Often considered hidebound to tradition, Harley-Davidson isn’t known for radical or rapid change. But as Dylan crooned, the times they are a-changin’. In the past few years the Motor Company has introduced an all-new, liquid-cooled engine platform (the Revolution X found in the Street 500/750), added “precision” liquid cooling to several of its Touring models and created major buzz with its Project LiveWire prototype electric bike.
For 2017, Harley-Davidson will launch the ninth generation of its venerable Big Twin, called the Milwaukee-Eight in honor of its birthplace and its number of valves—twice as many as found on the Twin Cam motor that’s been in the lineup since 1999. Harley-Davidson says the new engine platform provides faster throttle response, more torque, better sound, improved fuel economy and a smoother ride.
Other changes for 2017 include all-new front and rear suspension for Touring models, available ABS and Smart Security System for the Street 500/750 models, updated CVO models (Limited, Street Glide and Pro Street Breakout) and a full selection of street-legal Screamin’ Eagle Performance components for the Milwaukee-Eight, including Stage I, II and III kits that deliver up to 24 percent more torque.
The Milwaukee-Eight, which retains the classic 45-degree V-twin architecture, will power all 2017 Touring and Trike models, in two displacements and three variations:
- Milwaukee-Eight 107 (107 cubic inches, 1,750cc) with precision oil-cooled cylinder heads for the Street Glide, Street Glide Special, Road Glide, Road Glide Special, Electric Glide Ultra Classic, Road King and Freewheeler models
- Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 107 with liquid-cooled cylinder heads for the Ultra Limited, Ultra Limited Low, Road Glide Ultra and Tri Glide Ultra models
- Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 (114 cubic inches, 1,870cc) with liquid-cooled cylinder heads for the CVO Limited and CVO Street Glide models
Compared to the Twin Cam 103 and 110, the Milwaukee-Eight’s increased displacement, higher compression ratio and four-valve cylinder heads, which provide 50 percent more intake and exhaust flow capacity, result in 10 percent more torque across the board. Bikes equipped with the new engine are claimed to accelerate much faster off the line (8-11 percent quicker at 0-60 mph) and in top gear roll-ons (11-12 percent quicker at 60-80 mph).
Better air flow and combustion, including the use of dual spark plugs for each cylinder, are said to improve fuel economy. Precision oil or liquid cooling of the cylinder heads as well as repositioning the rear exhaust pipe and relocating the catalytic converter improves heat management, providing a more enjoyable riding experience for the rider and passenger.
As with the Twin Cam engine, the Milwaukee-Eight’s rocker arm-actuated valves never need adjustment. But instead of the Twin Cam’s dual camshafts there’s a single, chain-driven camshaft that’s lighter, quieter, less complex and reduces friction. The rubber-mounted Milwaukee-Eight uses an internal counterbalancer to cancel 75 percent of primary vibration at idle, for a less eyeball-shaking experience at stops.
Harley says the new engine’s reduced mechanical noise allows the exhaust note to take on richer tone. Other improvements include a 50 percent increase in charging output for powering accessories, slimmer primary and air cleaner covers for more legroom, and—always important on Motor Company machines—enhanced curb appeal. And all bikes with the Milwaukee-Eight are equipped with a low-effort Assist and Slip Clutch.
We’ll get a chance test ride 2017 models equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight at Harley-Davidson’s press launch next week. Stay tuned for our riding impressions.
Over the almost fifty years I’ve been riding – hard – I’ve had all kinds of bikes under my ass and, as a fashion accessory, I’ve always admired HD’s. Not to default to faint praise, there are some physical and many visceral features HD offers that are unique and attractive. Even with the cultish mystique aside, not many bikes make it happen like a Harley. But, I’m getting old now and I’ve learned there are many modes and roads to travel and there’s no one that bike can live up to the opportunities this world offers. Yep, this new hunk of Milwaukee metal is interesting, but predictably it will be more interesting to look at than own. For me, I can only afford a few bikes and I’d have to sell most of them to buy a new HD with this new engine, at least the one I’d want. So, I’ll sadly bid adiós to my HD dreams – long may HD thump and rumble, but, without me.
