Official 2011 Liquid Cooled Bikes Thread!
Harley is to water cooled as yin is to yang, mutt is to jeff, salt is to pepper, up is to down, in is to out, you get the picture. Will they go to exclusively water cooled? Probably in order to stay in business. But at that point, is it still a Harley Davidson? The American icon of the open road so beloved and revered the world over? I think not. Just another choice in the vast sea of liquid cooled bikes...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 9
From: Alabama
I'd buy a liquid-cooled Electra Glide in a heartbeat- it's the only thing that would get me off my '07- unless they counterbalance the engine. In that case I'd stick with what I have. A Harley without the heat? Bring it. A Harley without the vibes? Keep it!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
My previous bike was water cooled. Just as hot as my SG.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
I will be really surprised if they are water cooled any time in the near future. I knew an engineer at Harley that worked on the bikes that are coming out through 2013 and he would say was "Traditionalists will be happy" That does not sound like water cooling to me.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: Northern Colorado
It's possible, the Ultra Limited could have been the "guinea pig" for a standard 103.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: East Tennessee
I'd definetly go for a water cooled at some point. A hot motor underneath just doesn't add to the comfort at 80 degrees. I have an 09 ULTRA. I do love it, but heat can be an issue. I hate to spend more $ just to cool it down. I'm probably going to keep this bike stock also.
My other bike ( 91 FLHS) has an 80" motor and ran just fine. Hot on only the hottest days. I did cam it out, pipes, S&S super E and all that. Still runs great, still love it. If there is one bit of dissapointment w/the 09 , it would be the heat.
I was hessitant about buying a new bike ( computers and all), but my younger brother said "go w/the new technology. So I did and I'm glad. The 09 really does ride like a dream, and no issiues. I love it, but yes I'll go on record " I WOULD SPRING $ FOR A WATER COOLED ULTRA". My first bike was a SEARS, but my second bike was a "WATER BUFFALO", maybe the first water cooled bike, somebody correct me if I am wrong. A 1973 SUZUKI GT750. Man that sucker was fast. I really love my 09, and may not ever get another bike, but really....whats the big deal? Thanks for letting me rant......
My other bike ( 91 FLHS) has an 80" motor and ran just fine. Hot on only the hottest days. I did cam it out, pipes, S&S super E and all that. Still runs great, still love it. If there is one bit of dissapointment w/the 09 , it would be the heat.
I was hessitant about buying a new bike ( computers and all), but my younger brother said "go w/the new technology. So I did and I'm glad. The 09 really does ride like a dream, and no issiues. I love it, but yes I'll go on record " I WOULD SPRING $ FOR A WATER COOLED ULTRA". My first bike was a SEARS, but my second bike was a "WATER BUFFALO", maybe the first water cooled bike, somebody correct me if I am wrong. A 1973 SUZUKI GT750. Man that sucker was fast. I really love my 09, and may not ever get another bike, but really....whats the big deal? Thanks for letting me rant......
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,243
Likes: 3,267
From: west Michigan
I'd say before '75 when the first Gold Wing came out. A few years later, they had bags and fairings and had no trouble competing for the heavyweight title against AMF Shovlehead baggers. When I started riding, Sportsters, 650 Triumphs and BSAs were the bad *** (heavyweight) bikes.