RIDE-CT.com

By BUD WILKINSON

     Following an earthquake, aftershocks are commonplace. Harley-Davidson jolted its faithful in a big way a year ago when it upped the size of the standard V-twin engine used in the Dyna, Softail and Touring lines. A 96-cubic-inch/1584cc power plant became norm for 2007.

     For 2008, Harley shakes the motorcycle landscape by putting that engine into two new eye-shocking Softail “Rocker” models and a new Dyna “Fat Bob” model, while updating many of its existing bikes with less earth-shattering albeit rider-desired refinements.

     The new model year will see the company increase the gas tank size on its Touring models to six gallons, boost the stock engine size for its V-Rod and Night Rod power cruisers, and produce limited-run 105^th anniversary editions of 14 models.

     The introduction of an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic throttle control, which eliminates mechanical cables, on some models are two other notable enhancements for 2008.    

     Harley calls the addition of the Rocker and Rocker C models “the most significant evolution of the Softail line since its inception in 1984.”

     With cropped rear fenders, hidden shock absorbers, 240mm rear tires, raked-out front ends and low seat heights, the Rocker and the chromed-out Rocker C will offer custom appeal, with base prices of $17,295 and $19,495, respectively.

     “We see the Rocker models appealing to customers who have gone outside the Harley-Davidson family to buy chopper motorcycles,” said Carl Lucchino, co-owner of Harley-Davidson of Danbury. He described the Rocker models “as ‘halo vehicles’ that will garner attention and satisfy a segment of the market,” but agreed that they’re “definitely not for every rider.”

     While the Rocker has a solo seat, the Rocker C has what Harley is calling a “Trick solo seat” that conceals a passenger pillion. The spare seat folds out to the rear and is supported by struts that deploy over the rear fender.

     “It’s a great bike. It looks a little odd with the (passenger) seat, but, other than that, I think it’s going to be hot,” said Bob LaRoche, owner of Yankee Harley-Davidson in Bristol, who suggested that it might attract younger buyers, too. “It’s a bar bike and, if you get lucky, you have way to get someone home.” he said.

     The Fat Bob will likely be a better seller, said Lucchino, noting that its features more closely mirror the type of customization that Harley owners usually engage in themselves when modifying their rides. The Fat Bob has twin headlights, a large 130mm front tire, a new seat shape and drag handlebars, and can be ordered with either mid-mount of forward foot controls. The starting price on the Fat Bob is $14,795.

     Copper and black will be the main colors of Harley’s 105^th anniversary bikes. They will be applied to two Sportster models, three Dyna model, four Softail models and four Tour models as well as the V-Rod.

    “They do this every five years,” explained LaRoche. “It gives you an anniversary colored and badged bike, which positions it as different from anything you can get the five years preceding or the five years following.”

     While Lucchino acknowledged that the anniversary bikes certainly represent a marketing ploy, he noted that Harley does have a long history of celebrating its heritage. “It’s not uncommon for them to do and consistent with their tradition,” he said.

     Losing two models in 2008 will be the VRSC power cruiser line. Gone are the Street Rod and VRSCX, leaving the V-Rod (VRSCAW), Night Rod and Night Rod Special. But all three will get a bigger 1250cc engine, which puts out up to 125 horsepower, along with a new slipper-style clutch. The original motor was 1130cc motor.  

     “What they’ve done is kind of focused in on the most popular models. It’s always better to have the right models in quantity. To us, it makes sense,” said Lucchino.

     “The model line was too wide for a one-chassis bike,” added LaRoche, who said he has been scanning Harley message boards since the 2008 models were unveiled on Monday and found the six-gallon gas tanks in the Touring models has generated kudos.

      “The six-gallon tank is hot. That popped up big-time and the addition of the ABS brakes,” he said. Touring models previously had five-gallon tanks.

     ABS will be an option on all Touring and VRSC models and standard equipment on the 2008 Electra Glide Ultra Classic 105^th Anniversary Edition, CVO Screamin’ Eagle Electra Glide Ultra Classic and CVO Screamin’ Eagle Road King. All Touring models will feature the new electronic throttle control as well.

     Harley’s entry-level Sportster line, meanwhile, has been pared from nine models to seven for 2008/ Gone are the 50^th anniversary model from last year as well as the XL 883R.

     "Over the years, they've really filled out the various models," said Lucchino of Harley's model range. "There are a lot of options for a lot of people. I think they do a pretty good job of covering all the bases."