Driving report Harley-Davidson models 2008

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Driving report Harley-Davidson models 2008
Harley-Davidson

Driving report Harley-Davidson models 2008

Heavy Birthday

For its 105th birthday, the traditional American brand is by no means just conjuring up a few cool colors out of its hat. No less than four new models should make the choice a torture for the customer. Above all, the rocker opens up new dimensions.

At first you are flabbergasted. Circling the part and thinking: Why haven’t they done that long ago? After “Easy Rider” it was obvious. And ultimately had to wait 28 years for implementation. When you see the new Softail Rocker for the first time, you immediately think of Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda. Harley has not yet defined the terms chopper and customizing in series as radical as the rockers are: masculine, glamorous, classy, ​​distinctive. The driver hovers over the asphalt at a height of just 644 millimeters. The wheelbase measures 1760 millimeters. From the extremely flat fork to the visually floating single seat to the 240 mm slipper, the Rocker is simply a chopper freak’s dream in series. But the dream turns into a nightmare while driving?

Push of a button. Quake. Despite balance shafts. The 1585 cm3 V2 wakes up. The rocker snaps off the long side stand with a jerk. The ergonomic triangle consisting of a wide, cozy saddle, cool cranked handlebars and forward footrests is perfect. Everyone between 1.70 and 2 meters tall feels comfortable. Pull clutch ?? first surprise. There is no longer any trace of the forearm training of days gone by. For its 105th birthday, Harley has changed the clutch release ratio on all models. Emotionally the hand strength was reduced by half.

Enter the corridor, let’s go. The first few meters take getting used to. The flat fork, the wide slipper? If you start on uneven ground, you have to fight against unpleasant self-steering behavior. But once you get going, this is almost completely forgotten. The Rocker benefits from its narrow 90s front tire, the very low center of gravity and is phenomenally manageable for this type of motorcycle. The steering angle is large and U-turns on normal roads are no problem at all. But the steering behavior is also well-balanced, even excellent on flat ground. The tightly dimensioned suspension travel of 127 millimeters at the front and 86 at the rear is, however, overwhelmed by rough roads.

The special highlight is the rear fender made of two parts, which seems to float freely and without a holder over the rear tire and follows the compression movements of the wheel. And with the Rocker C, there is also a passenger saddle stowed under the seat. If necessary, this emergency seat including the fold-out holder is ready for use in just three steps. The two rockers will be in stores from November 2007. The basic model costs 18,995 euros, the C version with its elaborate paintwork, lots of chrome and the pillion seat blows a 21,395 euros hole in the cash register. Not exactly cheap. However, Harley’s feeling of freedom has seldom been more authentic than with this Softail model.

New only in Europe: the Sportster 1200 Nightster, which is supposed to set itself apart from the basic Sportster with a few delicious details and costs 9995 euros. A completely new model is the Dyna Fat Bob. With the Twin Cam 96 engine ?? so without balancer shaft? equipped, the extremely long rear fender, a straight drag bar handlebar and a striking exhaust system determine the picture. It is rounded off by the rather heavily profiled Dunlop D 427 tires. Visually, the Fat Bob may appear compact and sluggish, in fact, for its 320 kilograms, it can be spun around the curves surprisingly loose and flaky. It integrates the driver well, the handlebars sit comfortably in the hand, and the Bob feels more robust and sporty than the Sportster models, and feels more solid on the road. The model driven in the USA was equipped with centrally positioned footrests, which gives the machine additional sportiness. In Germany, the Fette Bob is to be delivered with forward notches from November. Price: from 15,765 euros. The last of the novelty quartet, the long-awaited SportsteR Xr 1200 ?? several hundred orders have already been placed ??, will be launched in February 2008.

Last but not least, Harley donated hollow-bored wheel axles plus larger wheel bearings to all of its creatures. And for the 105th birthday, the Americans are offering, in addition to the 27 standard models, eight special models that are characterized by a special paintwork and attention to detail. The touring variants have a tank volume increased to 22.7 liters, an anti-hopping clutch and ABS (see box above). There is also something new with the water-cooled 60-degree Vaus: All V-Rod models have the engine push-up that was used in the Screamin ?? – Eagle version in 2007: a five millimeter larger bore increases the displacement to 1250 cm3 . The engine now delivers 125 hp and a torque of 115 Nm at 7000 rpm. Optionally, all V-Rods can also be ordered with an ABS. Surcharge: 990 euros. If that’s not a good birthday present.

Harleys with ABS

The anti-lock braking system developed by Brembo is virtually invisible apart from an additional cable on the brake calliper (picture). The ring gear and sensor are housed in the hub. MOTORRAD was able to gather first impressions of its mode of operation in the USA: On gravel, scarred asphalt or even bumps, the control behavior was rather rough and fell slightly short of expectations. This is especially true for the hindquarters? both wheels are controlled separately from each other. The pressure point of both brakes is not very clearly defined despite the steel flex lines

Data Harley-Davidson Softail Rocker (C)

Engine: air-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke 45-degree V-engine, crankshaft lying transversely, two balance shafts, two underneath, gear / chain-driven camshafts, two valves per cylinder, hydraulic valve lifters, bumpers, rocker arms, dry sump lubrication, injection, Ø 46 mm , uncontrolled catalytic converter, alternator 439 W, battery 12 V / 19 Ah, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox, toothed belt.
Bore x stroke95.3 x 111.1 mm Displacement 1585 cm3 Compression ratio 9.2: 1
Rated output 52.0 kW (71 hp) at 5300 rpm
Max. Torque 117 Nm at 3200 rpm
Chassis: double loop frame made of steel, telescopic fork, Ø 49 mm, triangular swing arm made of steel, two spring struts, adjustable spring base, front disc brake, Ø 292 mm, four-piston fixed caliper, rear disc brake, Ø 292 mm, double-piston floating caliper, cast aluminum wheels 2.15 x 19; 8.00 x 18 tires 90/90 H 19; 240/40 R 18
Dimensions and weights: wheelbase 1760 mm, steering head angle 53.5 degrees, caster 157 mm, spring travel f / r 127/86 mm, seat height 622 (644) mm, tank capacity / reserve 18.9 / 3.8 liters, empty weight 300 (311) kg.
Warranty two years
ColorsBlue, red, black
Price 18,995 euros (21,395 euros)
Additional costs 450 euros

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