2008 Harley-Davidson Cross Bones | PRICE: $16,999
Hard Parts
Engine
The Cross Bones rocks the 96B (for "balanced") version of H-D's Twin Cam V-twin, which runs smoothly enough to be rigidly mounted in the Softail frame without excessive vibration. The six-speed Cruise Drive transmission adds an overdrive ratio for even more relaxed cruising at highway speeds.
Suspension
Rear wheel travel is an acceptable 4 inches, though it's all spring and no damping. The sprung saddle and fat, 200mm-wide rear tire help take the edge off harsher hits, however. The similarly under-damped Springer fork isn't exactly compliant or controlled, encouraging a sensible pace.
Chassis
Harley's Softail chassis might resemble a rigid in profile (especially the Cross Bones version, with its retro-look sprung saddle), but it actually has rear suspension. Twin dampers are hidden underneath the motor.
Brakes
Weak brakes will have you crossing your heart in panic situations. The front brake is a barely adequate one-piston affair-torsional loads produced by a stronger front brake would tie up the Springer fork, H-D says. Extreme rearward weight bias means the two-piston rear brake is more effective than most.
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| Tech Spec | | |
| Engine type: a-c 45-deg. V-twin | Rear brake: Single two-piston caliper, 292mm disc | Corrected 1/4-mile: 13.62 sec. @ 94.67 mph |
| Valve train: OHV, 4v | Front tire: MT90B16 Dunlop 72H | Top-gear roll-on 60-80 mph: 3.05 sec. |
| Displacement: 1584cc | Rear tire: 200/55-R17 Dunlop 78V | Fuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 43/31/39 mpg |
| Bore x stroke: 95.25 x 111.25mm | Rake/trail: 32.5 deg./6.3 in. | Colors: Vivid Black, Dark Blue Pearl, Black Denim, Pewter Denim |
| Compression: 9.2:1 | Seat height: 30.1 in. | Availability: Now |
| Fuel system: EFI | Wheelbase: 64.5 in. | Warranty: 24 mo./unlimited mi. |
| Clutch: Wet, multi-plate | Fuel capacity: 5.0 gal. | Contact:
Harley-Davidson Motor Co.
3700 W. Juneau Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53201
414.343.4056
www.harley-davidson.com |
| Transmission: 6-speed | Weight (tank full/empty): 726/696 lbs. | |
| Frame: Steel backbone with twin downtubes | Measured horsepower: 70.0 bhp @ 5200 rpm | |
| Front suspension: Springer leading-link fork | Measured torque: 84.2 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm | |
| Rear suspension: Softail, twin shocks | | |
| Front brake: Single one-piston caliper, 292mm disc | | |
Dyno
The Twin Cam 96B is unlikely to impress in any acceleration contest, but it's an agreeable powerplant with ample low-end power that builds steadily all the way to redline. A lower first gear and closer-spaced six-speed transmission help the Cross Bones keep the Victory within sight on the street.
Ergos
You're a slave to fashion on the Cross Bones, with a mini-ape-hanger handlebar defining a riding position that looks badass and literally becomes a pain-in-the-ass as the miles pass by. The tractor-style saddle is as comfortable as it looks, and is adjustable one inch fore and aft to counter a long seat-to-peg distance.