With the latest update to the "Big-Twin" (Milwaukee 8) arriving this year and next; when will Harley update the Sportster's motor with these changes?


I believe the current Sportster motor design actually dates back to the "Evo" days and I have to wonder if and what an update will bring to the Sportster?


And, will we finally get a Six-Speed transmission with it?


....PS - how about a motor capable of larger that 1200cc (like a SE package for it)


Springman

 

The Sportster doesn't really need it to stay competitive in it's segment. Many believe the Twin Cam was a step backwards from the EVO it replaced.

It would be nice to see a new improved Sportster, I'm just not sure what difference it would make. It's quite easy and inexpensive to get a lot more power out of the present engine. Why make it bigger than 1200cc? Those bikes already exist in the HD lineup.

A big part of the appeal of a Sportster for me is it does remain as is. It's one of the most economical bikes to own, operate, repair and modify.

I say leave the Sportster alone and take another stab at the V-Rod.

 

The MoCo built the 1200S some years ago, which was quite a bit more powerful than the stock 1200 models, so we know they can boost output without too much effort, it doesn't need a major redesign to do that. On the other hand I can see the attraction of introducing an M-8 variant, as the big twins seem to have much improved low/mid range torque. Who wouldn't like some of that?!

 

If you want a sportster with some guts find a buell. My x1 lightning would eat xr1200s in the turns. I really miss that bike. Handling was phenomenal too. A great bike needs more than just power. The buell did it all. God I hate the moco. They should make the vrod like Eric buell did the with the 1130 liquid cooled one. Weighed less than a vrod motor and made 150 hp.

 

This...

 

Just had a day out on my Firebolt! The torque of that thing would be great in my Glide. The significance of the Buells is that by using equal length pipes it opens up opportunities to increase CR and valve timing, with substantial increases in performance. Around 90HP at the rear wheel on a bike that is lighter than a Sportster, but uses a Sporty-based engine. Who needs 8 valves? Hold on......

 

6 speed would be nice...but PLEASE keep the same engine, as stated, it is easy to get much more out of it, and it is rock solid, without the problems that the newer BT's have.

 

V-Rod is going bye-bye.
Revolution motor is probably not going to return in another chassis.
Far as the Sportster, 6 speed would be great but would require a complete redesign of the cases. If you know Harley history, you can see what they could do by looking at the XL Evo motor in any EFI Buell or the XR1200. Targeted oiling, downdraft EFI, in addition to typical Sportster mods(heads cams pistons) and you'd have Buell/XR power levels.

None of this will compete with the competition. If Harley wants the Sportster to compete with Europe and Japan it needs 100-110 horses at the wheel. Only way to get that power with a 2 valve is an unacceptable amount of noise, heat, and maintenance. 4 valve OUGHT to be in the Sportster's future. If they want the bike to survive in the 21st century.

edit// don't forget regulations. the M8 is a direct result of H-D building a motor to comply with Euro 4

 

The stock engine is not even close to its potential. The Buell XB version put out 103 hp. H-D used that version from their parts bins but strangled the intake so it was 90 hp. And of course the engine had the oil twin cooled heads which was the precursor to the coolant heads for the big twins.

It is one beautiful ride to take out the XR1200 or the Buell XB12 Ulysses. They are incredible riding machines. Cycle World just did a report on a 09 Ulysses XB1200X. It was inspiring.

The Evo Sportster version is close to bulletproof. The only limitation is can H-D continue to meet the ever increasing emissions requirements?

Eric Buell designed the four valve head originally for the 80 inch evo. H-D keep it on the shelf for a couple decades. It should be easy for them to adapt it to the XL engines.

Let's hope that they turn their attention to the Sportster engine in the next few years. The work for the Touring is done and now the unified frame for the Dyna's and Softails is being worked on along with the next gen engine for it.

Once that distraction is done it should be the Sportsters turn.

H-D if you are listening please don't neglect the Sportster.

 

Dont fix it if its not broken.