Future of the VTWIN

[1996Fatboy]

I was at a local HD dealer yesterday for their annual fall fest when I overheard a couple of seasoned mechanics talking about the VTWIN'S future. Seems they believe that in 7-10 yrs the air cooled vtwin will give way to the liquid cooled setup like the V-rod. All this because of the EPA regs that are coming out. Anyone else hear such a thing?

96

[Buzz Kanter]

Who knows about timing, but it wasn't long ago that Harley riders said we don't need EFI either because carburetors worked so well.

When's the last time you met anyone with a carbureted car or truck? How abotu an air-cooled one? Makes you think, doesn't it.

[humpbackbob]

I can see it. We have just got fly by wire and the vrod engine is highly thought of in some circles. Who knows, shaft drive? How about HMW. Harley Motor Werken!!

You could be closer to the mark than you think. Harley built some shaft drives for military contract during WW2. Opposed twin, pretty close copy of BMW. Seriously though, the belt drives have been a huge success at lower cost, weight, and maintenance than shaft drive. I really doubt that Harley would bother with it.

[jmk713]

I agree. Eventually the air cooled V-twin will give way to all watercooled motors. EPA does and will play a roll in this as will manufacturing costs. HD will go with whatever the law demands and as economically as they can.
Then the buyers will change things to suit their particular riding style (legal or not) much as they (we) do now.
As far as shaft drive; I don't see that coming any time soon....not in my lifetime, at least.
In addition; there will always be people that have hung onto their old rides or find one tucked away somewhere to help preserve a little of the past; much as they do now with the old Knucks , Pans, and Shovels.

Water cooled engines are really not a bad Idea. Take care of alot of heat problems for those states that get real hot and those whom run the hell out of their bikes. Engines in theory should last longer.

I have no problem going to liquid cooled if:

Us garage mechanics would still be able to tear it down and modify with little more issues.

Radiator isnt the size it is on the Boss Hoss.

Drain and flush? One more task for the yearly maintenance. No biggie as long As I can still run it when the temp is below freezing without something expanding to pop a few gaskets or plugs.

When the V-ROD came out the writing was on the wall.

[94flhtcu]

Hmmm, an electraglide with a heater? Or, for that matter, any model with a heater? That'll be handy as gas prices spiral upward.

[texan321]

I was told by the "guy" at the parts counter last week that all engines coming out in 2010 will be water cooled. Also - that the MOCO is making it harder and harder(intentionally) for people to work on their machines. That is why they are changing stuff every year making harder for the after market companies to produce parts - who the hell knows??????

[Whopper]

In order to meet strict EPA regs fuel burn has to be carefully controlled. Hence EFI, electronic ignition etc. Controlling engine temperature helps and it is easier to control water temp with a radiator and thermostat than an air cooled engine. Going water cooled makes sense.

I assume the EPA is dealing with bikes the way they did with cars: the manufacturer is responsible for meeting the regs for 50K miles. The manufacturer's solution is to make it tougher for the owner to make changes that would impact emissions.