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Did you see the leaked "potential" 2023 CVO pictures?
I was made aware through a couple of YouTube videos released yesterday. While most of the attention was put on the new RG and SG fairings, 121ci engine, and inverted front suspension, I was more interested in the changes to the cam cover, and engine case, including the transmission. Zoom in on the cam cover. See the "VVT"?
Could it be that the next generation of M8s will have variable valve timing like the Rev Max engines? I hope so, because I love the powerband on my Pan America. It's exciting to ride when the Rev Max gets its second wind.
Thanks, but my post is specifically about the potential of having VVT on the next gen of CVOs. I'm not getting into the train wreck in the post you shared. It's going off the rails.
FWIW, I think this is sophistication that I would not want, as one of the things I like most about conventional Harley-Davidson motorcycles is the simplicity of air cooled engines and the torque the large displacement produces.
VVT is not going to make a Milwaukee 8 feel anything like your Pan American. A higher revving water cooled motorcycle is a totally different animal than a conventional air cooled Harley-Davidson. VVT may be a way to extend the power band a little bit one direction or another based on how it is used, but it isn't going to change the characteristics of a torquey low revving engine into one like your water cooled bike.
I don't know if you've ever ridden a V-Rod but it is totally unlike riding a conventional air cooled Harley-Davidson, but once wound up, it definitely has the horsepower. The feel is totally different, however.
VVT has its power benefits, but it also has emissions benefits, which I think is HD is exploiting to extend the use of air-cooled engines a few more years.
Bingo- emissions compliance keeps the MOCO producing/selling vehicles. If we get more power as a side effect, I'm OK with that. Gonna be more $$$, but you can't take it with you when you leave this realm...
This only makes sense…on a lot of fronts. Not saying I want one but from a business perspective things are unfolding and lining up. As mentioned, the patents exist and this type of change can be rolled out on some CVO models before going across the entire product line. They have a history of doing this. More power, lower emissions, and still a big air/oil cooled V-twin with the sound everyone associates with a Harley. I think it will be a success.
The M8 will never be a high raving motor. I do however believe the VVT will help keep it emissions compliant longer, and will let it have a better power curve in its current RPM range.
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VVT on 2023 CVOs?
I'm OK with that. Gonna be more $$$, but you can't take it with you when you leave this realm...
