In 1989, Harley-Davidson took a prototype custom bike to Daytona Bike Week. A beefed up Softtail with solid wheels, wide bars, newly unveiled shotgun exhaust, and finished in matte grey, the bold look was the result of a design collaboration between Louie Netz and Willie G. Davidson (grandson of co-founder William Davidson). When the Fat Boy appeared cruising the streets (and canals) of L.A. alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the massive 1991 hit Terminator 2, the bad-boy status of this now iconic motorcycle was cemented. Harley-Davidson had created a new style of bike and people wanted a piece of the action.
This example is VIN: 4EMEL2E24RN147610. Bill was the original owner, he donated it to the Elk Grove Historical Society in December 2025.
The odometer shows 4,921 miles.
“Three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls Bill Cartwright donated his Motorcycle to the Elk Grove Historical Society to raise funds to build a historical barn. Custom design gas tank on both sides of tank are basketball images. Custom seat with his initial and number of his jersey. Custom frame. Bill’s bike speedometer is signed by Ron Simms Custom Cycles in Hayward, California.”
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Tested Ok (<1.5% of moisture contamination) but has dark coloration
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Tested Ok (<1.5% of moisture contamination) but has dark coloration
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Belt Drive (Age Unknown)
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 80%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 70%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 44/12
Tire Date Code Rear: 32/12
Tire % Remaining Front: 70%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80%
Tire Press. Front: 29 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 30 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.6V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.3V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Chipped paint on front fender
-Fork chrome is flaking
-Rear paint is chipped on rear fender
-When attempting to move the bike it feels like something is dragging causing resistance
-Rear brakes do not have good pressure
-Signs of oil leak from bottom side of engine
-Tires are out of date spec
Recommendations:
-3 Hole Oil Service (Engine, Primary, Transmission Service)
-Replace Rear Drive Belt
-Front and Rear Tires
-Hydro 2 (Front and Rear Brake Fluid)
-Diagnose Oil leak
-Clean and Detail Bike
Modifications:
Custom frame that has been pinstriped, custom paint.
Akront spoked wheels, PM calipers front and rear, aftermarket rotors, steel braided brake lines.
Aftermarket billet rear swingarm, belt guard, passenger pegs.
Arlen Ness style front brake master cylinder reservoir cover, Arlen Ness style grips, chrome switch covers.
Aftermarket billet mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Aftermarket front extended peg set with Performance Machine rear brake master cylinder.
Arlen Ness style teardrop air filter cover.
S&S Super E carburetor and polished S&S intake manifold, Taylor spark plug wires, billet shift rod.
Arlen Ness style license plate mount and plate light.
Arlen Ness style derby cover and inspection cover.
Thunderheader exhaust, Arlen Ness style timing cover, steel braided oil bag to engine feed and return lines.
Aftermarket foot controls.
Aftermarket windshield.
Custom seat with embroidery spelling out Bill’s initials and his number in the NBA and backrest.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzeler Roadtec tires with date codes of 3212 and 4412.
The sale includes three keys, a Harley-Davidson battery tender, signed basketball, and two signed trading cards from Bill’s time with the Knicks and the Bulls.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Harley-Davidson is offered on a clean California title with registration current through MONTH YEAR.
Have any Fat Boy stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
