2008 Harley-Davidson Softail® Cross Bones

Having owned and ridden a good number of bikes/brands continuously since 1967, the H-D Crossbones was the first truly surprising bike in a long time.

Although I was not expecting the kidney-thumping hardtail of my youth with a Softail offering, I was expecting some of the old 'thud ... and whistle' of the sprung seat and springer front end. Shocked me - there was none. Over 5,000 miles since June and while still riding my Road King and I'll say that the 'Bones is just as comfortable. That is not to confuse the voluntary usual discomforts of open face vs windshield, or convenience of the bagger for the longer 5000+ mile hauls. But as for keeping your rear comfortably separated, yet in tune with the pavement, on 500 to 3000 mile runs it is a real winner.

Power? Let's just say I got a major ticket toward the end of the first 1000 miles because it rolled on a little too well passing on a stretch of Interstate.

Problems? Only for those who select the flat black paint. I had dealer install the H-D rear pillion seat. Oil/preservative from the leather seat stained the fender within a day. Dealer says it is a warranty/design problem. H-D continues to argue after 6 months.But value of a good dealer? Dealer will replace the fender even if H-D doesn't as soon as they figure a fix to separate the seat leather from the body. No problems with the clearcoat paint finishes.

For getting back to the riding of one's youth to arrive bug-covered and wind blown (I have the windshield option and only use it when less than 40F)but with modern reliability, the 'Bones is a wonderful surprise in an era increasing complexity and decreasing quality.

DEK