So how many H-D’s have you owned? I have had one, bought a Dyna in 01 and still have it, with very low miles as I ride very little these days, just under 65k as of today. The reason I ask is the “fashion accessory” comment strikes me as a very derogatory remark for someone with such a wide array of experience as yourself
Despite all the fanfare around the Twin Cam introduction in the 90s, it was never truly any better than the Evolution, just different. Hopefully the Mil-8 will prove worthy. The fact that it’s only for touring bikes is a big letdown though. Not everyone wants a big ugly bagger bike. Two steps forward, one step back Harley?
In what why is it 2-forward, 1-back? How is it a negative that they are making new engines and making other technical changes but not putting them on all bikes? Do you understand that they would have build many more entirely different engines for the other bikes? Or that those changes would drive up the prices of the entry-level and lower-cost models so that they’d lose market share and that would hurt their company? I can’t think of a single vehicle manufacturer that has made a major product change across it’s entire line of vehicles. That’s just unrealistic.
2 forward. with another tractor motor that maybe makes 75 horsepower on a 800 pound pig. I sold my Harley years ago. good riddance. Buy something with modern tech.
In what way is it 2-forward, 1-back? How is it a negative that they are making new engines and making other technical changes but not putting them on all bikes? Do you understand that they would have build many more entirely different engines for the other bikes? Or that those changes would drive up the prices of the entry-level and lower-cost models so that they’d lose market share and that would hurt their company? I can’t think of a single vehicle manufacturer that has made a major product change across it’s entire line of vehicles. That’s just unrealistic.
They didn’t make an entire lineup change. Only touring bikes. A bigger motor would be more appreciated in the other bikes. That’s why it’s a negative. Also, the motor should have been bigger. 4 cubic inches is a joke but Harley knows EVERY frame needs a redesign and rather than get it done and make it a 110 like Indian did YEARS ago, they did an engine redesign and marketing to make it sound better than it is. There’s no replacement for displacement.
It’s always a good thing when H-D makes actual technical improvements to their machines. Of course, the purists will immediately condemn these new engines and other features (“Suspension? We don’t need no steenkin’ suspension!”). I’ll break out my World’s Tiniest violin for those people.
Iissue my shovelhead and I miss the people that used to ride Harleys. Whiners and pushes are about all that are left. I reference the precious comments as proof.
You’re a Luddite who probably hasn’t ridden a Harley in years and probably not a model made in the last 10. You’d be amazed how well they handle, how much more comfortable the ride is, and how reliable they now are. And me? I’m not a H-D guy at all but I got to ride almost every model (including the CVO bikes) for a couple years last decade and even then, when they made a new frame for the Road King, it was like night-and-day. What had been the wallowing two-wheeled equivalent of a ’70s station wagon was utterly transformed into a composed, well-handling cruiser. It’s 2016, “Old Dog”–time for you to learn some new tricks or just stay in your dog house and…whine.
Harley to stop disrespecting its enormous buying market and correct the cam chain tensioner, the puny oil pump & the pressed fly wheel. Those are designed to fail..not if but when. I own 2 Harleys & will never ride any other bike but they could easily make the engine more reliable. And year after year it seems there’s more & more recalls on some things like the hydraulic clutch, voltage regulators, the 1st year of the water cooled engines etc. I guarantee you the 17s are going to have more recalls than the extinct Yugo. I let the overzealous lab rats buy up the 17s then after the refine the “Milwaukee 8” I may buy an 18. I love Harley but there’s plenty of room for improvement but they design built in failures just to make money. Read JamesRussellPublishing.biz article “Why not to buy a Harley” The first thing you’ll do is get a gear drive can tensioner before you find yourself flailing all over the super slab when the oil pump explodes & drops 4 quarts of oil all over your back tire. Oh yeah, they could easily fix the pressed flywheel like they had in the Pre 1999 models. It ju$t doe$nt make $en$e. Or msyb
My two sportsters, my two soft tails are parked in the garage while I ride THE V-ROD, only thing missing is a TOP GEAR light.. I thank Willie G. for a great machine. Jack W. Cates, Calgary, Alberta.
