the end of vtwin 96
#11
06-07-2009, 10:43 AM
A 103 or 110 inch motor could convince me to trade in my 88" for a new Cross Bones. Sure would be nice to be able to pass trucks on the highway without white-knuckling it. Don't see much point in trading up just for a 96" engine. Plus, would it really cost Harley anything more? Hello Harley, are you listening? Do you want to sell more bikes? Give the customers what they want!
Last edited by BlackRob; 06-07-2009 at 10:47 AM.
#12
06-07-2009, 10:43 AM
Actually, they should have stayed with the Evo. It would have prevented all the headaches they've had with the Twin Cam. And eighty cubic inches is plenty of engine for a motorcycle. Besides, even the 96" TC is not noticeably faster than the Evo.
Now we all know they aren't going back to the Evo. But the smart thing to do would be to offer a Big Twin engine option for the first time. There should be an 80 available for those who don't want to race anyone and who want decent fuel mileage. Beyond that, they could offer a 103 or something for those who don't care about fuel mileage.
However, it's unlikely they would drop the 96 after only three years. And even less likely they would add a Big Twin option during the current depression.
Now we all know they aren't going back to the Evo. But the smart thing to do would be to offer a Big Twin engine option for the first time. There should be an 80 available for those who don't want to race anyone and who want decent fuel mileage. Beyond that, they could offer a 103 or something for those who don't care about fuel mileage.
However, it's unlikely they would drop the 96 after only three years. And even less likely they would add a Big Twin option during the current depression.
#13
06-07-2009, 10:49 AM
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Right, and if you believe that, I have a bridge I'd like to unload cheap. And some prime swamp land in Florida.
What's really scary is that if you look at some news quotes back right before the Great Depression, they said the SAME THING. It's over, we're back in recovery...ugh.
#15
06-07-2009, 12:26 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
The question is "how big can Harley go on a production engine and still be reliable?" I think their problems with the 110" motor have been documented, enough so that they stopped selling the 110" upgrade kits. I pumped my 88" up to 95" and am very happy with the performance and mpg that I get.
#16
06-07-2009, 02:17 PM
What HD needs most is to reduce the weight. We've all seen the paltry hp results from the dyno and to expect that to push over 800lb DRY weight without the rider on board is ludicrous.
#17
06-07-2009, 02:21 PM
I'm perfectly happy with my bike as it came. She takes me whereever I wanna go in comfort and style... 
If the 96" as we know it goes to the wayside it'll probably be cuz of a water-cooled motor they're pretty much forced to go to at some point in time.
If the 96" as we know it goes to the wayside it'll probably be cuz of a water-cooled motor they're pretty much forced to go to at some point in time.
#18
06-07-2009, 02:26 PM
Actually, they should have stayed with the Evo. It would have prevented all the headaches they've had with the Twin Cam. And eighty cubic inches is plenty of engine for a motorcycle. Besides, even the 96" TC is not noticeably faster than the Evo.
Now we all know they aren't going back to the Evo. But the smart thing to do would be to offer a Big Twin engine option for the first time. There should be an 80 available for those who don't want to race anyone and who want decent fuel mileage. Beyond that, they could offer a 103 or something for those who don't care about fuel mileage.
However, it's unlikely they would drop the 96 after only three years. And even less likely they would add a Big Twin option during the current depression.
Now we all know they aren't going back to the Evo. But the smart thing to do would be to offer a Big Twin engine option for the first time. There should be an 80 available for those who don't want to race anyone and who want decent fuel mileage. Beyond that, they could offer a 103 or something for those who don't care about fuel mileage.
However, it's unlikely they would drop the 96 after only three years. And even less likely they would add a Big Twin option during the current depression.
Doesn't Harley already do this with their Screaming Eagle bikes and engine kits?
#19
06-07-2009, 02:28 PM
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You cant get any more hp & tq out of an air cooled motor,and Im talking continuous duty hp Has to be improvments such as gear drive ,watercooling ,stop designing bikes you will sell 2000$ worth of stuff on immeadiatly most of which should have been on them included in the sale price People are getting tired of being ripped by these kinds of things I think the twin cam is maxed out where its at now...
#20
06-07-2009, 03:04 PM
The one reason, Victory 106" stock, much better performance #'s. I know its not a Harley but I have a few buds who are very happy and they outrun my 96 with ease, granted they have the 8 ball type bikes and I have an Ultra, it has me thinking about going bigger. The vic motor also has the oil flow from the filter/cooler to the top end of the motor from what I see, this has to have a great cooling effect.
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