Tale Of Two Bobbers | Swift Motorcycles Road Test

2009 Lucky Strike Softail
While there are many similarities between the Lucky Strike Softail and the LSR, where the LSR is a more agreesive bobber stlye bike, the Lucky Strike fits more along the lines of the traditional bobber. The Lucky Strike Softail features Swift's own Softail-style frame (Lucky Strike is also available with hardtail frame), and it too utilizes a sprung solo seat. The rear suspension handles the bumps pretty well, but mated with the sprung seat, there's yet again a feeling of instability or possibly a lack of confidence that the seat is going to hold you in place. We understand the overall design of the bike, but propping the back of the seat up a bit would definitely help. The iconic peanut tank is always a hit in our book, and the silver base coat with red hot rod style flames works well. The decision to use Forge-Tec 16x3.5-inch Nomad wheels was a good choice and the wide whitewalls look good with the nostalgic look Swift was going for. Even with the wider, shorter wheels, the bike still handled well in the switchbacks of Angeles Crest.

The Lucky Strike houses the same Harley 80ci crate motor with Accessories Unlimited six-speed transmission and Primo Brute 3 Extreme belt drive as the LSR. The drivetrain package works, but again, the Sixth gear of the Accessories Unlimited transmission was not utilized frequently. Stopping the bike without a hitch are Performance Machine rotors and calipers. You can't go wrong with PM brake components, which is why Chris chose them. Gas stops were pretty common since the tank only holds 2.4 gallons, which is great for around town bar hopping, and plenty good to get you from one cool watering hole to the next, but if it's a weekend trip you're after, be prepared to stop. Frequently.

As for the ergonomics of the bike, they're relatively the same as found on the LSR because of the apehangers. Not much is different as far as seating position is concerned but the way the seat is positioned on the Softail, it felt as if we were slipping a tad bit more off the back when getting on the throttle than with the LSR.

All in all, the Lucky Strike Softail is a good-looking bike with a fair price point. For the coin, you're getting a well-built motorcycle with quality components and a cool design and paint scheme.

Sources

Swift Motorcycle Company
(602) 248-2836
www.swiftmotorcycle.com