The range-topping Black Knight anodized Wraith retails for $ 165,000 . The Raw Machined aluminum version costs $ 10,000 less . Note the doubled set of foot controls that offer riders a choice of positions that can be accessed on the go . of Beringer brakes , with a pair of diminutive 230mm stainless steel Aeronal front discs on each side gripped by single- action radially mounted 4- piston calipers . There ’ s a single disc at the rear , gripped by a 4- piston radial caliper . The rear brake proved to be rather weak , so Combat is devising a different master cylinder for the setup .
Combat says the Wraith scales in at 545 lb with oil and a full load of fuel , with a 48 / 52 distribution percentage front to rear . Its wheelbase is a fairly tidy 62.5 inches , and the steering geometry ( 27.5- degree rake and 4.2 inches of trail ) is more sportbike than cruiser .
Combat offers the choice of two sets of foot controls that can be operated via an interlinked setup for the ability to position feet in either location while on the go . Customers have the option of any of three different footrest locations : front , mid , or rear , either singly or with two of those positions combined . The test bike I rode was fitted with a rear- set location coupled with a mid- set .
Climbing aboard the Wraith ’ s comfortable seat , which is set at 31 inches , it became obvious how taut and together this latest version feels . It had a greater sense of refinement than its predecessors , despite being assembled by the same person who ’ d screwed together all the Confederate Wraiths from 2008 onwards , Jason Reddick . The broad , flat handlebar delivers a straightbacked but slightly leaned forward stance that felt comfortable .
At 80 mph , the engine turns at just 2,200 rpm , and there was little vibration from the X- Wedge motor , even when revved hard . With peak power delivered at just 4,500 rpm , there ’ s no need to wind it up to the 6,200- rpm redline – unless you need to show any Harley and Indian riders who ’ s king of the road .
Combat has addressed the X- Wedge motor ’ s high- running temperatures by tapping the valve cover on each cylinder to run a secondary line from the oil cooler to spray lubricant directly onto each cylinder ’ s exhaust valve . Riders are further sheltered from heat by string- wrapped exhaust headers , expanded frame clearance for extra cooling air , and a carbon fiber heat deflector .
The only dynamic problem I encountered was stiff gearshift action . I had to really lean into changing gears with my left foot , which made it even more of a blessing that the X- Wedge motor ’ s hefty torque is
34 | OCTOBER 2023 | AMERICANRIDER . COM