Robb Report MotorCycling Achievement in Design: Rock Softly
Harley-Davidson Rocker
Mike Schulte
02/01/2008
Transcribing the spare lines of
classic hardtails into the modern era is a feat of engineering prestidigitation.
Harley-Davidson began concealing rear suspension with its Softail design in
1984. Now, Motor Company designers have masterfully crafted—without the ruinous
chiropractic implications a hardtail custom chopper hallucination in the new
slammed and stretched Rocker.
The ingenious Rockertail rear end features a broad fender that
hugs the 240mm rear Dunlop with no visible means of support. Attached directly
to the elliptical tubes of the swingarm, the fender rocks in unison with the
rear wheel through 3.4 inches of suspension. In order to withstand the 100-plus
Gs it is expected to encounter on the road, the fender is constructed of two
bonded steel layers. Dual integrated LED stop/turn indicators maintain the
Rocker’s lean custom attitude.
Harley-Davidson takes a significant step toward the merging of
"factory" and "custom" with the Rocker family.
H-D’s design legerdemain is not limited to the chopper’s
remarkable posterior. The Rocker C model also features a concealed pillion that
pivots out from underneath the seat, extending over the rear fender. With its
250-pound capacity, the diminutive perch creates the gravity-defying illusion
that the passenger is hovering in mid-air over the rear wheel.
Despite the Rocker’s rebellious 36.5-degree rake and bulging
rear tire, it proves surprisingly obedient on the road. A fusion of brawling
good looks and innovative design, the Rocker is as easy on the eyes as it is on
the spine.
Dunlop Motorcycle Tires will offer a series of high-quality, collector’s edition Legends posters, with the net proceeds benefiting injured riders through the Clayton Memorial Foundation. ::MORE::
