The pros and cons of the XBones
#1
#2
I don't see any cons to my bones. If you "Love" it, get it! You can strip it down like a bobber, you can bagger it out with accessories. The seat and riding position are very comfortable. I don't see any cons to this bike. The only con would be if you didn't like the look. The only difference between the 08' and the 09' is that ugly "hello kitty looking" sticker on the oil tank. Get an 08'. You can probably get a deal on one, and will save an extra $4.99 not having to buy Goo Gone to get that sticker off.. lol.. Wait, you'll still need Goo Gone for the reflectors. Those things are a bit$% to get off..
WG
WG
#3
Love will cloud everything!!
Good points - springer front end, not many about (but most are black..), almost as quick cross country in real world traffic, beautifil relaxing ride with right road surface, cool as penguin p*ss.
Not so good points - single pot front caliper brake meaning a bit of judicious squeezing and reading the road is needed, higher than your average softail seating (suits me, though..), needs its air cleaner and exhaust opening for full benefits (no change there, then), and......that's about it.
Howzat?
Reverend.
Good points - springer front end, not many about (but most are black..), almost as quick cross country in real world traffic, beautifil relaxing ride with right road surface, cool as penguin p*ss.
Not so good points - single pot front caliper brake meaning a bit of judicious squeezing and reading the road is needed, higher than your average softail seating (suits me, though..), needs its air cleaner and exhaust opening for full benefits (no change there, then), and......that's about it.
Howzat?
Reverend.
#4
I'm not a very big fan of the bike, but only for one(very correctable)real reason. That stupid looking Springer seat. The Spinger seat just doesn't look right on anything other than a ridgid frame. Plus thats what it was designed for originally many years ago. Having both a springer seat and rear shocks as well is just plain silly looking to the trained eye and can actually be dangerous as both suspensions can counter each other for driver stability.
So my opinion is if you love one and get one, get rid of the springer seat and put a regular saddle seat in its place. Can even do a springer "shaped" seat with natural leather color for a real retro look. Throw some Progressive 422's on there and have a really nice handling setup. And a much tighter looking bike as well.
I will make a comment on the springer from end and its brakes. The single caliper front brake is more than enough with a few small mods.
A. Swith to SS brake lines
B. Change out brake pads(the stock ones are very poor in quality and don't grip that great)
Doing these 2 simple things will make a big difference in stopping power for up front and give the driver more brake feedback through the hand lever, and give the bike a good performing front brake setup that will be very suitable for all but the most agressive riders.
So my opinion is if you love one and get one, get rid of the springer seat and put a regular saddle seat in its place. Can even do a springer "shaped" seat with natural leather color for a real retro look. Throw some Progressive 422's on there and have a really nice handling setup. And a much tighter looking bike as well.
I will make a comment on the springer from end and its brakes. The single caliper front brake is more than enough with a few small mods.
A. Swith to SS brake lines
B. Change out brake pads(the stock ones are very poor in quality and don't grip that great)
Doing these 2 simple things will make a big difference in stopping power for up front and give the driver more brake feedback through the hand lever, and give the bike a good performing front brake setup that will be very suitable for all but the most agressive riders.
Last edited by SuperAhcmed; 09-11-2008 at 11:26 AM.
#5
I have the 08 crossbones, and let me tell ya, this is the best bike I've ever owned. I am on my 16th Harley and couldnt be happier with the bike. And yes, I've had the hardtails, softails, sporters, and everything in between. We can find pros and cons on ANY bike(depending on taste) So I will give both in response to your post. PROS-excellent ride, good handling, perfect styling(to include seat) list goes on, and on. CONS-? I'll keep looking.... As far as everyone saying it's not old school, put different seats on, all that crap...... If you buy a new bike why in the hell would you wanna make it old? Just by an old one.
#7
Cool thanks everyone. As it goes for the handling and braking and whatever, I really wouldn't be able to tell a difference. I've never ridden a bike before, so the name doesn't lie >.< (doh!)
But I will be taking my MSF course in just a couple weeks, so I'll be able to start riding very soon :]
To Whiteguy: I don't know if I should be ashamed or not, but I kinda liked that little skull graphic. I'm not too big on anime and such, but I thought it's a nice touch. I could do without it and look into some '08s and save some money, because $20,000.......sheesh. Pretty shard for me.
Thanks for all the input though, it's greatly appreciated. Keep it comin!
But I will be taking my MSF course in just a couple weeks, so I'll be able to start riding very soon :]
To Whiteguy: I don't know if I should be ashamed or not, but I kinda liked that little skull graphic. I'm not too big on anime and such, but I thought it's a nice touch. I could do without it and look into some '08s and save some money, because $20,000.......sheesh. Pretty shard for me.
Thanks for all the input though, it's greatly appreciated. Keep it comin!
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#8
Very happy with mine, 08 with 4000 miles, only cons I have is floorboards scrape a little to easy and the 3" springs in the seat were a little tall for me at 5' 10", quick switch to 2" springs and it is fine. The springer seat makes it ride better, I have not experienced the dangerous part. I believe this is a bike I will keep for a long time.
#9
I have the 08 Bones. First HD i have owned. I waited and watched over the last 3 or 4 years as the Dark Customs evolved. I was close to getting the Street Bob but quietly waited, hoping a blacked out retro bobber softtail would be released in 09. When the Bones came out mid year I was hooked. I am partial to the denim paint and minimal shiny parts. I prefer the shield logo over the Hello Kitty Skull (great description from WhiteGuy). other than that, they don't seem different. I like having the first model year. As far as the seat, I think that is what makes this bike stand apart from the other softtails. I've sat on one w/ a normal saddle and it looks like a generic softtail to me. The lower seat height is more comfortable but the look is ruined. I have seen bobber seats w/ scissor springs that look cool too. I have blacked out the covers, the lights, the controls and pipes and lowered the rear end. Hopefully these bikes will develop a following similar to the night train.