Evolution Designer

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Jul 5, 2007 | 12:02 PM

Stormy Knight

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4th Gear

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Evolution Designer

Having a discussion about HD and the engine purported to have saved the company. Was the Evolution Engine an in-house design or were their outside designers? Friend of mine says there was some outsourcing from Japan on the engine. Wanted to know if that was true or not. Any sources would be appreciated.

SK

Jul 5, 2007 | 07:30 PM

wesd41

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From: Winslow, Arizona

RE: Evolution Designer

In-house design, with pistons developed by Mahle, a German company. Sourced from Harley-Davidson Evolution Motorcycles by Greg Field.

Jul 6, 2007 | 02:31 AM

Stormy Knight

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4th Gear

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RE: Evolution Designer

Thanks man! Apologies to everyone if I posted this in the wrong forum.

Jul 6, 2007 | 08:37 AM

glens

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From: Indy area

RE: Evolution Designer

I have a distinct recollection from back in the day that beyond the piston design there was also some German influence with manufacturing processes involved.

Jul 6, 2007 | 01:13 PM

Kingofcubes

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From: Mitchellville, Ia.

RE: Evolution Designer

Porche I believe designed the top end.

Jul 6, 2007 | 02:11 PM

wesd41

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From: Winslow, Arizona

RE: Evolution Designer

The top end was done entirely in-house, except for the pistons, with influences from American auto engineering (of all places). Porsche had a big hand in the developement of the vrod engine, and, I think, in the failed watercooled v4 (the Nova project.).

Jul 6, 2007 | 02:17 PM

wesd41

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From: Winslow, Arizona

RE: Evolution Designer

BTW, the manufacturing processes were the idea of W. Edwards Deming, adapted to motorcycle production by the Japanese, and readapted by Harley as their MAN (Materials As Needed) system.