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All Aboard
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2006 Harley-Davidson FXSTB Night Train
Basem Wasef
03/01/2006
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Photography by Cordero Studios/corderostudios.com
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Harley-Davidson’s Softail line is well-known for its showy,
chrome cruisers, but nestled within the family is a rogue that does things a
little differently: the Night Train.
 RIDING STYLE
Helmet: New Max Demi Jet
Eyewear: Tag Heuer Physics
Jacket: Schott Perfecto
Pants: Hugo Boss Low-Rise
Gloves: Joe Rocket
Sonic
Boots: Red Wing 969. (Click image to enlarge)
The Harley-Davidson Night Train—not to
be confused with the high-alcohol-content wine favored by derelicts—is a
retro-modern motorcycle distinguished by its blacked out details, bobtail
fender, and narrow, raked front end. Not quite an authentic “bobber”—a
1940s-style custom with fenders rebelliously bobbed off—the Night Train’s
appearance suggests lithe, relaxed cruising. Its long and low geometry makes it
surprisingly easy to turn, and high, forward-placed footpegs avoid the grinding
that is commonly experienced with floorboard-model Harleys. A forward-reaching
posture and wide handlebars aid the Night Train’s maneuverability, making
relatively high lean angles possible in spite of the rear weight bias and skinny
front tire.
While off-the-rack Night Trains subtly hint at custom styling,
the light work performed on this bike by Mad Dog Custom Cycles yields
exponential results. Staggered Screamin’ Eagle exhaust pipes powder coated black
by Extreme Performance Coating further the factory’s blacked-out theme and give
the illusion that they are smaller than their stock, chrome counterparts.
Darkening the pipes subdues the flash of their horizontal sweep, drawing the eye
to the Night Train’s 88 cu in V-twin. Available with a carburetor or Electronic
Sequential Port Fuel Injection, the engine produces a hefty 85 ft lbs of torque
at only 3,000 rpm, accelerating the bike’s considerable weight with
ease.
 Being seated so low and close to the engine imparts a feeling of
oneness with the bike’s mechanicals, and that bond is made more luxurious thanks
to Conejo Upholstery’s custom seat. With reformed foam that offers greater
comfort for long rides, the suede inserts add texture to the black leather,
while the smoothed-out form delivers a more sculptural, streamlined alternative
to the stock seat. Though the added comfort is a welcome addition to the rider,
passengers may find riding pillion uncomfortable on long journeys. (Click image to enlarge)
Also
lightening the visual load is the replacement of the solid aluminum rear wheel
with a larger, spoked 18-inch stainless steel wheel clad with an aggressive
200mm Metzeler tire. Black powder coated rims and hubs highlight the spokes, and
a larger, similarly powder coated 21-inch front wheel enhances the bike’s road
presence. The mostly chrome front end of the stock version may balance the Night
Train’s black components, but Mad Dog’s Greg Langford contributed to this bike’s
blacked-out details by powder coating the Drag Specialties bars, Pro One triple
trees, and Küryakyn headlight and turn signals. Black fork sliders and a black
air cleaner complement the bike’s muted tones. While this Night Train’s burgundy
paint prevents black from completely dominating the bike’s form, the overall
visual impression is one of clean lines and a smooth, restrained elegance.
“What we can do,” explains Mad Dog Custom Cycles owner Marty Davis, “is only
limited by what [the owner’s] pocket can bear.” Davis’ Agoura Hills, California
shop is capable of custom fabricating fenders, tanks, and even motors,
specializing in Harleys, as well as virtually any brand of custom chopper,
including Big Dog and Iron Horse. In the case of this Night Train, modifications
totaled about $4,500—a little under a third of the stock bike’s MSRP.
“We’ve got Harleys on the floor with $20,000 of work on them,” Davis says,
reemphasizing that “it’s up to the customer.”
Riding this particular Night
Train is a classic Harley experience. The balanced Twin Cam 88 B engine, whose
low-frequency vibrations are in keeping with the bike’s laid-back, pleasant
demeanor, is reassuringly low to the ground and creates a center of gravity that
makes handling manageable. Fatter-than-stock pullback bars enhance the Night
Train’s out-of-the-box ergonomic friendliness and augment the already relaxed
riding position.
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