Introducing the Harley-Davidson Softail Cross Bones
Just last Saturday night, the shrouded shape of the Harley-Davidson Softail Cross Bones sat under a spotlight on the crowded floor of the Viper Room, a trendy club on the Sunset Strip. Willie G. Davidson and son Bill mingled with the journalistic masses, while a burly bodybuilder loomed ominously over the hidden bike until it finally came time for the unveil.
Harley has definitely gone super custom/retro with the Cross Bones, which sports tall, "how'd they get those past the DOT?" ape hangers, a 32 degree rake, a chrome springer front end, and a sprung solo seat that can be adjusted to sit as low as 26.6 inches. Cross Bones is powered by Harley's standard issue fuel-injected Twin Cam 96B engine mated to a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission. As with all Softails, the rear end looks rigid, but actually hides a horizontal coil-over shock.
The bike on display wore matte black paint with multi-colored, Kustom Kulture-style striping, and will also be available in Dark Blue Pearl, Dark Blue Denim, Vivid Black, Olive Pearl and Pewter Denim. Black starts at $16,795, while color runs $17,140.
Does the custom style Cross Bones have what it takes to bring buyers back to Harley, or is it the wrong bike for the wrong time? Share your opinion by commenting, and check out shots of the bike in the Harley-Davidson Softail Cross Bones Photo Gallery.
Photos © Basem Wasef
Comments
I think it’s a good loking bike. I think it will sell well.
Okay, I’ve been pretty critical of H-D lately, so I have to give them some credit for this bike. Should be $14k though
Yuk….I’m sure it’s perfectly safe and controllable in a straight line under 50MPH.
Those stupid bars are an accident waiting to happen.
Sorry…not a tractor fan
Not too impressed with this, seems to be an amalgam of way too many Harleys from days gone by. Nothing fits together, the rear of the bike seems too contrived and bolted on last minute. Yet another sign of their “digression” movement into the past. I’m not paying $15k for a 30 year old bike. It doesn’t even look retro, it just looks old. The Nightster, now that’s retro. The V-Rod and Rocker, both modern custom. Even the new Dyna Fat Bob is a good direction, but this one bike is way too many big steps backwards for H-D. Come on, give us the XR1200 already!
I’m not a Harley person so I probably have no business commenting, however I am a “motorcyclist”. Not a day goes bye that I don’t try to get some riding time in. Over the past 18 months I have logged right at 20 thousand miles on three different bikes. With that said, here’s my 2 cents worth. The new Harley’s appeal will be limited to a very small niche’ would be my guess. Not all Harley owners will give the bike a 2nd look. It looks “old’. If that was goal of the designer….they succeeded. It looks like it has been constructed out of spare parts from several “old motorcycles”. If the purpose of this model is to appeal to a broad cross section of individuals, and to create excitement in the industry I don’t see that happening. I have never understood HD pricing. I can’t understand buying a bike that is way over priced and then having to spend a fortune to make it “yours”. Beats the heck out of me!
Harley is showing its true colors. Garbage…
Looks like the bike my brother built in the barn almost 60 years ago from a couple of Harleys and an Indian! What crap for the money!
“Gordon”,
I wish for once you’d get out of your shell and speak your mind…
Basem
They will sell just because it looks like a Harley. I think HD learned it’s lesson with the v rod.
Everybody wants to beat H/D up!!
I’m not a great H/D fan, but there are some nice models in their line-up. This new Cross Bones looks good to me — maybe cos I’m old too! I ride a Valkyrie, but would consider one of these if the price was realistic, (which it is not). It would be a great second bike.
I’ll take one.
Wow… never ever has my view on a motorcycle changed so quickly….
I just received the email form Harley introducing this motorcycle. At first look I was super excited. The look, from afar, is fantastic…has that old school bobber look. From the springer front end(a personal favorite)…to the32 degree rake…and the spring one seater… I thought I had my next bike…Unfortunately, upon closer review of this bike I was sadly disappointed. When you view this bike close up it becomes very cheap looking. The rear fender is too much and the seat sets on a plastic underhousing that looks ridiculous and cheesy. My nightster has some plastic, but at least it’s hidden under the front of the gas tank.
This is poor craftsmanship. No one in their right mind would buy this over a custom bike kit.
