New engine and five new models from Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson launch the Twin Cam 96/96B, an all-new, larger displacement, 1584cc Big Twin engine, as it introduces its 2007 line of motorcycles. The Twin Cam 96/96B will power all models in the Harley-Davidson Dyna, Softail and Touring product families, which will all feature the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission which made its debut on the 2006 Dyna family. The Softail and VRSC families will each feature two new models for 2007.

Another piece of headline-making news for all the new 2007 Harley-Davidson 1584cc, 6-speed Big Twin models is the arrival of a highly innovative and sophisticated active air intake and exhaust technology system developed by Harley-Davidson which significantly improves power, torque and sound quality whilst meeting European noise and emission regulations. And as you would expect from Harley-Davidson, the new technology is discreetly designed and integrated so that the classic looks of the motorcycle and profile of the V-Twin engine remains unspoiled.

“The V-Twin engine has always been the centrepiece of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle,” said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson director of motorcycle product development. “It’s integral not only to the performance of the motorcycle, but also to its styling, to its sound, and to the way it feels to the rider. The new Twin Cam 96/96B, 6-speed Cruise Drive Transmission and new active air intake and exhaust for Europe offer enhanced performance, while maintaining the traditional aesthetics of the Harley-Davidson Big Twin and significantly improving sound quality.”

Highlights of the 2007 Harley-Davidson line include:

The new air/oil-cooled Twin Cam 96 engine, married to the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, delivers up to 19 per cent more torque (varies by model family) than the 1450cc Twin Cam 88 it replaces and incorporates a number of design changes to enhance convenience and reliability. It will be offered with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) as standard.

The Cruise Drive transmission features quieter helical-cut gears in ratios optimised to match the torque curve of the Twin Cam 96/96B. A higher sixth gear ratio reduces engine rpm by 11 per cent at highway speeds.

The new FXSTC Softail Custom reprises the styling cues of the classic chopper, with a 200mm rear tyre, king-and-queen seat, and Bobtail rear fender.

The FLSTF Fat Boy is heavily refreshed and reloaded for 2007, with a 200mm rear tyre, new wheels and styling details, and the performance of the Twin Cam 96B engine.

The VRSC family of liquid-cooled Powercruiser and Roadster motorcycles features two new models. The VRSCDX Night Rod Special offers menacing, blacked-out styling that brings a new, sinister attitude to the category. In addition, the limited-edition VRSCX features the road-scorching power of a big-bore Revolution V-Twin engine with drag-bike styling and graphics that pay tribute to the NHRA champion Screamin’ Eagle / Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle racing team.

The FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom (available from November 2006) is redesigned to enhance its aesthetic appeal with additional chrome and custom features, including a new two-up seat, Fat Bob fuel tank, mini pullback handlebars and a host of new details.

Fuel injection is introduced on Harley-Davidson Sportster models for 2007 and will be standard equipment on all 883cc and 1200cc models. The Sportster range also benefits from further reduced clutch and front brake lever effort. The seat height on the XL883 Sportster 883 Low model has been reduced by a further 19mm.

Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) will offer three exciting models for 2007: the Screamin’ Eagle Road King, the Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide and the Screamin’ Eagle Softail Springer. Each is powered by a new high-performance Twin Cam 110 powertrain and features new accessories and fabulous new paint schemes.

The new self-arming Harley-Davidson Hands-Free Security System is a factory-installed standard system for all European Harley-Davidson models and is the only alarm designed, approved and warranted for use by the Motor Company. The Smart Security System lives up to its name with several innovative and user-friendly features.