....... yes i have ridden the big Beemer tourer, and it's a very nice motorcycle.
.... but that doesn't mean that wind isn't a part of the ride experience..... or that my head is anywhere near sand.

 

I'm glad you mentioned the word style. That's the great dilemma that Harley has had to deal with. Integrating modern features like ABS, fuel injection and now catalytic converters into the traditional Harley look. Until EPA regulations forced catalytic converters Harley had done a brilliant job. Harley is scared that people like you won't buy a liquid cooled touring bike.
There seems to be a fairly equal split with Harley owners on whether to move to water cooling. That's no great surprise. The real question is if Harley can keep their classic bike styling would you buy a more powerful liquid cooled version of your new bike???????

 

I looked at the Kawasaki 1700 Vulcan Voyager before I bought my Ultra Classic. You wouldn't know from looking at the side of the bike that it is water-cooled. All the reviews I read gave it very good marks all around and it's not a bad looking bike, but.........it isn't a Harley. I believe 100% that Harley can make a water-cooled cruiser that will retain the traditional looks that we all love.

 

Hmmmm. You live in Kansas, where HD has a factory. Hmmmm. Liquid cooled softail. Hmmm. Any other tidbits you'd like to share? Or do we have to "wait and see"?
Jerry

 

Hey, cardboard. Are these educated guesses, or do you know more!
Who's your source? If you can't say, how about elaborating some more?
Jerry

 

This must give you keys to the inner circle then eh?!

ok - I'll bite. "how do you know this"?

If they were even contemplating either of these changes they wouldn't do them both within 5 years of each other.

Personally I cannot see the MoCo doing anything with a liquid cooled engine on an existing model line. I can see them doing a new line of bikes with another liquid cooled engine, specifically something cheap enough (thereby addressing the mistake they made with the VRSC) and sexy enough to appeal to the 20 something demographic.

IF they do anything involving "liquid cooling" on the more traditional bikes they'd most likely take a leaf out of Victory's playbook and use oil cooling. But really - I don't believe a word you're saying - not for an instant.

 

I just shifted from an 05 RKing to a 10 StGlide. While I'm not fortunate enough to keep up with every model year, after selling my 98 Fboy and trading the RKing I was able to put a decent down on the StGlide.

I have to say HD is surely on top of the game. The only thing that stays constant is the classic look. And like beauty, of course it's only skin deep; which in this case isn't a bad thing. I think that classic look is what keeps the HD community traditionally loyal.

Now.. puttin it all into perspective; going from a 2005 RoadKing to a 2010 StGlide 5 years newer, I have to say the principle 'Overall' difference in these rigs is minimal and continues the HD tradition.

BUT..... compare an overall 2005 touring rig to a 2010 rig, the difference is significant from the powerplant to the tail lights, the frame in between and ... while opinions of the dual exhaust system vs the 2 into 1 system vary; I have to say that after owning many rigs since mid 80s, the 2 into 1 on my StGlide offers superb preformance and sound right off the showroom floor if it's configured with the screaming eagle 'night stick'.

This is the first rig I didn't need to drop another several HDs to upgrade the exhaust to something offering more power that would erase the quietness of th stock rig. And Oh by the way.... the 96CI performance (without needing to adjust any modules) with responsive 6th gear, the classic sound out of the back and the "smiley face" lighting arrangement in the back, I hate to say were truly great enhancements on this touring rig. This is not to mention enhancements to the powerplant design. It's not to say as I go along I won't look to tweak for some more ponies. But for an "out of the box" rig... I have to go with the the majority and without offending; dissagree with FLSpringerSE. I'm sure there will be changes in '11 but ..... the HD line is alive and well. I believe they have the pulse of the HD rider community.

Ride Safe, Ride Hard, Ride Long,

jose

 

Just really stating what HD should do really to be truefully

Why can't Harley build something like this.
A 113cu motor. the perfect engine size.

http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/...34/0/home.aspx

 

I would like to keep my bike year after year. The NEW models would be made by ME and keep on making it the way I want it to be!! With the economy the way it is I would rather have the money to plan a trip and fix up my bike the way I want it. It works for me. But some people have to have the latest model with all the newest items on it and the fastest model etc, etc, etc, LOL!! Heard this before ? Sounds just like the Japenese bike guys talking about how they want the newest and fastest model?? Doesen't it?? Fix up your Harley if you feel it is not what you want and put 50K miles on it or how about 100K miles? It really can do it and maybe just maybe it may be perfect bike for what YOU want ? Think you could do it without having to buy a NEW Harley???

 

JCleary...You have to be kidding! Your complaining about wind buffeting and you have a SG with that little pissy windshied, give me a break. I've owned two ultras and both with the HD stock windshields. NO wind buffeting.