It’s really too bad….I was almost in love….so close
Hell Ya. Finally, the old school look is back. I always have a love for the old bikes.I have been frustrated over the years because most of the New Harleys look, well, New. They seemed to look more like Other bikes. This bike seems to have the power,sound and beauty that I like to see and hear in a bike. We already own 3 bikes, an 82 Custom chopped Iron Head, an 85 FXR, and a 2000 Dyna super. I was looking at buying a Street Bob but I have changed my mind.I am looking at this new bike and I am going to be very pleased.The only thing that I will change on this bike is the back fender,I would scoop it.
Yes, I’m a Harley rider and enthusiast.
Great concept, bad execution. The day of the stretched, chromed, billet monster chopper is gone… long live the retro bobbers.
For the price, I’d go with a Sucker Punch Sally bike. It’s looks better for about the same price and the overall quality of the components is better.
HD would be better off to provide some of these components to their current customer set for Softails models AND Dyna models so they can modify their own bikes.
You can’t find 6″ risers for the fatty, 1.25″ mini-apes. You can’t find upswept aftermarket pipes for ‘07 and up Dynas, or pretty much anything with a frickin’ EFI.
Again, they’ve got the right idea, poor execution.
It’s better than the Rocker C with the stupid looking passenger seat. Whose idea was that anyway?
Fat Bob – Get a Fat Boy.
Swamp Weasel
Not Bad it’s an FX springer with a 16 inch front tire and wide glide bars and a solo seat. I made one like that a couple of years ago Harley’s version of a back yard bike! No place for a passenger so when you pick up a hottie you either let them ride on the rear fender or go home and get the car and hope the hottie is still there when you get back or keep a P pad in your back pocket! I love springers, they discontinued the Heritage Springer which had the classic Knuckle design with saddle bags that fit the bike and you could actually be able to fit your leather in the bags! They goofed with the springer classic the bags they offered you can’t fit your leather in maybe a purse if you carry one! What is going on with Harley’s design team maybe they’re used to having a chase vehicle to carry their STUFF!
Nice look, but not so retro as it should be.Lets call it a modern retro Also like all Harley’s, Too Expencive for the modest biker that drives his bike to work in rain and sunshine.
Maybe they can Chop of some more parts and come with a cheaper version
the Fat boy still rules in my opinion for best design. a great try but it looks to modern.
NOW, YOU’RE ON TO SOMETHING! I WOULD AND MAYBE WILL BE BUYING THIS UNIT. LOOKS GREAT!
I own 2 Harleys, an 07 Dyna FXDI and an 07 Silver/Grey Nightster. This is not a bad looking Harley but I would lose that ugly seat, the pin striping, and the rear fender, (replace it with a full fender). In my opinion for that kind of money a Night Train is a much better deal. Now if it was priced in the 14’s I might buy one and lose my Dyna. Harley overprices the hell out of their bikes.
And the difference between this one and all the other ones is????
The only decent HD out there is the VRod, the rest is…well… expensive.
I’ll buy a jap bike anytime over one of these …and with the price difference customize it.
Chrome forks? Were you wearing sunglasses maybe? They look black to me.
I agree with swamp weasel…get a Sucker Punch Sally…
Harley didn’t execute properly on this…if yer looking for your first Harley…go with somethig else…like the fat Bob or Street Bob… otherwise go custom if you’re lookin for a true bobber or chopper
Doc,
Thanks for catching that; the springs are chrome, and the fork is indeed black.
Basem
Good looking bike for that special niche of buyers. At least they are trying some new designs. omething other than the standard chromed hardtail stretched and racked chopper styling. However, they should offer optional bars other than just the ape hangers; and put a full fender on the rear. Hope it sells well for them.
Greetings. In 1953, in the movie “The Wild One”, featuring Marlon Brando and Lee Marvin, Lee Marvin’s character “Chino” makes his entrance riding a stripped down Knucklehead, affectionately known as a “Bobber”. I tell you, this looks to me just like that classy bike! I’ve got a few gray hairs in my beard. I’ve paid some dues.
This bike is a joy to behold! “Chino” would’ve been proud!
Ride Safe! Be Blessed!
I want one bad…but I won’t give up my ‘98 Fatboy for it. Guess I’ll have to wait to win the lottery and have 2 bikes. I love the retro look! The only thing that would make it look better would be higher apes (but I’m partial to my comfy apes).
I like the bike. I’ve been looking at knuckles and flatheads on the internet and then I see this bike. I would change the bars and fenders to steel full fenders. I like the springer and the fat blackwall tires. I like the look. You can have old school with a warranty.
B.C.
