Milwaukee, Aug. 23—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.”
New Milwaukee-Eight Engine
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 10 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.
Milwaukee-Eight engines are offered in two displacements: the Milwaukee-Eight 107 (107 CID/1750cc) and Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 107 (107 CID/1750cc) for standard motorcycle models and the Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 (114 CID/1870cc) for Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) motorcycle models.
New Touring Suspension
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.
Screamin’ Eagle Performance
Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Performance will offer a full selection of street-legal performance components for the Milwaukee-Eight engines, including Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight Stage I, II and III kits that deliver up to a 24 percent increase in torque over the stock engine.
Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations
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.
2017 Harley-Davidson Street 500/750 Motorcycles
2017 Harley-Davidson Street motorcycle models are available with ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) and the Harley-Davidson Smart Security System with hands-free, proximity-based security fob, each as a factory-installed option. New optional two-tone paint schemes for the 2017 Street 750 include Vivid Black Deluxe and Velocity Red Sunglo Deluxe for North America and Vivid Black Deluxe and Fire Red Deluxe for Asia, Europe and Latin America.
Powerful Cruiser Lineup
With the High Output Twin Cam 103 standard for all 2017 Softail models and Dyna models except the Street Bob model and the S Series cruisers with the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 engine, Harley-Davidson continues to offer its most powerful cruisers ever.
“We want all riders to save the date of Sept. 23,” said Dino Bernacchi, Director of U.S. Marketing at Harley-Davidson. “That weekend, Harley-Davidson dealers across the country will host open house events so riders can throw a leg over our Model Year 2017 touring motorcycles and feel the difference of the all-new Milwaukee-Eight engine for themselves.”
To experience the transformation of the 2017 Harley-Davidson models now, click here to schedule a test ride.
