Harley-Davidson 2017 range

New Milwaukee-Eight engine and updated Touring range headline Harley-Davidson's next model-year revamp

As previously mooted by Bikesales.com.au, a new powerplant dubbed the Milwaukee-Eight is the jewel in the crown of Harley-Davidson's 2017 range, which was unveiled overnight in the USA.

Retaining Harley's historic 45-degree V-twin architecture, the Milwaukee-Eight is available in two capacities and three formats and will power every model in the new-look Harley-Davidson Touring range.

Indeed, it's the Touring range that has come in for the lion's share of the attention in the update, with the family also benefitting from new suspension. Meanwhile three new CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) models join the fray – the CVO Limited, CVO Street Glide and CVO Pro Street Breakout – while the entry-level Street 500 now comes with optional antilock brakes and a proximity-based security system.

Harley-Davidson's cruiser line-up continues with the marque's High Output Twin Cam 103 and Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110 engines.

MILWAUKEE-EIGHT

Harley-Davidson says the ninth iteration of its Big Twin, the Milwaukee-Eight, retains the classic look and feel of a Harley engine while delivering faster throttle response, more power, a smoother ride and better feel.

Named because of its eight-valve format, the engine is available in two capacities and three variants. The Milwaukee-Eight 107 (107 cubic inches/1745cc) features oil-cooled cylinder heads while the Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 107 has the same capacity but features liquid-cooled cylinder heads.

That leaves the Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 (114 cubic inches/1870cc), which also features liquid-cooled cylinder heads.

Harley-Davidson says the Milwaukee-Eight produces around 10 per cent more torque than the engine it replaces in the Touring models. The engine now boasts a higher compression ratio and four-valve heads with 50 per cent more intake and exhaust flow capacity.

Dual spark plugs per cylinder provide better combustion while the single camshaft is said to be lighter and less complex, leading to reduced friction and reduced mechanical noise.

The Milwaukee-Eight is said to weigh the same as its predecessor so its extra grunt contributes to faster acceleration – the Milwaukee-Eight 107 is claimed to be 11 per cent faster over 0-100km/h while the Milwaukee-Eight 114 is said to be eight per cent quicker, says Harley-Davidson.

The Milwaukee-Eight 107 will be found in the 2017 Street Glide Special, Road Glide Special and Road King, while the Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 107 can be found in the Ultra Limited. The Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 powers the new CVO Limited and CVO Street Glide models (the remaining CVO model, the CVO Pro Street Breakout, is powered by the Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110B).

Other improvements include better heat management for both rider and passenger, a slimmer primary drive cover and low-profile air cleaner for improved ergonomics, and reduced vibration. Rubber mountings and a single internal counter balancer are claimed to reduce primary vibration at idle by 75 per cent, while still retaining the classic character of a Harley-Davidson Big Twin.

Harley-Davidson says the engine is mechanically quieter which, in turn, delivers a richer exhaust note, while the charging system delivers 50 per cent more output to the battery at idle, thereby better supporting the needs of touring riders.

Harley-Davidson Australia's director of marketing, Adam Wright, said the engine ushers in a new era of Harley-Davidson history.

"We've listened to the needs of Australian Touring riders and what it takes to provide the ultimate touring experience," he said. "The launch of the Milwaukee-Eight and the increased power this engine delivers will redefine the Harley-Davidson Touring experience for our riders."

NEW TOURING MODELS

Alongside the adoption of the new Milwaukee-Eight engine, the 2017 Harley-Davidson Touring range also receives new front and rear suspension.

Touring models now benefit from new emulsion-technology rear shocks said to offer 15 to 30 per cent more pre-load adjustment, all accessed via a single hydraulic adjustment knob.

Meanwhile the front fork features Showa's SDBV (Showa Dual Bending Valve) technology, which Harley says offers the damping performance of a race-style cartridge fork.

NEW CVO RANGE

The 2017 CVO Limited is powered by the Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine and receives the new suspension, along with new Contrast Chrome Slicer wheels, a reshaped seat and four new custom colour combinations.

The 2017 CVO Street Glide gets the same engine and suspension package as the CVO Limited, plus a four-speaker 600-watt Boom! audio system, power locks for the saddlebags, a restyled seat cover and four new colour schemes.

The 2017 CVO Pro Street Breakout is powered by the Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110B engine and comes in three paint schemes, including the new Starfire Black/Scorched Apple.

STREET 500

Harley-Davidson's entry-level and Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) model, the Street 500, receives ABS and the Harley-Davidson Smart Security System as factory options for 2017. The model is also now available with new optional two-tone paint schemes.

The 2017 Harley-Davidson media launch will be held in Washington State, USA, in early September. Bikesales.com.au will be there, so be sure to check back soon for a full review of new Milwaukee-Eight V-twin and the revamped Touring range.