Harley-Davidson rolls out new Milwaukee Eight engine

Promising more power, more comfort and more control, Harley-Davidson has unveiled a new engine called Milwaukee Eight, plus improvements in its motorcycles’ suspension systems.

But don’t worry. The new engine, whose name sounds like a new beer or Tarantino movie, will retain Harley’s traditional look and sound, the company said.

The new power plant is said to produce up to 10% more torque while also managing heat displacement in a way judged to be more comfortable for rider and passenger — an important change for riders in Southern California, where ambient temperatures plus engine heat can make summer riding on Harleys, especially in slow traffic, a blistering experience.

The new engine will come in two models and two sizes.

The Milwaukee-Eight 107, which is 107 cubic inches or 1750cc in size, will power the Street Glide, Street Glide Special, Road Glide, Road Glide Special, Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Road King and Freewheeler models in an oil-cooled cylinder head version.

A liquid-cooled version of that engine will power the Ultra Limited, Ultra Limited Low, Road Glide Ultra and Tri Glide Ultra bikes.

A liquid-cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114, which measures 114 cubic inches, or 1870cc, will be featured in the new CVO Limited and CVO Street Glide models.

Since the engines weigh the same as their predecessors, Harley said, the 107-inch version will be 11% quicker from zero to 60mph, while the 114-inch model will be 12% quicker.

For those deficient in math skills, Harley said that would be equal to a “two to three bike length improvement” in speed off the line.

Harley will also offer “street legal” performance enhancement packages that kick the torque up a further 24%, the company said.

The motor company also said the new engines would have lower vibration and a slimmer fit inside the motorcycles, allowing for more rider comfort and an easier reach to the ground for smaller riders.

This is important, as Harley has been pushing hard to market its traditionally heavy motorcycles to women and to riders in some Asian countries where average height and weight tend to be lower than in America.

The 2017 line of Touring motorcycles will offer pre-load adjustments to the rear suspension and feature Showa shocks up front.

Harley-Davidson, America’s largest motorcycle company, also announced ABS will now be available on its small-bore motorcycles, the Street 500 and Street 750 — a significant safety improvement for those two entry-level machines.

The engine introduction marks the arrival of only the ninth twin-engine power plant in the company’s long, successful history — Harley has been making motorcycles in America since 1903 — and may boost sales.

Harley market shares have flagged in the last couple of years, as American, Japanese and European competitors have all gotten into the big-bike market. But the Milwaukee manufacturer is still responsible for almost half of all U.S. sales of motorcycles over 600cc in engine size, and retains massive market big-bike market share worldwide.

ALSO

Why having a food allergy costs more for the poorest kids

Column: Here’s why it’s so difficult to solve soaring drug prices

As a drug pricing transparency bill stumbles in Sacramento, the battle turns to November’s ballot