2008 Harley Davidson BBC G.T.X. - Touring Chopper

writer: Toph Bocchiaro
photographer: Rick Hustead

Big Bear Choppers (BBC) is probably best known for their long, low, and wide chopper-style motorcycles. Their bikes are often distinguished from one another by how long the frontend extends in front of the neck, or maybe the low seat height of the popular pro-street style scoots, or even how over-the-top the custom paint and graphics might be. Aside from selling complete, factory direct, fully licensed OEM customs, kits, and parts through a nationwide BBC dealer network, BBC sells a product consisting of more than two wheels. They offer an attitude, a lifestyle, and an image. Through ever-changing bike designs that meet and exceed the current market trends, as well as business acumen, owners Kevin and Mona Alsop have placed BBC high atop the custom motorcycle pyramid. Kevin and the rest of the growing BBC staff work and live in mountainous Big Bear Lake, CA, where some of the best riding country anywhere can be found. A roughly 30-mile ride up from the L.A./Berdoo basin, the twisty roads ascend over 7,000 feet.

Although many of the bikes BBC produces are more than capable of long distance riding, Kevin saw an opportunity to give riders more: More power, more comfort, better handling, and most importantly for touring-type riding, more storage and passenger capacity. Kevin envisioned building a bagger that was different in both form and function than any other production bike in the industry. Working alongside one of BBC's main designers, Kevin and crew came up with a prototype drawing for a touring bike that would incorporate the new, as yet unreleased S&S X-Wedge motor. Combining the intent of the bike and the new motor, the bike was tagged as the Grand Touring X-Wedge, or G.T.X. for short. Within one month of the original rendering, a full-size foam model was made, followed by a working prototype two months later. Slated to be released this coming October, the G.T.X. will have taken a mere nine months from paper idea to production.

Although the G.T.X. has BBC-esque styling cues, this bike is not simply a chopper or Sled platform with fiberglass bags bolted onto the sides. Instead, the entire package was designed from the ground-up: Frame, sheetmetal, fuel and oil tanks, bags, mounts, and so on. Using the X-Wedge motor necessitated an entirely new frame, as the new S&S mill doesn't bolt into the traditionally utilized Harley motor mounts or frames. Secondly, Kevin and crew had some different ideas about how the rider and passenger would sit on this bike. Instead of their drop seat-style frame that sits the rider low in the frame with the passenger sitting a few inches higher over the tire on the rear fender, the G.T.X. was designed to position both riders on the frame, more centered on the bike. This may sound easy to accomplish, but required stretching the framerails (from behind the transmission to the swingarm pivot) by 12 inches. The rear fender still hugs the fat 300 tire, but the passenger no longer sits on top of it; rather, he is positioned in front of it. Moving the passenger in front of the rear wheel moved more weight towards the front of the bike in addition to dramatically lowering the center of gravity. That affected the front forks and final determination of the ideal rake and trail figures. Combined rake of neck and triple trees adds up to 43 degrees. These changes lead to increases in handling and stability. According to Kevin, nobody has yet been able to touch down the floorboards, stating the G.T.X. handles better than the very good riding Sled Pro-Street. We'll bring that riding report to you as soon as the first production bikes are available.



All of that space created by stretching the framerails allowed BBC to get creative, using all the added space behind the Baker transmission. The five-plus quart capacity oil tank and the auxiliary fuel tank are housed under the seat. This arrangement further aided in lowering the bike's center of gravity, keeping more weight low in the frame. An electric fuel pump for the fuel injection system is located within this lower three-gallon fuel tank. Placed in the traditional location above the backbone is the main fuel tank that holds three more gallons of gasoline. Both gas tanks are joined together and connected to the motor via 1/2-inch diameter fuel lines that are hidden by a fiberglass cover as they pass by the twin downtubes. BBC designed the tanks' venting system so filling up the main tank immediately fills the lower auxiliary fuel cell; there's no need to wait for the upper tank to empty into the lower tank. A nice touch that shows how well thought-out the package is.

