Harley's '08s - Between The Lines - First Look

By the time you read this, your 2007 calendar will be limping toward its last pages and the OEMs will have revealed most of their new machines for 2008. The biggest splash so far came last month, with the unveiling of Harley's additions for '08.

The new Dyna Fat Bob, the Rocker and the Rocker C represent the Motor Company's latest eye candy, with both Rockers slotting in as part of a seven-model Softail line. Innovation is showcased via the FXCWC Rocker and FXCWC Rocker C's Rockertail rear end, a setup that mounts a form-fitting fender directly to the swingarm over a 240mm tire. The Rocker comes with a solo seat and a monochrome, satin metallic paint scheme, while the swankier Rocker C adds some bling as well as a trick saddle that stashes a passenger pad underneath. A First Ride report follows on page 26.

The chunky new Dyna Fat Bob can be ID'd via a pair of distinctive headlights bugging out from between polished triple clamps. A chrome 2-into-1-into-2 exhaust snakes around the side of the black powdercoated-and-polished Twin Cam 96 engine. A new seat shape and flat drag bars offer varied seating positions. Distinct tread patterns on the 180mm rear and 130mm front hoops reinforce the 'Bob's aggressive stance. A First Ride is on page 24.

The other big news is the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that'll be available as a factory-installed option on Touring and VRSC models (it's standard on the 2008 Ultra Classic 105th Anniversary Edition, the CVO Screamin' Eagle Ultra and the Screamin' Eagle Road King) as well as the new Brembo brakes that'll appear on all FLs. A new six-gallon fuel tank and an Isolated Drive System (said to reduce vibration) also get fitted to those FL models, and cruise control becomes an option on all Touring bikes not already so equipped.

VRSC model upgrades take the form of a hot-rodded, 1250cc version of the liquid-cooled Revolution V-twin engine, claimed to churn out up to 125 horsepower and 85 lbs.-ft. of torque. A new slipper-style clutch with lighter lever action will modulate that newfound grunt, and ABS is offered as a factory-installed option on all 2008 VRSC models.

The 14 models with the limited-edition 105th Anniversary package will be adorned in copper and black paint, with a copper-colored insert in the seat, a special copper air cleaner cover and exclusive badging. Production will be limited and serialized.

Of course, there'll be the requisite new color combinations for 2008 (15 in all), plus three custom color options.

For more info and images on these and the rest of the '08 Harleys, check out: www.motorcyclecruiser.com.-Andrew Cherney

Star Turn
The New Raider Invades the Custom Scene
First Look
Star Motorcycles has given us a sneak peak at its new "modern performance custom" bike, the Raider. Featuring the same 1854cc air-cooled V-twin found in the Roadliner and Stratoliner, the pushrod-activated, fuel-injected engine should provide plenty of get-up-and-go. That powerplant is nestled in an aluminum frame and control-filled die-cast aluminum swingarm, part of Star's goal for the Raider to exhibit "unsurpassed handling character." To that end, the front tire, though a 21-incher, is a wider 120mm, while the rear tire is a not-overly-fat, low-profile 210-40 rolling on an 18-inch rim. The rims, cast and machined, give the appearance of billet wheels. Other styling touches abound, from calipers that echo the holes in the brake rotors, to the line arcing from the end of the exhaust system all the way up through the headlight. The bike will be available in both chromed and blacked-out versions.-Evan Kay

Road-Tripping
One Day Out Rockford, Il
Yep, the Land of Lincoln and the Fightin' Illini is also home to Kegel Harley- Davidson, America's oldest Harley dealership. Kegel is based in Illinois' second largest city, Rockford, and stocks a deep selection of bikes and accessories, as well as a Harley diner and motorcycle rental services within.