This weekend I went to a Harley Davidson Spring Kick-off party at Great Lakes H-D in Bay City Michigan. There was a big turn out with well over 100 bikes soaking up the sun and laying patches on the pavement. A lot of the new products looked like the old ones but with fresh paint jobs. Harley’s are very traditional for the most part except for the V-Rod. Amidst the sea of black and orange one bike really caught my eye and it is new for ‘08.

The Harley Davidson Softail “Rocker” is a refreshing introduction. This bike takes elements from old and new and puts it together in a slick package. The rear Rockertail fender mounts directly to the swingarm covering a massive 240mm tire. This results in a tight fitted fender giving the look of a hard tail but has the comfortable ride of a modern suspension. There is also a trick passenger seat that stores under the solo cushion.

My favorite part of this bike is the use of aluminum castings and powder coating in lieu of the tradional chrome (although chrome is also available). This gives the bike a real modern style.

The fold out passenger seat is a great innovation. Perhaps not the most comfortable spot to be, but useful in a pinch.

Here is a pic of the seat in riding position.

By the way, happy 105th anniversary H-D.