| Specification | Data |
|---|---|
| Production Years | 2008-2011 |
| Engine Type | Twin Cam 96B™ (Counterbalanced) |
| Oil Capacity & Grade | 2.9 L / SAE 20W50 |
| Front Tire | 90/90-19 52H |
| Rear Tire | 240/40R18 79V |
| Spark Plugs | H-D 6R12 |
| Battery | YTX20HL-BS |
The Harley-Davidson Rocker C (FXCWC) remains one of the most polarizing and technically ambitious motorcycles to emerge from the Softail platform. Its defining engineering achievement is the ‘floating’ rear fender. Unlike traditional motorcycles where the fender is fixed to the frame, the Rocker C’s fender is mounted directly to the swingarm. This allows the fender to move in unison with the 240mm rear tire, maintaining a tight, custom-look gap regardless of suspension travel—a feat of engineering that required a unique ‘Trick’ seat design to bridge the gap between the stationary frame and the moving fender.
Technical Performance & Powertrain
At the heart of the FXCWC is the rigid-mounted, counterbalanced Twin Cam 96B™ engine. Displacing 1584cc, this powerplant was designed to provide the classic Harley-Davidson torque curve while minimizing the high-frequency vibrations typically associated with rigid-mount engines. The 6-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission provides smooth shifting and reduced engine RPM at highway speeds, which is critical for a bike designed for long-distance boulevard cruising.
Maintenance Guide: Keeping the Chrome Polished
Lubrication System
For optimal engine longevity and heat dissipation, the Rocker C requires 2.9 Liters of SAE 20W50 oil. Given the air-cooled nature of the Twin Cam engine, especially with the added weight of the custom bodywork, MotoSpecsLab recommends high-quality synthetic fluids to prevent thermal breakdown during urban idling.
Tires and Contact Patch
The massive 240mm rear tire is central to the Rocker C’s identity. Maintaining precise pressure is vital for handling: 2.1 bar (30 psi) in the front and 2.9 bar (42 psi) in the rear. Under-inflation in the rear can lead to sluggish corner entry, while over-inflation will reduce the contact patch of the 240/40R18 rubber, compromising traction.
Electrical & Ignition
The ignition system relies on H-D 6R12 spark plugs. These should be inspected for carbon fouling every 5,000 miles. Power is supplied by a YTX20HL-BS battery; given the high compression of the 96B engine, ensuring a high Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) rating is essential for reliable starting.
Expert Verdict
The FXCWC Rocker C is a triumph of ‘factory custom’ styling. While its long rake and wide rear tire require a deliberate hand in tight corners, its straight-line stability and aesthetic presence are unmatched. It represents a specific era of Harley-Davidson engineering where the boundary between production motorcycles and one-off customs was intentionally blurred.