Harley-Davidson launch new engine

**Bob** · 18th July 2006, 00:25

Harley-Davidson has announced details of its new engine, to be used in the 2007 range. The ‘Twin Cam 96’ will power all models in Dyna, Softail and Touring product ranges, each of which will also feature six-speed transmission. The new engine and gear configuration is said to deliver up to 17 percent more torque. It will only be offered with fuel injection.

"The V-Twin engine has always been the centerpiece of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle," said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Director of Motorcycle Product Development. "It's integral not only to the performance of the motorcycle, but also to its styling, to its sound, and to the way it feels to the rider. The new Twin Cam 96 and 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission offer enhanced performance, while maintaining the traditional aesthetics of the Harley-Davidson Big Twin."

**Mr. Peanut** · 18th July 2006, 06:04

Harley-Davidson launch new engine - Now there's an oxymoron

**James Deuce** · 18th July 2006, 06:57

Don't mistake HD's "traditional" look and feel for a lack of modern technique. HD spend more on getting the sound of a new engine right than most Japanese companies spend on developing a new model. One man's meat and all that.

**ZeroIndex** · 18th July 2006, 07:05

Originally Posted by Jim2

Don't mistake HD's "traditional" look and feel for a lack of modern technique. HD spend more on getting the sound of a new engine right than most Japanese companies spend on developing a new model. One man's meat and all that.

Harley Davidson techinicians:
1)ok, the sound is too clean, try putting some sawdust in the oil tank..
2)yeah, that sounds a bit better
1)what else can we do that would normally screw up a perfectly good engine?

p/t

**scumdog** · 18th July 2006, 07:28

Seems that the majority of H-D slagging comes from those with little or no experience with H-D bikes - and likely never to have ridden on or to own one.

Arm-chair critic is the expression that comes to mind?

Or just trolling?

**scumdog** · 18th July 2006, 07:29

Seems that each time I get a H-D they bring out a newer/bigger/better model!! - 96 cubic inches now eh??

**Motig** · 18th July 2006, 09:21

Is repetitive the sound a Harley makes? Would love one but its the old having to cut the cloth to suit ie there way to dear for me.

**limbimtimwim** · 18th July 2006, 19:21

Is it still air-cooled? Did those cunning Germans work on it? Air-cooled is good aesthetically and aurally positive.

Now if they shove it in little frame, paint some bits baby blue, I might be interested. When I win lotto.

**Bob** · 18th July 2006, 20:33

Originally Posted by ZeroIndex

Harley Davidson techinicians:
1)ok, the sound is too clean, try putting some sawdust in the oil tank..
2)yeah, that sounds a bit better
1)what else can we do that would normally screw up a perfectly good engine?

p/t

Reading an article last night - H-D have found a way to meet the new emissions regulations over here... but INCREASE the sound level when the bike is on the move. Very clever and you only get to do this sort of thing with some serious equipment available.

According to the article, they've got a multi-million dollar facility which deals in the aural and acoustic side of things. We may all laugh, but the "sound of a Harley" is a huge part of their image and they do spend serious amounts of money making sure it is right on every model they produce.

A year or so ago, I came up with some statistics for bike recalls in the UK. Worst numbers? Honda. Least recalls of any major manufacturer? Harley-Davidson.

**scumdog** · 18th July 2006, 21:14

Shut up Bob!

You're going to ruin it for a lot of anti-H-D types out there!!

**Marknz** · 18th July 2006, 21:42

For a minute there I thought it read "Harley-Davidson lunch new engine" and I was wondering what the news was

**NordieBoy** · 18th July 2006, 21:42

Originally Posted by Bob

A year or so ago, I came up with some statistics for bike recalls in the UK. Worst numbers? Honda. Least recalls of any major manufacturer? Harley-Davidson.

But how many models do Harley bring out compared to other brands?
Oh and "with tassells and without tassells" doesn't count as 2 models.

Rider: I think there's something wrong with my Harley.
Mech: What's happening?
Rider: It sounds like a bucket full of bolts being shaken around.
Mech: No, that's normal.

Before anyone flames me for the aforementioned

I would just like to say that I normally ride alone but was on a rideout with the Nelson Road Touring Club and I heard this god-awful rattling sound and nearly crapped myself thinking "oh shit, the cam belt has gone!" or some such.

I've never been more pleased to be passed by a Harley in my life

The adrenaline was flowing for a while there.

PS: The BMW F650 sounds almost as bad.

**scumdog** · 19th July 2006, 07:51

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

But how many models do Harley bring out compared to other brands?
Oh and "with tassells and without tassells" doesn't count as 2 models.

Rider: I think there's something wrong with my Harley.
Mech: What's happening?
Rider: It sounds like a bucket full of bolts being shaken around.
Mech: No, that's normal.

Before anyone flames me for the aforementioned

I would just like to say that I normally ride alone but was on a rideout with the Nelson Road Touring Club and I heard this god-awful rattling sound and nearly crapped myself thinking "oh shit, the cam belt has gone!" or some such.

I've never been more pleased to be passed by a Harley in my life

The adrenaline was flowing for a while there.

PS: The BMW F650 sounds almost as bad.

I know what you mean, you hav'nt lived until you've taken an iron-head sporty for a thrash then stopped and taken your helmet off - the mechanical clattering, whirring and knocking are (in Mr Ixion language) 'most alarming.

Blardy sounds terminal at first but they keep going like that!!

**Flyingpony** · 19th July 2006, 09:04

I've seen a H-D from 1970 and all it need was some polishing. Didn't blow smoke either and started first pop too. Love the idle sound of H-D's. Would like to own a H-D one day, but they're just too expensive.