Harley-davidson Cross Bones
The Harley-davidson Cross Bones has a top speed of approximately 175 km/h (note: estimated), produces approximately 60 hp and weighs 297 kg. Motoryk rates it 7/10.
The Harley-Davidson Cross Bones was introduced in 2008 as part of the Softail family, designed as a retro bobber-style motorcycle that paid homage to early stripped-down custom bikes of the 1940s and 1950s. It featured a springer front fork, solo seat, and minimalist styling that gave it an authentic old-school look straight from the factory. The model was discontinued after 2011, making it a relatively short-lived but distinctive offering that remains popular among custom bobber enthusiasts.
approximately 60 hp
Power
approximately 118 Nm
Torque
297 kg
Weight
approximately 175 km/h (note: estimated)
Top Speed
approximately 6.5 L/100km (note: estimated real-world average)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Twin Cam Reliability
The Cross Bones runs Harley's Twin Cam 96B engine, which is generally reliable but known for cam chain tensioner wear — a common issue worth inspecting on used models before buying.
Strong Collector Value
Production ended in 2011, making the Cross Bones a limited-run model that holds resale value well. Clean, low-mileage examples are increasingly sought after by bobber enthusiasts.
Factory Bobber Style
The Cross Bones came stock with a springer front fork, ape hanger bars, and a solo seat — rare factory bobber features that would cost thousands to add aftermarket on other models.
Generations & Specs by Year
Only generation produced. Springer front fork, hardtail-style frame, bobber styling, part of Softail family.
"Beautiful hardass bobber that punishes you for loving it."
The Cross Bones is one of those bikes you fall for at the dealership and spend the next six months negotiating with your spine about. That springer fork looks absolutely killer and actually softens small chop surprisingly well, but it introduces a weird shimmy above 130 km/h that'll keep your hands honest on the freeway. The 96B twin is butter-smooth at low revs with that 128 Nm hitting early enough to feel genuinely effortful around town, but don't mistake it for a performance machine — 68 hp through 298 kilograms of hardtail-style stubbornness means you ride the style, not chase the stoplight. I put 14,000 km on mine over two years, mostly weekend blasts and the odd overnight run, and while my tailbone has a long memory, I don't regret a single mile.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"A stylish bobber bargain if you're buying with eyes wide open."
$7,500-$12,500 usedThe Cross Bones is one of Harley's more honest attempts at old-school bobber style without the custom price tag. Running from 2008 to 2011, it's built on the Softail chassis with the 96ci Twin Cam, springer front end, and that swept-back seating position that looks genuinely tough rather than trying-too-hard. Used examples are plentiful and prices have settled into sensible territory, which makes this an interesting proposition right now. Here's the honest part though — that springer fork is characterful but it's also a handful in fast corners and wants constant attention. Maintenance costs on springers aren't for the faint-hearted, and previous owners often skimped on it. Before buying, grab the bars and check for any slop or uneven movement. The solo seat looks incredible and feels like sitting on a brick after 45 minutes. Most owners fitted a different seat within a year, so hunt for one that's already been sorted. Electrics are typical pre-2014 Harley — functional but temperamental.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Harley-davidson Cross Bones — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALListen for ticking at startup, check service history
Clunking on acceleration or deceleration at low speed
Rough idle, hesitation, or poor throttle response
Oil residue around springer legs and rockers
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Decent but needs proactive cam tensioner attention
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Harley-davidson Cross Bones
Harley-davidson Dyna Street Bob
Harley-davidson Deuce
Harley-davidson Dyna Fat Bob
Harley-davidson Softail Custom
Harley-davidson Softail Rocker
Compare Harley-davidson Cross Bones Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Harley-davidson Cross Bones vs Harley-davidson Dyna Street Bob
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Cross Bones vs Harley-davidson Deuce
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Cross Bones vs Harley-davidson Dyna Fat Bob
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Cross Bones vs Harley-davidson Softail Custom
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Harley-davidson Cross Bones vs Harley-davidson Softail Rocker
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Harley-davidson Cross Bones? +
Cam chain tensioner failure (Twin Cam engine): Listen for ticking at startup, check service history (serious) | Primary chain and compensator sprocket wear: Clunking on acceleration or deceleration at low speed (moderate) | Throttle position sensor and carburetor issues: Rough idle, hesitation, or poor throttle response (moderate)
Is the Harley-davidson Cross Bones a good motorcycle? +
A stylish bobber bargain if you're buying with eyes wide open. Rating: 7.0/10. Best for: Style-conscious riders prioritizing looks over long distance. Avoid if: You tour regularly or hate frequent maintenance bills.
What is the horsepower of the Harley-davidson Cross Bones? +
The Harley-davidson Cross Bones produces approximately 60 hp @ 5,000 rpm (note: Harley did not officially publish HP figures for this era; estimated from Twin Cam 96B engine), with approximately 118 Nm @ 3,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: approximately 175 km/h (note: estimated).
Is the Harley-davidson Cross Bones good for beginners? +
Yes — the Harley-davidson Cross Bones is a reasonable choice for new riders (60 hp is manageable), weighing 297 kg. Style-conscious riders prioritizing looks over long distance
Is the Harley-davidson Cross Bones reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Harley-davidson Cross Bones, notably: Cam chain tensioner failure (Twin Cam engine) (Listen for ticking at startup, check service history). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Harley-davidson Cross Bones good for daily use? +
Style-conscious riders prioritizing looks over long distance Fuel: approximately 6.5 L/100km (note: estimated real-world average).
How fast is the Harley-davidson Cross Bones? +
The Harley-davidson Cross Bones reaches a top speed of approximately 175 km/h (note: estimated), producing 60 hp at 297 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Harley-davidson Cross Bones? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Harley-davidson Cross Bones, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/harley-davidson/cross-bones/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
