Motorman's Roadtest

2008 Harley-Davidson Rocker

In 2003, the chopper craze reached its peak.  My sources tell me in ‘03, there were seventy two million six hundred forty two thousand custom chopper manufacturers registered in the United States.  Granted, that figure included even the very small "bike builders" like the guy down the street from me that has a convenience store that sells cigarettes, beer, wine, soda and custom choppers.

Now, in 2008, all but about two or three hundred thousand of those small manufacturers are long since out of business.  I expect that in a year or two, all but three or four of them will be out of business as well.  Think about it.  How much of a market could there be for a forty thousand to a several million dollar chopper that is so unrideable and unreliable you're lucky to make it to the next bar five miles down the road?

What America needs is a reasonably priced, ride-able and reliable chopper with a warranty that actually means something.  Enter the Harley-Davidson Rocker.  You want a low seat?  How about 24.5" off the ground?  The Rockers' got it.  A stretched tank?  Five gallons worth on the Rocker.  A raked out front end?  The Rocker has a 4.5 degree rake, a 69.2" wheelbase and that 49mm telescopic fork has 5" of travel.  Out back, there's a wide 240mm tire.  Though the Rocker is part of the Softail line, a new chassis and drive train had to be built to accommodate the big rear tire and long rake.  The rear fender has no visible means of support.  That's because it's attached directly to the swing arm and "rocks" with the tire.  Which is why they call it the Rocker.  The rear suspension offers 3.4" of travel.  That's enough to actually soak up the bumps in the road.

Instead of a conventional tail lamp, stop/turn/tail lights are mounted on a magnesium housing that keeps the clean custom look of the rear fender. 

Satin stainless metallic paint adorns the tank console and matches with the cast aluminum finned horseshoe oil tank, which matches the cylinder heads.  The engine is silver powder coated as well.  Should you prefer more chrome with your custom chopper, the Rocker C model provides chrome-a-plenty, as well as a neat fold out passenger pillion for roughly two thousand more in cash.

Personally, I like the satin gray look, which will allow the owner to spend less time polishing and more time riding.  Speaking of riding, that's where the Rocker excels.  The riding position will fit the average size person.  You heard me correctly.  You don't have to be built like an orangutan to be comfortable on this chopper.  The handlebars have enough pull back to keep the average rider from having to lean forward at an awkward angle.  The forward controls can be easily accessed by anyone with a 29" inseam or longer and the seat is almost plush.

The clutch pull is smooth and easy, and the 6 speed transmission is just what you'll need on a long interstate cruise.  Even the lean angles this bike is capable of will shock you when compared to other choppers.  Whether turning left or right, the first things to touch the ground are the peg feelers, not the frame or the exhaust.

The 96 B motor is smooth as silk and offers more than enough power and torque.  Of course, if you want more power, the Screamin’ Eagle performance catalog is filled with all the right pieces.

Unlike just about every other chopper on the market, the Rocker is a real motorcycle.  Though it has all the right custom parts and great looks a chopper should have, the ride is smooth and comfortable.  The motor is one of the most reliable V-twins on the market; it shifts perfectly and starts on the first push of the button every time.

The bottom line, if you want a chopper you can actually ride as long and hard as you like, look no further than your local Harley-Davidson dealer.