You guys are too funny…”I really like this bike! Except I would change this, that, and those…” Which proves my point from before, that this bike is simply made of too many different parts-bin H-D parts to be seriously considered a brand new $16k motorcycle. Really? Are you that interested in wearing the “Hundred Dollar” badge, that you wouldn’t save the money customizing something with a cheaper bottom line? No thanks…I’ll take both a ZX-6R AND a Nomad 1600 for that price…quality craftsmanship included!
Well, you guys are killing me. This is the “Harley” I was looking for when I finally bought a Street Glide. THIS BIKE is what I think of when I think Harley-Davidson. “old is good to us old (-er) guys”
Yeah, right. The Harley is such a rotten bike; they’ve only lasted 100+ years, that all. They’re so rotten all the rice-burner builders have 2nd rate copies out there — or wannabe copies. They can’t even get that right. They haven’t a clue.
High style and class does not come cheap — nor should it.
I finally bought my first Harleys. Two 2007 XL1200s; a Custom for me and a Low for my hottie. They are the best yet.
I learned to ride on a [new] Bonnie 650TT with right shifter. I’ve ridden/owned YammerHammers [ring-ding-ding], Bridgestones, Hondas, and a Trident. The Trident was the most fun to ride [after the Harleys] and a hoot in Japan. Crowds of locals would “gather round” every time I stopped.
There is something about a Harley and a Harley rider — the ricers don’t and can’t get a clue, try as they may. The only thing they are is cheap.
Must agree with you Baghdad John. This will be my next bike.
Wow, RetFed, you sound just a little flustered…a little intimidated by the “Ricers,” as you so eloquently put it? Yes, your post just oozes of the ’style’ and ‘class’ you claim costs so much, and I’m assuming you’re referring to H-D in general…HA! Uh, you bought sportsters. That’s the supreme low-end of Harley-Owner Ville.
Japanese bikes may be cheap to buy and own, but they will outlast any American made motorcycle by at least 20 years (withouth a full museum style restoration, that is!). A co-worker of mine bought a brand new ‘07 XL1200R…1000 miles into it, and it started leaking oil from the casing! Then at 3200 miles, his speedometer gave out (a common problem on these bikes). Yeah, let me fork over $10k for that bad boy!
Try to get some real ‘class’ and ’style’. Ducati is the true owner of both those words in the motorcycle industry. Not only that, but their crafstmanship (especially as of late) will last a lifetime.
Listen to Gordo…he’s got it nailed.
i am a true harley fan i personely own a nightrain . i have never ridden any other bike. i grew up watching my dad on several different bikes all harleys.i have become a fan also of the bike build shows my favorite style being old school and favorite builder indian larry who i got to meet twice before he died . his bikes are old school the new crossbones is a poor attempt.this is just my oppinion of why it doesnt work. the bobtail fender was a bad choice for this style bike but mostly its the 16 inch front tire it makes the bike look stupid .i am still and will always be a loyal harley man but i believe if you want an old school bike you gotta build it like the old school guys did a real chopper or bobber is not something you can buy at the local bike shop. but dont worry harley your still the only real motorcycle made today.
Nuthin’ like a little grade 4 grammar & punctuation to drive home a point.
It really is way too easy….like shootin’ ducks in barrel….or Harleys on a workbench.
I went to the Cleveland Motorcycle show yesterday and sat on the Cross-bones bike. It’s sharp. I was suprised on how high the seat was. It was comfortable though. There was a lot of room under the brake pedal to slide your foot under it, I liked the shape of it also, large and round
Once again the “motor company” rips off other peoples ideas and calls it their own! Trapper John
We don’t all have the time or resources to build our own retro/bobberesque bike yet many respect the looks of those stripped down machines. Unfortunately this is not one of them. The rear fender does not flow and the big wad of plastic shrouding the underside of the seat is WAY out of character (and hideous). I was also disappointed in the Rockster when I sat on it and felt the engine jabbing into my left calf.
Haven’t seen a Cross-Bones up close yet, so I can’t form a solid opinion yet. But I have owned 2 Yamaha’s (and Enduro and a Maxim 650) and a Honda (VTX1300). While all were nice solid bikes (must have been since they took my abuse and survived), my recent purchase of an H-D Heritage Softail has convinced of what I perceive so be the higher quality of the H-D; I’m sure only time will tell. I liken the VTX versus the Softail, to the difference between driving an Accord and a Caddy CTS. So far, I love the H-D and don’t regret getting rid of the Honda; my only regret are all the VTX add-ons sitting in my garage right now. E-Bay, here I come!
