I am looking to add another bike to the stable and have been thinking about getting a springer. I have been eyeing the Crossbones but wanted to see if there were specific year(s) when the softail springer was improved or what not. I don't want a skinny tire though if that makes a difference. Thanks for some insight.

 

if its an addition to the stable, you would be remiss not to find yourself a 92....it is the most sought after springer model ever made. came in white with either a blue stripes or red....they are the mac daddy of springers. the only other one i would get would be the 100th ann black and silver. i had a cross bones (08). i made that bike look as much like the older springers as possible. i swithced out the fron fender to an 06 heritage springer fender, had an 08 fatboy fender. had a set of bags from a 92. it was a bad *** looking bones but it just didnt have that nastolgic look....

 

My vote is 2007. Last year of the classic. Has black springer which I like and a 6 speed.

 

Screamn_eagle post up some pics. I want to go for a nostalgic look with a tank shift and rocker clutch. I don't mind changing out fenders and other tins. I would really prefer fuel injection. 2007 springer in olive/black would be sweet but I could customize a Crossbones with the money I would save over a 07'.

 

Do you want black or chrome for the springer front end?

If you want chrome, look for a Heritage Springer, made from 1997 - 2003. 1997-1999 are Evo engines, and 2000-2003 are TC88 engines.

If you want black, look for a Springer Classic, made from 2005 - 2007. 2005-2006 are TC88 with a 5 speed trans, and 2007 was a TC96 with a 6 speed (the 2007 is the first year to have hydraulic cam chain tensioners for the Softail family - you can find threads about cam shoes in TC88 engines at great length).

All of the above are 'FL' springers, meaning left side front brake and fatter front tire. They all have the floating front fender as well.

Each model has the same rear end treatment as well, with the tombstone tail light and strut mounted signals.

I've had a 2003 Anniversary Heritage Springer (black/silver) and currently have a 2006 Springer Classic. Nearly identical bikes, aside from the previously mentioned details. The Heritage Springer also comes standard with saddlebags.

FWIW, I love my 2006. The price was right, and I planned to do engine work anyway. The TC96/6speed wasn't an issue for me. If you find a 2007, it will likely be a little more because of the larger displacement, etc.

As for the Crossbones, it's another great option. The front can be fitted with the floating fender of the Heritage Springer and Springer Classic. The rear however is a 200mm tire, making the rear fender options more limited. As mentioned previously, you can put a Fat Boy fender on it, but it just won't have that nostalgic look.

If you want to make a bobber out of it, the Bones is a good place to start. I believe the first year was 2008, so the TC96/6 speed is available. The last year, 2011, may even be available with a TC103.

Good luck!

 

Wow thanks for the great break down. I do want a black springer and likely a 6 speed so looks like I will be hunting for an 07 or a Crossbones. I can't go bobber because the wife has one rule...it needs a back seat. I just couldn't do the suction cup bobber passenger pillion thing.

 

I purchased an 08 Crossbones about a month ago. Love the bike, fat front tire and fat rear tire. It looks pretty cool. I have done seat and exhaust so far.

Good luck.

 

I'd get the most recent year that it was last made..... 2011.

 

No problemo, man! I'm happy that I could help out.

There is a link in my signature to my 2006 build/project.

If you run into any other questions, throw them out there. There's a couple of us springer 'nuts' cruising the forums!

 

Actually 1997 was the first year for the Heritage Softail Springer and it came in white with blue stripes or white with red stripes
In 1998 they did all kinds of color combos to the Heritage Springers as well as the 95th anniversary edition

I had a 97 with blue stripes and I absolutely loved it! I wish I had it back