American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 207 October 2016 | Página 23

single internal counter balancer that is
said to cancel 75 percent of primary
vibration at idle (rather than 100
percent), “for a more refined feel and
comfortable experience for rider and
passenger while retaining the classic
character of Harley V-twin engines.”
Lighter valves, a single camshaft,
optimized cover designs and improved
driveline components are said to
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 engine is
mechanically quieter, “enabling a
richer exhaust tone, meeting all global
noise and emissions standards, while
allowing the unmistakable rumble of
its exhaust note to resonate.”
The charging system delivers 50
percent more output to the battery at

replaced with a torque-cased system –
the rider throttle position triggers a
torque rather than throttle command.
By doing so Harley may have
presented the manufacturers of
existing aftermarket engine
management devices with a
challenge; the business opportunity
Harley may think they can expect to
see as a result may go some way to
explaining the timing of their
settlement of the EPA action they’ve
been facing.

idle to “better support the power
demands of Touring riders, including
accessory lighting, performance audio,
and heated gear and other
accessories.”
Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson’s
Director of Styling, is quoted as saying:
“The ‘Milwaukee-Eight’ engine is
styled to project power. 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. 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.”

Rider comfort is also enhanced by the
new, slimmer primary drive cover, and
the low-profile shape of the (less than
aesthetically nourishing) air cleaner
cover, providing 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 percent.
The rubber-mounted engine features a

SUSPENSION
The all-new front and rear suspension components “enhance the comfort, control and performance of all 2017 HarleyDavidson 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 is
said to deliver the
damping
performance of a
racing-style
cartridge fork with
linear damping
characteristics and
reduced weight.

www.AMDchampionship.com

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER - OCTOBER 2016

23