First Look: 2008 Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones

[Admin]

Harley-Davidson unveiled its latest bobber-style Softail this past weekend at the infamous Viper Room nightclub on the Sunset Strip. The tie-in to the Hollywood scene wasn't exactly clear, but a safe guess would be that H-D wants to make it known that the Cross Bones is one cool bike. And what better way to impress that image than to go where all the cool kids go. The other theme they wanted to hit upon was that of a dark scene, a theme that correlates well with what Harley calls "dark customs." If you haven't seen or been to the Viper Room, its exterior is entirely black with virtually nothing to indicate that it's a nightclub.

It was a scene full of young hipster types (including the quintessential loud, obnoxious guy), foxy ladies, plenty of media and free flowing booze and munchies. Yep, the Cross Bones' premiere was classic Hollywood, and in typical premiere fashion some big names were on hand. Big as in persons whose name is one half of the name on the bike. Big names like Willie G. Davidson and son Bill Davidson. When the el jefes come out, you know it's important to them.

When Willie G. and Bill finally lifted the silky cloth to reveal the bike beneath, what we saw was a bike that reaches deep into Harley's past for inspiration. The Cross Bones is a Softail that pays homage to the post-war past with a springer front end, bobbed fenders highlighting fat 16- and 17-inch tires riding on spoked wheels, an adjustable two-position springer solo saddle, ape-hanger bars, simple but elegant paint and dark or blacked-out finishes on everything from the engine to the turn signals. Heck, there's so much darkened componentry it's hard to keep track of it all, but another neat styling cue are the console-mounted indicator and idiot lights that remain hidden from plain sight until they're activated. Cool!

More: First Look: 2008 Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones on Motorcycle.com

[Live2rideutah]

This is a pretty sweet looking bike, I like the direction that Harley is taking with the retro style bikes. Is this a bike that is going to be released in the near future as in 09? Great post

[CRAZY_TRAIN]

if i was going for that look id rather build a PM VINTAGE softail...

[Road Glider]

http://www.v-twinforum.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=117901

[Ultimate Bagger]

It like all of the other intro's will have to grow on you.

Names like Rocker and Cross Bones are interesting.

[OhioGlider]

I checked one out a local dealer last Friday. They had it and a Rocker-C. In person the Cross Bones does look decent

[Live2rideutah]

I saw a cross bones this week at my local dealer and I was amazed on how much bette it was in real life, much better than I thought and I would actually like to get on.

[88b]

Considering the Cross Bones is basically a Heritage Springer but without chrome ,bags passing lamps or a screen, yet it's the same price Personally I don't like the rear fender, same with the Fat Bob, and they need to start offering some real colours. $26,000 for a cross bones in the UK

[patvl246]

I like the new crossbones a lot, I saw one at a dealer. One thing they must improve is the plastic battery cover under the seat, just looks cheap.

[Bluzmn59]

Originally Posted by patvl246

I like the new crossbones a lot, I saw one at a dealer. One thing they must improve is the plastic battery cover under the seat, just looks cheap.

Man, I agree. I looked at one at the dealer yesterday as well. I have a 2007 Springer Classic and was curious about the seat as a possibility for my bike. The seat looks great and it's comfortable, but that plastic piece is hideous. It makes no sense why the factory would design a nice-looking bike and then put that piece there.

[patvl246]

Bluzmn59, I was talking to one of the salesman at the dealership and he told me they were going to take that cover and paint it the same as the bike. That might improve the looks a bit.

[MGB-BRAT]

I agree, it looks like an afterthought / very cheap!! I used leather for my battery cover.

[patvl246]

Originally Posted by MGB-BRAT

I agree, it looks like an afterthought / very cheap!! I used leather for my battery cover.

Man that is a sweet ride, can you tell me a little about it

[CHIEFJ48]

Originally Posted by MGB-BRAT

I agree, it looks like an afterthought / very cheap!! I used leather for my battery cover.

hey MGB-BRAT could you tell me who's exhaust you have, and is your bike fuel injected? what down load did you use? i just bought a new bike, and really like what you have done with yours. who's seat set-up did you use, and where did you get the fender rack?

joe

[reg26]

I would guess a D&D Fatcat...Glad your aboard Chief!!