Harley shares up. Also a new engine for next year.

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Bachstrad37 · #1 Post by **Bachstrad37** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 3:26 am

I can't wait to get a look-see at this new engine. I haven't done much research on it. Anyone know if it's liquid cooled?

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http://torontosun.com/Money/2006/07/18/1689974-sun.html

By COLIN FLY, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MILWAUKEE -- Motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson Inc. said yesterday it is incorporating a new engine and rumble into some of its bikes as it announced its second-quarter profit grew 3% buoyed by double-digit growth in international sales.

"The look, sound and feel of a Harley-Davidson starts with the V-Twin engine," said Jim Ziemer, the company's president and CEO.

It's the first engine overhaul since 1999, when the company introduced the Twin Cam 88. Ziemer said the new Twin Cam 96 will provide a new noise the motorcycle maker made famous.

"We've retuned the mufflers with the new engines," Ziemer said. "It's not noisier, it's a better sound, a more quality sound. You can hear it ... it's a sweet sound."

Earnings rose to $243.4 million US, or 91 cents US per share, for the three months that ended June 25 compared to $237.4 million US, or 84 cents US per share, during the same period last year.

Revenue grew 3% to $1.38 billion US from $1.33 billion US last year.

The company said U.S. retail motorcycle sales grew 8.1%, while international sales jumped 17.3%.

Last year, the European market grew due to a price cut. This year, the market increased without similar moves. Ziemer said the increase was due to several factors -- including retooling the dealer network, improving distribution and providing products more suited to the European riding style.

Worldwide, Harley-Davidson's dealer network sold 125,000 motorcycles during the quarter, a 10% rise over the prior-year period.

jstark47 · #2 Post by **jstark47** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 3:38 am

Is this really a new engine, or is it a larger displacement version of the TC88? Is the engine architecture much different than the TC88?

Bachstrad37 · #3 Post by **Bachstrad37** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 3:45 am

I think it's brand new. I haven't yet get a physical look at one to be positive. They've running it with EFI instead of carbs.

ZooTech · #4 Post by **ZooTech** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 3:57 am

jstark47 wrote:Is this really a new engine, or is it a larger displacement version of the TC88? Is the engine architecture much different than the TC88?

It appears to be a stroked TC88 with fuel-injection only (no carbs offered).

Bachstrad37 · #5 Post by **Bachstrad37** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 4:05 am

Hehe. It's claiming to have a new more refined sound. I guess that's what happens when you add EFI to it.

Looks like Harley also posted pics and stats of it on their site along with the new Drag Rod. It's got a 240 rear tire and starts at $19K.

jstark47 · #6 Post by **jstark47** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 5:56 am

Bachstrad37 wrote:...............and starts at $19K.

$19K. Yeah. Right. I'll just be running out right now to order three or four of them.

earwig · #7 Post by **earwig** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 6:50 am

I think the new engine is already out for the 2007 bikes.

Bachstrad37 · #8 Post by **Bachstrad37** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 7:15 am

earwig wrote:I think the new engine is already out for the 2007 bikes.

You're right. The dealer in my area hasn't yet displayed any of the new '07s yet on the floors. I'll be stopping by every 3 days until I get a gander at one just because I'm inquisitive.

Re. $19k for the new Drag-Rod with the big tire in the trunk, I'm curious as well. Sales are booming so as long as people buy em' they'll keep upping the price of its bikes. That's just smart.

jmillheiser · #9 Post by **jmillheiser** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 6:00 pm

zoo hit the nail on the head. the new 96ci engine (1584cc for those who prefer the metric system) is basically a stroked TC88 with EFI standard.

the EFI also found its way onto the sportys this year. all HDs are EFI for 07.

as for the new exhaust system. about time a motorcycle manufacturer stared making decent sounding exhaust systems. though I will admit the new suzuki M109R has a pretty good sounding stock exhaust as well.