Cruisers

2008Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones

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The 2008 Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones is a custom cruiser built for riders seeking classic styling with modern performance. Powered by a 1573cc V-twin engine producing 115 lb-ft of torque, it combines retro aesthetics with reliable fuel injection and a smooth six-speed transmission. Best known for its aggressive stance and stripped-down bobber design, it appeals to riders wanting individualistic character and commanding presence.

Capacity: 1573.3 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 317.5 kg
Seat height: 767 mm
Power: 75.0 HP (55.2 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

Other years 2008 2009 2010 2011

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering25%

City riding45%

Daily riding45%

Touring40%

Two-up30%

Track5%

Best for: This is a styling-forward custom cruiser built for boulevard cruising and making a visual statement rather than for outright speed or long-distance touring.
Built for: A rugged, blacked-out bobber-styled Harley with a rigid-look springer front end, minimal chrome, and old-school attitude aimed at riders who want distinctive retro custom style.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, off-road capability, or a bike optimized for high-speed sport riding.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 767mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1573.3 ccm
Power: 75.0 HP (55.2 kW)
Torque: 115.0 Nm (11.7 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2362 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 95.3 x 111.1 mm
Compression: 9.2:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: 9-plate, wet

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1638 mm
Overall length: 2299 mm
Seat height: 767 mm
Dry weight: 317.5 kg
Wet weight: 334.3 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres
Ground clearance: 124 mm

Chassis & suspension

Rake (fork angle): 32.0°

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes: Single disc
Front tyre: MT90-B16
Rear tyre: 200/55-R17

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, Black Denim, Pewter Denim, Dark Blue Denim, Olive Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2008	2009	2010	2011
Capacity	1573 cc	1584 cc	1584 cc	1584 cc
Dry weight	318 kg	318 kg	318 kg	318 kg
Seat height	767 mm	676 mm	760 mm	765 mm
Fuel capacity	18.9 L	18.9 L	19.7 L	19.7 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJun 2009 · 09V211000

HARLEY DAVIDSON IS RECALLING 11,005 FLSTSB, FXSTSSE2, AND FXSTSSE3 MY 2008 AND 2009 MOTORCYCLES. THE ACORN STUD AT THE BRAKE REACTION LINK MAY FALL OUT DURING USE.

Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT BRAKE AND FENDER ASSEMBLY WOULD NO LONGER BE ADEQUATELY RETAINED. THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A CRASH AND POTENTIAL INJURY TO OR DEATH OF THE RIDER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ACORN STUD WITH A NEW ACORN STUD AND RETAINING CLIP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.

These recalls cover some 2008 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →