Cult bike of the day: Boss Hoss Cycles

Boss Hoss Cycles is an American motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1990. The Tennessee based company manufactures motorcycles and trikes equipped with V8 engines straight out of Chevrolets, making them one of the most powerful bikes to be produced.

The bikes are not only known for their enormous power and size but also for their surprisingly low vibration. This is achieved with a very tall gearing ratio of the semi-automatic transmission, giving the Boss Hoss the title of ‘big scooter’. When the company was founded in 1990, the bikes were all kit bikes. The frame and other equipment were shipped to the customer, who then added their own engine and other personal customisation. 

In 1996, Boss Hoss started manufacturing the bikes at their Tennessee facility using a 5,700cc Chevrolet ZZ4 crate engine. It later moved on to a 4.0 litre V6 Chevrolet engine for the 1997 and 1998 models. However, despite the popularity of the larger capacity bike, very few numbers of the 4.0 litre model were sold. As you know, Americans want everything big. So, in 2000, Boss Hoss added the ‘Stud Hoss’ to its line-up. As the name suggests, the motorcycle was equipped with one hell of an engine. It used a massive 8,230cc Chevrolet big-block engine. However, later in 2008, the Stud Hoss was removed from the line-up.

The early Boss Hoss motorcycles were difficult to ride – they were unfinished and were considered an expensive novelty. These bikes found themselves stuck between using parts from Harley-Davidson or from other muscle cars which gave them an unbalanced appearance. But current models have seen a vast improvement and now feature details like those on high-end custom bikes. They now sport a dressed up radiator as opposed to the earlier ugly looking design, hidden wiring and a chrome swing arm. In the 1990s, the bikes featured a 2000mm wheelbase which has now been made to a longer, 2100mm. This allows for a lower seat height because the seat has been moved even further, thus making it easier for shorter riders.

Boss Hoss set a benchmark in motorcycling with its iconic and enormous-engined bikes. We’d surely wish to get our hands on one and don’t be surprised to see our team dancing around like overwhelmed children when we do!