Four valves per cylinder. Welcome to 1974! How many more years before Harley discovers the overhead cam?
If they’re so backwards, why does Star (a.k.a.Yamaha) make an exact engine copy? Touring bikes don’t need ohc and high compression, high horsepower to run long distances comfortably. I value ultra reliability and no repetitive valve adjustments for the bike’s lifetime, over every other brands gee-whiz super techno high performance crap that needs serious shop time/rebuilds every 10,000 miles.
By the way, most Chevy V8’s (other than Corvettes) are still pushrods and are the longest lasting motors in the world.
I truly hope Harley has adressed the issues with this new motor. Hopefully there is no pressed pin crank. Crappy cam chain tensioners that fail. Easier way to replace the belt. More reliable charging system.
If they have addressed the issues built into the twin cam that keeps there dealers rich I might consider a Harley !!
Just imagine… Another 10 years or so and they will have recreated a 1980 GoldWing!
Harleys are still just fun dinosaurs!
Could not have said it better myself, perfect!
This article was very interesting. I have been going back and forth between a new Road Glide Ultra and the Indian Roadmaster. I was able to rent a Roadmaster for a recent 2 week ride through Northern Washington and British Columbia Canada. I can’t find anywhere to rent a Road Glide and my local dealers only provide little demo rides. Hardly enough to get the feel of a bike. While the Indian was a great smooth ride I had issues with a few things. No nav. System and strange noises out of the belt drive as well as the handlebar controls being made for giant hands.
I will not buy any mc without at least a thousand mile ride to see how we get along. Can’t wait to find a Road Glide to rent. Usually travel two up with luggage so we’ll see if this new motor is worthy.
My current ride is a 2006 Ultra CVO but I put in a cam and gear driven timing parts to eliminate the chain. Also has a racing oil pump. It’s a fine running bike but lacks decent suspension and handling compared to newer bikes.
There are some real idiots commenting….. for example making stupid references to overhead cam configurations or 4 valves per cylinder as being more into the 21st century finally …LOL…it’s different, not necessarily better. Anyway. The new Harley is as modern as anything out there as far as I’m concerned and an awesome machine. Harley riders don’t want overhead cams with chains driving them. We like air cooled engines. We don’t want a ‘water buffalo’. We like the sound and feel. The way I see it, the people that bash Harley are just ticked off because they don’t have one
I have an 07 Harley Street Glide and certainly I have my fair share of criticisms of some of the shortcomings of the bike. I currently have 87k miles and it’s still going strong with minimal oil consumption. I added cams and other power adders with suspension mods (ohlins, sweet ohlins) and it’s a great bike both around town, in the hills and on the highway. What I’ve found with Harley, with the fierce competition, they have improved greatly. Every modification starting with 07 with the 96 inch and the 6 speed to the 09 frame change to the 14 with the stout 49mm forks has been a significant plus. The new Milwaukee 8, in all likelihood significantly adds to those improvements. With a large bike, torque is a big deal. Effortless roll on power without shifting down zipping around a cager is a benefit. A seating position that copes with a 500 mile day another. Unless you’ve spent some time on one, it’s hard to criticize. I rented one prior to buying mine and rode one over a 3 day weekend. I have a feeling, with the Milwaukee 8, that wouldn’t be such a great idea if you’re not looking for a new bike payment.
They had to do something radical as Indian, Victory, and the metrics are stealing away previous and potential new buyers.
