Crystal Ball to 2008 HD models
#61
05-12-2007, 04:53 AM
RE: Crystal Ball to 2008 HD models
HD will probably introduce at least one or two models with water cooling based on the Vrod engine. I can see at least a touring model coming out with it as a good move for Harley. It would take some sting out of the Gold Wing and BMW in the long-range touring market. The handwriting is on the wall: water cooled engines make it easier to meet noise and epa requirements and are cooler-running, wear better and are more efficient than air-cooled motors because they operate at consistent temps. The key is to keep the classic Harley look and the exhaust note if possible. The Vrod just isn't going to become as popular as the regular line of Harleys but bolt that engine into a tourer and you've got something a lot of people would take a serious look at.
But the air-cooled engine will still be the model of choice for a while. So I wouldn't expect the company to do anything radical there. The 96 looks like a keeper at least for the next five or six years.
I'd expect a model or two aimed at ladies as well.
But the air-cooled engine will still be the model of choice for a while. So I wouldn't expect the company to do anything radical there. The 96 looks like a keeper at least for the next five or six years.
I'd expect a model or two aimed at ladies as well.
#62
05-12-2007, 08:25 AM
RE: Crystal Ball to 2008 HD models
ORIGINAL: airjoe
I'm up for a water cooled bagger. The EPA will force it sooner or later, so why not make it sooner.
I'm up for a water cooled bagger. The EPA will force it sooner or later, so why not make it sooner.
#64
05-13-2007, 05:14 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
RE: Crystal Ball to 2008 HD models
ORIGINAL: RBJones
HD will probably introduce at least one or two models with water cooling based on the Vrod engine. I can see at least a touring model coming out with it as a good move for Harley. It would take some sting out of the Gold Wing and BMW in the long-range touring market. The handwriting is on the wall: water cooled engines make it easier to meet noise and epa requirements and are cooler-running, wear better and are more efficient than air-cooled motors because they operate at consistent temps. The key is to keep the classic Harley look and the exhaust note if possible. The Vrod just isn't going to become as popular as the regular line of Harleys but bolt that engine into a tourer and you've got something a lot of people would take a serious look at.
But the air-cooled engine will still be the model of choice for a while. So I wouldn't expect the company to do anything radical there. The 96 looks like a keeper at least for the next five or six years.
I'd expect a model or two aimed at ladies as well.
HD will probably introduce at least one or two models with water cooling based on the Vrod engine. I can see at least a touring model coming out with it as a good move for Harley. It would take some sting out of the Gold Wing and BMW in the long-range touring market. The handwriting is on the wall: water cooled engines make it easier to meet noise and epa requirements and are cooler-running, wear better and are more efficient than air-cooled motors because they operate at consistent temps. The key is to keep the classic Harley look and the exhaust note if possible. The Vrod just isn't going to become as popular as the regular line of Harleys but bolt that engine into a tourer and you've got something a lot of people would take a serious look at.
But the air-cooled engine will still be the model of choice for a while. So I wouldn't expect the company to do anything radical there. The 96 looks like a keeper at least for the next five or six years.
I'd expect a model or two aimed at ladies as well.
A V-Rod based bagger would be a great addition to the Harley lineup. This bike, I believe, would not take away from the traditional bagger market, but as you stated, give competition to BMW and Honda.
I seriously believe that most V-Rod detractors have not ridden the bike. I cannot possibly believe that if you are a true "BIKER", you would not love the V-Rod. A "SNOB", might not like it, but someone that loves bikes and riding, has to be amazed at the power and ease of handling of these machines.
#66
05-13-2007, 08:28 PM
Road Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: San Diego
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Crystal Ball to 2008 HD models
i heard that they are going to put a dummy handthat extends fromthe leftbar endso that everyone will now get waved at. hahaha.
#67
05-13-2007, 09:49 PM
Grand HDF Member
RE: Crystal Ball to 2008 HD models
I like the Vrod but lets face it...it's not that fast and doesn't handle that good. It doesn't do anything great. It is too high reving for a touring bike. Harley riders like to lope and they don't like downshifting. The Vrod is a cool bike but the motor is very limited IMHO. It does not come close to comparing with a Goldwing in the torque dept. The Revo motor has like 60 somthing tq.
If they want a water cooled bagger they are going to have to bump the cubes, keep the traditional long stroke, 45 degree format, keep the traditional sound and looks, and put the radiator into the lowers. To try and drop the high revving Revolution motor into a classic bagger will be a big failure...just like nearly every other attemp Harley has had doing water cooling.
If they want a water cooled bagger they are going to have to bump the cubes, keep the traditional long stroke, 45 degree format, keep the traditional sound and looks, and put the radiator into the lowers. To try and drop the high revving Revolution motor into a classic bagger will be a big failure...just like nearly every other attemp Harley has had doing water cooling.
#69
05-13-2007, 11:36 PM
RE: Crystal Ball to 2008 HD models
ORIGINAL: Imjonesy
There will be a liquid cooled Sportster, a factory Chopper and factory Trike. That is all.
Imjonesy
There will be a liquid cooled Sportster, a factory Chopper and factory Trike. That is all.
Imjonesy
now, doing a little thinking (and speculation)...the release of such bike (XR-1200) in US market could be a reason for dropping the 883R.
#70
05-14-2007, 12:30 AM
RE: Crystal Ball to 2008 HD models
now, doing a little thinking (and speculation)...the release of such bike (XR-1200) in US market could be a reason for dropping the 883R.