BIG NEW HD MOTOR…The all new, big displacement motor from Harley-Davidson is impressive I tell yas. Here’s my take on the Milwaukee Eight motor.
The Milwaukee-Eight engines power the 2017 model year Touring and Trike motorcycles.
Source: HDmedia 107ci Engine. No Air Cleaner View. Milwaukee-Eight.
The motor’s styling is sleek, modern and continues to show off that classic Harley-Davidson V-Twin power look that many of us have grown to appreciate and even love over the years.
Every part of these motors is new. Yes, a clean-sheet design from the talented engineers and designers at the Motor Company. According to Harley-Davidson, they are the most powerful, coolest-running motors they have ever built and come with crisper throttle response and a truer, cleaner rumble-sound.
Massive rocker covers, big cylinder fins.
Source: HDmedia – 107ci Engine. Milwaukee-Eight. Note fins & rocker covers.
As you can see in the photo on the right, the rocker covers and cylinder air fins are massive. With 4-valves per cylinder, there’s a lot of action going on under those engine tops but word is that engine noise is reduced compared to the Twin Cam.
The new Milwaukee-Eight motor is quieter, yet still provides a rich, quasi-loud exhaust tone. There’s no mistaking the traditional Harley-rumble from this powerplant.
The all new Milwaukee-Eight 107 and Milwaukee-Eight 114 engines are all Harley-Davidson.
These Milwaukee-Eight V-twin motors are about power.
According to Harley-Davidson’s press releases, each new Milwaukee-Eight engine produces 10% more torque than the Twin Cam engine it replaced.
Source: HDmedia – 2017 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special with new Milwaukee-Eight Motor.
The Milwaukee-Eight has quicker acceleration.
The Motor Company spec information indicates that the 107ci accelerates 11% quicker 0-60 mph and 11% quicker from 60-80 mph in top gear…significant improvement compared to the Twin Cam 103ci.
The 114ci motor accelerates 8% quicker 0-60 mph and 12% quicker 60-80 mph…significantly faster than the Twin Cam 110ci it replaces.
Source: HDmedia – 2017 Street Glide with Milwaukee-Eight
The Milwaukee-Eight has Reduced Vibration
These new engines are rubber mounted so some vibration will be always be noticeable but, the engineers at Harley-Davidson use an internal counter balancer that now cancels 75% of primary vibration at idle. The feel, while still classic Harley-Davidson, is more refined and more comfortable.
The Milwaukee-Eight motor is offered in two displacements and three variations:
107ci Displacement – Oil-Cooled - (1750cc, 92.5hp) featuring precision oil-cooled cylinder heads for the Street Glide®/Street Glide® Special, Road Glide®/Road Glide Special®, Electra Glide® Ultra Classic®, Road King® and Freewheeler® models.
107ci Displacement – Liquid-Cooled – (1750cc, 92.5hp) featuring liquid-cooled cylinder heads for the Ultra Limited/Ultra Limited Low, Road Glide® Ultra and Tri Glide® Ultra models. The liquid-cooled engines are branded by Harley-Davidson as “Twin-Cooled”.
114ci Displacement – Liquid-Cooled - (1870cc, 100.6hp) featuring liquid-cooled cylinder heads for the CVOâ„¢ Limited and CVOâ„¢ Street Glide®  models. Also branded as a “Twin-Cooled” Milwaukee-Eight.
Source: HDmedia – 107 Engine. Milwaukee-Eight Primary.
My Bottom Line…
From all I’ve seen and read since the unveiling on August 23, 2016, the power characteristics of the classic Harley-Davidson engine culture remain…strong low-end torque, broad and flat curve through the mid-range that is ideal for the Touring rider.
To experience the Milwaukee-Eight power of the 2017 Harley-Davidson models for yourself, go to www.h-d.com/demos and schedule the test ride of your life.
Check out the roadtest report I did on the 2017 Street Glide Special…powered by the 107ci Milwaukee Eight.
Ride Safe Out There.
Motorcycle Marc
*Â Notes obtained from official Harley-Davidson Press Releases provided to the U.S. Media on 2017 Model Launch Day, Tuesday, August 23, 2016.
About Harley-Davidson Motor Company – Since 1903, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company has fulfilled dreams of personal freedom with cruiser, touring and custom motorcycles, riding experiences and events, and a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise, riding gear and apparel. For more information, visit www.h-d.com.
About Motorcycle Marc – I’m a motoblogger. I prefer to ride motorcycles but when I can’t ride, I blog about it. Since 2009, I’ve developed a strong, dedicated following of gearheads, motorheads, biker-wannabes and 2-wheeled adventurers who love motorcycles and everything there is about motorcycles. #RideSafeOutThere – Marc J. Beaulieu (MJB)
Note: Copyrights and Trademarks are the property of their owners. No infringement ever intended. Manufacturer Names, Logos, Photos/Images, Websites and Model Information are Registered Trademarks of the Manufacturer. Also, note that specifications and any information in this blog is subject to change without notice. No representation of accuracy is made.
This is my first time visiting your blog. Nice work bro…I like your simple approach. There’s too much crap out there in the media. You seem to get your audience right. Thanks.
Great article BUT is Harley sticking to the roller bearing on the drive side of crankshaft with these engines, or using the tapered bearing they used in CVO model TC’s? Will the new engine hold a low run-out on the pinion shaft unlike the TC? Are they still using worn out equipment to assemble the pressed together crankshaft? I see the first glaring mistake of the TC’s has been corrected on this new engine!! Hooray HD! They use a single camshaft on the new engine, DUH!! I’m sick of ’em after 50 yrs. Will sell my heavily modified FLSTFAEI for a new Indian. Thank you! :D
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Thanks for your note Gringo…check out my latest roadtest of the new motor on the 2017 Street Glide Special for my real life observations of the new Milwaukee Eight engine…It’s an awesome motor I must say. . I also have an Indian…a 2014 Chieftain with near 40,000 on it…You cannot go wrong with this bagger either. Thank you for reading my blog. MJB
Hi Marc. This article is really interesting and very informative on Harley’s new motot. I have bookmarked it for future reference. By the way, do you allow guest post on your website?
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Thanks for reading my blog Rolland…I will consider guest blog posts. You can send me a word doc 500- 750 words plus authorized photos/images for consideration. I reserve the right of refusal, amendments and changes prior to publishing worldwide. You own the final article. — MJB
Hello Motorcycle Marc,
Great job outlining the different displacement variations. Makes it easier to understand. Curious – I’m thinking of getting one of the new 2017 Touring Models. Any preference from your side of things? They look really expensive. Love your blog by the way.
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Hey, first a big thank you for your kind words Alfonso and thank you for reading my blog.
As for which 2017 model I like/prefer? Too soon to tell. I will be road testing one of the new Harley-Davidsons sometime in the next 30 days or so. I will write a detailed blog post about the experience then.
As a guide for you, think hard about the type of riding you do or will be doing to help you make the buying decision that is right for you. For example, weekend touring can be done with fun throttle twisting on a RoadKing at a good price point – MSRP around $19,000.Long rides/roadtrips are best done with a Electra Glide Ultra…MSRP around $24,000 or if money is no object, go CVO Limited at $40,000.
My personal favorite is the Street Glide Special…it’s a great all-around short or long road tripper for me…around MSRP $23,700. Plus, it’s a great looker. Bottom line, all the big V-Twins today come with big price tags…demo all the bikes for sure before you buy…#RideSafeOutThere – MJB