I love it. But then again my beard is *all* white now. I’ve owned 3 Hondas, one Hyosung, one Triumph, one Yamaha, and one Royal Enfield. As of yesterday I have now graduated to a Harley (this one). Can’t wait for spring! Woohoo!
Some things in life are a matter of opinion. Blondes or brunettes, pushrod V8 or DOHC I4, etc. I am debating between Street Bob and Cross Bones now, and, i think they both are gorgeous in their simplicity and flowing lines. A few years ago i built an old Softail right along these lines, now i get to see the style with modern reliability. You, youngsters, go ahead, buy ZX-6Rs and CBRs. We, old folks will buy Cross Bones, we are not in a hurry anymore…
This bike will do great!! There are a very large group of riders out there, myself included, that prefer the bober style bike.
I don’t gives a rats A#% about big custom choppers that are nice to look at but terrible to ride. Some people are in to that…fine! I have never liked it and always preferred this style of bike.
A bober is one of the most fun and easy to control bikes to ride. It just feels good!
I think you will find this bike does very very well!! Look how people reacted to the Dyna Bob.
if you have never ridden this style of bike, then give it a try!
just got back from iraq. i have saved up my ca$h….I am set to buy and ride this great looking bike. am i making a mistake?
got one,loveit.just did custom von dutch pinstripes all over to match and red striped the rims.people stop me on the street to look at it.have ridden 40 years on all kind of bikes,cant beat a harley.
From the time I saw the bike on the show room floor and sat on it I fell in love with it. So I ordered one. This will be my first Harley, I am looking forward to it.
O.K. here’s my two cents worth. It’s just my opinion, and nothing more. I’m 50 years old, (next week) and haven’t had a Harley since I sold my ‘76 Hardtail Wideglide in 85. Thats when things really started getting out out of control with people “Buying into the lifestyle”. I just plunked down the bucks on a new Crossbones. I put a set of Vance and Hines True Duals with Fishtail ends on it. Is this bike the end all or ultimate for everyone? Nope. However, one thing I have learned is that old is new. For the past twenty years we’ve watched Jesse James, OCC, and the rest stretch, chrome and convolute bikes to the point of unrideable absurdity. Don’t get me wrong, many pieces of true artwork have been created. But you can’t ride the MonaFreakinLisa. My sons, nephews, and yes, Grandson all ride. One thing these kids all point to is a picture of my Uncle Ruben, taken in 1935, on a Harley, and say “Thats what riding is about. Thats the bike I want.Did Willie G and Co get it right the first time? Nope, not quite. But it’s a Major step in the right direction. In my honest opinion, (and like a-holes, everyones got one, this is mine)this will be the direction customs will go. Old Skool. Rideable scoots. Listen to the kids. It’s what they’re talking about.
ive had alot of bikes over the years and have ridden many more, and i have to say this is one of the best riding bikes out. looks aside it handles great and sits even better. i had a chance to ride one for a couple hundred miles but it wasnt long enough, it absorbs so much shock of the road from the seat and springer front i was impressed. then i climbed back onto my rigid and it was like driving a dump truck! it looks good it rides even better and i think they may have something here. jus my 2 cents..
I just crashed my sportster on sunday.. cut off by an idiot…I spent 10 years customizing that bike.. Nice purple ghost flames, lots of powder coating…I blacked out the engine, put apes on it .. ran a solo seat (old style but no springs) .. hmmm how will I replace it??? I think the lady will buy a Crossbones
Unfortionally completely sold out in Germany ;-(
Actual Price on the German black market: 20.000,- EUR ($31.000,-)
Now you all see, this bike is a great deal for HD!
They’re sold out here in Australia, but I’ve got one on order. When it arrives in August I’ll put a rear fender on it, lower bars and a big black headlight mounted in front of the springs. Why? Because when I was a kid in the sixties I rode a black Sunbeam S7 which was as close as I could get to a Harley. How close was it? Google Sunbeam S7 and see.
I’ve had mine for three days and it’s an awsome ride. I had two run-ins with four wheeled idiots, on my fatboy. Traded what was left of it on the ‘bones and love it. Give Harley time, they and every other supplier will come out with lots of junk to add to it or, do like me…make your own. Over price…sure but, you come to expect that. Love it or leave it.
