For 2008 Harley-Davidson rolls out a nostalgic CVO Eagle Softail Springer. This creation from Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) takes a timeless Harley-Davidson motorcycle to a more powerful level with a Twin Cam 110B engine. The Harley-Davidson CVO group creates limited-production, exclusive motorcycles produced by a team of highly skilled technicians in a special assembly area at the Harley-Davidson plants in York, Pa., and Kansas City. Thanks to the free flowing Heavy Breather intake, with this 110B engine torque is increased by five percent to an impressive 110 ft. lbs. at 3000 rpm. The Screamin’ Eagle Softail Springer will be offered in three exclusive color combinations with two new graphic schemes: The scalloped flame metal grind scheme will feature Inferno Orange with Fireburst Flames and Black Diamond with Smoked Candy Flames. The 105th Anniversary scheme of Crystal Copper and Black Onyx will include gold leafing graphics and a serialized 105th Anniversary cloisonné. Frame and swingarm are color-matched with each paint pattern.
Springer plus bobtail looks kind of odd to me!! I would like to see it with a Heritage rear fender and they really have to do something about that ugly rear fender strut, looks to er ah, metric?!
2008 Harley-Davidson rolls out a nostalgic CVO Eagle Softail Springer?
Well, nothing says “Nostalgia” to me like a set of aluminum wheels, candy orange paint, fuel injection, lots of chrome, & a nice big set of turn signals.
I saw it the 2008 dealer show and I think it kicks ass.
Harley-Davidson’s best CVO yet! Love the 130 on the front.
I don’t see nothing nostalgic about this bike…mag wheels,the eyesore of a rear fender for like ever and the struts that make it look plastic…..i dont think i would give them the price their asking….which is prolly 10,000 more than what its worth….think someone at the motor co. need to do a little more research JMHO
I agree I got a 06 springer softail and first thing I did was rip that ugly rear fender and strut off went back with a wcc one ton ho rear fender and mounted it to the swingarm about 11/2inches off that 200mm rear tire they put on it and its bad ass now I like the 21 iun spoke wheel on frount better than this new mini bike tire they found somewhere in the back room at motor co . JMHO . Asa
Nothing wrong with the rear fender…it’s solid metal. I wonder if they’ve centered the new front wheel a little more in the forks. The ’07 is way off to the right.
Does anyone know what the 2008 FXSTSSE Screamin Eagle Softail Springer is going for? Can’t locate a price anywhere online.
I am seriously looking for a new bike. I saw the Screamin Eagle Softail Springer @ Rapid City during the Sturgis ralley, I think it is a sweet looking bike and I will have one but I hate the rear fender.
Looks like Harley cocked another bike together from their existing parts box.I dont see anything really new or nostalgic about this bike.The Mag wheels are all together wrong unless for some people A.M.F 70s styling is nostalgic,but I liverd through it on a 79 sportster and a 77 flh and it was no party.
The ’08 FXSTSSE2 is truly a remarkable machine. If you don’t have a good understanding of motorcycle heritage and style and your perseptions of what a bike should be comes from garbage TV series of late, then all your negative comments can only be expected. The fender that seems to be so unpopular on this blog is “PURE HD SIGNATURE”. It has been a defining characteristic for so many models for generationS. Obviously, those of you complaining are not fans of HD at all. I don’t like Honda’s but you don’t see me on a honda forum discussion talking bad about any of it’s defining features that make it a Honda. As a matter of fact, the lack of ORIGINAL defining features compounds the list of reasons why I don’t care for them.