When it came time for the saddlebags, Kevin chose to go with fiberglass instead of injection molded plastic. He thought the 'glass would add value to the bike as years went on, as fiberglass can be easily repaired instead of having to replace the entire bag if the plastic gets damaged. Both bags open outwards at the top (with an outboard hinge) via a lockable pushbutton located on the inboard side of each bag. Capacity is unknown, but they appear to be long, deep, and narrow. Integrated brake and turn signals are frenched into the bottom edge of each bag that provide a nice, wide light stance at night. Softail-style, horizontally mounted shocks are used to keep the bike as narrow as possible so the bags can be mounted tight to the bike.

Over the past decade BBC has had a strong relationship with S&S Cycle, successfully utilizing different variations of the Evo-style, single cam motor. When it was time to offer the new tri-cam X-Wedge motor BBC was called upon to use the engine in selected '08 models. For detailed information regarding the new X-Wedge, check out William Denish's article in this issue of HOT BIKE. Aside from the fuel-injected, eco-friendly motor package, the engine was designed to produce more power and torque while being smoother at the same time. Although offered in larger displacements, this G.T.X. was outfitted with a 114ci mill. Power to the rear wheel is transmitted through a BBC wet primary, then an Evo-style six-speed transmission filled with Baker Drivetrain gears before exiting the right side drive chain sprocket. A benefit for touring to plug in accessories like heated clothing, or a GPS unit, is the planned use of a high-output 45-50 amp three-phase charging system.
Only a single BBC Gauge to keep the clip-on style bars clean and clutter free.
Fiberglass saddlebags retain the bike's value and are easily repairable compared to plastic.
Some changes are likely to find their way into the final production bikes.
Aside from the saddlebags, the G.T.X. features rider and passenger floorboards for long distance comfort. The cockpit is simply laid out with a single digital gauge placed in between the two-piece, clip-on style handlebars. As this bike in front of you is a pre-production model, some changes are likely to find their way into the final production bikes. For one, the Brembo calipers on this bike will most likely be Performance Machine units come showroom time. Exhaust pipes are in the process of being redesigned both for aesthetics and the ever-watchful EPA. Choice of color will be up to the end user, with pretty much any hue or graphics one can think of. In addition to this "weekend getaway" G.T.X., already in the works is a longer distance touring version that will come complete with front fairing containing a radio and other electronic instruments, windshield, and rear trunk storage.

With the G.T.X., BBC hopes to capitalize on the current popularity of bagger-type bikes as well as expand its extensive model lineup. This bike offers the customer something different and unique with infinite possibilities for factory customization of paint, graphics, and BBC accessories. Log onto their website to find a dealer near you or to get more information on the G.T.X. and BBC's other models.

SPEC SHEET
GENERAL
OWNER Kevin Alsop
SHOP Big Bear Choppers (BBC)
PHONE (909) 878-4340
WEBSITE www.bigbearchoppers.com
YEAR/MAKE/MODEL ’08/BBC/G.T.X.
FABRICATION BBC
ASSEMBLY BBC
BUILD TIME Three Months

ENGINE
YEAR/ TYPE/SIZE ’07/X-Wedge/114ci
BUILDER S&S
CASES S&S
FLYWHEELS S&S
RODS S&S
PISTONS S&S
CYLINDERS S&S
HEADS S&S
VALVES S&S
ROCKERS S&S
ROCKER BOXES S&S
PUSHRODS S&S
PUSHROD TUBES S&S
CAMS S&S
LIFTERS S&S
INDUCTION S&S EFI
AIR CLEANER BBC
IGNITION S&S
EXHAUST BBC

TRANSMISSION
YEAR/TYPE ’07/Baker RSD Six-Speed
CASE Baker
GEARS Baker
CLUTCH BBC
PRIMARY DRIVE BBC, Wet

Full Review: The 2008 Harley-Davidson FXDF Dyna Fat Bob

Harley-Davidson Fat Bob Adds a Member to the Dyna Family for 2008 

Along with the Harley-Davidson Rocker and Rocker C, the 2008 Fat Bob is a brand new bike that offers a departure from the typical factory cruiser formula. Though less radical than the Rocker, the Harley Fat Bob’s dual headlights lend it a distinctive look that offers a twist on traditional Harley style, while fat tires and a low seat accentuate its mean road presence.