I’ve had my black denim Crossbones for a couple of weeks. If the bike is parked, people will actually stop and get out of their vehicles to get up close and look at it. It’s a beautiful bike that turns heads everywhere. Even non-Harley friends are very impressed by the look of the bike. It rides far better than I expected for a springer model and has plenty of power at high end to match any metric cruiser. I’d say this is what a motorcycle should look like and when riding, it’s you and the road when you look over the handlebars. If you like the mom and pop bikes with all the luggage and comfort or a sport bike, that’s okay. If you want to know what it feels like to be on a motorcycle the way it was meant to be, take a Crossbones for a ride. You’ll understand once you’re on it.
I like it. It looks like a real “club” bike. Everyone has a Fatboy, so they are basically overdone. But I prefer the Springer Classic (discontinued) to the Cross Bones any day. It was the perfect evolution from the Heritage Springer (WAAAAY gaudy) to where the FL Springers are now, with the Cross Bones. I love my Springer Classic, and will keep it forever and ride it out happily. But if I didn’t own the Springer Classic, this one would be at the top of my list.
Never owned a motorcycle but I am seriously considering this one. I am not sure why. I am 45 so maybe it is the midlife crisis or maybe I think it will help me with PTSD as several friends have said it will. I can tell you that as a tot al novice i like the way the bike looks, not sure why I do but I do. I can also tell you it is one of only two Harley’s that we cannot buy in Iraq so it is doing very well.
The apparent presence of the Superficial RUB is painfully obvious in todays biking world now isn’t it? Although I do my best to try to support all that ride, I find it more difficult each day to accomplish this quest. Riding raw, true and hard is a way of life, not an opinion. This bike represents well!
I agree with Swamp Weasel, Great idea, poor execution. I thought about buying one but I would have to spend several grand to make it right! Might as well just cutomize my old 97 FatBoy. Anyone got a complete Springer Classic Front end lying around you want to sell….or a spring solo seat that will fit my ole FLSTF?
Tony T.
Leo, your an idiot.. nuff said.
Just bought a Cross bones and love it.
I dont know what all these new age kids are talking about, its a harley, HARLEY! im glad they took a step back to badass days. leave the “future” bikes to honda, though i agree it is way over priced (along with ALL harleys)
Getting mine in the spring.Can’t wait.Love the look and the “original” styling. Goes well with grey hair! For those who don’t like it….DON’T BUY IT! Quitcherbitchin.
WoW! It’s just what the doctor ordered. I love the style and plan on gettong one soon.
I bought one 6 months ago. Unbelievable. It rides like a caddy and it turns heads wherever I go. I added the rear seat/sissy bar. I changed out the stock pipes (hideous) for reinarts. I added the saddlebags (they look GREAT on this model) and added the detachable windshield. You can ride all day on this bike and still have an ASS to sit on at the end of the day. I love it.
The ONLY thing that irritates me, and I am changing it, is the ALUMINUM they use throughout the design. That huge aluminium primary cover looks WAY OUT OF PLACE on a black bike. I have ordered a powdercoated primary cover along with the other covers on the bike. This will creat a TRULY BLACK BIKE ! It is a joy to ride
I’m 51 years old and I,ve had so many bikes I couldn’t name them all I bought a crossbone last summer and I love it. It’s simply the best ride I’ve ever had. No more hondas, Kawlis/ sususkis or yamahas for me. Yhe Harleys cost a little more,but well worth it. I guss you get what you pay for….RIDE SAFE AND HAVE FUN
Wow!! I can’t beleave all the negative feedback. probably from people who havn’t even driven a Harley,much less owened one. I’ve been a biker for allmost 40 years, and I’ve owened and driven all kinds of bikes. I allways thought Harleys were too expensive and not worth the extra money. Anyway last summer I bought a crossbone. IT’S AWESOME..It’s like I discouvered biking all over again. I put V&H black slant shots and a Hi performance breather for more horse power.I changed the levers to black. I changed the grips, pegs and break peddle to diamondblack. I changed the tail light and lenses and removed the reflectors to get rid of some of the brightness. I changed the mirrors, rotars, linkage ect. ect. I bought the quick detach windshield sissybar and saddle bags, I also put quick detach hardware for the saddle bags so in less then 2 minutes I can turn my crossbone into a very sporty touring bike. I love the solo seat for comfort, but I dislike it when I crack the bike in low gear, It’s hard to stop your butt from sliding backward.
