Anyone in the market for a new Harley-Davidson needs to pay some serious attention. This could be one of the best years ever to purchase a new Harley. In addition to producing 38 different models (not including the various bikes produced specifically for police departments, fire departments, and eligible members of the service), Harley has turned the American V-Twin industry on its ear. A company that has traditionally erred on the conservative side is acting anything but conservative these days. As we reported last month, Harley’s engineers have been hard at work, feverishly revamping the majority of the bikes they produce. There isn’t a single family of motorcycles offered for ’07 that hasn’t been affected by the winds of change.

Highlights Of The ’07 Lineup Include: * A completely new Twin Cam 96-inch Big-Twin engine* Six-speed Cruise Drive transmission for all models outfitted with Big-Twin engines* Electronic sequential-port fuel injection (ESPFI) across the entire line of bikes* New mufflers for improved sound* A limited-edition 50th Anniversary Sportster* A new Softail model dubbed the FXSTC Softail Custom* Two new V-Rod models: the VRSCDX Night Rod Special and the VRSCX* A redesigned FLSTF Fat Boy* A redesigned FXDC Dyna Super Glide* Four Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) models* A new hands-free Smart Security System option

By far the single biggest change for the ’07 model year is the introduction of Harley’s redesigned Twin Cam engine. Prior to the new lines’ debut, the standard Big-Twin motor had a displacement of 88 inches. For ’07 Harley has increased displacement by 8 inches, resulting in a new incarnation of the Twin Cam powerplant. There are actually two variations of this mill: the TC-96 (Touring and Dyna models) and the TC-96B (Softail models), each with a total of 96 inches of displacement. The new Big-Twin engine will be coupled to Harley’s six-speed Cruise Drive transmission, which was introduced last year across the Dyna line.

Bill Davidson, director of motorcycle product development, had the following to say regarding the relationship between Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the engines that power them: “A V-Twin engine has always been the centerpiece of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. It’s integral not only to the performance of the motorcycle, but also to its styling, to its sound, and the way it feels to the rider. The new Twin Cam 96 and six-speed Cruise Drive transmission offer enhanced performance while maintaining the traditional aesthetics of the Harley-Davidson Big-Twin.”

Mr. Davidson is without a doubt clued into the strong connection Harley riders have with their machines. This link between man and machine is without a doubt far stronger than the mere materials that make up the V-Twin.

When the Harley brass decided it was time to update the powerplant, they knew how important the final design of the engine would be to the buying public. As they contemplated a new engine, they realized that making the changes too radical could turn many riders against them. This was the thinking going into the new motor program. Not only did they have to deal with concerns of their buyers, they had to navigate their way through a maze of government regulations here and abroad, both current and future.

While building engines that meet or exceed levels set forth by any particular agency is nothing new for Harley, this time around it would be more challenging. Not only have many European countries drastically reduced the amount of pollution that can spew forth from a bike’s tailpipe, but, in addition, motorcycle sound levels were being drastically curtailed as well. These sound levels dealt with not only the exhaust, but also the entire drivetrain.

Many of the changes built into the new engine were in direct response to these sound-level restrictions. Specifically, the bottom end was redesigned from square one. Components such as the cases, flywheels, and connecting rods have all been redesigned to give the engine less reciprocating mass, making for a more efficient design, as well as a quieter one. The new engine is said to have up to 17 percent more torque than ’06 models. This difference varies from model to model. In addition to the lower mass, we’re told that although the stroke was increased from 4 inches to 4-3/8 inches, the combination of the new design and multiple new components makes for a smoother-running engine.

