The big news for 2007:

[DrBob]

All Harley Big Twins (not Sportsters or V-rods) will get the 96 CID Twin Cam motor and a 6-speed overdrive tranny for model year 2007 The bigger motor will make 100 HP at only 4000 RPM, 17% more torque than the TC88, and has a reworked exhaust for a "more commanding" exhaust note.

Can't wait to test drive one!

[MagnumForce]

Positive changes for the big twin lines indeed. I wonder though if the Sportster line will remain unchanged for '07. IMO, it would be nice to see the TC88 w/FI migrated into the XL line, or at least add the FI to the Evo.

[Clint]

Not bad for an HD, but still a far cry from a Japanese or Euro motor (for its size - that's 1573cc).

[DrBob]

From what I hear, the engineers were told they could do anything they wanted to the Sportster, as long as they held the price steady at $6595. That immediately ruled out a new motor, which would have required a new frame, etc.
Oh well. I don;t much care for the Sportster as an everyday motorcycle or as a cruiser, but the basic 883 is a fun bike in the mountains just the way it is. Someday I'll buy one, punch it up to 1300 ccs, and add bodywork to make it look like the old cafe racer.

[jbrough7]

Do I see hints of a 2007 Night Rod Special in there?? You know, I'm starting to lust after one...120 hp....I think they're nearly $19000 in Canada? I gotta subdivide more land off!!!



Wonder what it would be like to open the garage door and see that thing every morning??

jim

[MagnumForce]

The Sportster line finally got the FI for the 2007 models. Other news for 2007 Harleys: the Patriot Special Edition will be available. For veterans and current military members, they can customize their bike to one of the five military branches. See the link below.

Harley-Davidson | Products | Motorcycles | Special Editions | Patriot

[dcstrng]

Well, every year I think Milwaukee has pushed that antediluvian technology as far as it will go they prove me wrong... Milwaukee iron (indeed most of the low-rev V-twins) ain’t about horsepower anyway, its about torque, or at least the sensation of it... the kind that lets you shift into high as you cross the state-line and not down-shift again until you need gas – and then it’s only optional...

Forty-zillion RPMs are impressive, but one of life’s little joys is torqueing up a long mountain pull with a fist-full of throttle, just listening to the V&H working out in top gear... leaning back on the luggage, watching the scenery roll past like it’s been doing for the past 24-48 hours and just raveling in the canyon echoes as you one arm the ol’girl through some big sweepers... Not taking anything away from the other big touring barges – they’re sumptuous enough – but that primitive, visceral grunt is what long-stroke, single crank-pin V-Twins are about, and Milwaukee (and one or two others) seems to have figured this all out...

[drgibson]

Well I feel sorry for the guys over at Honda they thought the Air Bag for the GW was gonna be the big news.

[jbrough7]

Anybody ever ridden a night rod? Wonder what it would be like, especially with 120 horses now. I sat on one once and I was surprised it felt a bit tiny (I'm 6'4")

The Patriot special editions are what? A different sticker on the tank and a flag on the fender? That's a bit chintzy, isn't it? How about a different paint scheme or something?

jim

[drgibson]

Originally Posted by jbrough7

The Patriot special editions are what? A different sticker on the tank and a flag on the fender? That's a bit chintzy, isn't it? How about a different paint scheme or something?

jim

+1

[DrBob]

Originally Posted by jbrough7

The Patriot special editions are what? A different sticker on the tank and a flag on the fender? That's a bit chintzy, isn't it? How about a different paint scheme or something?

jim

The 'special' part is the reduced pricing that comes with it. By building a bunch of bikes the same and designating them as a separate model, Harley is able to offer them at a 'fleet' type discount to vets and active duty military. Same with the Shriner bikes and the Pease Officer/ Firefighter Specials: the big difference is the price break. Harley is unable to simply say "every vet or active duty military gets 10% off" because that would be discriminatory to those who are unable to serve in the military for medical or other reasons.

[MagnumForce]

Thanks for the explanation DrBob! While some may belittle its significance by saying HD was simply tacking on different stickers on the tank and fenders, there's no denying that HD has made sincere efforts in recognizing the service of veterans and military members. The connection between HD and the military has gone as far back as the World Wars. Can the same be said for the other major motorcycle manufacturers? I don't think so.

[jbrough7]

Thanks, man, I never knew that. Does make some sense, that's for sure.

I'm glad to see HD acknowledges your AF. North of the 49th, I can't think of ONE break our military gets, other than cheap flights to Germany on a Herc (if there is room). But just imagine 16 hours on THAT thing! Whoaa!

No deals on cars or bikes or any big ticket items.

Anyway, has anyone ridden a V-Rod and can tell me about it?

jim

[Trapper]

The V-Rod is a smallish feeling bike. Pretty comfortable as far as cruisers go and has a really nice snap to the throttle.

Being in Canada, Jim, watch for demos. Harley has 3 a year, here at the local dealer.

[jbrough7]

Thanks, man, will do.

You know, I'm new here and saw 'Trapper' and your province but just kinda assumed it was AB for Alberta (I saw the Edmonton Trappers play one time). Weird how you see what you wanna see.

jim

[Shea]

There is talk of liquid cooling in the near future too.

For those who are just waiting to argue about the liquid/air issue, don't bother, I am going to ignore your reply.

[Fishpart]

Picked up a 2007 Harley Electra Glide yesterday put about 300 miles on it so far, great bike very smooth and handles great, moving from an M50 to this bike was worried about the transisiton but I was pretty easy well balanced bike plenty of power and riding on the highway is a big differnce I took the tall shield off and added the 4 inch black deflector (looks better). Color Black Flame boards, pegs and a few other things also Marine Corps Derby cover. I'll keep you updated.

[texrider]

It's great that HD is pumping up the power and refining the driveline, but why a sixth gear if none of them are overdriven? Do the closer ratio choices really help with the larger dispacement?

[dcstrng]

why a sixth gear if none of them are overdriven

From: Harley-Davidson will launch an all-new Big Twin powertrain for 2007

The 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, [with the] addition of a higher-ratio sixth gear reduces top-gear rpm by 11 percent, compared to the previous 5-speed Big Twin transmission. At 75 mph, engine speed is reduced by 368 rpm, from 3227 rpm to 2859 rpm. Second through fourth gears have helical-cut teeth for quieter operation, and load carrying capacity has been increased significantly...

[texrider]

Wouldn't they really mean to say that sixth is a "lower ratio"? Not to start the whole power argument, but, ratio is the numerical reduction. A more highway friendly gearing would be lower, closer to no reduction at all...