By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Harley-Davidson Softail Cross Bones FLSTSB vs Softail Fat Boy FLSTF (MY2008)
Roll over a frost heave on the Harley-Davidson Softail Cross Bones FLSTSB and its soft fork and sprung seat swallow the hit; it's gone before your back notices. The Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy FLSTF's long wheelbase and soft suspension don't kick back; they stretch the jolt out. It's settled, still tracking dead straight.
So which one do you buy?
The Softail Fat Boy FLSTF has the edge if…
Character, looks and sound
Small edge: Softail Fat Boy FLSTF
For presence, the Softail Fat Boy FLSTF noses ahead. It's down to a better engine note. Taste is personal, so don't let a small gap decide for you.
What makes each one tick
Softail Cross Bones FLSTSB
Up on the mini ape-hangers, the Cross Bones has you sitting bolt upright with boots out front on rubber-topped floorboards, and the gloss-black Springer ahead looks like it's fresh from a custom shop. The throttle wakes a counterbalanced twin that hums where a rubber-mounted Harley shakes, with its torque peaking at 3,000 rpm. Sixth gear comes early. The big twin thrums along the boulevard at lazy revs.
Softail Fat Boy FLSTF
Down low, the Fat Boy's twin hauls with a deep, lazy pull that's made for boulevard pace. Corner entry is a different job: the bar wants a deliberate push before the bike leans in. It won't rush a bend. Its solid disc wheels draw stares at every stoplight.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Softail Cross Bones FLSTSB has the lower seat: 26.6 in (676 mm) vs 27.5 in (698 mm).
- The Softail Fat Boy FLSTF has the lower wet weight: 714 lb (324 kg) vs 737 lb (334 kg).
- Heated Grips: option on the Softail Fat Boy FLSTF, not offered on the Softail Cross Bones FLSTSB.
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Both miss here
Daily traffic duty isn't a fit for these two. Keep them for the weekend and commute on something easier.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not their thing
Hours in the saddle won't flatter either of these. They're happier on shorter runs.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Both fall short
Neither of these lives for a twisty road. If that's your thing, there are better tools for it.
Call it even on running costs. Choose on fit, price and the one that makes you grin.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Softail Cross Bones FLSTSB
What owners say
Strengths
- Relaxed, comfortable ride quality
- Smooth, torque‑rich engine character
Trade-offs
- Extremely exposed to wind; tiring at highway speeds
Softail Fat Boy FLSTF
What owners say
Strengths
- Torque-rich, dependable engine
- Stable ride and comfortable cruising
Known problems to check before you buy
Softail Cross Bones FLSTSB
- Recall 09V211000: acorn stud at the brake reaction link can fall out Recall 09V211000 NHTSA campaign 09V211000 (H-D recall 0139), reported 10/06/2009: Harley-Davidson recalled 11,005 FLSTSB, FXSTSSE2 and FXSTSSE3 MY2008 and 2009 motorcycles. The acorn stud at the brake reaction link may fall out during use, so the front brake and fender assembly would no longer be adequately retained, which could lead to a crash. Dealers replaced the acorn stud with a new stud and retaining clip; the recall began June 2009.
Softail Fat Boy FLSTF
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they share
- Displacement
- 1584 cc
- Engine
- 45° V-twin
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Fuel capacity
- 5.0 US gal (18.9 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
- Front brake
- 292 mm
- Rear tire
- 200/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Softail Cross Bones FLSTSB | Softail Fat Boy FLSTF | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 26.6 in (676 mm) | 27.5 in (698 mm) |
| Wet weight | 737 lb (334 kg) | 714 lb (324 kg) |
| Softail Cross Bones FLSTSB | Softail Fat Boy FLSTF | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 75 hp (56 kW) | 77 hp (57 kW) |
| Torque | 93 lb-ft (126 Nm) | 89 lb-ft (120 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,000 rpm | 3,200 rpm |
| Softail Cross Bones FLSTSB | Softail Fat Boy FLSTF | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 130/90-16 | 140/75-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Softail Cross Bones FLSTSB | Softail Fat Boy FLSTF | |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Grips | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