Back to my point, it’s a no brainer to see that the only true way to get true nostalgia is to actually own a relic. You’re all missing the point. This is sold as an 2008 model, people; It’s a brand new machine, not a reproduction of a 60’s scooter. This is the greatest balance of historical styling combined with the latest technology available(of which HD feels comfortable with giving their EXTREMELY traditional customer base) And ya know what,? Their customers are very satisfied and FIERCLY proud of their purchases! So, again what’s nostalgic? The springer front end, and the ever popular fender and the 45 degree V Twin. Really damn near every visible part of this machine. DUH! What’s modern and advanced? Pretty much everything else including the engineering of the bulletproof huge displacement engine, 6speed trany the EFI , and the monumental task of engineering and styling that goes into designing a motorcycle for THE most critical and closeminded customer base in the history of internal cumbustion. Harley has managed to wow them all and their mind-boggling gross sales serves as undebatable proof that Harley is doing it right; especially when compared to ANY OTHER MANUFACTURER IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD! DUH!!!!
Everyone has a right to their opinion, be it educated and tasteful or otherwise. We also have the right to critisism of those opinions. So, if your going to say stupid things, you can only be percieved by others as actually being stupid. I bet you all love the crap that rolls (barely) out of an OCC shop. If you will bother to track down even a few of the old legitimate bike magazines, your jaws would drop at the artistry, crafstmanship and enginuity that went into building those great truly custom bikes that were built back in the day. Then, it’ll blow your mind when you ask around about the virtually non-existant aftermarket of parts, suppliers, and tooling resources. Back then, we had to actually use our imaginations to concieve ORIGINAL ideas. We used trial and error. We didn’t have the luxury of thumbing through an endless stack of catalogs. We had to build the stuff ourselves or, through long forgotten policies of bartering, trading, and networking, get the job done trough others. What’s the guys name that built your custom parts? The point is that just because it makes good tv, doesn’t mean it makes good scooters! Just because the masses are doing it, doesn’t make it cool or uncool! (remember mili vanilli? They were the publics darlings for years, until…)
Welcome to the 21st century grandpa panhead, and to you ignorant johnny-come-lately know it alls, open your minds and ears,and DON’T open your stupid mouths until you have something really intelligent and interesting offer. If I had the chance, you really might just get your ass kicked for spitting that crap around camp.
Love the new springer, got one on order. It’s not for everyone, it’s just for me and the millions of others like me! (SHOWS MIDDLE FINGER!!!)
Tate
“Damn! So that’s what a real biker sounds like?!” ,they say to themselves.
ive got an 2007 screaming eagle springer softail i gotta say its the best harley ive seen yet love the 21 inch front tire and the 200 on the back is perfect anythin more is overkill im lovin the abyss blue thats what i got
shawn the 07 that i got was 25.500.00 so im thinkin the 08 around the same
yep, MSRP is 24,995. Yea I dig the blue also. I’m gettin the black diamond with smoked cady flames. Sorry about my previous rant. I’m just so sick of always hearing the same crap from morons. Once I even had one of those guys comment (completely unprevoked) on my Big Dog Chopper saying “Yea, it’s alright, but it’s no honda!” I almost fell off my bar stool!! HA! If you know me, then you know that I would NEVER try to run down anyone’s scooter. If you got your knees in the wind, that’s just great as far as I’m concerned. But, this guy was ridin about at ’82 Goldwing, mud for the color, and just felt so compelled to make himself feel better by bashing something maybe just because he couldn’t afford one. So I replied to him, “Yea I was thinking of trading mine in for like 5 or 6 of his!!!
I never see that guy anymore for some reason.
Tate
BTW, vance and hines has a set of pipes called RSD tracker 2-1(I think that’s right) But I can’t tell for sure if they allow for passenger pegs. Looks like they don’t but man what a pipe! They would be off the hook on the springer! Does anyone know about them?
Tate
RSD insn’t for right side drive, it’s for Roland Sands D(evelopment?)
Tate
roland sands design
just ordered a 2008 spriger softail, “crystal copper” just got one thing to say…..AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!! who ever put’s this machine down harley or honda lover is clueless to the motorcycle industry….
This is ny first time reading this forum and I must say that it is very interesting with regards to all of the opinions listed.
