Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight Engine & 2017 Models Revealed!

More power. More comfort. More control. Harley-Davidson have unveiled the all-new Milwaukee-Eight engine, the ninth Big Twin in its history, plus all-new front and rear suspension for its Model Year 2017 Touring motorcycle lineup.

New Milwaukee-Eight Engine

The new Milwaukee-Eight engine, the ninth Big Twin design in the company’s storied lineage, is a clean-sheet design that combines the classic look, sound and feel of Harley-Davidson Big Twin engines with improvements in every aspect of engine performance.

“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 Harley-Davidson customers around the world.”

 

 

Retaining the classic 45-degree V-Twin cylinder angle, the Milwaukee-Eight engine produces 10 percent more torque (varies per model) than previous year models and features four-valve cylinder heads that offer 50 percent more intake and exhaust flow capacity.

The Milwaukee-Eight engine is counter-balanced to cancel 75 percent of primary vibration at idle, retaining the classic feel of a Harley V-Twin while being very smooth at highway speeds. A new heat management strategy for all Milwaukee-Eight engines improves rider and passenger comfort.

Milwaukee-Eight engines are offered in two displacements: the Milwaukee-Eight 107 (107 CID/1745cc) and Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 107 (107 CID/1745cc) for standard motorcycle models and the Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 (114 CID/1870cc) for Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) motorcycle models.

New Touring Suspension

All-new front and rear suspension components enhance the comfort, control and performance of all 2017 Harley-Davidson Touring model motorcycles. New emulsion-technology rear shock absorbers offer 15 to 30 percent more pre-load adjustment than previous standard Touring shocks, with a single knob to hydraulically adjust pre-load.

“Pre-load can now be adjusted to match the load of rider, passenger and gear without tools or an air pump,” said Paul James, Harley-Davidson Director of Motorcycle Product Planning. “Once set, the pre-load will not leak down or require further adjustment.”

The front suspension features new Showa SDBV suspension technology that delivers the damping performance of a racing-style cartridge fork with linear damping characteristics and reduced weight.

Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations

Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) models combine prestige and performance in three limited-edition factory-custom motorcycles for 2017.

• The 2017 CVO Limited model is enhanced by the refined performance of the new Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine and improved ride and handling provided by the new suspension. Also new for 2017 are Contrast Chrome Slicer wheels and a seat reshaped for rider comfort. The CVO Limited also features a new custom paint scheme in four new color combinations.
• The 2017 CVO Street Glide motorcycle combines the power of the new Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, the refined ride and handling performance of the new suspension, and a four-speaker, 600-watt Boom! Audio system that delivers state-of-the-art audio performance. Also new for 2017 are power locks for the saddlebags and fork controlled by a single security and locking key fob, and a re-styled seat cover. The CVO Street Glide is available in four new color combinations for 2017.
• The 2017 CVO Pro Street Breakout motorcycle combines high-intensity performance with a long, muscular look steeped in drag-racing attitude. Utilising cutting-edge finishes and textures, the CVO Pro Street Breakout brings a darker look to the CVO line. The CVO Pro Street Breakout is powered by the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110B air-cooled V-Twin engine. Three finish choices include the new Starfire Black/Scorched Apple combination.

 

 

2017 Harley-Davidson Street 500 Motorcycles

The 2017 Harley-Davidson Street 500 motorcycle is now available with ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) and the Harley-Davidson Smart Security System with hands-free, proximity-based security fob, each as a factory-installed option. Additionally, 2017 Street 500 can be optioned with new two-tone  paint schemes which include Vivid Black Deluxe and Fire Red Deluxe.  

Powerful Cruiser Lineup
With the High Output Twin Cam 103 standard for all 2017 Softail models and the S Series
cruisers with the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110™ engine, Harley-Davidson continues to
offer its most powerful cruisers ever.

