Muscle Where It Counts - Milwaukee-Eight

Harley-Davidson announced this week the arrival of a new motor for the touring models – the Milwaukee-Eight. The new 8 valve motor is the ninth new design for Harley’s big v-twin as the company claims the motor represents a clean sheet, ground up build rather than a re-engineering of an existing motor. The motor retains the classic 45 degree layout but now features 4 valves per cylinder, higher compression ratios and new heat management. While horsepower figures are not being bandied about the company notes a 10 increase in torque over existing motors translating into as much as a 11% improvement in accelerations times . Further technical details include a 50% increase in intake and exhaust flow due to the new valve layout, a redesigned counter balancer said to decrease vibration by 75%, a new chain-driven camshaft that is lighter and quieter and an increase output for the charging system. For those who find that more just isn’t enough, the Milwaukee-Eight will be available in two displacements – a 107 ci for standard models and a 114 ci to enhance the bling of CVO machines. Still not satisfied? Also available are Screamin’ Eagle Stage I, II and III kits to boost torque by up to 24%. So now you are going faster but what about going faster more comfortably? The touring models will also get an improved suspension system front and back that includes Showa components. All that and the motor look better as well with new contoured rocker covers that visualizes the new muscle found within.