Beneath the tattoos and the beards, most of the big burly bikers that I have known have been geeks of a sort. Sure, they might not be at home in front of a computer screen (but you would be surprised how many are), but they will lovingly recite the encyclopedia of custom parts that they have put on their Harley Davidson. They are sort of like a lovable (in a Platonic way) distant cousin.
The new Harley Davidson Softail Crossbones is true to tradition. It is a mighty fine piece of American engineering. It also packs some punch, courtesy of its 1584cc Twin Cam 96B engine and six speed cruise drive suspension. It is a nice bike at a very nice price. $16,795 is all it takes to get you onto the adjustable sprung seat and experiencing the lowest suspension of any Softail ever made.
Tags: motorcycles
9 responses
Jan 30, 2008 at 6:14 pm
That thing is an abomination and shows that Harley Davidson is more about capitalizing on trends and making money than being involved in the motorcycle culture. It’s ugly as sin. If you want to see real “bobbers”, go check out the forums on JockeyJournal.com
Feb 1, 2008 at 8:46 pm
This is a nice effort on the Motor Company’s part. I am not insulted that they chose to “capitalize” on the bobber trend…in fact I would be kind of dissappointed if they didn’t. The bike has a unique look that says Harley and says it in a classy, old fashioned way with just a hint of —- you to make it all come together. Harley continues to make a quality product in a day and age when that has ceased to mean much of anything. It’s worth the price, if you can afford it. But…if you can afford more, then buy a motorcycle that is a real bobber from a maker like Sucker Punch Sally’s. Either way - you will get a quality bike for your investment.
Feb 17, 2008 at 1:31 pm
The Crossbones is a fantastic looking machine and would be a great platform to modestly customize. Yes, the motor company pays attention to trends. It’s their business to pay attention to what we want to ride. I suppose the wanna-be’s think they sound cool, when they badmouth factory products; but real riders enjoy the style and dependability that Harley Davidson is renowned for.
Apr 11, 2008 at 9:49 am
I just bought a crossbone and it really gets the comments. A lot of “old timers” like me enjoy the retro look, and I get to enjoy a bike that is new. I still havent figured out how to “adjust the seat” because I have been too busy riding! It is a real corner fighter, it loves curves. Not the all in all of every bikers dream, but a nice addition to the Harley line.
Apr 16, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I just got the crossbones up here in northern CANADA rides great.400km already and theres still snow in the diches.
Dec 7, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I bought one of these about 4 months ago. It’s great. Customised to lose the mini ape hangers (which don’t pull it off) for flat bars, switched the mirrors and swapped some of the black parts for a little more chrome (eg round air filter cover and horn case) - but don’t lose too much black as that’s it’s style. Get the retro pack for older style grips, pegs, foot brake, better pipes. Get the Harley saddlebags too. Great machine. Done about 2000 miles now. Turns heads. Sounds great.
Dec 7, 2008 at 3:10 pm
hi hows it going its going great for me i am finally divorced and loving my freedom im going up to chilliwack with colleen and her boyfriend next week for 5days looking forward to it take care lily
Jan 2, 2009 at 4:50 pm
2 Jan 09
Immediately when I saw this bike I went straight to the Pomona Ca dealership and rode it home. Several weeks later I left my 03 FXSTS with 71,000miles (all mine) onthe clock in Redlands Ca and took off for Orlando,Fl taking
I-40 and occassionally 66 down through the big easy on
I-10 along the panhandle.
Had one hell of a good time and the bike performed perfectly at altitudes up to 7000 ft. Everywhere I stopped it drew a crowd and I didn’t hear not one negative comment.
I’ve passed 10 000 miles now and ready for the next 10 or 15 or 20 000 this year. Like what you will but all I know is after twenty years riding HD this bike proves why Harley is and will always be “Americas Bike and King of the Road”.
Breeze American Steel Motorcycle Club, Orlando Fl.
Mar 14, 2009 at 1:25 am
Don’t be such a crybaby. This is Americaa, making money is what we do. This is a cool bike. If you want something that looks like what your neighbor has, buy a Suzuki.
Leave a Comment