Iron Biker News - The Official Online Information Highway for Motorcyclists…

Well I don’t know about you guys, but I’m ready for spring.This is probably the best time of the year for riding.The weather is great just cold enough to wear the leathers and not have tears freeze on your face. I think with the gas prices on the constant rise we’re gonna see record numbers of people converting to motorcycles. I personally think it’s a good thing,figure the more motorcycles the less a chance of the old excuse(I Didn’t see you!) for the cagers. The only downside I see to this is the people young & old who take motorcycling to lightly. You guys know who they are their the ones wearing flip-flops while riding a motorcycle or shorts and no shirt.That’s just for the ones that proclaim that they know how to ride. Then you have the other ones that rode a bike once or twice in their lives,(some have never been on a motorcycle at all) jump on the motorcycle and try to drive away. I’ve been around motorcycles my whole life and have seen people go down in various ways.(Even experienced riders) I guess what I’m trying to get at is be careful.Just because you’ve been riding for years don’t let your guard down.By this I mean don’t take motorcycles for granted. A Roadking, a Goldwing, a sportster, even a little 250cc Rebel, are all a whole lot different then that “mini bike” or “dirt bike” that you had. Or even better your friend had it and you rode it all the time when you were younger. Sorry but being in motorcycle sales for the last 20 years you would be surprised at some of the answers I get when I ask If they have ever ridden before. Motorcycles aren’t dangerous, but motorcycling sure is. Even if you’ve been riding for years a little refresher course couldn’t hurt. No matter where you are I’m sure your local dealer will know where classes are being held. And don’t be afraid to tell someone if you think they need some training or practice.The worst thing you can do is let someone ride a motorcycle, that is not used to,or prepared to ride a motorcycle. Before you jump on that motorcycle this year be prepared. Check in with Art from time to time and see if some of his tech tips are helpful,also if there is any doubt whatsoever with your ability to operate the motorcycle, get proper training. Be safe.Be smart!! See Ya on the Highway, Mr. Magoo

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We are back,one of the original motorcycle enthusiasts newspapers Iron Biker News. Some of you folks might remember the old newspaper called Iron Biker News put out by Steele Publishing Inc., a monthly newspaper aimed toward the motorcycle community. WELL to make a long story short for now let’s say we’re back. Let me start by introducing ourselves to you. My name is William S. Macgoo, otherwise known as, Mr. Magoo. Back in 2001 Bob Steele decided to retire from the newspaper industry to pursue other interests. I used to be a big fan of the paper back then, bought it, and now we are bringing it back to life. I think with the new crew we got here and some feedback from you people we may have something here. A place where we can voice our opinions and keep each other informed in the motorcycle community. All I can say is tell your neighbors,tell your friends IRON BIKER NEWS IS BACK !!! I hope we will be able to have just little something for all to enjoy give us a chance. See ya on the highway, Mr. Magoo

If you are interested in having part let us know

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2008 Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones

Preview: 2008 Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones
Harley’s Newest Softail Goes Old Skool
By Pete Brissette, Jan. 21, 2008, Photography by Harley-Davidson, Video by Alfonse Palaima

Harley-Davidson unveiled its latest bobber-style Softail this past weekend at the infamous Viper Room nightclub on the Sunset Strip. The tie-in to the Hollywood scene wasn’t exactly clear, but a safe guess would be that H-D wants to make it known that the Cross Bones is one cool bike. And what better way to impress that image than to go where all the cool kids go. The other theme they wanted to hit upon was that of a dark scene, a theme that correlates well with what Harley calls “dark customs.” If you haven’t seen or been to the Viper Room, its exterior is entirely black with virtually nothing to indicate that it’s a nightclub.

It was a scene full of young hipster types (including the quintessential loud, obnoxious guy), foxy ladies, plenty of media and free flowing booze and munchies. Yep, the Cross Bones’ premiere was classic Hollywood, and in typical premiere fashion some big names were on hand. Big as in persons whose name is one half of the name on the bike. Big names like Willie G. Davidson and son Bill Davidson. When the el jefes come out, you know it’s important to them.

With ape-hanger bars, a springer front end, springer saddle, floor boards and chubby tires, the Cross Bones looks like a page out of America’s motorcycle customizing past.

With ape-hanger bars, a springer front end, springer saddle, floor boards and chubby tires, the Cross Bones looks like a page out of America’s motorcycle customizing past.

When Willie G. and Bill finally lifted the silky cloth to reveal the bike beneath, what we saw was a bike that reaches deep into Harley’s past for inspiration. The Cross Bones is a Softail that pays homage to the post-war past with a springer front end, bobbed fenders highlighting fat 16- and 17-inch tires riding on spoked wheels, an adjustable two-position springer solo saddle, ape-hanger bars, simple but elegant paint and dark or blacked-out finishes on everything from the engine to the turn signals. Heck, there’s so much darkened componentry it’s hard to keep track of it all, but another neat styling cue are the console-mounted indicator and idiot lights that remain hidden from plain sight until they’re activated. Cool!

Like its dark cousins the Nightster, Night Train, Night Rod Special and more recently the Street Bob, the Cross Bones leaves chrome at a minimum with only a few engine covers and the exhaust pipes as the shiniest bits on the bike. A few other slick touches include a black face on the tank-mounted console speedometer, nostalgic rounded air cleaner cover and foot boards, and hand-laced leather fuel tank trim. And for you Von Dutch fans, some “wicked” pin stripping is tastefully applied to the fuel tank and fenders.

Note all the blacked-out goodies like the speedo face, tank console, handlebars and mount, etc. Even the faces of the idiot lights are darkened, only appearing when activated.

Note all the blacked-out goodies like the speedo face, tank console, handlebars and mount, etc. Even the faces of the idiot lights are darkened, only appearing when activated.

Innovative styling aside, the Cross Bones is a Softail at its core. As such it utilizes the same air-cooled, fuel-injected rigid-mount balanced Twin Cam 96B mill and 6-speed tranny that the other seven Softails employ. We hope the single 292mm rotor and solo dual-piston caliper are up to the job of slowing the Bones’ claimed 737 lbs. running order weight long enough to bend its 64.5-inch wheelbase through a turn. With 32 degrees of rake and 6.3 inches of trail we won’t expect this newest Softail to flick into those turns, but if our time on the Rocker C with it’s raked-out 69.2-inch wheelbase, 38-degree rake and 6.2 inches of trail is any indication of how well a 240mm rear tire cruiser can handle, the Cross Bones should perform reasonably considering its narrower 200mm rear rubber.

It may look both cool and uncomfortable at the same time, but that springy leather solo seat isn’t the only means of cush for the tush. Like all Harley softies a pair of horizontally-mounted shocks are tucked far out of sight in order to keep with the rigid look of yore while still providing a forgiving cruise.

Speaking of Softails, a quick head count shows that with the addition of the Cross Bones this line now consists of eight machines, the most of any in Harley’s line-up.

Read more and check out the video

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