Just when we thinking it might be time for the MoCo to rejigger the ol brand statement and embrace some more, ah, forward-looking designs, their latest 2008 release hits the tarmac. And judging by appearances, it seems our assessment was a bit premature. At first blush, the Softail Crossbones would have anyone believing Harley's slipped back into default mode. You know, nipping and tucking an existing model, adding new graphics, rebadging the bodywork and BAM! there you have it - a new custom.
Not that the 2008 Cross Bones doesn't look vaguely intriguing. With chopped fenders, mini-ape bars, a Springer Front end and a suspended solo seat, the thing hits all the right post-war styling notes. And there's some pretty reliable modern technology down below backing it all up; stuff like a Twin Cam 96B powerplant, 6 speed Cruise Drive tranny and electronic sequential port fuel injection. And if we think we've seen this before, Harley sort of reminds us that uh, yea, we have - naming models like the Street Bob, the Nightster and the Night Train to confirm it all. In fact, Harley says, all these bikes are all now considered to be part of a `new' family - the Dark Customs.
We'll have to ride one before we pass any judgment, but it all seems so....familiar....(the official Harley Davidson press release follows)
New Harley-Davidson Softail Cross Bones Debuts
Authentic Custom Bobber Fuses Stunning Style and Distinctive Design
MILWAUKEE (January 21, 2008) - The new Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones cuts the aggressive profile of an authentic custom bobber, but with some dark twists that deliver a wickedly fun and emotional riding experience.
The new Softail model was announced today at the Harley-Davidson Winter Dealer Meeting in San Antonio. With the retro look of a Springer front end and other post-war era bobber styling cues like a sprung solo seat, half-round rider footboards, Gloss Black round air cleaner cover and chopped front fender, the Softail Cross Bones rides with a Black and Polished Twin Cam 96B powertrain, 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission and truly unique Softail suspension.
"Only Harley-Davidson could do this bike," said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Vice President, Core Customer Marketing. "It's a motorcycle inspired as much by our early Knuckles and Pans, as by our desire to deliver innovative technology and content to make the ride today as magical and transforming as only a Harley-Davidson can. Cross Bones is a bike that makes me want to strap a blanket across the handle bar, hit the campgrounds on my next road trip and get totally in touch with what's right about this land."
As the latest of several Harley-Davidson Dark Customs, Cross Bones melds stripped and chopped custom creativity with rough and raw finishes. Soul mates of the Cross Bones include the Nightster, Night Train, Night Rod Special and Street Bob. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom.