Harley Davidson has introduced the latest entry in their “Dark” series, the 2008 FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones. It has a lot of the old school look, right down to the half round foot boards and I think they look right on this bike.
This is an interesting example of the “old look, new tech” some of you referred to in the comments about old versus new bikes. If you like the look of a 50 year old custom but prefer something that comes with a warranty, this could be an option.
From the press release:
With the retro look of a Springer front end and other post-war era bobber styling cues like a sprung solo seat, half-round rider footboards, Gloss Black round air cleaner cover and chopped front fender, the Softail Cross Bones rides with a Black and Polished Twin Cam 96B powertrain, 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission and truly unique Softail suspension.
As the latest of several Harley-Davidson Dark Customs, Cross Bones melds stripped and chopped custom creativity with rough and raw finishes. Soul mates of the Cross Bones include the Nightster, Night Train, Night Rod Special and Street Bob.
As each Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycle declares its styling independence with exclusive components and inspired craftsmanship, the Cross Bones is a bold addition to an already free-spirited family. Many features of the Cross Bones and other Softails are reminiscent of restless riders of the past, whose defiant attitude resonates with those who march to their own beat in any generation.
FLSTSB Cross Bones features:
* Rigid-mount, 1584 cc Twin Cam 96B balanced engine
* 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission
* Black powder-coated engine with polished rocker box covers and pushrods and untreated fins
* Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
* Gloss Black painted Springer front end with chrome springs
* Gloss Black mini ape-hanger handlebar
* Straight shot exhaust with chrome slash-cut mufflers
* Adjustable sprung solo seat with leather lacing
* 26.6-inch seat height
* Chopped front fender with striping
* Bobtail rear fender with striping
* Gloss Black cat-eye tank console with new speedometer face
* Gloss Black round air cleaner cover, oil tank and rear fender supports
* Distinctive five-gallon fuel tank with hand-laced leather tank panel and striping
* 200 mm rear tire
* Laced Steel front and rear wheels with Gloss Black painted rims
* Half-round old-school foot boards
* Horseshoe oil tank with Harley-Davidson patent badge
* Optional Smart Security System
UPDATE: What if you take this look a little further?
mobilus says
Looks like Roland Sands “El Borracho”.
If I were Harley I’d lose the apes for a set of flat bars (see Willem Dafoe’s bike in Streets of Fire), put on rear sets, chop that back fender (making it official and ripping off Roland completely), then ditch the dorky name. Oh, and double up those front discs.
Big Red says
When do you think we will see a new rigid frame with a chain and a kicker?
OTTO MANN says
I LIKE IT.BUT I DO AGREE WITH BIG RED, NEEDS A KICKER.
Lost in oz says
Well, Harley ALMOST got it right, the apes are good, the black light houseing is good, the black rims are even cool. Now they have to lose the chome exhaust, the polish on the cases and heads, lose the dorky name (c’mon, “crossbones”? sounds like a 3 yr old named it) oh yeah, and REALLY bob that rear fender…. otherwise its just a softail sprapainted black with no passenger seat.
Maybe a pogo seat instead of a springer?
While not really LISTENING to the customers, at least it doesn’t look like every other softail out there, and you MIGHT be distinguished a tad fom the other HD riding doctors and lawyers….
Hopkins says
All these guys who ride around with the silly ape hangers are more dangerous than teen’s in cars. Can’t wait for this fad to end.
What will the “bolt on†crowd add to their bikes now that HD is doing it stock?
hoyt says
Roland Sands did not invent this style. Saying this bike is a rip off of Roland Sands’ Boracho is about 50 years late, regardless if Roland put a fat tire on it first or not.
Apes at this height are not un-safe.
greer says
this thing looks really odd in profile view, the proportions seem really off.
Clive Makinson-Sanders says
chop the fender. skirt the seat. wrap the pipes. get rid of the stupid dashboard cluster. add a kick start.
how much will it cost?
mobilus says
Hoyt, I realize bob-job’s have a long history, which is why I mentioned Dafoe’s bike from the movie Streets of Fire (an 80’s movie set in the 50’s, riding 40’s bikes).
Despite the long history of bob’s and chopping, Harley hasn’t done much of it themselves directly from factory (the 1200N qualifies, I guess). Seeing a sprung seat BT show up now, with apes, made me think of Roland Sands first. From Harley’s perspective, Sands is a better guide to what might sell than 50 year old photos of Sonny Barger. Sands didn’t invent the look, but he’s making money off it right now. That’s why I said they’re ripping from Sands.
