]2008 Harley-Davidson Models

"Ho hum. What to do?" is what I imagine the team of Harley-Davidson designers, engineers and management were asking themselves when planning for yet another year of motorcycles


At this point in Harley's history they must start to feel like there's nothing new under the sun. It can't be easy after 105 years. Whether you're a Harley fan or not, one thing you can't do is underestimate a company that's been around that long.

So what did they do for year 1-0-5? Squeezed out three (two, really, as one is a slight variation on the same theme) new models from existing platforms, that's all.

Along with the expected new paint schemes, injection of chrome-a-licious accessories and a refresher on models recently released (Sportster Nightster as a late '07 and '08 CVOs) it was time to introduce the world to the Fat Bob, Rocker and Rocker C.

Fat Bob is the latest chunky-tired Dyna, formerly called the FXDF.
The new-for-08 Dyna Fat Bob

Now sixth in the family whose name begins with FXD, the Fat Bob brings some unique styling to the team, but ol' Bob carries the family genes in its ticker. The air-cooled, rubber-mounted, fuel-injected, Twin Cam 96 engine with a bore and stroke of 3.75 in. x 4.38 in. squeezing out a compression ratio of 9.2:1 that's good for a claimed 92 foot-pounds of torque at 3,000 rpm is what all Dynas use; including the Fat Bob.

The Fat Bob's 29-degree steering angle doesn't elicit the notion of razor sharp handling, however, it does boast the shortest wheelbase in the Dyna line at 63.7-inches. Combine that with just under five inches of ground clearance and a pair of 16-inch wheels and what you get is sporty-for-a-cruiser handling. Initial steering responses are a touch slow because of the chubby 130/90 tire up front, but once you've started the turn that same tire allows your confidence to grow as the bike continues to lean. Pushing all the way to the 4.92 inches of ground clearance and beyond was cake, and never once did I feel I had reached the limits imposed by the bike’s geometry. I often wished I could lean further as each new turn approached.

Slowing the Bob is the job of twin disc brakes up front and the ubiquitous single disc out back. Although pressure at the hand lever is transmitted through braided stainless steel lines, they still felt a bit numb and underpowered. A strong pull at the brake lever would ultimately result in a decent stop, but that's a little more than I care to apply to haul any bike down. Regardless of my performance-driven whining, the brakes were typical Harley in that they were sufficient but not great.



Conversely, application at the clutch lever was a welcomed light and easy feeling (there's gotta be a song in there somewhere). The six-speed transmission also offered familiar sensations expected from modern Harley trannies: a solid thunk and the impression that it'll last forever.

Because Harley is rightly proud of being around for 105 years, it hasn’t limited special models just to the pricier CVOs. Fourteen OEM models will be available with the special edition Anniversary Copper and Vivid Black paint (different from the CVO Anniversary edition), air cleaner and timing cover inserts, copper inserts on the saddle and pillions, gloss black cast wheels, a special fuel tank cloisonné and serialization to top it off.




he VRSC line has never dominated sales at Harley, but they're not giving up on it yet. This year only three models make up the team: The V-Rod, Night Rod and Night Rod Special.


Some rather disappointing news was delivered at the '08 intro. It seems that once again American riders just don't get it. The highly anticipated street-tracker-styled XR1200 unveiled at Intermot in October '06 won't be coming to U.S. shores anytime soon. Saying that "U.S. demand for the XR1200 will be monitored," Harley will be launching it in Europe for 2008