Boss Hoss the V-8 Motorcycle in The World

Boss Hoss the V-8 Motorcycle in The World:Most people don’t know what to make of a Boss Hoss motorcycle, and if they do, they’re probably wrong. Unwieldy. Intimidating. Homebuilt. Bizarre. Absurd. Those are the adjectives that seem to come to mind when you see one of these V-8 powered behemoths thunder down the street.

We would have been counted among those with such sentiments. And at least one of our staffers, Friedman, had the experience to back up his opinions. In 1992, he rode one of the first bikes put together by the then-new Boss Hoss Cycles, Inc. It was crude, even more cumbersome than it looked and plagued by functional and finish flaws.

He was impressed by the bike, but not entirely favorably. That 355-cubic-inch engine got your attention, but the clutch arrangement was awkward, making just getting underway an exercise in adrenaline production. High, wide, bars of near-apehanger proportions further complicated control. Construction was definitely cobby, marred by compromises like the distributor located immediately in front of your crotch. Many of the components came from the Harley aftermarket and were overwhelmed by the size, weight and power of the Hoss.

However, when you got it pointed down a straight road and cranked on the throttle, all those flaws suddenly seemed tolerable. Even with the linkage to the secondary throats of the carburetors disconnected, the motorcycle flew. You did kind of wonder what would happen if you had to stop or turn suddenly, though.

The components would put some big manufacturers to shame. Everywhere you look you see neat pieces: billet components are plentiful, the 4130 chrome-moly frame is powder coated,brake hoses are braided stainless steel,the tank-top gauges (water temp, oil pressure, voltmeter and either a tach or clock clustered around a big speedometer) are made by Autometer with Boss Hoss logos; the two-inch-square box-section swingarm is chromed, handlebar and other wiring gets routed out of sight, adjustable Aldana shocks suspend the rear back and a beefy 50mm fork takes care of business in front. The only items recognizable as standard motorcycle parts are the chromed Harley-pattern handlebar switches, and at least the left one has been modified for this application. Many pieces have Boss Hoss logos, eliminating any idea that the motorcycle is built from off-the-shelf components.Boss Hoss the V-8 Motorcycle in The World