2008 auto

The more stringent 2008 auto emissions regulations are even affecting the custom motorcycle industry, but in the case of Boss Hoss, it may end up actually helping performance. Boss Hoss Cycles, the Tennessee manufacturer of V8-powered torque monster motorcycles, announced that its largest and highest horsepower machine, the 502-hp 8.2-liter big block (which Jay Leno praised here two years ago), is riding off into the setting sunset—a victim of the feds, its old-school design and its plain ol’ Quadrajet 4 bbl carburetor. But never fear: In its place appears a lighter, lower and even quicker machine, the BHC-3 LS2.

The new Hoss trades raw cubic inches for technology, and is powered by a General Motors LS2 small block that cranks out 425 hp and 425 lb.-ft. of torque—an updated engine introduced in the 2005 Corvette. So consider this: If the ’Vette weighs approximately 3200 pounds with reported top speed of 186 mph, and you figure the LS2-powered Hoss weighs somewhere around one-third as much, you get an idea of how hard this new pony can gallop. The BHC-3 is also a lighter and sleeker steed than the big-block bike. The LS2 shaves off 235 pounds and incorporates the lower seat height and shorter wheelbase of the popular Boss Hoss Super Sport—updates that should contribute to better handling while the optional Legend Air Suspension softens the ride. All Boss Hoss 2008 models are fuel injected, too.

The newest Hoss was unveiled at the Sturgis Bike Rally in August, but you’ll see the first test rides later this month at the Boss Hoss National Rally in Dyersburg, Tenn. Need more stability or carrying and towing capacity? Boss Hoss now drops the big V8s in several trikes as well, with styles including a ’57 Chevy, a classic 2000 Sierra Pickup or a ’32 Roadster. Trike sales have been on the rise with the aging riding population, and even Harley-Davidson has plans for trikes in the works.

We rode the SS model Boss Hoss earlier this year in its 355-hp version and found the experience, well, awesome. There’s just no other way to describe the sound and feel of these powerful machines. Even the $48,000 price tag doesn’t seem too bad when compared with many less rider-friendly custom choppers on the market today. We may have to arm wrestle Jay for the first ride aboard the new BCH-3. —James Parchman