Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight

The all-new Harley-Davidson® Milwaukee-Eight™ engine, ninth in the lineage of the company’s iconic Big Twin engines, delivers more power and an improved motorcycling experience for riders and passengers while retaining the iconic look, sound and feel of its predecessors.

According to the vice president of styling and product development, Harley Davidson decided to design a motorcycle engine that enhance their riders touring experience. This desire came straight from Harley riders due to a research and development program where Harley asked riders across the world to voice their opinion.

The Milwaukee-Eight engine offers quicker throttle response, a smoother ride, more passing power, purer sound and a better fuel economy. The Big Twin engines delivers more power and an improved motorcycling experience for riders and passengers while retaining the iconic look. Vice President Scott Miller says “With the Milwaukee-Eight, a new era of Harley-Davidson power, performance and innovation has been forged. Research voices demanded that we stay true to our legacy and respect the defining elements of a Harley-Davidson V-Twin. It was a big challenge, but one we’ve met”

More Power

Each Milwaukee-Eight engine produces up to 11 percent more torque than the engine it replaces in Touring models (varies per model). In addition to increased displacement, the Milwaukee-Eight engine features a higher compression ratio and four-valve cylinder heads with 50 percent more intake and exhaust flow capacity. The valve train requires no adjustment as the design of the rocker arms enables valve lash to be set at the factory for life. Dual spark plugs for each cylinder contribute to more-efficient combustion. A single chain-driven camshaft is lighter, mechanically less complex and creates less friction and noise.

Quicker acceleration

The Milwaukee-Eight engine weighs the same as the engines it replaces, so all of its extra power contributes directly to improved acceleration performance.

• The Milwaukee-Eight 107 accelerates 11 percent quicker 0-60 mph, equal to a two to three bike length improvement, and 11 percent quicker from 60-80 mph in top gear, equal to a one to two bike length improvement, compared to the Twin Cam High Output 103.
• The Milwaukee-Eight 114 accelerates 8 percent quicker 0-60 and 12 percent quicker 6080 than the Twin Cam 110™.

Improved economy

Efficiency gained in Milwaukee-Eight engine air flow and combustion, including the use of dual spark plugs per cylinder, delivers better fuel economy, depending on displacement and model, and a corresponding increase in range.

New Engine Styling

The Milwaukee-Eight engine features sleek, modern styling that respects the heritage of previous Harley-Davidson Big Twin engines.

“The Milwaukee-Eight engine is styled to project power,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Director of Styling. “I compare it to the back of a swimmer, lean in the waist but broad and muscular in the shoulders.”

“The rocker covers look like skin stretched taut over muscle, like the rocker arms are about to burst out of the engine,” said Richards. “For the first time since the Knucklehead, the rocker covers reflect the action going on below. And they are massive. When you sit on the bike you can look down and see more of this engine.”

Reduced Vibration

The rubber-mounted Milwaukee-Eight engine features a single internal counter balancer that cancels 75 percent of primary vibration at idle for a more-refined feel and more-comfortable experience for rider and passengers while retaining the classic character of Harley® V-Twin engines.

Richer Exhaust Note

Lighter valves, a single camshaft, optimized cover designs and improved driveline components eliminate mechanical powertrain noise. The engine intake and air cleaner are designed to reduce intake sound while ensuring maximum air flow. As a result, the new Milwaukee-Eight engine is mechanically quieter, enabling a richer exhaust tone, and meets all global noise and emissions standards while allowing the unmistakable rumble of its exhaust note to resonate.

To experience the unique transformation and so much more from Harley, visit your nearest dealer and arrange a test drive. Be sure to take your licence with.

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