Harley-Davidson’s Crossbones: A Look Back At The Beginning

The 2008 model featured the look of a Springer front end and other post-war bobber styling cues such as a suspension solo seat, semi-circular driver footpegs, round Gloss Black air cleaner cover, and cutaway front fender . Harley-Davidson Crossbones hit the roads with a black and polished Twin Cam 96B powertrain, 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission and a truly unique Softail suspension.

At the time, the last of several Harley-Davidson Dark Customs, Cross Bones blends stripped-and-cut custom creativity with rough, raw finishes. Harley-Davidson Crossbones’ soul mates included the Nightster, Night Train, Night Rod Special, and Street Bob.

As every Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycle declared its styling independence with exclusive components and inspired craftsmanship, the Harley-Davidson Crossbones was a bold addition to an already free-spirited family. Many features of the Cross Bones and other Softails are reminiscent of restless riders of the past, whose defiant attitude resonates with the self-paced in any generation.

The Softail name originated from its rear suspension design, with a swingarm section that honors the lines of a vintage hardtail frame while providing a smooth and comfortable ride. Hidden horizontal coil-over rear shocks were strategically mounted out of sight under the powertrain. The counterbalanced Twin Cam 96B powertrain is rigidly mounted to the Softail frame to provide the rider with a central connection to the motorcycle. Harley-Davidson’s Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) is standard on all Softail models, as is the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission with its accommodating clutch lever effort.

The 2008 Harley-Davidson Crossbones hit the road with a rebellious expression accentuated by a Gloss Black painted Springer front end with chrome springs, a black bucket headlamp and black mini-ape-hanger-style handlebars. While the chopped front fender exposes more of the front wheel, a Bobtail fender does the same for the wide 200mm rear tire. Matching tread tires are mounted on Steel Laced wheels with Gloss Black painted rims.

2008 Harley-Davidson Crossbones Features:

Rigid-Mount 1584cc Twin Cam 96B Balanced Engine

6-speed Cruise Drive transmission

Black powder coated engine with rocker box covers and polished pushrods and raw fins

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Springer front end painted Gloss Black with chrome springs

Glossy black mini ape-hanger handlebar

Straight draft exhaust with chrome bar cut mufflers

Adjustable solo seat with springs and leather cords

26.6-inch seat height

Trimmed front fender with stripes

Bobtail rear fender with stripes

Gloss Black Cat Eye Tank Console with New Speedometer Dial

Round air cleaner cover, oil tank and rear fender mounts in Gloss Black

Distinctive five-gallon fuel tank with hand-tied leather panel and stripes

200mm rear tire

Front and rear steel rimmed wheels with gloss black painted rims

Old school semicircular footrests

Horseshoe oil tank with Harley-Davidson patent badge

Optional smart security system

The legacy of Harley-Davidson Crossbones?

The Crossbones was a fan favorite, but Harley-Davidson obviously felt that its life had run its course. There are a lot of used models on the road and that raises some questions. Will this become a collector’s item one day or will it be considered another run-of-the-mill experiment? Either way, the Harley-Davidson Crossbones is a bike that will continue to turn heads well into the future.