I just bought a 2017 ultra limited and it is a very refined powerful motorcycle. The new Milwaukee 8 has tremendous roll on power. I traded in a 2014 Rushmore limited which was also a great bike. But this 17 is better in every way. You don’t necessarily need overhead cams to make a great engine Look at the standard engine in a 2016 Corvette. Two valves per cylinder with pushrods & lifters, yet it’s a great engine. Overhead cams add weight & complexity . Sometimes simple is better, or at least as good.
Sounds great – the 107! I just bought my first NEW Harley last month with the 103. I’m very happy with the response of that engine – big change from my previous bike with an 88. Surprised HD came out with the larger engine – no one at any dealership had said anything to me as I shopped. I’m a Harley guy, with next to no problems riding 90,000 miles the past 10 years. I expect this new generation will hold up just as well. More power to you, H-D!
Went on a ride a couple of weeks ago through all the ‘notches’ in northern, NH. All 2 lane-twisties with some great straights. 6 Harleys, 1 Honda and 2 BMW’s. My 2004 RT and a 2015 GT [6 cylinder]. We [the 2 BMW’s] couldn’t get out of 4th gear. Until we broke away. Twisties at 40 with HD foot rest and kick stands dragging not fun. Twisties at 70 and 80…that is fun. Final score 1 Harley dead battery, 1 Harley overheated. 2 Harleys broke with us and did pretty good almost keeping up with us. Helmet count…maybe 3. All that matters is that you ride-not what you ride, but adding a couple of valves and some liquid cooling….won’t make them sport tourers; not even close, but they WERE LOUD and very shiny.
And hold thier resale value very well
I would not go that far to say that. Have you traded in a Harley yet? My 2014 Ultra Limited with 28,500 miles on it is worth around $15,000. More often than not people are trying to get more for theirs because of all the modifications and add ons. Most times you will never get the money you spent back.
Always interesting to read the comments from “Harley or nothing” riders and “Hell will freeze over B/4 I buy a Harley” riders. I got my first bike in 1958 and and have my 30th motorcycle in the garage now, a HD Ultra Classic. 25 of those bikes were not from Milwaukee only the last 5. I rode a 2017 Limited this week and my first thought was this is really a world class motorcycle. After enjoying touring 189000 miles on a HD I am looking forward to buying a new LTD for my 70th birthday. There are an unlimited number of super good motorcycles available for any type of riding you might desire and I will wave at you and talk with you anywhere and at any time but for this old scooter trash I know what my next one will be.
From 1 scooter trash to another well said… well said, live long and prosper my friend
I’m waiting until spring and watching closely. And I’m praying that this was done right. My biggest concern is the crank-pin. I really want this to be right. There is simply nothing more American than Harley. I thought I bought my last bike when I turned 60 earlier this year. However, that 2017 purple Street Glide (reminds me of my ’68 violet Schwinn Sting-Ray Fastback) has an excellent chance of yanking me off of my 2016 R1200GS.
That would be from one extreme to another!
Exactly. If the two bikes were more similar. it would be much easier to pick just one. I really need both.
I cringe every time someone comments that Harley is finally doing something everyone else has been doing for years, like the 4 valve heads. So what? All the other manufacturers want of piece of the Harley pie and would kill to have the loyal following that Harley has nurtured since their beginning. Anyways, Harley will eventually have an electric motorcycle to sell. Just because they aren’t the first should they not do it because Zero riders will be saying they did that 10 years ago? If you can’t afford a Harley then that is your problem. Quit complaining from the sidelines about a bike you have no intention of buying just for the sake of being a pain in the arse to those that like Harleys. By the way, the only reason that Indian bikes are back is because of Harley Davidson bikes selling so well that Polaris figured that they could make money by resurrecting the brand. Thank Harley for that instead of just the tired old us against them crapola.
