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Motorcycles & their Riders: Cross Bones & James Unger
Unger & Maverick - Mar 24, 2009
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James Unger, a self proclaimed “motor fan” (anything with power and speed), since his early years, is now in his late 30s and General Manager of Pratt Management Company in Longmont, Colorado. In early 2008, James purchased a Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones motorcycle. It was the unique post-war era bobber styling that attracted him and while taking inventory of the showroom, Unger says, “After seeing the Cross Bones, there really wasn’t anything else there for me.”
Unger grew up in the great city of Cleveland, Ohio. He began his sales and marketing career while in high school, holding jobs in men’s clothiers and after graduating, took a similar position for an auto dealership. It wasn’t long before he found himself in leadership roles, marketing for such high profile brands as Mountain Dew, Budweiser, and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For him, this meant he was able to make good money, while moving into positions that supported an active cosmopolitan lifestyle.
At about age 22, Unger fell in love with a 1990 Yamaha FZR 600, so much so that he traded his sporty Fiero for the bike and a beat up 1970 Chevy Nova.
From the very beginning, he was hooked! Career and family responsibilities dictated giving up motorbikes the 15 years preceding the purchase of a 2007 Harley-Davidson Nightster.
On his fourth day of ownership, he was t-boned by a preoccupied driver at one of Longmont’s intersections. As he lay in the street surrounded by first responders, fire trucks, and emergency vehicles, Unger remembers being distressed at the realization that he was not going to be able to ride his Nightster home, and that he may have had his last ride.
Then, a very unusual thing happened. With eyes closed and still taking inventory of his physical well being, Unger opened his eyes to see something he’ll never forget: his wife running to his aid consumed in fright. She knelt next to him and after assuring herself that James was going to walk again, she said: “don’t worry babe; we’ll get you a new bike!”
Unger is a physically fit Black Belt which contributed to his quick recovery. It was a mere few weeks before his wife’s promise became a reality.
Unger walked into a Harley-Davidson dealership and while the showroom floor was covered with steel and chrome, one bike captured his eye. He bought a 2008 Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Cross Bones at base price of ~$16,795 on the spot!
The Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones cuts the aggressive profile of an authentic custom bobber, but with some dark twists that deliver a wickedly fun and emotional riding experience.
With the retro look of a Springer front end and other post-war era bobber styling cues like a sprung solo seat, half-round rider footboards, Gloss Black round air cleaner cover and chopped front fender, the Softail Cross Bones rides with a Black and Polished Twin Cam 96B powertrain, 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission and truly unique Softail suspension.
Many features of the Cross Bones are reminiscent of restless riders of the past, whose defiant attitude resonates with those who march to their own beat in any generation.
FLSTSB Cross Bones features:
· Rigid-mount, 1584 cc Twin Cam 96B balanced engine
· 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission
· Black powder-coated engine with polished rocker box covers and pushrods and untreated fins
· Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
· Gloss Black painted Springer front end with chrome springs
· Gloss Black mini ape-hanger handlebar
· Straight shot exhaust with chrome slash-cut mufflers
· Adjustable sprung solo seat with leather lacing
· 26.6-inch seat height
· Chopped front fender with striping
· Bobtail rear fender with striping
· Gloss Black cat-eye tank console with new speedometer face
· Gloss Black round air cleaner cover, oil tank and rear fender supports
· Distinctive five-gallon fuel tank with hand-laced leather tank panel and striping
· 200 mm rear tire
· Laced Steel front and rear wheels with Gloss Black painted rims
· Half-round old-school foot boards
· Horseshoe oil tank with Harley-Davidson patent badge
· Optional Smart Security System
· 24 month/unlimited mileage warranty
· Estimated fuel economy of 35.0 mpg city/54.0 mpg highway on premium unleaded
The Harley-Davidson Cross Bones looks even more retro in action.
Approaching 3000+ miles on the Cross Bones affirms Unger’s apparent impulsive purchase. He loves the look. In his words: “the bike is me now and me then.” It has the bobber look, enhanced with modern motorcycle technology and performance. Unger notices that others enjoy the bike also; whether sitting in his garage, rolling down the highway, parked at the local for far away coffee shop.
Unger does not hesitate when asked if he will continue motorcycling on his Crossbones? With certainty, he will own other bikes, but my suspicion is that the Crossbones will become a family heirloom because he has three sons, he is in the beginning stages of adding personal customizations, and he loves it.
About motorcycling, Unger has this to say: “no matter what you’ve been doing, where you’ve been, or who you’re with, something happens…you are there!” “There is a freedom,” that is not experienced in other activities.
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