The mini apes are OK But I think I’m going to go higher and wider. Unlike metric bikes, Harleys are very changable and making it your owne, one of a kind ,is allmost as much fun as riding it. The new 6 speed tranny is very smooth but I sometimes have a hard time finding neutral. I guss that will get better as I put more miles on. I never had a bike that attracted so much attention and I’ve owned a lot of bikes… RIDE HARD BUT SAFE
I have a Cross Bones and I wounder if there is possible to get another exhaust and louder.
Where can I order it?
I have the 2009 Cross Bones and owning a Harley is the best bike I ever purchased. Sportbike handling with the comfort of a cruiser. To some of you that say the bikes are over priced and you dont get it. Its because you cant afford to get it. In a time where our country is in econmic crisis buying american is the way to go. I have owned 6 motorcycles that were not american and there is no comparison. I used to say the same thing they are over priced but owning one is kick ass. If you cant afford one dont talk bad about one either. And for people that say it looks old, THAT IS WHAT HARLEY INTENDED OLD SCHOOL LOOK IN A NEW PACKAGE.
This bike is a kick to ride, the springer front end and mini apes make for a whole different feel. If you like a crotch rocket-this isn’t for you, but if you love the HD experience this one will take you back to the good ol days. OLD SKOOL without the oil leaks and kick start. THANKS Willie G.
I own a 2009 Crossbones and love it. The ride is smooth and comfortable. Handling is great also. I traded a 2007 Honda VTX in for it and would do it again in a heartbeat. I can’t go any where without some one stopping me wanting to talk about it. Even haters can’t seem to quit looking at it.
Rode them all – Jap, US, UK, Germ, and Iti bikes.
HD Cross Bones – never took a 2nd glance at it in the show room the first time I came across it – then I got a ride on one! – dam’d thing – can’t get it out of my head – I will submit and pay out hard earned cash – ok it’s expensive – you’re a long time dead but I’m going for it!
You guys State side have a thought for us across the pond – you only think you pay over the top for your Harleys.
The X-Bones is a great little bike with character – smooth ride – engine performance fine – nice torque curve – not too heavy – lean angle lacking, but it’s a fun machine.
I’m 50yrs.(ancient or what? – you mistake me for someone who gives a toss!) have a T100 Bonnie, 1098S Ducati, and a BMW R1200R (I suffer bike disease – great!)- ok I’m broke but what the hell – every time I sell my Harley I promise not to buy one again – but I always end up buying one – the garage is just dead without one – I got a test ride on the new 2010 Triumph Thunderbird – excellent piece of engineering – pulls well, corners good, stops quick – afterwards the Sales guy asked me my opinion – I had to dry his eyes when I said “it’s a fantastic machine – almost German in operation – But it’s not a Harley!!!”
Don’t put the X-Bones down – who said it had to be all things to all men? – in my opinion a nice bit of retro-looking style for a production bike. Change is the spice of life – thanks Willie G.
Paddy.
Quit tight wadding out and bring back the old school springer with the windshield and the bags people arn’t falling for the old switch arroo or all the harley crap made in china . I wish all americans would boycott Harley china crap! Bring it back home!! Thanks
Ok – sold the T100 Bonnie – bought the 2010 Harley X-Bones – it was a push to let the cash go – was it worth it? – yip – what a relief – this bike is what I think a Harley should be. It’s std exhaust sounds quite deep – ok it’s not what we all like but to me it adequately describes the capability of the bike. The engine is very smooth and has a nice V Twin thump when accelerating. It appears to idle slightly slower than previous 96CI engines giving a more orignal V Twin idle sound – nice. Gearbox noise is much reduced and has quite alot less rattle when the engine / transmission is not loaded on over-run – what I would call normal now. In addition Harley has incorporated a helical gear for 5th and it also pulls 6th good. Neutral appears slightly harder to select but the improved gearbox functioning more than compensates for that. The brakes are spot on – not spongey – decent brake lines are being used at long last. The bike feels stable along the straight and around bends. You could sit for hours on this bike just listening to the engine – it’s a very relaxed ride. I like it’s retro style and I’m pleased to see good materials for a change used in the wheel spokes. I just hope Harley rides out the recession as their 2010 bikes have definitely taken a leap forward. What can I say – I almost gave up on Harley Davidson but at long last they have turned a corner and I would ask anyone moving away from them just to try a 2010 model – By the way .. I’m not easy pleased.
Well done Harley Davidson – I hope your new bikes get recognised for the effort you have all put into the 2010 series!