Bike Trader

Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones

21 February 2008
Reviews image If riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is a truly timeless experience, then the new FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones might just make the clock stand still. The Softail Cross Bones cuts the aggressive profile of an authentic custom bobber, but with a sinister attitude all its own.

With the retro look of a Springer front end and other post-war era bobber styling cues like a sprung solo seat, half-moon rider footboards, gloss black oval air cleaner cover and old-school chopped front fender, the Softail Cross Bones rides with a black and polished Twin Cam 96B powertrain and six-speed Cruise Drive transmission.

The Softail name originates from its rear suspension design, with a swingarm section that honours the lines of a vintage rigid frame while delivering a smooth, comfortable ride. Hidden horizontal rear shock absorbers are mounted below the gearbox. The counter-balanced Twin Cam 96B powertrain is rigid-mounted in the Softail frame to give the rider a core connection to the feel of the motorcycle. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) is standard on all Softail models, as is the six-speed Cruise Drive transmission with its reduced clutch lever effort.

The Softail Cross Bones look is accentuated by a gloss black painted Springer front end with chrome springs, black bucket headlamp and black mini ape-hanger style handlebar. While the old-school chopped front fender exposes more of the front wheel, a Bobtail fender does the same for the wide 200mm rear tyre. Tyres with matching treads ride on spoked wheels with gloss black painted rims.

With two coiled springs underneath, the adjustable Cross Bones sprung saddle rides in modern comfort at a height of 26.6 (675mm) inches. A distinctive Softail horseshoe-shaped oil tank with the time-honored Harley-Davidson patent badge is located below the seat.

A classic five-gallon fuel tank sports a gloss black cat-eye styled console that holds the ignition switch and a large diameter speedo. The hand-laced leather tank panel on the console compliments the sprung solo seat. A straight-shot exhaust system with chrome mufflers provides optimum performance and stands out in contrast to the Cross Bones’ many darker components.

The FLSTSB Cross Bones is available in custom graphics and paint featuring new Dark Blue Denim, as well as Vivid Black, Black Denim and Olive Pearl.
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