2008–2009 Harley-Davidson Softail Twin Cam 96B (FXCW Rocker – Standard)

The 2008–2009 Harley-Davidson Softail Twin Cam 96B (FXCW Rocker – Standard) is a factory custom cruiser motorcycle produced by Harley-Davidson. Launched for the 2008 model year, the Rocker represented a significant design departure for the company, pushing the boundaries of mass-produced motorcycles to emulate the long, low, and minimalist aesthetic of high-end custom choppers. Its introduction was a bold move to capture a younger demographic drawn to radical styling, combined with the reliability and engineering of a factory-built machine. The model was part of the Softail family, known for its hidden rear suspension that mimics the clean lines of a vintage “hardtail” frame.

The Rocker stood apart from previous Softail models, such as the Deuce or the Night Train, primarily through its innovative rear-end design and seating system. Where prior Softails hid their dual shocks horizontally beneath the transmission, the Rocker featured a new “Rockertail” rear section. This design utilized a radical, single-piece cast aluminum swingarm that hugged a massive 240mm rear tire, creating an unprecedentedly clean and uncluttered look. The fender was mounted directly to the swingarm, allowing it to move with the wheel and maintain a tight, custom-looking gap. Another groundbreaking feature was the “Trick” solo seat, which ingeniously concealed a fold-out passenger pillion underneath, allowing the rider to switch from a solo look to two-up capability in seconds without tools.

Design and Innovation

The visual identity of the FXCW Rocker was defined by its radical, chopper-inspired stance. It featured a stretched 5.0-gallon fuel tank, a raked-out front end with a 36.5-degree fork angle, and polished 5-spoke cast aluminum wheels. The front wheel was a 19-inch tire, while the rear was dominated by the wide 240mm Dunlop tire, the widest ever fitted to a production Harley-Davidson at the time.

Color was a key differentiator for the Rocker. The standard FXCW model was characterized by its Satin Stainless Metallic powder-coated frame and swingarm, giving it a raw, industrial finish. This was paired with a minimalist paint scheme available in Vivid Black, Crimson Red Sunglo, or Pacific Blue Pearl. The powertrain and most components received a textured, wrinkle-black finish, reinforcing the bike’s stripped-down, aggressive appearance. Ergonomics were typical of a custom cruiser, with forward-mounted foot controls and a low-slung 24.5-inch solo seat that placed the rider deep “in” the motorcycle.

Powertrain of the Harley-Davidson Softail Twin Cam 96B

At the core of the Rocker was the Twin Cam 96B engine. The “96” denotes its displacement of 96 cubic inches (1584cc), while the “B” signifies that it is a counter-balanced version of the standard Twin Cam engine. This balancing was essential for the Softail platform, as the engine is rigidly mounted directly to the frame. The counter-balancers use internal rotating shafts to cancel out the majority of the engine’s primary vibrations, providing a smoother ride without sacrificing the characteristic Harley-Davidson feel.

The air-cooled V-Twin engine was equipped with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), delivering reliable performance and crisp throttle response. It produced a peak torque of approximately 92 ft-lb at a low 3,000 RPM, providing strong acceleration from a standstill. This power was managed by a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, which featured a tall final gear for relaxed, low-RPM highway cruising. The drivetrain was completed with Harley-Davidson’s signature clean and low-maintenance belt final drive system.

Reception and Model Variants

Upon its release, the FXCW Rocker was a polarizing model. The motorcycle press and custom bike enthusiasts praised Harley-Davidson for its daring design and for successfully bringing a radical custom look to the showroom floor. However, some traditionalists and practical-minded riders criticized its compromised cornering clearance and the firm ride quality resulting from the unique rear suspension design.

Alongside the standard FXCW Rocker, Harley-Davidson also released the FXCWC Rocker C. The “C” model was a more upscale variant, featuring extensive chrome plating on the engine covers, forks, and other components. It also came standard with a larger, more comfortable two-piece seat and a flame-accented paint job over a gloss-black frame, appealing to riders who wanted a flashier, more show-oriented version of the bike. The production run for both Rocker models was short, ending after the 2009 model year (with the Rocker C continuing until 2011), making them relatively rare and sought-after models in the used market today.

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2008 Harley-Davidson FXCW Rocker Specifications