Harley Introduces Water Cooled Bagger

[Jeff Higgins]

It looks like H-D has finally made good on the promise of a water cooled touring bike. Many have opined that this is the next logical step for the Motor Company after the introduction of their water cooled power cruiser, the V-Rod. Unlike the V-Rod, however, which relied upon the engineering expertise of Porsche to spearhead development of Harley's first water pumper, the Milwaukee based company has turned to more local engineering talent. This down-home approach led their intrepid test staff to Deals Gap, where these spy photos reveal testing of an early prototype:

[flatbutt]

well at least he didn't have to lay it down. Man does that ever suck.

[dd74]

Is that bike now considered totaled?

[flatbutt]

I wouldn't be surprised, likely needs a lot of inspection for water in the motor

[LakeCleElum]

I never did like the brakes on a Harley....

[Noah930]

Wow. He even thought of putting the kickstand down in the muck to keep it from falling over.

Them saddlebags waterproof?

[dd74]

I love Harleys. I wish some guys wouldn't make them so effin loud. LAPD is now riding Harleys. They have a sweet low exhaust drone; you can actually hear the engine.

[dhoward]

Funny stuff.
These last few years motors have really been running hot due to the lean state of tune to meet EPA specs. You almost have to immediately install a tuner to richen them up.

[sailchef]

Probably gonna blame it on the GPS.

[Gogar]

I would never expect something like that to happen at Deals Gap.

[vash]

sucks that the guy probably soiled his harley bandana, harley sunglasses, harley t-shirt, harley gloves, harley backwards cap, harley helmet, wallet, belt, boots, harley chaps, harely tattoo, harley wristband on his harley watch, and put a skid mark on his harley boxers..............and so on, and so forth.

[gtc]

The helmet is still hooked on the bars. I'm guessing he parked it in neutral and it rolled into the water itself?

[MMARSH]

Very Funny, Glad you posted that

[MMARSH]

Originally Posted by dd74

I love Harleys. I wish some guys wouldn't make them so effin loud. LAPD is now riding Harleys. They have a sweet low exhaust drone; you can actually hear the engine.

And LAPD hates them. They have had nothing but problems from them but are locked into a contract. THey all say they are great bikes to ride to and from work, but they just aren't up to the demands of police work. They just recieved about 20 new RT1200s that they are probably going to when they can get out of the Harleys. THey look great though.

After going to Sturgis last week, I'm really thinking I want to get a Road Glide. I didn't know they made that many Harleys, it was pretty amazing. Didn't see that new water cooled version though

[WilsonTC]

[WilsonTC]

The whole story (and more pics) here:

http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.php?t=100233

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by MMARSH

And LAPD hates them. They have had nothing but problems from them but are locked into a contract. THey all say they are great bikes to ride to and from work, but they just aren't up to the demands of police work. They just recieved about 20 new RT1200s that they are probably going to when they can get out of the Harleys. THey look great though.

Same thing around here. H-D gives a screaming deal on them, something like a lease deal where they can be traded back in for darn near new prices. They want that police presence on Harleys; it's a key marketing strategy. It just looks so, so... American. Apple pie, mom, and all of that.

Problem is, mom in her mini van can outrun one. They hate idling in traffic, or on the side of the road while the officer writes a citation. They aren't so good at shutting down and hot starting repeatedly, either. I've always wondered how the bar hoppers do it...

Originally Posted by MMARSH

After going to Sturgis last week, I'm really thinking I want to get a Road Glide. I didn't know they made that many Harleys, it was pretty amazing. Didn't see that new water cooled version though

Better hurry - when they're gone, they're gone. This is the last year for them, again. H-D just can't sell enough of them for the marketing boys to justify keeping them in the line-up. It's such a great bike that it keeps resurfacing, though.

Honestly, these really are some pretty darn fine open road machines. Not the most powerful, or best handling, or best braking (although anti-lock Brembos are now standard on the high-end tourers). They excel at thumping along at a lazy speed limit-ish pace, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the country. Very relaxing and undemanding to ride. Too bad they don't float...

[dd74]

Yeah, I've seen the RTs. They are much nicer. Those you can barely hear as they approach.

There's just something...well...American about an American PD on a Harley; not that's a good or bad thing...

[Scooter]

Are they sitting around mentally parting out the bike? Hey, I'll take the seat!

[MMARSH]

Originally Posted by dd74

Yeah, I've seen the RTs. They are much nicer. Those you can barely hear as they approach.

There's just something...well...American about an American PD on a Harley; not that's a good or bad thing...

I agree. Several years ago I did a Veterens day parade. My department had our BMW's and Kawasakis. LAPD rode their Harleys. Although people admire the BMW and the Kawasaki is still a familiar bike out here in California, The crowd really dug the Harleys. They just look good. Throw on a black leather jacket and your styling.