More power. More comfort. More control. Today, Harley-Davidson redefined touring by unveiling 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.
“These are the most powerful, most responsive and most comfortable Touring motorcycles ever offered by Harley-Davidson,” said Scott Miller, Vice-President of Styling and Product Development Strategy. “The unmistakable look, sound and feel of Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles rise to even greater heights with the improvements we’ve made this year. You truly have to ride it to feel it – so we’re inviting all riders to go to their local dealer and take a test ride.”
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 up to 11 percent more torque 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. Despite its increased power, the Milwaukee-Eight engine delivers better fuel economy compared to previous motorcycle models.
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.
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 Screamin’ Eagle Performance will offer a range of new ECE-certified products for Touring models, including Street Cannon Slip-On Mufflers and Heavy Breather Performance, Ventilator and High-Flow Air Cleaners. In addition, the new Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight Stage I, II, III and IV kits enable riders in compliant countries to fully upgrade the performance of their bike to suit their riding style; from a passing power increase to a total engine upgrade delivering maximum performance (product compliance varies from market to market).
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. Utilizing 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.
With the High Output Twin Cam 10 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. — SG
