∙Stunning condition ∙Super-low mileage ∙Retro styling with modern technology ∙Effortless cruising ability ∙Ready-to-go cruising custom cool
The Background
Just about everyone will have a mental image of a Harley-Davidson – whether it’s the stereotypical American biker ripping up rural America; the Terminator riding through LA on a Fat Boy; Peter Fonda’s chopper in Easy Rider or Butch’s escape motorcycle (it's a chopper, baby) in Pulp Fiction. The name Harley-Davidson will conjure some sort of memory for pretty much everyone.
Formed in 1903 and, like Indian, surviving America’s great depression in the 1920s, the brand began by producing basic motorcycles, which became known for their ‘feet forward’ cruiser-style seating position with swept-back handlebars.
Another of Harley Davidson’s trademarks was its use of large-capacity V-twin engines. With two cylinders arranged longitudinally at 45°, the result was a compact engine that produced significant torque, to suit the laid-back and relaxed cruiser style of the bike. The design of the engine and the firing order also gave Harleys a distinctive exhaust note.
Another characteristic of Harley-Davidsons was the rear suspension, or rather, the lack of it. Until the 1980s, Harleys were a hard-tail design, meaning they had no rear suspension. Early bikes had sprung seats but it wasn’t until the mid-1908s that they started to feature rear suspension on the ‘Softail’ models.
Various models over the years have used the softail suspension, designed to give a bike the retro hardtail look, with the suspension components deliberately hidden beneath the transmission. One such model is the Rocker, introduced in 2008. This low-slung feet-and-fists-forward cruiser was designed in the same vein as the choppers of the 1960s and 70s, with long, raked front forks extending the wheelbase. It used the 1584cc (96 cubic inch) V-twin engine to develop almost 85lb·ft of torque for effortless, relaxed cruising with handling to suit.
The Rocker featured minimal instrumentation – a speedometer, a couple of warning lights and another that lit up to show when the transmission was in sixth gear - but with that sort of torque, it would pull in almost every gear. The Rocker was available in two variants – the FXCW and the FXCWC, which featured additional chrome detailing. The FXCW was originally designed as a single-seat ‘bobber’ but the FXCWC had a slide-out pillion pad under the rider’s seat that sat on the rear mud-guard, which formed part of the suspension assembly.
This particular bike has been in the current owner’s stewardship for eight years, since it was very young. It is a testament to how easy the Rocker is to ride that the owner was previously a sportbike rider but was beginning to feel the strain of the typical sportbike riding position; the ‘Racing tuck’ of chest on the fuel tank, head tipped back and feet on high-set footpegs.
He had always wanted to build a chopper but he came across this bike for sale and was taken with its looks, which he describes as ‘gorgeous. He realised that it was everything he needed for more relaxed dry summer rides, but he is now running out of room to store his bikes (he has two others in the garage) and is presenting the Rocker for sale. However, should he not find the right buyer for the bike, he will retain it and place it into long-term storage to enjoy at a later date.
Other than the custom number plate to the left of the rear wheel, the bike is entirely as he purchased it from a Harley-Davidson dealer.
The bike comes with its V5 registration document and a full complement of paperwork. This includes the original owner’s manual and service records, with receipts for all work carried out, including the MoTs over the years and a fresh MoT until 2022.
This Rocker is, according to the owner, in showroom condition and this is clear from the photos. It's obvious it has been extremely well looked after and never ridden in the rain or in winter. The black paintwork is stunning and unmarked, with a deep shine. The frame, tank, bodywork and fenders are unmarked and are completely commensurate with its exceptionally low mileage.
Similarly, the brightwork is in excellent condition, the owner reporting the wheels were recently removed and polished prior to sale. The exhaust pipes, wheel rims, engine cases, forks, headstock and handlebars are unmarked though the owner does say there is a slight scratch on one of the exhausts from the only time he ever took a pillion passenger.
The etched handlebars are a custom addition from the HD accessory catalogue and the bars themselves house several of the electrical connections internally for a cleaner, more streamlined custom look to the bike. The owner is unsure if the Grim Reaper vinyl panel on the fuel tank is an original HD option or not, as it was on the bike when he bought it.
The bike has also had a replacement rider’s seat, removing what the owner describes as the ‘not particularly attractive’ frame built to house the fold-out pillion pad. It is supplied with the secondary pillion seat pad, which fits to the rear mudguard with suction cups and can easily be removed if not required. The bike retains its original pillion footpegs.
The bike is normally fitted with a custom rear number plate located to the side of the rear wheel. However, the original plate, which fits to the rear mudguard, is included with the bike.
The Rocker FXCWC uses the 1584cc V-twin engine and in the case of this bike, it is fitted with a custom crankcase and air-cleaner cover. It is also fitted with a pair of Stage 2 Vance & Hines open exhausts that, while noisy, suit the bike perfectly. Indeed, each MoT test notes a noisy exhaust as an advisory though it has never failed on this point. The owner is not aware of any engine remapping that was necessary when fitting these exhausts.
The six-speed transmission works exactly as intended, as does the clutch and the brakes. Drive is by a belt and the owner is unsure whether it requires adjustment as a chain would, as it stretches. However, with such low mileage, this should not be necessary for quite some time even if it does need adjustment.
The huge rear tyre has recently been replaced and the front still has life in it, doing less work than the rear with the torque output that makes the bike so easy to ride.
This is a stunning example of the FXCWC Rocker, a bike designed to look like an old-school hardtail chopper but with modern technology – and comfort. It is, according to the owner, a very easy bike to ride, even for a motorcyclist more used to different styles. It obviously needs a slightly altered approach to say a sport bike but that is part of the attraction of a bike like this; it isn't about getting where you’re going quickly, it's about being relaxed and enjoying the ride.
It will conjure images of rolling along the Pacific Coast Highway in California with a huge smile on your face, even if you’re cruising the British seaside or a bike meet in the height of summer. It’s literally ready to hop on and go.
Please note: Photos provided by seller
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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2008 Harley-Davidson Rocker
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