Steve says
I think the bike has a lot of potential to look better than most of those 50k plus customs. I’d chop the rear, put a 21″ front wheel, wrap the exhaust or throw some VH side shots, maybe throw on a set of Roland Sands Vintage mini apes and some PM grips. Damn, that would be a bad bike.
Steve says
One more thing, i’d lose the front fender too.
justpete says
I think if Harley got this design from anybody it would be from Exile Cycle, Russel Mitchell.
Really not a bad bike besides the afformentioned defects.Really bob that rear fender, get rid of the shiny stuff, add a set of badges to the tanks, not decals. A dresser light bar up front, a dual disc front and lower it a little more.It would be good to go.
aaron says
the best thing this bike has going for it is the all black trim…kinda like a midnight edition yamaha.
Brian Case says
I call B.S. on the Sands claim, too. To say this model is a ‘Roland Sands’ rip-off is completely ridiculous, unless you happen to be an insider trying to get some attention for the guy.
In fact, it’s almost an insult against Harley AND Roland. Sure, Roland has a recognizable style, but he isn’t bound by all of the same DOT rules as a high-volume manufacturer. Harley certainly has their own 100+ year heritage to borrow ideas from. And maybe, with this model, and others like their “Rocker”, the Motor Co is responding to part of the market who’s becoming less interested in “accessorizing” after the sale, and more interested in “riding” a warranted custom straight out of the showroom.
Of course, I could be wrong. But, they most certainly did NOT rip-off Mr. Sands with this model.
MotoWebbi says
The petrol tank looks too small!
Dustin says
I think it’s a fine motorcycle. The non chopped rear leaves te rider with the option for saddlebags or a rear rack. And who wants to pay 15K+ for a bike they have to kick start? Can you even get a kickstart for an EFI engined bike? I’m not a big fan of apes but these look pretty decent. I think the chrome looks good too, black paint, red and yellow pinstripes and chrome pipes, bad to the bone in my book. Sprung seat is sweet too. No telling how much money HD saves customers by making this bike. Well, those customers looking for a bike like this. I see a bunch just like this on the road with just a few more changes. Of course those have thousands in custom parts added on with the stock parts taking up space in the garage. and the riders had to start with basic models of the Softail. All in all, it’s not a custom chopper, but like the article says its different, modern, and has a warrantee.
Lane says
I don’t like the ape hangers. Don’t want a kicker, the Army has my knee cartilege. Wrapped pipes I like, but I also like the course and design of the pipes over the motor on the Dyna Street Bob but not sure if I like how they merge. The denim colors… Does anyone know where that came from? I would use colors like burnt orange, cab yellow, and maybe a toxic green. I’d keep the front fender, it has a purpose. And I get another one and put it on the back. The cake pan air cleaner… Ok. But I would definately be looking for some more options.
ROHORN says
So having one’s hands at elbow level with the arms fully relaxed makes these bars “apehangers”?
http://www.cycleworld.com/assets/image/2008/W4/1232008141059.jpg
Looks more like the “standard” riding postion that everyone is whining for.
Festus says
I think it looks good the way it sits. Classic 1940’s style with 2008 technology. Strap the scabbard for my M-1 on the front, find an old steel pot and ………….Yeah!!!!!
lanceropolis says
Ape hangers more dangerous as teenagers in a car? Hardly. I have apes, and although some may not like them, I love em you just have to use your body more to turn. Just because you don’t use em, don’t cut others down. I don’t like purple bikes, but some guys dig em. To each their own. I don’t like the mini apes though, and I wish they would have done some internal wiring. Thats my .02
Neil Matkin says
I love it. I’ve owned a dozen bikes over the last twenty years including a Harley Road King and Sportster. This is the neatest looking thing I’ve ever seen from the Motor Company. I would’ve liked to see the old water spigot looking tail light and a couple of other features. I wondered what the dual headlights (with black finish) from the Fat Bob would look like atop the springer front end? I know it’s not traditional but I’d have to try it if I got hold of one.
