Here is what I wrote in my column last month in American Iron Magazine www.aimag.com. Because we do not get a lot of direct feedback from our readers, I am curious how you respond to what I had to say.
Last year, Harley-Davidson, traditionally a pretty conservative company, produced the radically different XL1200N Sportster. Drawing inspiration from the prechopper era and adding a degree of bad boy attitude, the Nightster was an immediate success. And not just with the young rebels it was designed by, and for. This bike appeals to a wide range of riders, young and old.
Noting how fast the “iron fist in a soft-bellied world” XL1200N Nightster flew off the otherwise slow-moving showroom floors, it’s not tough to imagine the MoCo bosses gathering their design and marketing gurus in a big room. Can’t you see them discussing the popularity of the retro-inspired, bad-boy Sportster and the challenge of creating a Big Twin version? So how long was it before some of the design teams pulled out photo albums from the 1940s, ’50s, and early ’60s while others dug through the parts bins looking for the right look?
The result is the new 2008 Cross Bones Softail, basically a Springer Softail with a heaping dose of retro attitude. My feeling is that this bike will be another big seller for Harley, and it probably won’t be the last one in this style. The Cross Bones will be popular with the folks who want the looks of an old-time custom, but the convenience and function of a brand-new Harley. I’m just curious how owners will customize a factory custom. My guess involves changing the rear fender (which I feel doesn’t look right on this bike) and exhaust (how about some heat tape?). We’ll see.
AMERICAN MODIFIED CLASSICS SHOW AT RHINEBECK, NY
I know the term modified classic sounds like an oxymoron, but let me explain. Many people either can’t justify the cost of a perfect restoration, or prefer to modify classics to fit their own style. And we think that’s fine. So fine, in fact, that we’re sponsoring a show for these bikes at the Rhinebeck Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 14. American Iron Magazine’s first Rust Or Shine Motorcycle Classic is open to all customized, bobbed, chopped, or modified American motorcycles made prior to 1984. And, as the name suggests, we aren’t looking for trailer queens, just real-world bikes based on older engines and frames. Several will be photographed and featured in these pages. We are guests of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America’s Rhinebeck Grand National Super Meet, which runs June 13-15, 2008. We covered the event last year and were so impressed we wanted to be a part of it in 2008. If you are able to attend make sure to check out the renowned antique-motorcycle timeline, which will feature a running motorcycle from every year between 1973 and 1896, if not earlier. American Iron Magazine, as a sponsor of the timeline, will photograph and feature an editor’s choice bike from each decade.
If, like me, you are a rider of the old iron, get it ready to can join the Hudson Valley chapter’s national road run June 8-10 in the Catskills to kick off the Rhinebeck event. I plan on attending and look forward to meeting our readers on the ride. If you join the fun please stop by and introduce yourself. For more info visit
www.RhinebeckNationalMeet.com,
www.AIMag.com, or
www.CAIMag.com.
CRUSTORIZED ’48 PAN
After sitting neglected for too many years, my 1948 first-year Panhead got dragged down to Wheels Through Time (
www.WheelsThroughTime.org). I’d bought the bike several years ago, with plans to undo all the damage it was subjected to by a previous restorer and get it running right. I’ve always been a big fan of the 1948 EL, the first-year Panhead and the last Springer fork Big Twin. It’s a significant machine that’s worth getting back on the road.
Starting next month, we’ll share with you what our small but dedicated band of enthusiasts did with this bike. Leaning heavily on knowledge, skills, and the ability to work long hours, I was amazed by how much Dale and Matt Walksler, Matt Olsen, Jim Sims, and I could do in three days. You will be too. After not running in many years, it now fires on the first kick and runs as good as new. But this is no trailer-queen, 100-point restoration. Quite the opposite -- we call it a crustoration. What will you call it? Check it out next month in AIM.
AMERICAN IRON CUSTOMS SPECIAL
Last month we released the latest, newsstand-only edition of American Iron Customs, which went on sale March 4. This issue offers plenty of do-it-yourself and bolt-on tech, workingman customs, and plenty of baggers. If you haven’t picked up your copy yet, check your local magazine store. If it’s already sold out, you can call Wanda at 203/425-8777 or visit
www.GreaseRag.com to order your copy.
Ride safe, ride smart, have fun.
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