Re: This Week: 2017 Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight 107/114 Engines - VOTE NOW
Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2016 11:12 am
Ok, so... ever since the V-Rod first came out I had visions of a punched out motor lifted from one and shoved into a Road Glide chassis. A full on liquid cooled, powerful road muncher that could give the Gold Wing, BMW, etc a serious run for the money. With draconian EPA and Euro pollution regs lurking in the not too distant future, I was convinced that HD would have to see the light sooner or later and make the inevitable step to leave the air cooled motors for the history books. But, no, every year they found new ways to squeeze more efficiency out of the Twin Cam unit, lately at the expense of excessive heat and a class action lawsuit because of it. I figured last year was the furthest they could push the envelope, what with catalytic converters, liquid cooled exhaust ports, big jeezuz pistons and a fuel map so lean you could roast a ham between the cylinders in no time.
Then the news breaks a few days ago... they've gone back to the single cam, but this time with 4 valves per head and even bigger pistons and the result is, apparently, the coolest running and most powerful motor to date. And it FINALLY has a counterbalancer, something that came with the Softail motors since the TC88 first showed up. I spoke to the tech at the local HD boutique who had just completed a PDI and test run on a new Street Glide and his impressions were very favourable. In fact, he was raving about the damn thing. Smooth running, clear mirrors at all speeds, no more 3rd degree burns on the thighs and tons of power on tap. And for the first time since back in 08 when they upped the motor size, added fly by wire throttle and bigger rear tires, I felt something I'd never thought I'd feel again... Interest.
If this motor really does what they says it does, if it provides the reliability they say it will and if it rides as wonderful as they tell me it does... the Harley Road Glide might make it back onto my Top 3 list of bikes that would replace my '07 if I ever get tired of it. I say "if" because I'm from Saskatchewan and I need to see for myself. As soon as the demo fleet comes within reach of where I live, I will ride one. Then I will make my decision. Until then, I am abstaining from this week's vote.
In the mean time, I will continue to view HD's every action with suspicion. Ever since they pulled the rug out from underneath Buell's feet and set MV Augusta adrift, I have steadily lost respect and belief in The Motor Company. And the recent decision to kill off the V-Rod (only 12 units slated for Canada this year, then no more) is not helping any.
Then the news breaks a few days ago... they've gone back to the single cam, but this time with 4 valves per head and even bigger pistons and the result is, apparently, the coolest running and most powerful motor to date. And it FINALLY has a counterbalancer, something that came with the Softail motors since the TC88 first showed up. I spoke to the tech at the local HD boutique who had just completed a PDI and test run on a new Street Glide and his impressions were very favourable. In fact, he was raving about the damn thing. Smooth running, clear mirrors at all speeds, no more 3rd degree burns on the thighs and tons of power on tap. And for the first time since back in 08 when they upped the motor size, added fly by wire throttle and bigger rear tires, I felt something I'd never thought I'd feel again... Interest.
If this motor really does what they says it does, if it provides the reliability they say it will and if it rides as wonderful as they tell me it does... the Harley Road Glide might make it back onto my Top 3 list of bikes that would replace my '07 if I ever get tired of it. I say "if" because I'm from Saskatchewan and I need to see for myself. As soon as the demo fleet comes within reach of where I live, I will ride one. Then I will make my decision. Until then, I am abstaining from this week's vote.
In the mean time, I will continue to view HD's every action with suspicion. Ever since they pulled the rug out from underneath Buell's feet and set MV Augusta adrift, I have steadily lost respect and belief in The Motor Company. And the recent decision to kill off the V-Rod (only 12 units slated for Canada this year, then no more) is not helping any.
