Eight is Enough….if it’s from Milwaukee

    Odds are you’ve heard about the new Milwaukee Eight engines that all the new Harley-Davidson touring models will be outfitted with for 2017.  Adamec has all the details and answers to your questions about this first new addition to the H-D Big Twin family of engines since the Twin Cam B in 2001!

    First things first, the new Milwaukee Eight will be featured in two different displacements and versions:  the 107 inch 1750cc model that will be standard issue on the 2017 touring fleet, and the 114 inch 1870cc behemoth that will be available for the special edition CVO touring models in 2017.  The 107 uses precision oil-cooled cylinder heads and will be found living in the Street Glides, Road Glides, the Electra Glide Ultra Classics, and Freewheeler trikes.  In addition, a Twin-Cooled version with liquid-cooled cylinder heads and radiators will power the Ultra Limited models, the Road Glide Ultras and Tri Glides.

    The change to eight valves (hence the name Milwaukee Eight) is derivative of the board track racers of old, but with a focus on 21st century technology and advancements to create a more powerful bike with a smoother ride.  The addition of a second spark plug to each cylinder also allows for increased efficiency as well.  These new beasts experience 50% more intake and exhaust flow.  As a result, the new bikes deliver a claimed 10 percent more torque and are two to three bike lengths faster from 0–60 mph.