Harley Fat Bob: And Then There Were Seven

Joining the FXD Super Glide, FXDB Street Bob, FXDL Low Rider, FXDWG Wide Glide Anniversary Edition, and the FXDC Super Glide Custom, the FXDF Fat Bob easily fits into the Dyna family like a long lost brother. Shared characteristics with other Dynas include an air-cooled, rubber-mounted Twin Cam 96 V-twin, Electronic Fuel Injection, a 6-speed Cruise Drive Transmission, an under-seat battery box, and exposed rear shocks. Like all Dynas, the Fat Bob incorporates a chassis that was redesigned in 2006 for better handling.

The bike’s exterior proportions support its distinctive name. Though the rider sits on a low, amply cushioned saddle, a wide 5.1 gallon fuel tank forces legs to wrap around. A bobtail rear fender rests over a 180mm wide 16” rear tire, and slotted disc wheels add visual heft to the bike’s profile, as do curvaceous 2-1-2 chrome staggered shorty exhausts with a “Tommy Gun” perforation pattern . Up front, a 16” 130mm tire—the largest ever on a Dyna—is paired with a small fender that recalls the bobber-inspired styling derived from customized, post World War II bikes. The Fat Bob’s face has a striking demeanor: its v-shaped drag bar and blacked out fork sliders, handlebar risers, and mirrors are capped with slick twin headlights that distinguish it from Harleys past.

Harley-Davidson Dynas boast their own bold style, and the Fat Bob’s mechanicals are suited to its too-cool-for-school exterior. The rubber-mounted Twin Cam 96 is a 1,584cc powerplant that, as is typical with Harley engines, is tuned for massive low-end grunt. Torque peak is 92 ft lbs at an impressive 3,000 rpm, which encourages short shifting when maximum acceleration is required. A 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission provides smooth shift action, and though the clutch isn’t hydraulic, pedal effort is manageable.

Front brakes incorporate large, dual floating rotors with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers which slow down the 703 lb bike effectively, while providing decent feedback and moderate lever effort. All 2008 Dynas feature black stainless steel braided brake lines.

The wide-set front fork is a 49mm polished aluminum unit with dual-rate springs, and exposed coil-over shocks sit the rear. Aiding its custom look is a fork rake of 28 degrees.
He Looks Mean, But How Does Fat Bob Ride?
The first thing you’ll probably notice on a Fat Bob is that you sit in the bike, not on it. A roomy, comfortable seat cradles you behind the large tank, though your less fortunate passenger will be forced to endure a much smaller, more rectangular perch. Some riders might need to stretch a bit to reach the handlebars, and foot pegs can be ordered with either a “mid-mount” or a “forward” position. We tested both peg setups, and while the mid-mount lacked the laid back attitude of the forward arrangement, the more moderate posture improved maneuverability and made long distance rides comfortable. The view from the saddle is clean and simple, with a large, tank-mounted speedometer providing quick, at-a-glance readouts. Inset at the bottom of the gauge is an LCD odometer, which has a cool mileage countdown to empty feature that automatically kicks in when fuel levels dip below .9 gallons.

At low speeds, the Fat Bob feels… well, fat. Though the rider sits low to the ground (seat height is only 26.1 inches), walking the bike requires a sturdy heave ho. Once the bike gets moving, turning becomes much more confidence inspiring; momentum aids maneuverability, and the Fat Bob become a lot more fun to ride at speed. Twisting the throttle invokes a classic, growling Harley exhaust note, and the torquey 96 cubic inch V-twin offers up plenty of power, especially at the low end. Though a tachometer doesn’t indicate engine RPMs, there’s so much more torque at the low end of the powerband that it becomes easy to tell, by the seat of your pants, when the engine is running out of steam and it’s time to shift gears. Some vibrations are transmitted to the rider, but engine isolation and rubber-mounting generally smooths out excessive harshness.