Engines for the ’07 model year take advantage of new lighter cams, hydrostatic plain cam bearings, and a redesigned cam-chain arrangement that includes new hydraulic cam chain tensioners, replacing existing spring-loaded tensioners. The starter has been designed to bolt right up to the inner primary, and the jackshaft assembly has been eliminated for trouble-free operation. New higher-capacity oil pumps reside in the cam chest, providing 23 percent more scavenging capabilities and 10 percent more flow. All of the new engines are fitted with redesigned 25-degree fuel-injector nozzles for increased ridability and lower emissions. Also incorporated into the ESPFI system are oxygen sensors fitted to the exhaust system. The sensors provide the bikes’ ECU with critical operational information, allowing the computer to make fine adjustments to the system while the engine is operating.

Coupled to the new Big-Twin engine is Harley’s six-speed Cruise Drive transmission, which comes complete with a new case, gears, bearings, new gear ratios designed to take full advantage of the engine’s torque, and shifting operation that uses dog rings as opposed to moving gears. This change is designed to make for smoother, quicker shifting with less lever throw. The transmission’s case is designed with internal oil passages on both the Touring and Dyna lines. This eliminates the exterior oil lines between the engine and transmission on these models, while the eight Softail models are still equipped with externally run oil lines. Helping ease the shifting duties further are a new ball-and-ramp assembly designed to give reduced effort at the clutch lever.

While they were at it, Harley’s engineers and designers did some tweaking inside the primary by including an automatic primary-chain tensioner, which eliminates the need for manually adjusting the primary chain. This new system is also said to keep the chain under a more uniform adjustment in either hot or cold conditions. The primary cover was also updated.

A welcome change for ’07 was the introduction of redesigned exhaust systems. By lowering the total amount of noise from the motorcycle with the new driveline, Harley’s engineers were actually able to beef up the exhaust note by enhancing low frequencies emanating from the freer-flowing pipes.

TouringFeatures Across The LineNew rubber-mounted Twin Cam 96 V-Twin engineSix-speed Cruise Drive transmissionReduced clutch effortImproved accelerationNew ESPFI

If you’re looking to stretch your legs, there’s no better way to do it than saddling up any one of the eight touring models and hitting the road. It makes no difference whether you ride solo or with a passenger and gear-these bikes can get you there in comfort. The models range from the clean lines of the Street Glide to the classically styled Road King and on to the decked-out Ultra Classic. If you are looking for a bike with hard or soft bags, a windshield or fairing, it’s all here in the touring line.

SoftailFeatures Across The LineNew rigid-mounted Twin Cam 96B V-Twin engineInternal counterbalance shafts for smooth engine operationSix-Speed Cruise Drive transmissionNew ESPFINew final drive belt

If you want a bike that demands attitude, the Softail line is right up your alley. This line is comprised of eight models, including the brand-new ’60s-inspired Softail Custom, which comes complete with a multi-level seat and integrated backrest. The Softail line has something for everyone. These bikes stick close to the traditional rigid-frame look by utilizing a pair of shock absorbers located under the transmission, oriented parallel to the ground. The Fat Boy has been redesigned and sports a 200mm rear tire, new rear fender, 17-inch front wheel, and internally wired fat handlebars. Other models have rear tires of varying widths from 150mm to 200mm. If nostalgia is what you’re looking for, the Softail Springer Classic could be just the bike for you.

DynaFeatures Across The LineNew rubber-mounted Twin Cam 96 V-Twin engineSix-speed Cruise Drive transmissionTraditional-style rear shocksBeefy 49mm forks160mm rear tiresNew ESPFINew final drive belt

Back in ’06 the Dyna line underwent major changes that included items such as the six-speed Cruise Drive transmission, new cams and tensioners, oxygen sensors, ESPFI, and a new oil pump, as well as a host of other features. As it turned out, last year’s Dynas were a testbed for many of the items that are standard equipment on all of the Big-Twins for ’07. The five bikes that comprise the Dyna line are without a doubt made to appeal to the raw emotion buried deep inside the serious rider. If you’re the kind of rider who yearns for mile after mile of challenging roads to test your spirit as you drag your pegs through the curves, then the Dyna family deserves close consideration. With models ranging from the sport-oriented Dyna Super Glide to the boundary-pushing Dyna Wide Glide, there is a host of choices designed to stir that fire inside.

