Well, maybe one is, but more likely it’s rider comfort related. OK, before we call it done here, you should know about a couple of important things not directly engine related. So, the new alternator’s main function is to keep said battery on the job. That said, it’s important to recall that the bike’s own systems (EFI, ECM, ABS, BCM, starter, ignition… on and on) suck up a large chunk of power, and in truth all that direct current comes from the battery. The best part is the increase in charge rate at low engine speeds, since that’s where we spend most of our riding time, particularly in town, playing stop and go. This setup, complete with “bladed-fan” rotor design to keep things cool, will handle it all nicely. The increase in alternator capacity is welcomed and more than a little useful! Not least for adding all those electronic doo-dads and stereo equipment we seem to crave these days. And at only $210 to replace, it can’t be too big a deal. The only downside is it is not rebuildable-though not likely to need it either. Physically compact, it cranks the new 11:1 CR Big Twin with ease and alacrity. Bigger armature, smaller solenoid, 1.6kw powerful… and exclusive to the Milwaukee-Eight. To end where it all begins, there’s a new starter in town. trap door) that holds the transmission gears also sports a new main shaft bearing. It lives on the countershaft, in constant mesh, and works to prevent backlash… known to most of us as neutral “rattle.” The bearing support plate (a.k.a. All this to harmonize with the new transmission scissor gear (first gear) for quiet, jerk-less power from crank to trans to tires.Īnd, in case you were wondering, this is the new scissored first gear. As of 2017, it consists of new ramps and a special, large-diameter thrust washer, made of a unique material delivering consistent friction and superlative torsional behavior in the system. Looks a lot a like a plastic plug stuck inside the primary cover, and its task is to (you guessed it) reduce sound transmission through the cover.Īnother “sound” improvement is in the compensator mechanism. But the addition of what Harley calls a “mass damper” is new. The primary chain tensioner has been tweaked a bit too-mostly its “shoe” is longer to support more of the chain. Eases the pain for tires and driveline… not to mention rider nerves… when negotiating treacherous roads. Using either nine or 10 plates (depending on model and application) this setup uses built-in ramps which increase pressure on the plates, thereby improving grip during acceleration, yet decreasing all that to let it slip when you back off sharply and/or downshift. Underneath the new, narrower primary cover (introduced last year on “Low” models) and used on all 2017 Touring models, is a new “assist/slip” clutch. Makes sense, when you consider the engine now breathes into this area. The new-for-2017 interface between engine and transmission cases uses a new metal-backed gasket with beaded surfaces to seal internal passages between oil tank and engine. The factory is quite rightfully proud of their investment in the high-tech machinery required to make these cases (not to mention the heads) right down to robotic powder-coating that (pardon the pun) “finishes” the process. The changes were made to accommodate the new gear-driven balance that lives in front of the crankshaft. Inside the cases are new shouldered cylinder studs, spaced farther apart and reconfigured to handle the larger cylinders. The crankshaft position sensor is now located on right side case at the bottom of the engine, a move also dictated by the addition of the new balancer. Having done that, let’s delve further into the inner workings of the Milwaukee-Eight.Ĭrankcases for the M-8 are all new, over 20 percent stronger, with a new front engine mount interface and a relocated oil filter mount being the most obvious changes.
To get up to speed on this technical examination, click here and refresh your memory. This time around, the focus is on the many not inconsiderable improvements and innovations applied to the “supporting players” which collectively make the new Milwaukee-Eight the best Harley Big Twin ever made. Last time, we covered the most obvious and important “features” of The Motor Company’s latest power plant. Let’s take up here, where we left off last issue.
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