™
OUR
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T H E # 1 B U S I N E S S M A G A Z I N E F O R T H E A M E R I C A N V- T W I N A N D C U S T O M M O T O R C Y C L E PA R T S I N D U S T RY
Liquid-cooled, twin plug, 4-valve
heads and suspension upgrades –
but no new models, yet!
arley-Davidson’s much
anticipated MY2017
announcement features
the much teased launch of
the new ‘Milwaukee-Eight’ 45degree liquid-cooled, twin-plug,
4-valve head engine – the ninth Big
Twin power-plant in Harley’s 113year history.
Initially just being seen in its touring
models, CVOs and trikes, it is the first
major new Big Twin engine design since
the Twin Cam was introduced in 1999.
That too was only announced for the
touring models initially, with a ‘B’ version
making its appearance in the Softails the
following year.
It is anticipated that Harley will likely follow
a similar pattern with the ‘Eight’ eventually migrating it, or a version of it,
into its cruiser platforms either
for MY 2018 or through mid-cycle
introductions early next year. However, the
non-appearance of an expected new
model showcasing the new engine fuels
speculation that there may be further news
to come at some stage. Namely news that
sees the Twin-Cooled Twin Cam engines
staying in the existing cruisers, with a new
platform unveiled for the new engine –
H
maybe something FXR-esque, maybe
something to out-muscle the Octane.
In addition to power, heat, noise and
vibration management have been major
and much needed considerations of the
engine design, with variants of two
displacements being offered to begin
with. There is an entry level air/liquidcooled 1750cc/107-incher, and a
Twin-Cooled version utilizing the cooling
technology that was introduced just a few
years ago on the newer, larger
power,
performance
and innovation
displacement Twin Cams – notably on the
‘Rushmore’ tourers.
“The guiding principle behind the
Milwaukee-Eight engine was our voice of
customer research from every region of
the world,” said Scott Miller, HarleyDavidson Vice-President of Styling and
Product Development Strategy.
“Riders asked us to create a new engine
designed to enhance their motorcycle
touring experience in every way. Those
same voices also demanded that we stay
true to our legacy and respect the defining
elements of a Harley-Davidson V-twin. It
was a big challenge, but one we’ve met.
With the Milwaukee-Eight, a new era of
Harley-Davidson power, performance and
innovation has been forged.”
The 107-incher will initially feature on the
“standard” models, with an 1870cc/114inch version on the CVO (Custom Vehicle
Operations) models.
“The Milwaukee-Eight engine carries the
legacy of Harley-Davidson Big Twins into
the future,” said Chief Powertrain
Engineer Alex Bozmoski. “While
respecting the essential Big Twin
character, we’ve created an all-new
motor. Every aspect of performance,
durability and styling has been improved
as a direct response to the voice of HarleyDavidson customers around the world.”
In addition to addressing the power
output, heat, vibration and noise issues of
its heavy top-end models, the company
has announced all-new front and rear
suspension components as stock on all its
2017 tourers – components that are said
to “enhance the comfort, control and
performance.”
This customized SR400 in Yamaha’s popular ‘Yard Built Program’ is by
reigning AMD World Champion custom bike builder Fred “Krugger”
Bertrand (left). As the 2016 AMD World Championship gets
underway, this is a timely reminder, in our Harley MY2017 edition, of
just how the custom market’s center of gravity continues to morph.
Seen here with no less than Valentino Rossi’s mechanic Bernard
Ansiau, that morphing will be showcased
for all to see in Hall 10 at
INTERMOT Customized on
October 5th - see page 10
OCT 2016
ISSUE #207
MY2017
'M-8' IN NUMBERS
PAGE 20