Rich Kish says
I just bought the new “Cross Bones” at Western Reserve Harley Davidson in Mentor, Ohio. I guess there is only 3 of them being sent to Ohio and I got one, so cry u bitches. For all u haters of this new Harley, this is the first and only bike that Harley Davidson has ever made that is tough enough for me to ride, so deal with it. Ape hangers are tough as f**k, and if u dont like them its because your a little bitch! lol. If you dont like what I have to say, to f**king bad, shut ur mouth. Thankyou Harley, ur the shit. Keep up in the direction ur going. F**k the old redneck, loser biker style, this new style is the future. I’m out!
Bring it!!
Rich
Victor says
Found one at my local dealership yesterday. Not on the floor yet. Finishing paperwork today on it. The Apes are very comfortable. I was riding an 02 Fat Boy with Heritage Bars and I never really felt relaxed riding it. This bike on the other hand is very comfortable. I am 5′ 9″ and it is just about perfect. Looks MUCH better up close. The half moon footboards in relation to sitting position seem to be more stretched. Won’t need an engine guard for pegs. Adding Reinhart pipes that are black and chrome to accent the flat black paint. I was not sure what my next bike was untill I saw and sat on this one. For me its Perfect. I cannot afford a custom and did not want a typical chrome and shiny softail. The dealership also had a RockerC. Beautifully chromed out for around the same price. But everything I see today is chromed out. I love chrome but the Cross Bones is an eyecatcher. Only thing I do not really like is the air cleaner cover. But it does add to the retro design. Like the 200 rear tire and 16″ front for stability. There are Harley’s all in my neighborhood. “This aint your neighbors bike”, and that is what I like. Also added grips and an LED tailight. Lots of old with a little new.
Vic
wally says
Harley tried this once before with the black out look…..it was called the Bad Boy…made 1995-1997…my opion the Bad Boy was one of the sharpest bike they put out….never caught on….everyone like chrome??????
wally says
With alittle work this could be one sweet azz ride…mini aps are stupid looking…either go up to 10in bars with a 3-4in raiser or go to some drag bars or something…I’m a fan of (real)apes…oh well to each it’s own…just my opion
kneeslider says
Wally, you mean like this?
wild1poet2 says
Sands and Exile?? You guys watch too much TV me thinks. LOL
guys have been doing this stuff forever. choppin and bobbin. and why complain about minor stuff like the height of the bars? just swap out the bars and run your wires inside. harley knows we’re gonna start changin things anyway. I’d put 16 inch wild1 bars on it myself but that’s me.
Mike says
I got an email from Harley on 1/21 and ordered the bike that afternoon. I have a Road King Custom with apes, Fatboy and a Road King Classic, the Cross Bones is the bike I’d build. Changed the grips, Vance & Hines side shots with black ceramic heat shield, set it up for bags, pillion and sissy bar, but I’ll probably leave them off the majority of the time. Naturally did the stage1 (race tuner, intake and pipes) for this kind of money I cannot understand why Harley doesn’t just do it right from the get go…..and charge whatever it is they charge, keep the guess work out and ensures the tuner and pipes are properly tuned….together.
I didn’t care for the pin striping, that will be changed. I should take delivery either next Saturday or the following Wednesday, I’ll report back how it rides.
wally says
Sweet ride kneeslider….question…how’s the ride on that thing…are you bent over to much? Looks bad ass…..SCREW STOCK RIDES…YUPPIES!
lanceropolis says
Screw stock rides? You build your own bike there chief? I hate to say it, this is a stock ride…
wally says
hey lanceropolis…once you start taking stuff off and putting after market things on then it’s not stock anymore….go fire up your goldwing and stay of this site
lanceropolis says
Hmmm… I don’t have a goldwing, so sorry. I pose this as a question. Why is buying aftermarket stuff (which at this point any RUB can do) so cool? Stop taking things so personally Wally. Not attacking you, just wondering about the idea. I would say that something with a bunch of add on kuryaken clip on parts doesn’t make something non stock. IMHO.
todd says
This thing looks too much like a Honda Rebel for my tastes.
-todd
LAUREN MATHERNE says
JUST PURCHASED ($17K+). RIDES LIKE A DREAM. ADDING UPSWEEPS, SISSY BAR/SEAT, AND MORE LATER.
VERY SATISFIED.
lanceropolis says
Lauren,
Do you find that the ride hight is cool? Some of the pics I have seen looks like you are on the bike, but not in it. Make sense?
