ChopperDoc
Active Member
I have read on this any other forums, complaints that Harley should be producing bikes with all available power in place without the need for any Stage Modifications and are tired of being out-performed by the metrics.
If you are looking to place blame (other than on the regulatory agencies) we need to look inward.
First, Harley uses a 45 degree, air cooled v-twin engine. Most of the metrics are liquid-cooled and none of them use 45 degree engines. The only reason some are v-twins is to try to capture market share, nothing to do with performance, they were copying "The Look".
Why is a Harley 45 degrees? Lucky for one, but realistically probably due more to the technology available in the late 1800 and early 1900s than anything else. Easier to do the math and machining on 45 than say 50 or 60 degrees. Another reason could be, early motorcycles engines were placed in existing bicycle frames and 45 degree v-twins fit without a lot of modifications - just a thought.
Harley tried to think out-side the box with the V-Rod - A 60 degree v-twin, liquid cooled engine. I believe they would have opted for something other than a v-twin if it were not for us, the customer base - Again, just a thought.
The V-Rod is now VRSC only and if the sales numbers don't improve, is probably on its way out.
Is a liquid-cooled Ultra Classic on the horizon? It is a safe bet to assume that the engineering and design has been done and there may even be a few prototypes hidden around somewhere but will it come to market? Not unless we let it.
I have to believe there have been lots and lots of sleepness nights for the execs at the Motor Company trying to decide how far they can push and not loose the brand loyalty. They have to balance the number of customers they would loose against the number they would gain with the technological improvements.
I think I could live with the liquid-cooled - Putting a fan between the lowers wouldn't effect the astetics much at all. Loosing my potato, potato, potato is a different story. Even though with today's engines it is not recommended to idle them down that low, it is there. Listen to a Harley with aftermarket pipes and a metric and any Harley guy can tell the difference - It is just a special sound.
If they go too far, I am gone - Not from the brand but from the "new" bikes. There are lots of bikes out there and with the proper care, no reason they can't run forever.
If you want the company to change things, be careful what you wish for.
Just one person's opinion.
If you are looking to place blame (other than on the regulatory agencies) we need to look inward.
First, Harley uses a 45 degree, air cooled v-twin engine. Most of the metrics are liquid-cooled and none of them use 45 degree engines. The only reason some are v-twins is to try to capture market share, nothing to do with performance, they were copying "The Look".
Why is a Harley 45 degrees? Lucky for one, but realistically probably due more to the technology available in the late 1800 and early 1900s than anything else. Easier to do the math and machining on 45 than say 50 or 60 degrees. Another reason could be, early motorcycles engines were placed in existing bicycle frames and 45 degree v-twins fit without a lot of modifications - just a thought.
Harley tried to think out-side the box with the V-Rod - A 60 degree v-twin, liquid cooled engine. I believe they would have opted for something other than a v-twin if it were not for us, the customer base - Again, just a thought.
The V-Rod is now VRSC only and if the sales numbers don't improve, is probably on its way out.
Is a liquid-cooled Ultra Classic on the horizon? It is a safe bet to assume that the engineering and design has been done and there may even be a few prototypes hidden around somewhere but will it come to market? Not unless we let it.
I have to believe there have been lots and lots of sleepness nights for the execs at the Motor Company trying to decide how far they can push and not loose the brand loyalty. They have to balance the number of customers they would loose against the number they would gain with the technological improvements.
I think I could live with the liquid-cooled - Putting a fan between the lowers wouldn't effect the astetics much at all. Loosing my potato, potato, potato is a different story. Even though with today's engines it is not recommended to idle them down that low, it is there. Listen to a Harley with aftermarket pipes and a metric and any Harley guy can tell the difference - It is just a special sound.
If they go too far, I am gone - Not from the brand but from the "new" bikes. There are lots of bikes out there and with the proper care, no reason they can't run forever.
If you want the company to change things, be careful what you wish for.
Just one person's opinion.
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