Good points. People that have never ridden a Harley should just shut-up. I appreciate technology. I’m now riding my 4th BMW (1975 r75/6, 2 R1200RTs, and now a 2016 R1200GS) but I’ve also owned 2 Harley’s 1980 (Low Rider and 2013 Fat Bob), a Susuki TS250, a Yamaha (XS11) and a Honda (ST11). Still. I LOVE the cadence and power delivery of Harley’s. I will soon test test ride a 2017 Street Glide. I want one now, and I’m pretty dang sure my test ride will lead to ownership by next spring.
Great Job HD!! You have finally caught up with Yamaha Technology circa 2002 when the re-developed their superb Road Star engine (from ’98) into the 1670 cc engine of the RS Warrior… still puts out more than the “new” 107…
I think it is time for all to realize that HD does not own exclusive rights to the V-twin, and despite HDs best effort, they have been playing catch-up for many years now. This engine is no different, about 15 years behind the act…
“There is nothing more American than Harley”… well, I am not American but I would give you guys more credit than that… let’s hope HD is not all that the American Motorcycle market only strives to become. Leadership from behind?
Yes I have rode HD’s before; nice slow easy-going cruisers for a leisurely ride around the country, they are. Yes I like them for what they are. Not impressed by that lump 103 motor, anemic at best, and I am not impressed that for only “thousands” you could upgrade to the “Screaming Turkey” upgrades to somewhat match Yamaha Kawi and Honda… No I have not rode this “new” motor yet… I suspect it will be similar to what I rode on a VTX1800 and RS Warrior years ago. Yes they still barely match the standards of what Japan has been developing for many years now; still at least 15 years behind in engine development.
I do not hate HD but I cannot understand the intense cult these bikes have, when there is truly sooo much better from other parts of the world for far less and more reliable (proven statistically). Please don’t hate me for stating the obvious! I like all bikes, and HDs do sound pretty knarly, almost as cool as my 2008 Road Star used too with VH pipes…
Finally, do NOT make the ridiculous claim that Japan “copies” HD, who owns the “original” V-Twin… that excuse is rather silly… if HD truly owned a concept, they should be at the forefront of development, not 15 years leading from behind. I have heard it from before, and the facts do not bear it out. Continue leading, or you look rather silly trying to make excuses “leading” from the back end of the pack.
I went from an 07 roadstar to a 2017 road king. Yes it’s much more expensive but it looks better, rides better, and has a ton more power at interstate speeds than my roadstar. Don’t get me wrong that yamaha was a good bike but it just didn’t have any character or elicit any kind of emotional attatchment. You say hd is old and outdated i say the only thing that matters is how you feel qhen you’re riding it.
Roger got my 2017 Ltd at 5pm on Mar 18th. Parked it in my garage with 814 miles Sunday eve. Babied it to break it in. Just got back from the Tail of the Dragon and Cherahala Skyway with 4900 miles. I could have bought quicker, faster or lighter bikes but I could not have bought a more satisfying one for my 31st bike. At 70 years young I get to buy what I want and don’t have to justify to anyone. My advice to all is ride what you got and love it until you can get what you want.
So your of the opinion that a bike, any bike, must be the end all be all of every possible riding category to have a loyal following? Theres no room in your pro japanese technology rant for anyone else to enjoy what they wanted worked for and got? heres what your japanese bikes lack a multi generational love and following specifically BECAUSE they are Harleys maybe some folks dont want to read the latest cutting edge tech sheets when they choose a bike maybe just maybe they like them for what they are and at the same time maybe just maybe they could care less about your opinion shouldnt you be out riding that wonderful techno hurricane of fresh yesterday technology and keep your opinion on the japanese forums? just sayin…
I don’t own a HARLEY but I do own an American Vtwin. So if leading from behind is so bad why are they leading?
A Vtwin motor Needs to make the correct music when installed in a cruiser.
The reason the Japanese have ne er been able to compete is because they don’t sound right and they don’t feel right.
All the Japanese bikes that I have owned had no character.
There is more to a Vtwin than just power. It needs to make music. It has to be able to keep you entertained. Japanese VTwins have never had that ability.
Looks like leading from behind is the way to win!!!