Uppie says
Just purchased mine today…denim black. I’m going to put Samson Renegade upsweep fishtails as soon as they are avaialable…and of course the stage one kit. I’ve ridden it and it rides VERY nice…way better than it appears it would… for sure this is late 40’s early 50’s chopper look built with 2008 technology. I love the looks and I strongly suspect I’m going to love riding it. My 2006 bagger may not get too many more miles
🙂
Mike says
Took delivery last week, VERY pleased. Ride’s very close to my Fatboy but seems to handle a little better at slow speed & in tight corners. At 60 mph (remember I’m braking it in) handles like the Fatboy but not as smooth as my Road King. It’s a totally different ride, you sit higher (I’m 6’1″-210) and it feels as if you can muscle the bike easier in tight handling situations. Overall I’m very pleased with the bike and now I’ll start my tweaks….immediately upgraded to the Stage I with Vance & Hine ‘side-shots’ in black ceramic. Ordered the sissy bar and pillion, ordered the bags but they just don’t work with the old school look, need throw-overs or none at all.
terry WILSHAW says
As for the Bones its Daft. why not make easy rider film copys instead.
my fav harley his fatboy.1990.
and wide glide and springer 1987
terry wilshaw 30 years riding in uk.
Benny says
I’ve got about 125mi. on new bone and like it really well. I will make changes later after every one else. That way I’ll still have somewhat unique ride.
Tim ( Shacool ) says
Nice bike. I do agree with the comment about making the bike no chrome… but isnt that half the fun of owning a Harley… to be able to make it YOURS!?! You show me a 100% stock Harley and I’ll show you a bike on the showroom floor. HD gives us a “base” to create, design, and customize. Sure… its a marketing plan to sell more parts to us, but hey… we’re doing it so guess they know what they’re doing. Oh…. and the comment about “and you MIGHT be distinguished a tad fom the other HD riding doctors and lawyers” … yeah… like anyone can tell the diff. between Yamahas, Hondas, and Suzie Rockets out there. Now THEY all look alike.
Safe Ride’n All!
Victor says
Now have a few hundred miles on mine. Ride is different than my 02 Fatboy. Still like to watch the springs go up and down ona bumpy road. Put Stage 1 and Reinhart’s on it. Sounds great. Bags and passanger seat look great. Sissy bar on back order as are the passanger foot peg mounting gear. Late April estimated delivery on the mounting kit. About ready to mill and powdercoat my own untill then. Also put a windshield on it. Pulled up to a Camaro today and was looking down at the driver. You definently sit on the bike not in it. Very smooth ride with the dual springs under the seat. May add a bigmouth breather and like to put Springer passing lamps but do not want them in chrome. Have not riden it since they just put the add ons today and while installing the windshield they messed up my head light wiring and could not ride it home in the dark.
paddy says
just ordered mine today. i also own a 01 fatboy and cant wait to get my bones. the bike offers everything i want with the springer front end and that 40’s look. anyone any links to good sites for parts im in the uk. keep her lit!!
Tom says
Ordered mine today…Having the dealer put on Samson Upsweep Fishtails for delivery next week…A real good retro bike with a warranty..
Uppie says
Finally took delivery on mine. The Samson pipes were not available but I found someone to make me a custom set of upsweep fishtails. The sound great and look FABULOUS. I have just over 100 miles on mine now and love it. Totally old school, I’ve been riding baggers for a while now and forgot what a blast it is to ride a bike like this. I don’t want to ride it across Nebraska but it’s a great bike for what it was built for.
ADOLPHUS DAN IELS says
i have a 2003 flsts and would like to put the new cross bones sprung solo seat on my bike can or will i be able to do this??????
Kurt says
Just got back from Daytona. Took “the bones” on 7 test rides. I’m 6’4″ and have ridden a zillion bikes. This is one of Harley’s best. Great old school ride with nice performance. In person everybody loves it. Another tester who was 5’6″ loved it too.
Got one on order.
Lyndon says
I think it’s crap. The front and the back look like they are from different bikes. I’m all for the retro/old timer look but that’s way off.
Garret G says
I live in northern BC CANADA just got one get it in 3 weeks.Ill let you no but every one i know that has riden one says they handle great. To each his own.
