2008 Harley-Davidson Softail

Displacement (cc) 1573.2 Engine Type V Twin Cylinders 2 Engine Stroke 4-Stroke Valve Configuration OHV - Pushrod Carburetion Type Fuel Injected Transmission Type Manual Number of Speeds 6 Primary Drive System Belt Front Brakes Disc Rear Brakes Disc Front Tire(s) Dunlop® MT135/90B16 72H Rear Tire(s) Dunlop® 200/55 R17 78V Wheelbase (in / mm) 64.5 / 1638.3 Manufacturers Reported Weight (lbs.) 700 / 317.5 Fuel Capacity (gal / L) 5 / 18.9 Seat Height (in / mm) 26.6 / 675.6 Number of Seats 1 Tachometer Optional Digital Instrumentation Standard Windshield Unknown

Harley-Davidson may have turned back the hands of time in styling the Cross Bones, but not at the cost of forward progress in performance. This bike has a smooth, responsive ride in all but the upper reaches of the speedometer; the reliable Twin Cam 96B is plenty torquey and smooth. The six-speed transmission isn’t the slickest shifting but it engages with the reassuring ka-thunk that it’s proudly American made. The single-piston, single-rotor front brake works well, but the two-piston rear brake works better. Throttle response is good, and the note emanating from the custom-looking exhaust sounds like it just slipped under the EPA’s radar, but an observed 32 mpg should keep the agency happy.