LAsBestcom
Young Noob
Registered: December 2007
Posts: 51
users gallery
|
LA's Best The counterbalancers come in a new version of the Twin Cam engine, which is stronger, more powerful, easier to service and better in virtually every way than the Evolution engines that powered previous Softails. A revised bottom-end layout provides chain drive from the right end of the crankshaft for a pair of counterbalancers, one ahead of and one behind the crankshaft. Although they divert a small amount of the power that would otherwise drive the bike, they eliminate the shakes, so the engine can be packaged as tightly as Softail engines always have. The big difference is that vibration is virtually nonexistent.
Bottom-end differences aside, the new Softail engine, dubbed the Twin Cam 88B, packs the attractions of the original Twin Cam engine, introduced a year ago. Although it's an air-cooled, single-crankpin design laid out with the same 45-degree V-angle, knife-and-fork connecting-rod arrangement, two valves per cylinder, pushrod valve operation, and a single carb, the new Twin Cam series has many advantages over the old Evo design. The new engines are bigger at 1450cc than the old 1340cc engines, with a shorter stroke for better breathing and a higher compression ratio. Down in the crankcase, silent-type chains operate the two camshafts. The engines are quieter than the Evos because of their more modern design. They are also burlier, with a bigger straight crankpin, stronger cases, better lubrication, stouter bearings and countless other improvements. The engines are easier to assemble and service, too. Like the original Twin Cam the counterbalanced version is easily distinguished by its oval air cleaner, which appears to offer more volume for better breathing.
From the saddle, the difference is readily apparent. No Evo-powered Softail was ever so smooth, nor as responsive to throttle. There is more power everywhere, though not quite as much as the unbalanced machines. And rpm picks up more readily than the Evolution engines. Even on the relatively heavy Classic you can feel the added power when taking off from a complete stop. Carburetion is more predictable and linear. With the added power, slower traffic is less of an obstacle on two-lane roads.
The new engine is also coupled to a new transmission package, which brings smoother, lighter, quieter shifting. The difference is not huge, but those who have spent time with the old bikes will notice the difference when they prod the heel-toe shifter.
One thing that hasn't changed is Harley's traditionally excellent fuel mileage. At the 43 miles per gallon we averaged, the "Smoothtail" is right in line with the old Evolution-powered big twins, and will get you 200 miles per five-gallon tankful if you keep the speeds legal. However, this bike does require premium-grade fuel.
Although the nostalgic style of the Heritage Softail Classic suggests casual touring use, the counterbalanced engine makes it a much better long-distance mount than previous versions. It's likely it would have joined the Road King Classic among our favorites in last issue's leather-baggers comparison. Even though it looks similar to the old bike, the 21st-century FLSTC is so different—and better—that you too may feel as if you have slipped into a time warp. Take it from us, this brave new world is going to be great.
High Points
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
Type: Air-cooled 45-degree tandem V-twin
Valve arrangement: OHV, 1 intake, 1 exhaust valve per cylinder; operated by pushrods, hydraulic lifters
Displacement, bore x stroke: 1450cc, 92.25 x 101.6mm
Compression ratio: 8.9:1
Carburetion: 1, 40mm CV
Lubrication: dry sump, 3.5 qt.
Minimum fuel grade: 92 octane
Transmission: wet clutch, 5 speeds
Final drive: Belt. 70/32
CHASSIS
Wet weight: 736 lbs.
GVWR: 1160 lbs.
Seat height: 25.4 in.
Wheelbase: 64.5 in.
Rake/trail: 32 degrees / 5.8 in.
Front tire: MT90B-16 Dunlop D402 tube-type
Rear tire: MT90B-16 Dunlop D402 tube-type
Front brake: Double-action, four-piston caliper, 11.5-in. disc
Rear brake: Double-action, four-piston caliper, 11.5-in. disc
Front suspension: 5.1-in. travel
Rear suspension: dual dampers, 4.0-in. travel
Fuel capacity: 5.0 gal., (0.5 gal reserve)
PERFORMANCE
Fuel mileage: 38 to 46 mpg, 43.1 mpg average
Average range: 215 miles
200 yard, top-gear-acceleration from 50 mph, terminal speed: 71.9 mph
Quarter-mile acceleration: 14.28 sec., 92.2 mph
Suggested base price: $15,995 ($16,285 California)
Standard colors: Black
Extra cost colors: Blue pearl, orange pearl, bronze pearl, white pearl, red, yellow, add $240; blue/silver, orange/silver, red/black, add $585
Standard warranty: 12 mos., unlimited miles
Recommended service interval: 5000 miles
|
Tremek Car Videos - Street Car Drag Racing Videos