Leonard Gumm says
I bought one a week ago, already have 1500 miles on it! replaced the floorboards with forward controls (I think it looks more old skool) and have a great time on it. The only problem I have with this bike is that the seat could move back about another inch to inch and a half. I already have the seat in the “rearward” position but it is not quite enough. I am 5’9″. It is not the “end all” to the wants of every harley rider, but it sure is a nice putt.
Garret G says
I have 400km on mine and theres still snow in the diches handles fantastic changing the seat and pipes also have leather bags.
paddy says
made my ‘bones’ with the lady now. i have had her 2 weeks and have done over 800 miles. got to say it is the greatest harley i have ever ridden.the footboards are well scraped now! i put on a set of vance+hines long shots and the screamin eagle filter. sounds great. keep her lit!!
Jack Stride says
Just traded in an black O7 Softail custom for an black 08 Bones. Both have Stage 1’s but what a difference! Far better riding–less squirrely and more comfortable. The Bones has a mild cam so it no only looks but it even sounds like the thumpers (think Matchless, Norton, Triumph, BSA) of yesteryear. It has sissy bar, pillion, bags, and most covers are changed out to black. I think the Factory has finally made the perfect bike and Horny Toad H-D in Temple sold it. Thanks Neal. Takes me back to those days with my old BSA Golden Flash. Still adjusting to the boards scraping on the more extreme leans but wouldn’t change a thing except allowing more seat adjustment. As another poster stated, the seat could use sliding back about an inch over what is offered. Make more like this H-D.
Mr F Happy says
Rides to high, the seat is senseless,,,swingarm with a spring seat? Seat should be changed to a low profile, leaner ride. I agree with adding a kicker,,,elec. and kick,,,,looks and function! Polished aluminum covers are individual taste,,but because its a new version of an older era, chrome wld be cooler, more like my ’53 pan chop., chrome was in. Air cleaner cover should be bar n shield ta go with the oil tank decal. Last but not least,,,needs a cool sissy bar. Just my opinion.
uppie says
Comment to Mr. F Happy’s post,
I agree the air clearner should be the older bar and shield one not the evo version. I got a custom made sissy bar made for mine and it looks really nice. The H-D sissy bar didn’t cut it for me.
I also agree it rides high but that doesn’t bother me as much as needing the seat to go back about 2″ and I’m not all that tall (5’11”).
Overall I LOVE this bike. I still ride my bagger for long haul and ‘2up’ rides but the Cbones is an awesome bike.
utilityguy1 says
Picked me up a crossbones in Lawton, OK. Flat Black. Fantastic bike, but in line with Leonard, uppie and others….the seat is too far forward. Mammothchoppers makes a solo replacement seat for this that is not sprung, but looks pretty cool. Air cleaner is also in the way because of seat position. Put about 600 miles on her this week and hit a couple poker runs. This bike does draw attention because it is different! Planning on moving the wires into the handlebars this weekend and doing something about those giant turn signals and mirrors cluttering everything up.
James says
Hey man,
This is a great bike! Cross Bones hadn’t hit the showroom floor yet so I bought a Nightster a few months back and through a strange twist of fate (a teenager out practicing on her permit in rush hour ran me over)I lost the Nightster after just a week of ownership. After a month of healing,I was back in the dealerships a month later looking for a new one. I saw the Cross Bones up close and personal and man the pictures do not do it justice. Save for the castration of the true Harley sound imposed upon buyers by the manufacturer, it was easily the coolest bike on the floor. After riding the Nightster this thing feels like riding a couch. I don’t know about all you hardcore types wanting to chop fenders and install pogo seats and sh*t but I wanted a solid, comfortable, and (now this is very important so don’t miss it) WARRANTIED machine with a classic look to it. I have kids and a wife and that sh*t doesn’t work with suicide shifters and open primary belts. By the way, what’s wrong with doctor and lawyer types riding Harley’s? It was the white trash dirtbag stigma that damn near ended the company. Tattoos, FTW attitude, and blatant diregard for hygiene doesn’t pay the bills boys – it never did.
john lopez says
Just purchased the cross Bones and found the bike to be what I have been looking for. I have owned over 15 Harleys in my life and believe Harley did it right. One exception, the rear fender should have been a full and not Bobtail. As for the Apes, they fit well with the bike and handle turns better than all the flat bars that I have owned. Handles well for a 700lb bike.
gvan says
I bought mine 5 months ago. Have 3000 miles on it now. I have to say I love this bike but it does have a couple of minor faults. First – the seat is mounted too far forward (I am 6 ft.). It’s adjustable – but not enough. The pipes are too quiet. Believe it or not – these are my only complaints. It rides PERFECT! It gets lots of looks. Three bike rally’s so far – and get those not in the know shutterbugs taking pictures asking who built it….they can’t believe me when I tell them it’s box stock right from the factory. This one is going to last a long long time.
frank says
where the hell can i find one of those to buy in australia (perth) ?????