Rob-
If you are Riding an Indian, good on you… rode a Chiefton, and I do like that 111 engine nice TQ. Polaris has made terrific strides in the Indian Brand, and would want an “American” cruiser, I would take one any time.
I do disagree however, quite strongly, that a Japanese bike has no character. I will take an old RS Warrior any day over any brand spanking new HD. Far more roll on, TQ and that bike was 100 lbs lighter than a far newer HD. Plus sport bike handling and brakes.. Ohh, but it did not have that trademark “potato-potato” sound thank goodness solid thump-thump and nice and loud…. Actually I used to own a 2008 Roadstar 1700, with aftermarket pipes, and IMHO it sounded louder and better at idle than HD.
If you want “no character” they try the Star 113 cu.in. engine in an RS Raider . 120 ft-lbs TQ, bone stock. You can get about 135 ft-lbs with mild upgrades via Powercommander and exhaust. And I bought my Raider for $5000 used…
I don’t dis HD lightly, again they are what they are and for some guys it is just a cult. However, HD made this “new” motor as a “brave” attempt to “keep up” with other brands (sorry again guys, I call it for what it is. I do not have an HD bias, I have rode many types of bikes. I judge them base on what they are, not for the name on the side). When I ride a Milwaukee motor, as I said, I am sure it will feel quite similar to what I rode on my 2002 Star Warrior…
Please do not compare what you haven’t ridden. I’m for people riding motorcycles, the more the merrier. Many bikes I find ugly but understand that everyone else has a right to their own opinion. Not enough people ride motorcycles so it does little good for the motorcycle riding public to argue amongst themselves about one brand vs another. Can’t we all just get along?
Good points. However, nothing is a Harley except for a Harley. I strongly believe they’ve gotten it right with their new engine. And “right” doesn’t automatically mean “best” or “most advanced.” In Harley’s case, “right’ simply means a much more reasonable mpg/power ratio and extending the rebuild/lawsuit frequency to attract new riders while retaining enough of the original feel to keep their current riders. I am very happy they have taken this brave (for Harley) step.
Now they need to completely redo the Sportster because it is really old and tired. Too heavy, lousy suspension and underpowered. Give it a completely new frame, drop 100 lbs, and hot rod that lump just like they’ve done to the big twins. Milwaukee 8 junior. Way overdue and a bit embarrassing.
ABSOFREAKINGLUTELY!!!
Everyone here should check out motorcycle.com’s article this month titled “Bagger Brawl”…
They tested an Indian Roadmaster, a Victory Magnum, a Harley Street Glide with the new Milwaukee 8 engine and a Moto Guzzi MGX 21.
The article stated that the Guzzi was “easily the fastest bike tested with an engine that spins up and revs more like a sportbike than a cruiser.” Despite giving up 300-odd cc to the others, the Guzzi “killed” the others in top gear roll-ons”. From the moment the throttle was cranked open the 90° V-Twin easily pulled away from the others:
The Moto Guzzi won the overall powerplant scores with a 94.4% for the engine and a 90.0% score for the transmission/clutch category and that’s with an antique single plate clutch design…
The Harley and Indian tied with engine scores of 88.8% while the Chieftain held a solo 85.0% second place for transmission/clutch.
The Guzzi didn’t do bad for a motorcycle with an engine that’s been called outdated or an antique. It seems that HD with much fanfare brought an underperforming Milwaukee 8 to the party 10 years late, HD with all the R&D resources can’t seem to outperform an engine that is significantly smaller in displacement.
But the loyalists will defend the engine and the brand to the grave…
MANY engines ‘outperform’ the new Harley Milwaukee 8. However, the Harley’s intended purpose does not include ‘outperforming’ anybody else’s products. Harley’s purpose in designing their new engine was to save their well-established brand through heat reduction, increased fuel mileage and better reliability. The natural constraints of a 45 degree V-Twin prevent it from competing in the performance arena as you seem to suggest it should. Whether you approve or not: Harley makes a connection with the American landscape the same way a BMW does with the Autobahn. I currently ride an R1200GS, but I will likely find myself on a new Street Glide by next summer. By all measures, The Milwaukee 8 is a BIG hit. The ‘mystique’ is real. If you can’t understand it, then, by all means, feel very free not to purchase one. Here’s hoping that you enjoy every bit of admiration that your Guzzi garners!