SportsterFeatures Across The LineRubber-mounted Evolution V-Twin engineIntegrated engine and transmission housingFive-speed transmissionTraditional-style rear shocks150mm rear tiresNew ESPFINew gauges

The Sportster shares a special spot in the hearts of many riders as well as the folks at the factory. It’s known to many as the bike that introduced them to the Harley brand, and a lot of riders have fond memories of their first Harley. In addition, the Sportster has been produced continuously since 1957. Celebrating the fact that the bike has been around for a half a century, the factory built 2,000 models commemorating this milestone. The model comes outfitted with a black powdercoated 1,200cc engine, 19-inch laced front wheel, new gauges, lowered rear shocks, and has a host of badging and emblems available only on this limited-edition model. In a surprise move, Harley did away with completely with carburetors on Sportys and moved to a brand-new ESPFI. Realizing how beloved the shape of the gas tank is to many Sportster riders, the factory devised an under-tank mounting for the bike’s fuel pump. This eliminated the need to redesign the top of the tank, allowing it to retain its traditional look.

Still considered an entry-level bike to many, the Sportster is available with either an 883cc or 1,200cc engine. Various models allow for different ergonomic setups by changing elements such as seat height, foot-control placement, and handlebar style.

VRSCFeatures Across The LineLiquid-cooled, rubber-mounted counterbalancedRevolution V-Twin engineIntegrated engine and transmission housingHydroformed frameTraditional-style rear shocks5-gallon fuel tanksFive-speed transmission

When Harley introduced the V-Rod back in 2002, the company ventured down a path much different from the one it had been following. The new bike was a radical departure from the style of bikes currently being produced by H-D. Initially the reviews were mixed and covered a broad spectrum. Since that time, the line of water-cooled bikes has taken a firm hold and is an integral part of Harley’s offerings. This year five bikes make up the hot rod family of motorcycles known as VRSC. The V-Rods are the musclecars of Harley’s line and push every limit of styling, performance, and technology. Two new models have been rolled out for ’07; the VRSCX is inspired by the success of and pays tribute to the two-time Pro Stock champion Vance & Hines Screamin’ Eagle drag race team. Sporting a larger 1,250cc water-cooled engine rated at 123 horsepower, this is a serious machine. Adding to its race-bred performance is a variety styling cues, including the familiar paint scheme and logos. Also joining the V-Rod family is the menacing VRSCDX Night Rod Special. Complete with a dropped suspension, 240mm rear tire, and blacked-out cosmetic package, this bike really makes a statement. In contrast to all the black are orange pinstripes on the aluminum disc wheels, just a smattering of chrome and natural aluminum, and a pair of very good-looking brushed-aluminum mufflers.

CVOFeatures Across The LineNew Twin Cam 110 V-Twin engineSix-speed Cruise Drive transmissionModel-specific accessoriesPowdercoated framesChrome, chrome, chromeNew ESPFINew final drive belt

If you are one of those guys who have to have the best of everything, you owe it to yourself to check out the Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) line of bikes. Each year a small group of Harley employees is responsible for coming up with a few bike designs to be built on a limited basis. This year’s offerings include the Screamin’ Eagle Road King, Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide, Screamin’ Eagle Dyna, and Screamin’ Eagle Softail Springer. Each of these models takes a bike from its original family and uses it as a starting point to build a factory custom. Right from the get-go, the stock mills are replaced by much larger 110-inch engines coupled to six-speed Cruise Drive transmissions. This engine is the largest displacement ever offered by Harley. Each CVO model is decked out with a serious number of accessories designed specifically for that model. Add to that color-coordinated frames and limited-edition custom paint, and you have a bike that will have no problem standing out from the crowd. This year marks the third time the Road King has been part of the CVO program and the second year the Ultra Classic Electra Glide has been included. While these are returning models, they are different from previous models bearing their name.