When you meet the Rocker C for the very first time, it's hard to believe that it's a standard model. Its radical lines, sculpted feel and low-rider style leave little doubt that this bike comes from a reputable tuning shop. In 2008, the specialist in full-throttle experience is celebrating its 105th birthday with new CVO models, a new Dyna Fat Bob and two completely novel bikes: the Rocker and Rocker C.

When you meet the Rocker C for the very first time, it's hard to believe that it's a standard model.

Original and elegant
The Harley that most impressed us this year is undoubtedly the new and distinctive Rocker C. The manufacturer is as innovative as ever, adding this completely custom ride to its 2008 catalogue. We were particularly taken with its originality, elegant finish, natural, comfortable driving position and ingenious foldaway seat that combines style with practicality. The Trick seat system conceals a tiny passenger pillion under the driver's seat, which is quite comfortable despite its modest size. It flips out in less than a minute, no tools or grunting required. The pillion is not attached to the rear fender but rather to the driver's seat by way of folding supports, which allows the suspension to move freely.

Stylish, very stylish
The Rocker C is all about style. The fat, 240-millimetre rear tire, wrapped in its big fender, is simply sublime. Up front are conventional 49-mm forks at a 36.5-degree angle as well as a 5-spoke, highly polished, utterly irresistible alloy wheel. With its ghost flame paint job, monochromatic chassis and chrome parts galore, this bike is definitely an eye-catcher.

Usually, these various gimmicks combined with a low-rider style indicate uncomfortable, recalcitrant handling. But in this case, our preconceived notions proved completely false. The 49-mm forks are very flexible and scorn the road's imperfections. In the back, the engineers managed to maintain a reasonable 86-mm travel despite the surprising low-rider style by attaching the fender directly to the rocker arm. So exit the turbulence felt on most of the Low Rider models of the line that, admittedly, are not designed for Quebec roads.

The fat, 240-millimetre rear tire, wrapped in its big fender, is simply sublime.