vehicle sets, the instructions are interspersed with information about the actual vehicle, and the process of designing the LEGO model.
In the same bag as the instruction book, a small sheet of reflective stickers are included. Although they can add some nice detail to the set, I’ve found that the model looks perfectly acceptable without them.
The first set of numbered bags is used primarily for constructing the engine of the motorcycle, and the working piston system. (More about this later!)
The second set of bags goes towards completing the basic motorcycle frame, mounting the back wheel, and creating the tail and signal lights.
With the third set of bags, construction shifts from the innards of the motorcycle to its system-based outer shell and details. These added details include exhaust pipe, footrest, kickstand, seat, console and speed gauge, and gas tank.
The fourth and final set of bags is used to construct the handlebars, front suspension, front wheel, and extra detail. It also provides pieces which can be used to assemble a base for displaying the set.
Finished Model
Built on top of a Technic frame, the model is very sturdy and can withstand being played with. Play features include adjustable handlebars and front wheel, a working kickstand, and adjustable mirrors and levers.
In a pleasant surprise, the designer Mike Psiaki has managed to incorporate working pistons into the engine of the vehicle, powered by the movement of the back wheel. Unfortunately, there is no way to actually view the pistons once the engines are completed. The gear and chain system, however, can be seen through the bottom of the motorcycle with relative ease.
For those interested in displaying the model, the set also includes instructions for building a base that the vehicle can be mounted on, as an alternative to the built-in kickstand.
Conclusion
While 10269 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy is unlike any previous LEGO Creator Expert vehicle, that is by no means a bad thing. The larger scale the motorcycle is built at has allowed the inclusion of many brick-built details, which I enjoy seeing in sets. The play functions also help to further differentiate the set from what’s come before. The building experience is not particularly challenging for experienced builders, but it is still quite satisfying.
I imagine that this set will be very popular with both existing LEGO fans and motorcycle enthusiasts, who are looking for a fun new display piece.
READ MORE: The geometry of the LEGO Overwatch weapon
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Thanks to our 'Vibrant Coral' patrons: Big B Bricks, Dave Schefcik, David and Breda Fennell, Iain Adams, Huw Millington, Neil Crosby, Antonio Serra, Beyond the Brick, Sue Ann Barber & Trevor Clark, and Kevin Gascoigne. You're all awesome!
You can also help us by doing what you perhaps do already - buying from Amazon. Amazon USA: Amazon.com Canada: Amazon.ca UK: Amazon.co.uk Deutschland: Amazon.de
Products mentioned in this post were kindly supplied by the LEGO Group. All content represents the opinions of New Elementary authors and not the LEGO Group. All text and images are © New Elementary unless otherwise attributed.
The light grey barrel has been highly sought after for x-wings, so Im very excited to see it return. But much more exciting to me is the light grey brick with 2 adjacent studs, a criminally under-used piece IMO.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy the 1x3 slope in tan is back again, I have some MOC ideas where I need a bunch (with any luck it will show up on Bricks & Pieces and I can buy a bunch)
ReplyDeleteHere it's 45677 that I was really waiting for in LBG. I had already seen it used in MOCs, because it had appeared in LBG in some chinese clone set. Now it's finally an official part.
ReplyDeleteI've been a fan of New Elementary for more than 2 years and do really appreciate all the information, news, interviews and reviews provided by you guys!
ReplyDeleteBut there is one little thing I'd like to mention:
A complete Lego set consists not only of parts and minifigs, but of its stickers applied, as well. Looking at the last couple of months, in 80 % of the set reviews stickers were not applied. You can of course still show us the new / recoloured elements there, but when your authors consider themselves to good for applying stickers you should rather not call that a 'set review'. I am sure, there are plenty of potential authors who would highly appreciate a free Lego set and would love to write a review of it (with stickers applied) in exchange, just as a few of your authors fortunately already do.
Maybe Ben didn't want to use the sticker with the spelling mistake in his build ;-)
DeleteThanks for the feedback. Since the beginning, we've usually not applied the stickers (although I leave it up to the individual builder). Sometimes we don't even discuss the minifigs. Almost all other sites apply the stickers, so it's not hard to locate images of how they look. I like small points of difference between fan sites - it would be boring if everyone did exactly the same thing.
DeleteWhat do others think?
Sorry anonymous, my initial reply was a little flippant. In a more serious manner, I am one of those that does not always applying the stickers when reviewing for New Elementary. One of the reasons for this is that I focus on new elements and, especially if it is a new mould, connections, ways to utilise a new element in a much more in depth manner than other sites. For example, when I reviewed 75975 WATCHPOINT: GIBRALTAR, I did not apply the stickers. I did spend rather more time looking at the new wedge plates and comparing angles plus looking out other parts to compare - I personally felt that this was more appropriate use of the time I wanted to spend on the set rather than applying the stickers. I appreciate what you are saying but personally I read the reviews and the new element articles on this site and I am non-plussed about the lack of stickers in the images, I drool over the beautiful element images instead.
DeleteWow anonymous, could you be any more condescending? Finding pictures of the stickered model isn't hard, they're all over the place. The folks at New Elementary are doing fabulous work, but perhaps it's not for you.
Delete@Anonymous:
DeleteIf you're sensing some hostility to this comment, it's worth noting that this isn't the first time someone has tried to push for more traditional reviews. But the truth is, there _are_ a ton of dedicated AFOL sites, as well as YouTube and other outlets, where tons of people review every set under the sun. For sets like this, pre-release copies are sent out to a bunch of sites so they can have a hands-on look at it ready to go the instant the official announcement goes out. You can probably find at least half a dozen reviews of this same set out there without any trouble, and most will include the stickers on the model. There are official photos of the same. But what you really won't find anywhere else is a dedicated focus on new parts as they come out. Probably the closest thing I've seen is a recent addition to Brickset that just dumps a full month of Bricks & Pieces data at a time.
I never apply the stickers so seeing the set without stickers is a plus for me. I come here for the info on the new and recoloured parts.
DeleteThank you for that and keep up the good work.
I hadn't even noticed that the stickers generally aren't applied in your reviews, so I certainly don't consider it an issue. The focus on new parts is what keeps me coming back here.
DeleteStickers are not Lego parts to me, and are a significant factor in whether or not I consider purchasing a set - particularly above a certain price point.
I prefer New Elementary becayse it is different. I am a sucker for New parts/recolors. Keep it up, you're doing a great job. P.S. Is the Bricks & Pieces site working for you guys? I can sneak and add to cart, but can't check out.
ReplyDeleteI had the same issue, so called and did it over the phone. Fortunately I wasn't ordering a lot of different pieces.
Delete