I think hd will keep the touring frame at its present stage. The common core I think will incorporated into the other lines. I think the b motor is history, so the dyna/softail/vrod should be the common core, maybe even the sporty.
Well the new motor is really the M8b motor if you want to compare it to TCs. My bet is that if they try to commonize the sporty, it will be with the new street 500 / 750. Make it 900 / 1200 ccs and dress it differently.
Last edited by Max Headflow; 03-07-2017 at 09:24 AM.
Reason: and dress
I'd like to see them take another crack at these..I'd be first in line..old racing buddy of mine from back in the day has a near mint one, worth about $10K..they weren't competitive and were short lived but how cool it would be to own one
The problem with aluminum as a structural material is that ALL stress is cumulative in aluminum, unlike steel. In an aluminum structure, any stress, no matter how small will contribute to eventual failure.
Think about that next time you get on a commercial airliner.
Originally Posted by rjjj629
Actually, considering how many stresses there are on a modern airliner each and every time it takes off or lands (or encounters turbulence for that matter), and how many times it does that over years and years of profitable service --- it's a pretty darned good argument for the overall value of structural aluminum.
Sure, they go thru a lot of maintenance checks but still - great argument for aluminum frames.
:-) I'll probably still prefer steel motorcycle frames though
Originally Posted by Max Headflow
Where did you get this from? It might be an issue with the wrong alloy of aluminum but I don't see it.
This is common knowledge, and has been known for decades: Every time a commercial aircraft pressurizes and depressurizes, the skin flexes. This causes work hardening of the aluminum, and that makes it prone to cracking. That's why there are regular inspections once an aircraft has a certain number of takeoffs and landings.
Originally Posted by purpledeuce
They're going to save money by having a more standardized frame
This is common knowledge, and has been known for decades: Every time a commercial aircraft pressurizes and depressurizes, the skin flexes. This causes work hardening of the aluminum, and that makes it prone to cracking. That's why there are regular inspections once an aircraft has a certain number of takeoffs and landings.
Ok the claim is that any stress will eventually cause aluminum to fail. What structural / material property of aluminum causes this failure? Common knowledge would would mean that it is likely documented somewhere.. Or is it simply and old wives tail / popular misconception.
We're not here to educate you. Nobody cares if you believe it or not. There are readily accessible FAA documents on aircraft inspection requirements. Google it.
Ok the claim is that any stress will eventually cause aluminum to fail. What structural / material property of aluminum causes this failure? Common knowledge would would mean that it is likely documented somewhere.. Or is it simply and old wives tail / popular misconception.
I thought everyone knew about "work hardening" of aluminum. Guess not.