Cross Bones?
Cross Bones?
I currently own a 2009 Triumph Bonneville that I have a blast on but I've been wanting a Harley for years. And for the last 3 I've been lusting over the Cross Bones.
I am 27 and have been riding motorcycles for over 10 years, but I have never ridden a springer. I'm not a crotch rocket fan and I have no desire to have such a bike. I have been riding cruisers all this time. But again, never a springer.
Are there any quirks I should know about? What have been your experiences with this bike? Will it serve as a fun and practical everyday rider? I ride a lot. About 600mi/week.
Thanks for any input you might have!
I am 27 and have been riding motorcycles for over 10 years, but I have never ridden a springer. I'm not a crotch rocket fan and I have no desire to have such a bike. I have been riding cruisers all this time. But again, never a springer.
Are there any quirks I should know about? What have been your experiences with this bike? Will it serve as a fun and practical everyday rider? I ride a lot. About 600mi/week.
Thanks for any input you might have!
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Near Ft. Worth TX
You will have no problems with a springer and they look great....I have a 96 springer, but the crossbones have the full tire up front which I'm sure makes the ride that much better.
Tin Man
Tin Man
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,042
Likes: 12,326
From: Arkansas
Can't go wrong. Only issue for you with the amount of riding you do will be if you want to follow the factory recommended service for the Springer front end.
My 05 says to service the front fork and steering head bearing every 2500 miles. Not a big deal if you get the tool for the neck bearing. You can find them on Ebay on the cheap and they will save you allot of time.
You just need to get the front end off the ground and check a couple of torque settings on the lower fork rockers and the tension on the neck bearing.
I have to remove the front fender on mine which requires removing the front wheel as well but you shouldn't have to worry about that with a CrossBones.
The ride is worth the (for you) once a month service in my opinion.
My 05 says to service the front fork and steering head bearing every 2500 miles. Not a big deal if you get the tool for the neck bearing. You can find them on Ebay on the cheap and they will save you allot of time.
You just need to get the front end off the ground and check a couple of torque settings on the lower fork rockers and the tension on the neck bearing.
I have to remove the front fender on mine which requires removing the front wheel as well but you shouldn't have to worry about that with a CrossBones.
The ride is worth the (for you) once a month service in my opinion.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 26
From: Florida
I commute on my Crossbones on an almost daily basis. My ride to work used to be around 64 miles daily but now it is only about 12. I am 5' 9" and weigh around 230 and this bike has always been a good fit for me. I did change the seat to the 1925 style which has about an inch less padding and so it brings me just a bit closer to the ground. I think the biggest thing you will have to get used to is the fact that the front end is a bit heavy. It is great going down the road but when you are going pretty slow like in a parking lot it can feel a little bit more cumbersome. It is something you get used to however and I would not discourage you to go for it. The other thing you will have to face is that it is a barebones bike and if you plan to use it as a daily rider you may want to go with some sort of storage. I tried the back pack thing for a while but that got tiresome. Especially if I had to carry it into a store or something or just have to lug it around. I almost immediately went with the Crossbones saddlebags. I also got the passenger pillion, detachable sissy bar and tail rack which both allowed me to take a passenger for a ride or strap more luggage to the bike.
It is a fun bike and the attention it get will amaze you. I got the bike because I LOVED it but I have had no shortage of compliments and stares where ever I go.
I say go for it. You won't be disappointed!
It is a fun bike and the attention it get will amaze you. I got the bike because I LOVED it but I have had no shortage of compliments and stares where ever I go.
I say go for it. You won't be disappointed!
Thank you for the very timely responses! I have been reading reviews but I have found nothing near as informative as forums!
The bike IS bare bones and that is part of why I love it so much. My cage is a Jeep, also bare bones. I love the open feeling and the smell of the wind, not the air freshener. As far as luggage goes, this has always been an issue for me but primarily for work. I have no problem with the back pack for my 55mi one way commute to work. For long trips I get a bit more creative.
Riding 2 up is as important for me as it is my wife. Fortunately I have a suction seat that was made at a local seat shop that works fantastic! My wife loves that seat and I've never had issues with it on my chopper, with her on it or off it. However, that being said, I believe a pilon seat and quick detach sissy bar may be in order for my run to Sturgis and to keep the Mrs. happy and cozy back there.
The bike IS bare bones and that is part of why I love it so much. My cage is a Jeep, also bare bones. I love the open feeling and the smell of the wind, not the air freshener. As far as luggage goes, this has always been an issue for me but primarily for work. I have no problem with the back pack for my 55mi one way commute to work. For long trips I get a bit more creative.
Riding 2 up is as important for me as it is my wife. Fortunately I have a suction seat that was made at a local seat shop that works fantastic! My wife loves that seat and I've never had issues with it on my chopper, with her on it or off it. However, that being said, I believe a pilon seat and quick detach sissy bar may be in order for my run to Sturgis and to keep the Mrs. happy and cozy back there.
I'm looking to get one within the next week. I'm jumping on it fast for that exact reason!
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 315
Likes: 3
From: WV
Thank you for the very timely responses! I have been reading reviews but I have found nothing near as informative as forums!
The bike IS bare bones and that is part of why I love it so much. My cage is a Jeep, also bare bones. I love the open feeling and the smell of the wind, not the air freshener. As far as luggage goes, this has always been an issue for me but primarily for work. I have no problem with the back pack for my 55mi one way commute to work. For long trips I get a bit more creative.
Riding 2 up is as important for me as it is my wife. Fortunately I have a suction seat that was made at a local seat shop that works fantastic! My wife loves that seat and I've never had issues with it on my chopper, with her on it or off it. However, that being said, I believe a pilon seat and quick detach sissy bar may be in order for my run to Sturgis and to keep the Mrs. happy and cozy back there.
The bike IS bare bones and that is part of why I love it so much. My cage is a Jeep, also bare bones. I love the open feeling and the smell of the wind, not the air freshener. As far as luggage goes, this has always been an issue for me but primarily for work. I have no problem with the back pack for my 55mi one way commute to work. For long trips I get a bit more creative.
Riding 2 up is as important for me as it is my wife. Fortunately I have a suction seat that was made at a local seat shop that works fantastic! My wife loves that seat and I've never had issues with it on my chopper, with her on it or off it. However, that being said, I believe a pilon seat and quick detach sissy bar may be in order for my run to Sturgis and to keep the Mrs. happy and cozy back there.
Get the bones..I really love mine..only had it a week, but all good so far
