Harley launches new engine for 2007

Harley-Davidson has announced a new engine as part of a major rework of its existing line-up for the 2007 model year. Perhaps the best news for those on a budget is the line-up now starts at a little over $10,000.

The company continues to enjoy boom sales. According to one report, Harley-Davidson's worldwide dealer network sold more than 125,000 motorcycles during the second quarter, an increase of 10 per cent over the prior year.

Here is what the company has announced:

Harley-Davidson will launch the Twin Cam 96, an all-new Big Twin engine, as it introduces its 2007 line of motorcycles. The Twin Cam 96 will power all models in the Harley-Davidson Dyna, Softail and Touring product families, each of which will also feature the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission. New motorcycles for 2007 include two VRSC models, the all-new FXSTC Softail Custom and a limited edition XL 50 celebrating the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Sportster. Finally, with the change to an active intake exhaust system, some Harley-Davidson models will enjoy power increases of up to 15 per cent and torque increases of up to 20 per cent.

"The V-Twin engine has always been the centrepiece of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle,” said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Director of Motorcycle Product Development. "It's integral not only to the performance of the motorcycle, but also to its styling, to its sound, and to the way it feels to the rider. The new Twin Cam 96 and 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission offer enhanced performance, while maintaining the traditional aesthetics of the Harley-Davidson Big Twin.”

It is the timeless blend of form and function that shapes the character of every Harley-Davidson model. It's a philosophy that dictates that the machine should stir the soul not just through its physical performance, but also through its presence, an expression of the passion that has guided Harley-Davidson for more than a century.

Highlights of the 2007 Harley-Davidson line include:

The new Twin Cam 96 engine, paired with the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, claims up to 17 per cent more torque (varies by model family) than the Twin Cam 88 it replaces and incorporates a number of design changes to enhance performance and reliability. It will only be offered with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI). The 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission features quieter helical-cut gears in ratios optimised to match the torque curve of the Twin Cam 96. A sixth gear reduces engine rpm by 11 per cent at highway speeds. New mufflers have been tuned to enhance the lower sound frequencies for a more commanding exhaust tone.

The VRSC family of liquid-cooled power-cruisers features two new models. The VRSCDX Night Rod Special offers menacing, blacked-out styling. The limited-edition VRSCX features the pavement-scorching power of a big-bore Revolution V-Twin engine with drag-bike styling and graphics that pay tribute to the NHRA champion Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle racing team. The models VRSCAW, VRSCDX AND VRSCX will come featuring a 240mm wide rear tyre as standard. Prices will range from AUD$27,495 for the VRSCDX to AUD$32,995 for the VRSCX.

The new FXSTC Softail Custom reprises the styling cues of the classic chopper, with a 200mm rear tyre, king-and-queen seat, and Bobtail rear fender. The FXSTC Softail Custom will retail from AUD$28,995.

The limited-edition 50th Anniversary Sportster features special badging, a traditional peanut fuel tank, and other classic components to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1957 Sportster introduction. Production of the 50th Anniversary Sportster will be limited to just 2000 bikes and will be priced from AUD$17,495.

A new XL883 model; the XL883L will be a new addition to the Sportster family and will be available to Australian customers. This version further lowers the model's height, with the seat now riding at a height of just 25.25 inches (64cm) and will be priced from $10,995.

The FLSTF Fat Boy is refreshed and reloaded for 2007, with new wheels and styling details, a new 200 mm rear tyre, and the performance of the Twin Cam 96 engine and 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission. The FLSTF will retail from AUD$28,995.

The FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom is redesigned to enhance its aesthetic appeal with additional chrome and custom features, including a new two-up, ribbed seat, Fat Bob fuel tank and mini pullback handlebars. The FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom will retail from AUD$23,750.

Harley launches new engine for 2007

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