Because you sit in the Fat Bob, not on it, wind turbulence is not as overwhelming as you might expect at highway speeds. The lack of protection does create a good amount noise and breeziness, but the rider’s low position within the bike helps avoid the “sail in the wind” sensation created by the Fat Bob’s stablemate, the Rocker. Lean angle is measured at 30 degrees on the right side and 31 degrees on the left, and while peg scraping can be a part of hard turns, overall clearance is appropriate for a custom-style cruiser.
Harley-Davidson puts a lot on the line when they introduce an all-new bike, and the Fat Bob is certainly no exception: not only does it seek to perpetuate everything Harley’s 105 year-old brand has come to represent, it attempts to do so while incorporating the modern element of custom styling.

The Fat Bob succeeds on both the traditional and the forward-thinking fronts: it looks and feels exactly right, while adding the bonus of unorthodox styling—at least by Milwaukee standards. It’s not as stylistically challenging or controversial as the Rocker, but the Fat Bob manages to push the envelope without going too far.

The Fat Bob is available in seven solid colors, including three street smart, matte finishes Harley refers to as “denim.” The Fat Bob starts at $14,795 in black and $15,140 with color paint, plus freight and California Emissions charges if they apply. The bike includes a 24 month unlimited mileage warranty, and the service interval is the first 1,000 miles, and every 5,000 miles thereafter.

2007 DYNA LINE CONTINUES TRADITION OF STYLE AND INNOVATION

New Twin Cam 96 Engine, 6-Speed Cruise Drive Transmission, Active Intake and Exhaust Technology, and Revamped Super Glide Custom
Power Up Dyna Family
MILWAUKEE (July 14, 2006) – The Dyna models are pure riders’ bikes with strong and deep Harley-Davidson custom roots. The new Twin Cam 96 engine, combined with 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, active intake and exhaust for European models, fat 49mm front forks, 160mm rear tyres and frames designed for optimal handling ensures that every Dyna motorcycle is an exhilarating ride.

The new Twin Cam 96 powertrain proves there is no replacement for displacement with its 1584cc engine for improved power-to-weight ratio. While this delivers more lively acceleration, other design changes provide smooth operation at higher speed, easier shifting, low clutch lever effort and a rich sound.

The Dyna range also sees the introduction of a highly innovative and sophisticated active air intake and exhaust technology system developed by Harley-Davidson for European spec models* which significantly improves power, torque and sound quality whilst meeting European noise and emission regulations.

Dyna riders can choose from four models, all displaying Harley-Davidson custom lineage with an edge, featuring varied selections for handlebars, fenders, seating, engine treatment and chrome. All Harley-Davidson models for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region feature an upgraded security system as standard. The new Harley-Davidson Smart Security System offers hands-free operation courtesy of a proximity sensor that detects the presence of the security fob.

FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom

Displaying plenty of chrome, the revitalised 2007 FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom is a bold and beautiful motorcycle. In addition to its chrome features, the Super Glide Custom has a long and low profile, including a low-slung, two-up ribbed seat. Mini-pullback handlebars sit above a Fat Bob fuel tank with tank-mounted speedometer and ignition console. Powered by the new 1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine, the Super Glide Custom delivers smooth power through a rigid, agile chassis. A chrome laced front wheel is featured with a single floating brake disc. The Super Glide Custom is offered in eight solid colours and two, two-tone colour combinations and will be available in Europe from November 2006.

FXDC Super Glide Custom features:

New vibration-isolated Twin Cam 96 engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
6-speed Cruise Drive transmission
New active intake and exhaust technology
Silver powder-coated engine with chrome treatment
Chrome staggered shorty dual exhaust
Enhanced clutch lever interlock operations
Redesigned gauges with clock, 6-speed indictor light and LED
49mm forks
29 degree fork angle/29 degree steering head angle
Sport wrap-around rear fender
160mm rear tyre
Chrome laced wheels
Single floating front brake rotor
Fat Bob fuel tank with leather panel
Chrome, FXDWG-style fuel tank console
Two-up ribbed seat
Mini-pullback handlebars
New Harley-Davidson Smart Security System