I am a fan all all motorcycles and feel that they all have something to offer to someone out there. I have been looking to purchase a Springer for many years and when I saw the 2007 come out I was simply blown away! I saw my first 2007 at Earl Smalls Harley Davidson in Smyrna, Ga. last year and quickly figured out the that the pictures that Harley Davidson has taken and shown in the ads simply do not do these bikes justice…AWESOME. At the end of the year I had a chance to purchase a new 2007, but decided not to because of the price. Also, it has been my experience with the Springer line that the longer I have waited, (10 Years), the more changes that were being made to the bike for the better…I was right again!
In 2008 I was shocked that they were doing the Springer again in CVO Screamin Eagle, but later learned that when Harley Davidson does a CVO bike that they usually do it for two years. The bike for 2008 met all of my expectations with the 18 inch front tire and all of the other trimmings associated with this years model. When I saw one in person I was just blown away!
My big mistake was in thinking that I could purchase a 2008 at 2007 prices. I wanted to spend 26,780.00, but none of the dealers that I talked to the previous year would take less that 28000.00 and in some cases they wanted more. They said because..”It is such a hot bike”. So now, I will wait about a year or two and purchase a 2007 Abyss Blue HD CVO Springer or a 2008 Inferno Orange with Fireburst Flames CVO Springer. If I could afford both of the aformentioned machines I would indeed own them both.
Nostagic front end backed by the lastest technology..very appealing to me.
Oh Yeah! One more thing..I wish that they had made the seat so that you could disconnect the partner pad and put the bike in solo mode. Instead, they made it look as if you could disconnect the buddy chair, but you can’t..oh well, maybe next year huh?
I got the 07 in Amerilo Gold, threw a set of Big Radius’ on it and what a scoot. As far as the bobtail, I have always liked the fender and it sets off the 200 nicely. Ive been to several rallies and rides this year and I haven’t found anyone yet who doesn’t like the bike in person. Ive seen the 08, and still undecided about the front tire. Thats just a personal preference issue, but for those with one on order….have a blast, I have.
All I can say about an 08 springer , it’s a nice one. I bought one three months ago (black) and I still can’t get enough of it.
I bought and 08 SCREAMIN EAGLE SPRINGER 11O. BLACK WITH GOLD. I PUT POWER COMMANDER AND RUSH PIPES ON IT. Power Commander on the low end needs adjustment and they PC wont for some reason let Harley have access to amake proper adjustments, therefore I get alot of back firing coming of the fuel.
My wife does not like the passenger seat so I had to buy another one when she rides with me. These problems are minor but when I hit and it leaps into
second on up the gears I take my hat of to Harley, It Rockn Rolls. It handles well and it sounds great. Sits low and I love the smooth ride.
My last two bikes were 02 VICTORY 92 IN. AND 06 VICTORY KINGPEN 100 IN. They were great bikes (quick for stock) but I just didnt like the fact that they had no certifed mechanics. It was like they were learning on our bikes.
Different ride, but still does not handle and perform like my 08 Springer.
As they say “ITS ALL GOOD IN TH WIND”. RIDE SAFE IN 08 uncle dave
thanks
I put a vance and hines 2 into 1 propipe on my 2007 softail screaming eagle. It hauls all kind of ass. Mnext change is the cams.
I picked up my 08 Springer SE on Saturday, most expensive bike I have ever owned, put some Kerker two into one pipes on and I am just blown away. It is faster than my SE V-rod (that I traded in), and more agile than my SE Fatboy. I am in love and the mechanics are still standing in the parking lot of the dealership with their mouths open!!!!
p.s. The back fender with the LED tail light is HOT.
I ordered a 08 Springer SE. Formerly I owned a Fat Boy 05(Big Bore).
I never rode on a Springer and expect that it will be nice to ride on Highways.I plan to go from where I live (The Hague,The Netherlands) to the South of France this spring.
I s it only a very special softail or has it potential to make long trips with it?
I have an 08 black springer and only say good things about it, but for a long ride you might want to get a different seat. The girls at Le Pera (Ashly) made me an awsome seat, it was a cobra/serpent inlay/ sting ray skin. anyways it also has the biker gel making it alot more enjoyable to ride.