ABOUT THE NEW MILWAUKEE-EIGHT ENGINE

New Milwaukee-Eight engines will power every 2017 Harley-Davidson Touring (and in New Zealand only, Trike motorcycle models). Milwaukee-Eight engines will be offered in two displacements and three variations:

• Milwaukee-Eight 107 (107 CID, 1745cc) featuring precision oil-cooled cylinder heads for the Street Glide Special, Road Glide Special, Road King (and in New Zealand only,  Freewheeler).
• Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 107 (107 CID, 1745cc) featuring liquid-cooled cylinder heads for the Ultra Limited, (and in New Zealand only, Tri Glide Ultra).
• Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 (114 CID, 1870cc) featuring liquid-cooled cylinder heads for the CVO Limited and CVO Street Glide models.

More Power

Each Milwaukee-Eight engine produces 10 per cent more torque than the engine it replaces in Touring models (varies per model). In addition to increased displacement, the Milwaukee-Eight engine features a higher compression ratio and four-valve cylinder heads with 50 per cent more intake and exhaust flow capacity.

The valve train requires no adjustment as the design of the rocker arms enables valve lash to be set at the factory for life. Dual spark plugs for each cylinder contribute to more-efficient combustion. A single chain-driven camshaft is lighter, mechanically less complex and creates less friction and noise.

 

 

“The Milwaukee-Eight engine retains the classic Harley-Davidson 45-degree V-Twin design,” said Alex Bozmoski, Harley-Davidson Chief Powertrain Engineer, who led the development team. “It also retains the power characteristic that is the real legacy of the Harley-Davidson Big Twin: strong low-end torque with a broad, flat power curve through the mid-range that’s ideal for the Touring motorcycle rider.”

Quicker Acceleration

The Milwaukee-Eight engine weighs the same as the engines it replaces, so all of its extra power contributes directly to improved acceleration performance.

• The Milwaukee-Eight 107 accelerates 11 percent quicker 0-100kph, equal to a two to three bike length improvement, compared to the Twin Cam High Output 103.
• The Milwaukee-Eight 114 accelerates 8 percent quicker 0-100.

Heat Management

The Milwaukee-Eight engine offers improved rider and passenger thermal comfort due to reduced heat absorption, increased heat rejection and a redesigned exhaust system. Each Milwaukee-Eight engine features a precision cooling strategy based on the specific demands of the motorcycle model, using a targeted flow of either oil or liquid coolant around the hottest areas of the cylinder heads.

A new knock sensor for each cylinder enables more-precise timing control. The rear exhaust pipe is re-positioned and the exhaust catalyst is relocated to move heat away from the passenger. Idle speed is lowered from 1,000 rpm to 850 rpm.

Improved Fit

A new, slimmer primary drive cover and the low-profile shape of the air cleaner cover provide improved rider legroom around the engine and an easier reach to the ground for many riders. All Milwaukee-Eight powered models are fitted with an Assist and Slip Clutch with improved hydraulic actuation that reduces clutch lever effort by 7 per cent.

Reduced Vibration

The rubber-mounted Milwaukee-Eight engine features a single internal counter balancer that cancels 75 per cent of primary vibration at idle for a more-refined feel and more-comfortable experience for rider and passengers while retaining the classic character of Harley V-Twin engines.

Richer Exhaust Note

Lighter valves, a single camshaft, optimized cover designs and improved driveline components eliminate mechanical powertrain noise. The engine intake and air cleaner are designed to reduce intake sound while ensuring maximum air flow. As a result, the new Milwaukee-Eight engine is mechanically quieter, enabling a richer exhaust tone, and meets all global noise and emissions standards while allowing the unmistakable rumble of its exhaust note to resonate.

 

 

Improved Charging

The Milwaukee-Eight engine charging system delivers 50 percent more output to the battery at idle to better support the power demands of Touring riders, including accessory lighting, performance audio, and heated gear and other accessories.

New Engine Styling

The Milwaukee-Eight engine features sleek, modern styling that respects the heritage of previous Harley-Davidson Big Twin engines.

“The Milwaukee-Eight engine is styled to project power,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Director of Styling. “I compare it to the back of a swimmer, lean in the waist but broad and muscular in the shoulders.”

“The rocker covers look like skin stretched taut over muscle, like the rocker arms are about to burst out of the engine,” said Richards. “For the first time since the Knucklehead, the rocker covers reflect the action going on below. And they are massive. When you sit on the bike you can look down and see more of this engine.”