FXDB Dyna Street Bob

The 2007 FXDB Dyna Street Bob again proves less can be more taking minimalist styling from the “bobber” theme in the custom choppers of the 1970s. The Street Bob shuns components like a passenger seat and pegs. A solo seat at 655mm clearly states that this is a motorcycle for the individualist. Features like Mini ape-hanger handlebars, the classic Fat Bob fuel tank, a wrap-around rear fender and chrome laced wheels combine with the Twin Cam 96 engine for a stylish and powerful ride with a whole lot of attitude. A wrinkle-black finish applied to the battery box, console and belt guard completes the street-wise look. The Street Bob is available in six solid colours and a new olive pearl/vivid black two-tone.

FXDB Street Bob features

New vibration-isolated Twin Cam 96 engine
6-speed Cruise Drive transmission
New active intake and exhaust technology
Black powder-coated engine with polished covers
Chrome staggered shorty dual exhaust
Enhanced clutch lever interlock operations
Redesigned gauges with clock, 6-speed indictor light and LED
49mm forks
29 degree fork angle/29 degree steering head angle
Mini ape-hanger handlebars
Fat Bob fuel tank
Street Bob air cleaner trim ring
Special tank emblems
Wrinkle-black console with turn signal indicators
Wrinkle-black battery cover with polished trim
Wrinkle-black belt guard
Tank-mounted speedometer
Solo seat
Mid-mount foot controls
Wrap-around rear fender
160 mm rear tyre
Chrome laced wheels
New Harley-Davidson Smart Security System

FXDL Dyna Low Rider
The word “low” describes much more than rider position when it comes to the FXDL Dyna Low Rider. While the 655mm seat height is among the lowest in the Harley-Davidson line, features like mid-mount foot controls and pull back handlebars also give the Low Rider its slammed looks and unique profile. The bike’s ergonomics are well-suited to those looking for a comfortable ride, while the new Twin Cam 96 powertrain and active intake and exhaust system bring the Low Rider to a higher level of performance. It features chrome profile laced wheels and a single floating brake rotor displays more of the front wheel. The Low Rider is offered in seven solid and three two-tone colour combinations.

FXDL Dyna Low Rider features:

New vibration-isolated Twin Cam 96 engine
6-speed Cruise Drive transmission
New active intake and exhaust technology
Black powder-coated engine with chrome covers
Chrome staggered shorty dual exhaust
Enhanced clutch lever interlock operations
Redesigned gauges with clock, 6-speed indictor light and LED
49mm forks
30.5 degree fork angle/29 degree steering head angle
Wrap-around rear fender
160mm rear tyre
Chrome profile laced wheels
Stylized low-profile suspension
Low-slung custom seat
Easy-reach pull back handlebars
Handlebar-mounted indicator cluster
Single floating front brake rotor
Mid-mount foot controls
New Harley-Davidson Smart Security System

FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide

Inspiration straight from the open road takes the FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide to the edge of the factory custom category. The new Twin Cam 96 engine powers this truly stretched-out motorcycle for 2007. The Wide Glide is long and wide as its name suggests, with a 49mm fork that is raked out to 36 degrees and a 21 inch chrome profile laced front wheel. The bobtail rear fender shows off the traditional, 160mm tyre. Its 32mm factory ape-hanger handlebars with internal wiring rise above a stepped chopper-style seat and large, tank-mounted speedometer. The Wide Glide is offered in eight solid and three two-tone colour combinations.

FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide features:

New vibration-isolated Twin Cam 96 engine
6-speed Cruise Drive transmission
New active intake and exhaust technology
Black powder-coated engine with chrome covers
Chrome staggered shorty dual exhaust
Enhanced clutch lever interlock operations
Redesigned gauges with clock, 6-speed indictor light and LED
49mm forks
36 degree fork angle/34 degree steering head angle
Wrap-around rear fender
160mm rear tyre
21” chrome profile laced front wheel
32mm ape-hanger handlebars with internal wiring
Bobtail rear fender
Stylized battery cover
Forward foot controls
Large, tank-mounted speedometer
New Harley-Davidson Smart Security System