Water Cooled Harleys!?
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,195
Likes: 2
From: Denver, Colorado
RE: Water Cooled Harleys!?
ORIGINAL: italian biker
I personally wouldn't mind seeing a V-rod type engine in all models. If they did that, I'd consider buying one.
I personally wouldn't mind seeing a V-rod type engine in all models. If they did that, I'd consider buying one.
Wait a sec, if you're not buying one or owning one, what the @#^! are you doing in this forum? [>:]
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
RE: Water Cooled Harleys!?
ORIGINAL: AZ Rider
So S&S, Victory, Big Dogand others can make EPA compliant air cooled engines for 2010 but not the manufacturer who sells 300,000 bikes per year, whos heritage is based on air cooled engines, and who has the most loyal following because of the traditional air cooled v-twin...cannot.
Sure.
So S&S, Victory, Big Dogand others can make EPA compliant air cooled engines for 2010 but not the manufacturer who sells 300,000 bikes per year, whos heritage is based on air cooled engines, and who has the most loyal following because of the traditional air cooled v-twin...cannot.
Sure.
I somehow get the feeling that you think I'm all for massive changes to H-D. I am NOT. I don't think I could own a Harley that closely resembled a Honda or any other make. And I'm not talking about looks. I still think vibration is a good thing, that the only way to know you've correctly shifted to another gear is to hear the distinctive clunk, and that only a Harley can make the sound of a Harley, regardless of what pipes are put on.
But it's not fair to compare mass produced motorcycles with the somewhat limited production of the bikes you listed. Especially when those bikes cost a fair amount more money than a stock Harley.
My only "complaint", if it really is one, is thatHarley motors should be a lot more powerful thanthey are. Not that I'm looking for a race bike, but if I'm wrong, then so is everyone on this forum that does things to wring a little more power out of their bikes. Like Stage 1 upgrades, etc.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,716
Likes: 103
From:
RE: Water Cooled Harleys!?
ORIGINAL: AZ Rider
So S&S, Victory, Big Dog and others can make EPA compliant air cooled engines for 2010 but not the manufacturer who sells 300,000 bikes per year, whos heritage is based on air cooled engines, and who has the most loyal following because of the traditional air cooled v-twin...cannot.
Sure.
So S&S, Victory, Big Dog and others can make EPA compliant air cooled engines for 2010 but not the manufacturer who sells 300,000 bikes per year, whos heritage is based on air cooled engines, and who has the most loyal following because of the traditional air cooled v-twin...cannot.
Sure.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
RE: Water Cooled Harleys!?
Dont change a thing. The reason I bought a Harley Is the same reason I bought a Colt Single Action Army, a Shiloh Sharps and a mechanical watch. I like the primeval unadulterated function and soul of a product in this case a motorbike. If Ford made a deucecoupe with a Flathead I would buy this too. If Harley still made the JD which they made till 1929 ,I would buy that too. I think its also it is the basic sense and sentimentalty of being an American and being proud of it,even though Im a Canadian. Tell me if that makes sense. Americans have always been my heros and every genuine one of them that I have met has always been an Ambassador for freedom backed up by blood and guts.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 824
Likes: 3
RE: Water Cooled Harleys!?
ORIGINAL: MNPGRider
Water cooled in 2010? Why? Why repeat internet rumors? Why not do a little research first?
http://www.epa.gov/OMS/regs/roadbike/420f03046.pdf
The link above has most of the answers, including this:
[align=left]How closely do the new rules follow the California[/align][align=left]rules?[/align][align=left]The new rules mainly parallel the California model with some exceptions:[/align][align=left]• California has more stringent evaporative emissions regulations.[/align][align=left]• California does not regulate scooters and mopeds with small[/align][align=left](under 50cc) engines.[/align][align=left]• California standards will be effective two years before EPA's[/align][align=left]standards.[/align][align=left][/align][align=left]Harley is currently producing a 2008 California compliant motorcyle. This will be the same the rest of the nation must follow in 2010.[/align][align=left][/align][align=left]And guess what? It ain't water cooled !