Amen. You hit the nail on the head.
Maybe I think differently but when a new high tech engine years in development under-performs other bikes in the same segment, even their other American made counterparts.
Hard to justify buying a sub standard product just because it “connects with the American landscape” which is a complete subjective statement.
The review on motorcycle.com had all 6 testers stating that the Milwaukee 8 felt under-powered and left the testers underwhelmed compared to the competition.
I’ve owned two super-glides and a tour-glide and all 3 were pieces of junk for various reasons. After giving Harley 3 failed chances to prove themselves I don’t care to give them a 4th. Especially when they cost up to 30,000 dollars now a days…
Sorry but I’ll need a little more than the fact that they “connect to the landscape” to make that plunge again.
In this case the 450 year old adage applies, a fool and their money is soon parted.
Roberto – I agree with you completely… the HD “Mantra”; “Mystique” is highly , highly over-rated. There is a reason HD invests so much in merchandise to maintain the “Mystique”…
The Milwaukee lump is a decent attempt, as said it nearly matches the 102” Road Star motor on my 2002 RS Warrior… that was upgraded from the 1998 Roadstar…
I also agree that HD does not necessarily “connect to the landscape”… perhaps connect to your wallet. IMHO, try an Indian or RS Raider, now, THAT was a V-Twin which blew away any V-Twin HD could conjure up, including any CVO model for $35,000+.
PS no apologies to HD. Riding any bike is an emotional experience. If HD connects with you purely on an emotional level, then feel free to connect that way. Myself I prefer to go with something that makes a lot more sense to my wallet, and is objectively superior in every single way.
I would like to see the pan head and knuk. brought back with the improvements on the inside. Even a hidden electric start under the front seat. And keep the price down for the working stiff.
I don’t know, I just love those old bikes
Biggest problem with Harley’s is they don’t make em for regular peons like myself anymore. Bought my first slightly used Harley for $1900 cash and never even had a flat tire with it.And that was my most significant mode of transportation,drove the heck out of it,four seasons out of the year,except blizzards.
Oh and for you techno. guys, ya I bought a 1969 Honda CB 750 in 1971 it was a first yr. model very fast for the times, but electrical problems every couple of weeks
[…] Harley-Davidson Launches Milwaukee-Eight Big Twin for 2017 The new-for-2017 Milwaukee-Eight is the ninth generation of Harley-Davidson’s Big Twin engine platform. Often considered hidebound to tradition, Harley-Davidson isn’t known for radical or rapid change. […]
My, my… Old posts I know, but here is my drift… I bought the first Milwaukee 8 when it arrived in the showroom in 2017. I could not wait to get out from under my 103 twin-cam. As we all know, the twin-cam has a fatal flaw – that being the god-awful cam chain tensioners. They WILL fail – not IF, but When. A truly tragic design. Why do you think they quit making them after the 1929 JD twin cam? Anyway, the M8 is a far superior design. Smooth, tractable power, with much improved throttle response and engine exhaust braking. I currently own 5 H-D’s – from a 2009 883 Sportster to a bought-new 2021 ElectraGlide Revival – the Icon limited edition model. I love them all, but the 2004 twin-cam is the most labor intensive, even though it is the most fun to ride around town. This year, I will have to have the cam chest refreshed – at a cost of about 3 grand. Ridiculous I know – but the bike has sentimental value to me, and I plan on putting all new Screaming Eagle guts in it. So I guess that makes me a die hard Harley guy, and can’t imagine riding anything else ever. Buy Harley, stay Harley, and never look back!…