I’m currently looking at rsd 2-1 pipes and want to know what it looks like , has anyone seen this combination.
Two into ones look, perform, and sound great I have them on my 2007. I am now going to add 525 cams, cam gears in place of cam chain, and higher compression pistons.
Hi to all,
I’ve also been crazy enough to go for one of these ´08 SE Springers and should arrive in a couple of weeks time. I chose the 105 color scheme 1.- because it looks great on this bike (not quite so on the other CVO´s IMHO) 2.- hope it keeps its value better than the others.
I love the tires from the technical point of view; both radials and perfect size for road carving; I now have a 2007 FXDC and it is fine in the handling department, but I know NOTHING about the Springer forks. I know many will like to wring my neck when I say this, but it is how I feel; I think that the way the rest of the bike is designed, a good set of USD forks with tubes the size of my Dyna (49 mm dia.) would have made this bike outperform any other Harley, including the V-Rod. Of course, I would also include with the kit a good set of discs and Brembo callipers. Ok, now that I’ve said it, does anyone think the same way?
And from those who already own the bike, how do those springs and single piston brake behave? Maybe I’m wrong and the bike is only meant for straight and slow rides…..
One way or the other, I’m getting one in less that two weeks so I will soon learn.
Thanks,
Spanish Flyer
Don’t know about the 08 springer, but the 07 cvo springer just begs to be thrashed and ridden as if it was stolen and thats how I ride her.
I like that wyndyder; I now have a Dyna and was a bit concerned about this new ironhorse….Thanks
I can wait choosin colour till the bikes are in showroom:Inferno Orange or Black Diamond that is the question!
I ordered a black one but now i doubt about the orange..
The pictures dont convince me of the colours in reality..
I have owned a 2007 CVO Springer since March of last year and have never been more happy with a bike in my life! I constantly get positive comments and praises about it, even from Japanese bike owners. It’s fast (very fast), it’s beautiful and it’s comfortable. The main reason that I got it was because of it’s exclusivity. It’s one of 2,500 ever made, worlwide!
I can’t understand the comments about the bobtail fender or the fender brackets on the rear. I love bobtail fenders and I even had one on my 2005 Wide Glide. As far as the fender brackets go; What’s the problem? They are a staple of the softail family (especially the Fatboys) since their inception. They don’t look metric at all!
What’s going on here, is that there are certain people who are jealous and bitter. They either have limited intellegence or are complete morons. Do me a favor and do the research before you make unfounded comments. The world will be a better place!
Remember…Boost our economy; Not theirs! Buy American!
Trog (Harley Owner and Proud of it!)
Trog. Except that Harleys are assembled with a lot of parts made in Asia… Before treating others of morons, you should know what you ride. And I agree that a Bobtail fender is quite ugly.
Everyone should just remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and to name call about one persons intelligence is wrong. Just for thought we are all motorcyclist here and we all have our own taste—we should all respect that. I have a friend with a 07 Springer CVO and it is very impressive sitting still and especially on the move, but thats just my opinion. Everyone else will have a different one.
try vance and hines propipe, 585 cams and 10 and a half to 1 pistons, plus a really good race tuner and feel what happens.
Forget any Vance & Hines pipes. Put a D & D Fat Cat on with Harley Race Tuner. You may not want to even consider different cams and pistons. I have mixed feeling about the rear fender/strut. One good thing about it all tho. I purchased it at mrsp.
already did the above parts, my machine performs way beyond any of our expectation. while on the dyno my eagle was running faster than the dyno wheel was and burning rubber of at the same time. rear wheel horsepower is 85, engine horsepower 115.
I had a chance to sit on this bike today and this is one sweet ride. I like everything about this bike. The lines are classic and this bike screams for attention, of which I think it will get plenty. I like the way the bike sits, how it feels and especially how it looks. I have to agree that the look is entirely unique and some may take issue with some of the styling, however I believe that this is an enduring look that will ultimately make the bike a classic. Add to the fact that the Anniversary Edition is a serialized limited production bike only adds to the classic appeal this bike will have in years to come. I like the bike so much I am thinking about buying it. The Heritage will be my touring bike and this will be the eye candy with a whole lot of get up and go.
