read an article in newspaper yesterday.
Guy that designed Buell got a job with HD back in the 70's or 80's.
Then HD bought out the buell sport bike and designed a motor for it.
Then the guy quit, but then became the ceo (or some such) of the Buell
division.
Now for 2008 /09 model year he wanted a new liguid cooled engine for it.
HD told him to do whatever he wanted to do, because they were too busy with
other projects.
So he talked with the English (I believe it said), going to use the Bomardier Motax
(if I remember the article right-- I don't have it- buddies paper).
So there is another per se HD bike coming out with a liguid cooled, just not made by HD.

 

I believe that is Erik Buell and its a Bombadier Rotax engine.
I read also that they are looking at a water cooled 1200cc engine--150HP in a 395lb bike:
http://www.motorcycle.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5808

Water cooling--Just a matter of time and EPA regs for the main HD line

 

Buell 1125R. I saw the bike at the dealer yesterday. awesome looking.

 

wow.

 

 

It does have the Rotax engine, I don't believe that it's a precurser to anything you're going to see stuffed in an HD frame. I think it is more of an attempt to attract sportbikers to the Buell brand, their bikes were nice but just not what the sportbike crowd is into.

 

I agree sleepman54.
The Buell never really "fit" anywhere.
Harley powered - not appealing to jap crowd.
Crotch rocket - not appealing to general HD crowd.
So now what do you do?
While I don't particularly like it, I admire Eric Buells work and hope his "brand" pulls in the metric sportbike crowd he must be aiming for.
It has been my experience that most people do the crotch rocket thing, then want to move over to a cruiser for touring with buds. If they are in the buell camp to begin with, it would only be natural they would look at HD for thier cruiser.

 

You guys need to "broaden your horizons" and get Cycle World magazine! This is old news... they had a great article on this new Buell, it will be in the future for most of us, like it or not!

 

Agree, not my kinda ride but admire the guy and the direction he's taking. Hope to see the Buell line continue to expand. All the metric brands have made attemps at a Harley style bike. If the Buell line can continue on the 'crotch rocket' theme, then turn a bout's fair play. Good luck to Eric.

 

I agree..I doubt you'll ever see a "Rotax" engine in a "Bagger" frame (or any other HD frame for that matter).
I do believe you will be seeing a "V-Rod" type engine in a "HD" frame though...its enivitable
I love my old school v-twin (wouldn't trade it for any rice burner cruiser)..but there are much better ways to engineer an engine...