Water cooled in 2010? Why? Why repeat internet rumors? Why not do a little research first?
http://www.epa.gov/OMS/regs/roadbike/420f03046.pdf
The link above has most of the answers, including this:
[align=left]How closely do the new rules follow the California[/align][align=left]rules?[/align][align=left]The new rules mainly parallel the California model with some exceptions:[/align][align=left]• California has more stringent evaporative emissions regulations.[/align][align=left]• California does not regulate scooters and mopeds with small[/align][align=left](under 50cc) engines.[/align][align=left]• California standards will be effective two years before EPA's[/align][align=left]standards.[/align][align=left][/align][align=left]Harley is currently producing a 2008 California compliant motorcyle. This will be the same the rest of the nation must follow in 2010.[/align][align=left][/align][align=left]And guess what? It ain't water cooled !
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
RE: Water Cooled Harleys!?
Theres 2 ways to look at it here for me. I love the Harley "patenna" sounds and looks but the reality of a fully intrusive government is here and now. Id love to see a Harley double overhead cam water cooled touring bike. It doesnt have to be the only engine though does it. I mean cant they do both engines? I can always have my pottata potatta motor too. Just sayin
WallyBally
WallyBally
Novice
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Water Cooled Harleys!?
I never had any interest in riding a MC until I saw a Documentary on Discovery Channel called "Birth Of The V-Rod", Loved its looks so much I went and got one (Luckily I saw it in 2005 so I got a used one for almost nothing). Not being from a Bike Background I didnt know I was buying the Most Hated Harley and as I learned to ride I also learned that Bike People are Very Closed mined and Hypocritical, especially the ones draped in HD clothes and spouting 'Live to Ride, Ride to Live" or "Live Free" etc... Apparently their is an Footnote somewhere that states "Only if you agree with everything I believe in" so I soon Soured from the HD "thing" due to most riders need to tell me what they think about my bike and the lack of Techs that know how to fix the new Technology. Over 3 years later i have found the proper Tech (40 miles away unfortunately, I actually have to pass 10 dealerships to get to this guys Indie Shop) No longer listen to the bigots and Love my bike . Harley In my opinion caved in almost immediately from the Negative feed Back from its Core riders and started to Paint the Vrod trying to make it blend in with other HD models, made Huge mistakes like The Street Rod and Too many models available and now 6 years later I feel they have accepted their Model (HD, not their Core Customers) and trimmed down the line to 3 models one with Mid Controls to catch that customer base. If it wasnt for this bike I wouldnt own a bike, Will HD change the other Models to Water? Not until the last moment but since I have been discriminated against I basically just ride with Other Vrod owners and the general idea is that if it wasnt for this Line, they would not own one so HD did Capture that Audience of people that would Not own one if not for the Vrod line.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 26
RE: Water Cooled Harleys!?
ORIGINAL: AZ Rider
So S&S, Victory, Big Dog and others can make EPA compliant air cooled engines for 2010 but not the manufacturer who sells 300,000 bikes per year, whos heritage is based on air cooled engines, and who has the most loyal following because of the traditional air cooled v-twin...cannot.
Sure.
So S&S, Victory, Big Dog and others can make EPA compliant air cooled engines for 2010 but not the manufacturer who sells 300,000 bikes per year, whos heritage is based on air cooled engines, and who has the most loyal following because of the traditional air cooled v-twin...cannot.
Sure.
So actually, you kind of hit the nail on the head. Its the 300,000 bikes a year that screw HD. (IF my information is correct)
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: Water Cooled Harleys!?
Don't really know how to respond this post. Every change in Harley's history has been met with the same type of objections. Hydroglide vs Springer, knuck vs pan vs shovel vs evo vs twinky vs Vrod.
Each generation seems to hold tight to the philosophy that their model is/was so much better in some ways than the newer ones. I own an Evo chopper, hard tail. I think my engine and trans are superior to the twin cams from the point of view of a DIYer. I know my bike inside and out and that gives me great pleasure andconfindence. I hold nothing against shovel or twincam owners or any other make as far as that's concerned. I really hate to see condescension on the part of any riders for what someone chooses to ride. I think it is petty and weak showing a lack of personal pride. Why would you put someone else down unless you feel inadequate youself.
Each generation seems to hold tight to the philosophy that their model is/was so much better in some ways than the newer ones. I own an Evo chopper, hard tail. I think my engine and trans are superior to the twin cams from the point of view of a DIYer. I know my bike inside and out and that gives me great pleasure andconfindence. I hold nothing against shovel or twincam owners or any other make as far as that's concerned. I really hate to see condescension on the part of any riders for what someone chooses to ride. I think it is petty and weak showing a lack of personal pride. Why would you put someone else down unless you feel inadequate youself.