Love that bike man. Ride safe and long.
07 Deuce
Well I have finally done it put a deposit on the 08 Screamin Eagle Sprionger Black Diamond arrival mid June. Took a 07 out last week for a long ride on loner. The ride was unbeliveable I rode for about 10 years when I was younger and stopped for 15 years. Started renting about 3 years ago and finally descided I needed to commint. After much reseach and prays I found the 08 SE springer. I cant wait to have it for myself and ride till the cows come home. To all who know their way around the harley family of bikes I agree that the SE 08 is the SHIT! My first bike along time ago was a 53 pan head with a suicide shift. Harley has come a long way since then. Feel the thunder and ride safely!
I already own 3 Harleys, 1 x 2004 fat boy and 1 x V-Rod 2006 Screamin eagle. I have just ordered the 2008 CVO Springer with the 105 gear and it’s off the hook.
Fell in love with this and had to order it. (My wife flipped out and hit the roof)
Never mind she will come to terms with another bike, also along with my super moto WR 400 Yam.
I am now struggling with insurance and multi bike policy any one recommend a company that will cover the lot of them as I cant pick up the Springer until I get it covered. It’s ready to go and don’t have insurance as they would say I don’t have a good track record. Need this bike though it’s the bomb!
Please help
Dave!
just got mine and love it, i’ve had road kings, ultra classic’s and 1200 costoms, this is the bike i should have had all along, it truely is the bomb and it will rip, I like everything about this bike, too bad we can’t all have one, oh well, too bad for all you guys who can just look and give your uninformed opionions, if you had one and said you didn’t like it that would be one thing, but if you don’t have one, your opinion is just that, and everyone has one and they more than not stink, get one of these if you can and then try to give an honest review. As for me and all the other lucky owners of this bike @&$%*& you if you don’t like it, there are thousands of people that are hosest enough to say they wish they could get one, dame I love this bike
I paid $20K even in March ’08 for a ’08 FXSTSSE2 with 600 miles from an H-D dealership. It’s a stock black diamond onyx (black oil tank was replaced by the original owner with chrome). As for her look – “SHE IS WHAT SHE IS” – if ya don’t like the look – like an over-weight ho – simply, turn your head.
Actually, I like the Bobtail fender – had one on my ’85 FXWG that I owned for 23 years. I have 2300 miles on the STSSE2 and it runs well. I buried the needle at 120 MPH – she had more – but unable to tell ya top end.
Actually, as I get accustomed to her – she runs better each day…though a couple of concerns. On a hot day (93+ degrees and humid) I did experience back firing (6 or 7 times) through the free flowing air-filter when shifting at lower speeds. One back fire actually shut the bike down headin’ up an on-ramp. I’m unsure if it was the electronic module, bas gas or “operator error” – doubt that and she hasn’t done it since? Now that Laconia is over H-D tells me they’ll diagnose it.
As for the pipes – I never liked any H-D stock pipes – and these are too quiet and large. Nice rumble but not enough to “hear” the motor. For years my ’85 had no speedo, no tach – I listened to her 2″ anti-reversionary drag pipes to indicate shift time and speed. The STSSE2 18″ front and 200 rear wheel is obviously a much different ride than my ’85 21″ wheel in which I that I raked the neck and remounted rear shock tabs to prevent “nose-dives.” The rides comfortable but on two occasions when making a sharp/lean left corner at ~50 MPH – unfortunately, I succeeded tappin’ the riders peg and that was a huge disappointment.
As for the starter – I realize its 110” – but every now and then the starter “bangs” like hell. I swear it’s not disengaging and it’s going to damage the inner primary – but H-D tells me – it’s “fine” (no, I don’t believe everything I hear).
For the past 15 years – I had short tight pull-back drag bars on the ’85 – so maybe it’s gonna take some time. Even though the stock bars on the STSSE2 are very comfortable & look fine – too wide for my likes.
