Along with the news of the new Milwaukee Eight motor, Harley-Davidson also had several other upgrades to announce today, from their spendiest models, all the way to the Street lineup.
First up, the big bikes: Harley-Davidson’s touring lineup is getting new suspension. They’ve got what Harley-Davidson calls “dual bending valve front suspension technology” which “provides the performance of a racing-style cartridge fork with linear damping characteristics and reduced weight.” In the most basic of explanations, that front suspension now relies on valves that allow more fork oil to flow more under increasing pressures (bigger bumps, higher speeds), while still keeping everything tight when under less stress. This should, theoretically, allow for superior control under all conditions.
The front forks also have larger internal damper pistons. The lowered models have 99 mm of travel, and bikes with standard ride height have 116 mm of travel up front.
The Touring line gets new rear shocks with more preload adjustment capability, including a hand-adjustable knob to set pre-load through hydraulic technology — much easier than the old-school spring-and-hammer method.
The custom lines also get some changes. The Screamin’ Eagle performance parts catalogue now has bits for the Milwaukee Eight motor that allow for up to 24 per cent increase in torque. Harley-Davidson’s marketeers noted that these parts are street-legal, but may not be available in all markets. And while the CVO Street Glide and CVO Limited models get the new Milwaukee Eight motor, the CVO Pro Street Breakout has the older engine design, featuring the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110B air-cooled V-twin.
The Street 500/750 lineup also sees a couple new options available. Now, ABS is available for these beginner-level bikes, as a factory-installed option. The Streets also have Harley-Davidson’s Smart Security System as a factory option (hands-free, proximity-based security fob). No word on the pricing of either of these upgrades.
GALLERY
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Hmmm … New Milwaukee Eight motors and now. new suspension. Looks like Harley is goin after Polaris/Victory/Indian. I like it ! Come on Harley let’s see what you can really do!
Oh and to TK… 6.. no 7!!. Oh hang on ..6. That last one was an old Honda.
Haha Paolo, good one – at first I thought you were talking about the levels of Blackie’s 12 step program !
I’ll need way more than 12 levels.
Wow, OPTIONAL upgrades for the Street 500/750s !
How about maybe better pricing, suspension and HP ? (sarcastic voice)
I think I’ve seen maybe one on the road – any idea how many the Motor Corp. has actually sold ?
Now, now, don’t be sarcastic. Are you questioning CMG’s newfound love affair with Harley Davidson?
Perhaps, oh Dark One, perhaps.
But that doesn’t mean I still don’t love Costa like a brother….
I can’t win. Last month, someone told me I hated them and it was blatantly obvious.
Not me ?
Its not you, Zac, Its the direction of this website I’m having difficulty with (or, with which I am having difficulty).
Admitting difficulty, oh Dark One, is the first step on the road to a therapeutic solution…. 😉
Blackie, feel free to share your thoughts with me by email zac at see em gee online .com