Mark says
Got mine a couple of weeks ago. Love the old look, love the ride. I was concerned about my size, I’m 6’3″ 240lbs but not a concern now. Race tuner and V&H Sides with ceramic look good and sound great. Ordered my sissy bar, pillion and bags. Riding in the winter time has me thinking about a detachable windshield…brrrrr. All in I am very happy, having owned a few HD’s this one caoght my eye as it was something different, not the standard HD look. Love the 96 cubes and the 6 speed. The best part is that there isn’t too much I can put on it, more money in my pocket for other things.
john lopez says
Been through a lot of scooters in my time and I got to say this is a keeper. Retroed some old horse sattle bags and it came out giving my bike that old school look. Great handling in tight areas and smooth on the road. Stock pipes suck. Working on V&H 2 to 1.
Malagant says
Been racing superbikes in the past few years and never thought I`d own a Harley..saw the bones in the USA just after the launch and knew that be the only bike I wanted..well..I finally got to make my bones last month and I love it..it`s made for the roads here in South Africa..I am 6`2 and it really comfortable, the apes are great for me and the bike`s handling is easy an it`s really stable and you can relax while jammin, nothing like the twitchy superbikes am used to….hav`in a great time cruising on the bones..don`t know much about choppers other than what we see on Orange County Choppers and the few shops I visited in the US so if you can give me some gaff on what a stage 1 is etc will be grateful, the HD guy`s here tell me if I put other pipes I have to start looking at a power commander etc but sounds like bull S to me..thxs
Larry Renton says
If you go to the site where Willie G shows the bike, you will see the black pipes. Nice bike, but still get rid of the other chrome and spend some money
Larry Renton says
Sorry People, Looked at video again and it might not be black pipes. Still, lose the chrome
abe says
I just got mine at Patriots HD in Fairfax Virginia, Pear Blue..I love it….nice looking babe…
TW says
Picked up an 09 a few months back…quickly approaching 5000 miles and love this thing. One complaint (not really a complaint) is the seat position. I read every post and it looks like I’m not the only one thinking it. I’m 6’3” / 200lbs and it seems like I’m hunched over a bit. I’m considering raising the apes to help with this – but I’d prefer to sit lower and back a few inches. Overall, I love the look and it handles great. I thought it looked great in the pictures but once I saw it in the flesh I was sold. First thing I did was lose the stock pipes – added black thunderheaders and got the stage 1. Recently added the pillion and sissy bar and ordered some studded throw over bags. I’ll never get rid of this bike…more may follow but this is certainly my baby. Well done H-D.
Musicman says
Everyone wants to gripe. If you want strait bars, go for it. If you don’t like the minni apes,don’t get them. HD is trying to please some of us that can customize without spending all the income tax money. I probably wouldn’t like your bike either. Old School isn’t going back to the Square wheels..
doggy dog says
I,ve had one since they came out with it. This bike is way to jumpy on badroads and to squirley on turns. its like a pogo stick on wheels. It’s real fishing on turns. I did upgrade the pipes and ditched the wanna be bucket seat. so know i got the power and the comfort but still i don’t trust it going around corners. got any ideas?
Les says
Re the above post from Malagant, cannot agree more.
What a load of bull , Power commander, ye ye ye , same as the HD laptop set up. Alter your pipes and need to spend zillions on electronics and labour – think not. And before anyone answers this and says its wrong, consider this. Had jap bikes up to 1984, Harleys ever since. (12 in total) Put home made pipes, gen HD, and aftermarket tubes, on em all. How many times have i re jetted, or re calibrated the injection – you guessed – never. Now if 25 years of doing it aint caused a problem, and believe me. if it was not running right I would sort it. Do not forget, when you buy a new HD you may read about the all singing and dancing ecu that reads every millisecond, and auto adjusts the air/fuel mix. So why pay them to do it – IT DOES ITSELF – There again I did once buy a spare wheel for a 4 x 4 in case I ever bought one.