Like the hydraulic clutch, as always, excellent quality paint and the ground-in flames are a cool idea (NOTE: if you nick/scratch through the clear-coat covering the flames – rust WILL set in quickly if not repaired, the motor’s relatively “quiet”, and as it should have – good power bands with 110 ft/lbs @ 3000 RPM (at 70 MPH she’s a cool 2600 RPM), the motor’s grey powder-coat is cool – looks great with the black diamond paint and smoked flames, great front and especially rear lighting, the 6-speed is very nice (though I’m a 4-speed kinda guy, no what I mean?) and shifts extremely smooth, the dash lights are red and though unneeded, the 6-speed indicator light is lime-green? and impossible to read in day-light, the chrome is excellent quality and “in my opinion” tastefully done, braking is on the weak side and dual front calipers are needed (she weights in at 714 lbs.), a low comfortable ride at 24.5″ – I haven’t and won’t be riding bitch but from the look of the passenger seating it’s too thin for long-hauls ( a 4″ or 6″ back-rest would work well and look good), tear-drop rear-view mirrors look OK and work well (too large for my taste), the 200 rear-tire gets a lot of attention and looks great with the BOB-TAIL, as for the 10-spoke chrome wheels – well???, though they look OK and very easy maintenance – their not for me, nice smooth ride but without doubt conventional rear shocks and telescopic front forks provide much more comfort and superior handling – but this set-up is all ’bout the “look”, the security system’s a nice feature but does take some effort to change settings and the on-off audible alarm – actually, it’s a freakin’ production.
I’m glad to own her – nice upgrade for the ’85, so far over-all she runs very well, has a unique and great lean look, tastefully done, many nice features…Bottom line – “SHE IS WHAT SHE IS.”
Sorry I sold my ’85 FXWG – sure do miss the 4-speed kicker – not once in 23 years did she ever fail to get me home – even when I was “blinded by-the-night”, sorta speak. She was a good ole gal.
put ape hangers on her, you will notice a difference in the comfort level and the handeling improves.
I have a 08 screaming eagle springer and the welds on these bikes suck .
Have an 08 in Inferno Orange. I ride it like it belongs to someone else and love it. Very disappointed in the 09 paint jobs and the Rocker C oil tank.
I ride my 07 like I stole it.
Hey Guys, had my Inferno Orange 08 CVO Springer for just over 6 months now..what a bike!! Vance and Hines 2 into 2 Big Radius, fuel kit, Hypercharger and this machine pulls like a 747 on take off. Never thought I would buy an Orange bike but fell in love with it the minute I saw it in the showroom of Dublin Harley Davidson..like most of you have said, it is what it is..class. We dont have the months of good weather you have in the States so it see’s rain a lot, chromes top quality and yes I would agree, some of the welds are agricultural to say the least but it cleans up nicely every time.
My advice to anybody thinking of purchasing one of these machines is buy one,buy one, buy one. They are a remarkable machine.
what is a good price for the 105th anniversary edition? I have found one beautiful bike but it seems the rear suspension is very stiff on it.
vance and hines propipe, 585 cams and 10 and a half to 1 pistons, plus a really good race tuner and feel what happens. Did this and she blows 3 inch flames out the back!! What A ride I am in love!! Who needs a man with this baby between my legs…
I bought this bike brand new in April 08!! It is my Dream Bike and I LOVE IT!! I had an 883 Sporty for 14 yrs and always said one day I will get a Springer (coolest front ends ever!) but I also said it had to be Orange!!
Well… Harley blew my mind….they built this better than I could have dreamed up and now after riding it for 2 yrs and 5000 miles so far, it fits me just right and the power is like no other 🙂
Being a Lady with an 1803 engine the men just look and drool that mine is bigger and prettier than theirs!! LOL 😉
Thank you Harley Davidson for building the Perfect ride for me and I will have it Forever!!
Rubber Down to all my HD friends!
PaulaMac