THE HEART AND SOUL OF LEGENDARY MOTORCYCLES
Milwaukee, Wis. (July 14, 2006) - The look of the Harley-Davidson V-Twin engine has drawn comparisons to a work of art. The sound of the engine has inspired riders for generations. The feel of the engine has inspired unforgettable journeys. Over time, the Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine has evolved to fulfill the dreams of motorcycle riders around the world.
In 2007, the tradition continues as Harley-Davidson introduces the all-new 96 cubic-inch, 1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine with 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission and Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) on all Touring, Softail and Dyna models. The new engine is the product of years of development and collaboration among Harley-Davidson engineers, designers, manufacturing technicians, assemblers and others, including valuable input from customers.
“The engine has always been the heart and soul of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle,” said Willie G. Davidson, Harley-Davidson Senior Vice President and Chief Styling Officer. “It provides the power, sound and look that make our motorcycles so unique. The Twin Cam 96 represents the legacy of a century of innovation that has continually moved forward to meet the desires of our customers.”
The new Twin Cam 96 engine and the Twin Cam 96B counter-balanced Softail family engine set a new standard for Harley-Davidson engine power and performance, and the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission enhances that performance with gear ratios selected to perfectly match the torque curve of the new engine.
The 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, introduced on the Dyna motorcycles in 2006 and on all Big Twins in 2007, represents significant innovation in the Harley-Davidson powertrain. The 5-speed transmission first appeared on Harley-Davidson motorcycles in 1981 and was included on all models by 1991.
The Harley-Davidson Big Twin legacy of engine development dates to the 1909 introduction of its first V-Twin powered motorcycle. The two engine cylinders in a 45-degree configuration set the stage for years of V-Twin power with an image that remains one of the most enduring icons in Harley-Davidson history.
Inheriting the lasting legacy of innovative Harley-Davidson design and technology, the Twin Cam 96 engine and 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission continue a tradition in design and engineering that is well worth the ride.
Key highlights of Harley-Davidson Big Twin engine development include the following:
The first 74 cubic-inch V-Twin engine on the JD and FD models was introduced in 1921 and the 45 cubic-inch side-valve V-twin engine (later to be known as the "Flathead") on the D model debuted in 1929. The Flathead engine proved so reliable that variations of it were available on Harley-Davidson motorcycles as late as 1973.
In 1936, Harley-Davidson introduced the EL model with an overhead valve, 61 cubic-inch engine. With increased horsepower and bold styling changes, the motorcycle earned the “Knucklehead” nickname, due to the shape of its rocker boxes.
New features were added to the 61 and 74 overhead valve engines in 1948, including aluminum heads and hydraulic valve lifters. New one-piece, chrome plated rocker box covers shaped like cake pans earned this engine the nickname "Panhead.” The engine introduced on the Electra Glide models in 1966 to replace the Panhead became known as the “Shovelhead,” again due to the shape of its rocker covers.
In 1984, Harley-Davidson unveiled the 1340cc V-Twin Evolution engine on five models, including the new Softail. The product of seven years in development, the Evolution engine produced more power at all speeds, while running cooler and cleaner.
The creation of the 1450cc Twin Cam 88 engine in 1999 was a landmark for research, development and testing at Harley-Davidson. As a result, the Twin Cam 88 and its counter-balanced equal for Softails, the Twin Cam 88B, provided increased performance, improved reliability and sound, and a new oil circulation system on a stronger powertrain and chassis.
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