New Cycle World (May '09) has an article suggesting that Harley is working on a 72 degree, water-cooled V-4. Displacement ranges are expected to be between 1300 and 1600 cc. Speculation is that a 1290 cc version would rev to 12,000 and make horsepower in the neighborhood of 170. If this is true, and the engine fits in the new touring frame, the Harley faithful may not be happy, but we could be looking at the next generation of touring bikes.

 

didnt HD shelve the Porsche project a long time ago?

 

That'll be nice; it'll be competitive with my Yamaha Venture which will blow away either of my HD's at any given moment.

 

I thought the Revolution, in the V-Rod, was a joint project with Porsche.

 

Porsche is best thought of as an Engineering firm that happens to build automobiles!

They have engineering associations with a plethora of connections throughout the world of manufacturing. From building the Super High Performance model of the Mercedes 500 (not just design but actually Building them!!!) to projects with the most homely of Asian and U.S. companies!

The relationship between Porsche and Harley goes back over 25 years and includes more than just V2's. The issue of going from air-cooled to water-cooled in small displacement/high powered engines is nothing new to Porsche. They've been producing water-cooled production cars since the mid-late 70's and producing experimental platforms long before that!

Harley's new engines should be interesting (although it will probably come with the same amount of bitching and whining from Harley "Purists" as Porsche's evolution did with the Porsche "Purists!!!).

Jim aka kiltiemon (1987 Porsche 944S)

 

Well, the "Harley faithful" is an aging demographic.

Younger generations, especially the Millennials, are identifying with American innovation more than American tradition.

If this report is accurate, it is not surprising, and smart of HD to do so.

Plus, a liquid-cooled V-4 wold be phriqin' awesome!

 

I believe it was the Nova project that delved into water-cooled H-D engines. If H-D can build a water cooled engine that looks, sounds, and runs good without a gaudy radiator cluttering up the front I'll buy it.

 

One of the reasons I like bikes is because they don't have cooling systems, hoses, radiators to keep up. With a belt and air cooling, not much to do to keep it up. Now if there were tires that lasted 20-30K, THAT would be something.

 

Be pretty interesting to keep an eye on.

 

Not too far fetched: