I also have a 2000 Valkyrie Interstate that is water cooled and
have to say that last year going across country in 110 deg. the motor
ran fine all day at all speeds.My street glide can get a bit hot without
the air moving .
This is not to say that I do not love my SG,because I do.
Nothing constant but change.
Shortleg[Dave]

 

other than HD is so damn tight on their warranty issues,
if I had a need for one I would gladly buy a liquid cooled HD.
But NOT first year. Wait till the word gets out on any issues and the bugs worked out.
You will get more HP and TQ out of liquid cooled than air cooled and at lower temps.

 

LIQUID OR AIR COOLED
07 RKC WILL AND IS THE LAST HARLEY I WILL EVER OWN.
JUST CAN'T SEE BUYING AND CHANGING SO MUCH TO GET SO LITTLE PERFORMANCE!

 

We've kicked this around several times now.

I, personally, would welcome a post 2000cc water cooled Ultra Classic (i.e. touring line). Cruiser line, would think the air-cooled is still the best fit.

 

Ditto that. Liquid cooled would add reliability and longivity to a great bike. Harley needs to do better than the Revolution engine.

 

I too live in the south, and liquid cooledsounds good. If the MOCOcomesout with a GOOD liquid cooled unit in my life time, I'd probably embrace it, but I wouldalso keep the2 scootersI currently own. Old folks tend to like old things.

 

If I could buy a liquid cooled HD, I would do it in a heartbeat! I have owned a 1987 Honda Shadow for 17 years with absolutely no mechanical problems. It generates significantly less heat than my SG especially on the 100 degree days.

 

EPA regs make liquid cooling inevitable. Personally, Iwould stay with air cooled. Less maintainence and complexity. Modern bikes are getting away from what I consider to be one of the most attractive aspects about motorcycles. Simplicity. I say less is more. From a performance standpoint liquid cooling is better. But as far as I'm concerned air cooled engines produce more than enough power. It's all just splitting hairs to me.

 

I would buy one, but it sure would be nice if they could make them look better.

 

The bottom line here is eventually all bikes will be liquid cooled. So it won't come down to a choice between air cooled vs liquid cooled, rather it will be a choice between liquid cooled vs. not buying a new bike. Obviously there will beair cooled bikes on the roads and a supply of parts for years to come. The day is coming though and probably in the very near future. With all the changes taking place related to CARB/EPA we are already closer than we've even been before. Think about it....carburated bikes are no longermanufactured by HD. The noose is tightening year after year and eventually the air cooled motor will be choked off permanently. Don't think HD doesn't see it coming either. Major manufacturers like HD plan years in advance product changes. In all reality the liquid cooled motorthat will eventaully replace the TC96 already exists. It may or may not be the Revolution motor, but you can bet that HD has a plan and is ready. As for me, I'm a biker. God willing, I will always ride...whether it be air, oil, liquid or hydrogen flux capacitor cooled.