2008 Harley Davidson Rocker
Harley Davidson have surprised everyone with the latest design changes down to its range. The Rocker frankly stands out as something special. Starting from the rear (!), the lil fender is as clean as any fender can be. It does look like a custom job and makes the rear tyre look great. There is a built in integrated pillion seat under the rider's seat, but then, thats for emergencies only. The raked out front with stretched handlebars look awesome. The standard Rocker comes in a matted finish that is a lot more understated than the C for Custom model.
Harley Davidson have surprised everyone with the latest design changes down to its range. The Rocker frankly stands out as something special. Starting from the rear (!), the lil fender is as clean as any fender can be. It does look like a custom job and makes the rear tyre look great. There is a built in integrated pillion seat under the rider's seat, but then, thats for emergencies only. The raked out front with stretched handlebars look awesome. The standard Rocker comes in a matted finish that is a lot more understated than the C for Custom model.
The engine does tend to get hot when ridden slowly in city traffic, but once out on open roads, it is no more of an issue for the rider. The Rocker rides differently than any other Harley on the road. The Rocker version of the 1584cc Twin has been tuned for low down response, so there is no point in revvin the big twin. The exhaust too sounds great and it is believed new owners would leave the exhaust un-touched. Looking at the bike, one would definately doubt it on the twisties, but in fact, the bike does excel when it comes to curvy roads.
The Rocker C model is similar to the normla Rocker apart from a pull-out seat, more chrome and a plush paint job.
The Rocker C gets more chrome and a plush paint jobTo summarize, the design does rock, so does the intelligent integrated tuck away pillion seat, and the Twin Cam engine is always a delight. Surprisingly, one thing that many testers did point out were the poor Ergonomics on the new Rocker!
Harley Davidson XL1200N Nightster Euro
The XL1200N Nightster is a bobbed Sportster with some new and unique features. Seen side on, the XL1200N sure looks muscular, like a Bulldog eager to go. A bobber (the Nightster is a bobber) is a motorcycle with minimal fenders...
The looks are rightly complemented with an engine that feels powerful. No doubt this is a new model and the new and low seat (Just 668mm above ground) with support for the lower back gives it a different feel to other Sportsters. The low seat height has been achieved by that thin solo seat and by adjusting the suspension but then this low seat height combined with a thin seat means cruising into the setting sun wont be a pleasurable affair! But then shorter riders and ladies will love the bike for the low seat.
The Nightster, surprisingly, likes bends more than cruising in a straight line. In addition to whats stated above, the Nightster is not that comfortable compared to a big cruising twin so a bit of active riding will be in store for its owners. Even the footpegs are quite low and during the launch, testers were seen scraping quite a number of times, which can actually be annoying in the long run for riders. The XL1200N comes with a 100/90-19 tyre up front and a 150/80-16 at the rear.
Harley-Davidson have achieved a perfect marriage of style and tradition and the Nightster reflects this by mimicking the 1950’s and 60’s Bobbers, in particular a 1947 Knucklehead bobber sat outside of the Willy G. Davidson Product Design Centre. This bike was popular with young ex-soldiers coming home from WWII where they would remove any unnecessary parts and ride in freedom.
Harley also revealed the 105th Anniversary models in addition to the new Fat Bob. Here are some pictures..
The 2008 Road King Classic
The Springer
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