I changed out my front fender as well to a heritage fender. I changed out the rear as well. I like the short rake on the bike, it makes it very nimble. No problems with mine, just know that the front end requires a little extra maintenance. No big deal. You'll like it.

 

Thanks for the replies so far...my biggest concern is the handling with the spring front. My Dada was telling me to stay away from it but the last Springer he owned was a 1940s model. Dickey, I thought the same thing about the rake, but I think I can live with it. I figure ill replace the skull stickers with a Hello Kitty sticker ;-)

 

VERY easy to ride slow probably because of the short rake. I can ride mine around a parking lot and u turn in a lane with just a bit of tail braking.
Very steady at cruise too. It is my favorite HD so far for close in and med. range riding.
I hated the stk seat so I got the HD tractor seat replacement, looks way better and is a lot more comfortable.
Very easy bike to make your own too, but then most harley models are.
I added a bit of red color contrast here and there and mine gets compliments wherever I take it. As someone else said, haters of the springer front end have most likely never had one. It really works quite well.
Go for it you will love it.

 

Don't do it. The crossbones will make you buy upgrades until you are in the poorhouse.

 

Hello Kitty sticker. HAHAHAHA!!!
My kid would say put a "Chive On" sticker with it, whatever that means.

 

Chive has some very sexy lady pics on the website. Your kids have good taste...I hope they are old enough to look at the site :-)

I think my first change on the bike will be the bars....going to put a set of beach bars on it.

 

I love my CrossBones. I almost sold it last year due to job loss, and boy am I glad I didn't. It is an awesome riding machine that bridges old-school styling with modern technology. The sprung seat is very comfortable for me, and the bike corners very well for a big/heavy sled.

 

the skull is only from 2009 on. the 2008 has a patent emblem instead.

 

I like everything about the Bones except for the big tractor seat and that skull on the oil tank. If there is no skull even better. Nice bike, enjoy.

 

The beach bars (especially the black ones on the Xbones) look way cool and retro. Ride the bike a bit first with the mini apes, they put your arms straight out and that is comfy with the wind pushing at you.

Chive on! Glad to know the kids are on target...They are in their 20's
so I guess they are gonna look at what they look at.