Porsche & Harley Davidson

Netspeed · 03-28-2006, 02:47 PM

Is this true?
From Wikipedia:
Porsche also helped Harley-Davidson design their new engine in their newer V-Rod motorcycle.

DougM · 03-28-2006, 02:51 PM

Yes, that is true.

porschenut · 03-28-2006, 03:52 PM

Hard to believe, but yes it's true.

asphaltgambler · 03-28-2006, 04:03 PM

Porsche was contracted to help (major) design, fab, test initial versions of the V-rod engine. I believe the final street engine design had to pass the TUV test. IE:run on junk gas, extreme temps, 100 hours at WOT (under load) and produce at least 135hp at the crank. Very tough!!

Harley has used them prior in the evo engine mostly cylinder head/combustion chamber design as well as the twin-cam top end.

A I understand it porsche grosses more $$ on contracting their engineering people and resources out than they gross on the ENTIRE automotive operation.

unclebilly · unclebilly's Garage

Yup - Porsche is an engineering company first and an automotive company second.

They even worked with Rollei on cameras in the mid eighties.

ErVikingo · 03-28-2006, 05:19 PM

Thats why I own a VRod

speedracer · 03-28-2006, 05:28 PM

Porsche engineers also worked with subaru on development of their engines as well..

RickM · RickM's Garage

Good points. Porsche was always an engineering/design consulting/solutions firm.
That said, they also license technology from other companys. One example is the balancing shaft configuration for the 944 based engines. That was from Mitsubishi.

LakeCleElum · 03-28-2006, 06:07 PM

Only problem is that HD isn't smart enough to pu that engine in anything other than the V-Rod........It's a great engine and if HD would put that engine in a Sport Tourning type of bike, they might bring some serious riders back into their gift shops......er, I mean showrooms.....

brendon · brendon's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by ErVikingo
Thats why I own a VRod

Haven't I seen your name on the V-rod forums???

gr8fl4porsche · gr8fl4porsche's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by LakeCleElum
Only problem is that HD isn't smart enough to pu that engine in anything other than the V-Rod........

'Harley shipped the not altogether reliable VR1000 race bike engine to Germany for etiquette lessons from Porsche.'

Porsche did as was stated above, they took a Harley product and tuned/redesigned it for the street.

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

V-Rod owners: is the hardware on V-Rod motors in metric or standard sizes?

ErVikingo · 03-28-2006, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by brendon
Haven't I seen your name on the V-rod forums???

Yes you have .......

Netspeed · 03-28-2006, 07:04 PM

Thanks everyone!

Redlineshftr · 03-28-2006, 07:16 PM

I read an article awhile backand it was a drive with a Vrod and a boxster and the ytalked about how Porsche helped design the Vrod. I believe it was in Excellence but I am probably wrong.... I read waaay too many car magazines

Bill in OKC · 03-29-2006, 07:36 AM

The V-rod was not the first engine that Porsche designed for Harley Davidson. Back in the mid 70's Harley contracted for a new motor and Porsche delivered a V-4 named the Nova.

http://www.bikerenews.com/AntiqueBikes/CodeNameNova.htm

Some rumors have it that after HD rejected the engine, it was sold to Yamaha and became the foundation for the V-max.

klatinn · 03-29-2006, 08:17 AM

Not the first motorcycle Porsche helped develop either. In the 70's they created the drivetrain for a VanVeen/Kreidler motorcycle. It had a rotary (Wankel) engine. The thing was scarily fast and felt like it had a turbine engine (no vibrations). Unfortunately Kreidler folded before it came to market. FWIW.

Regards,
Klaus

arcsine · 03-29-2006, 08:17 AM

One of the cool things Porsche did was spec con rods with "cracked" big ends. Make the rod in one piece then break the big end off. When you mate the pieces back together around they fit perfectly together and are stronger than machined ends.

Netspeed · 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by arcsine
One of the cool things Porsche did was spec con rods with "cracked" big ends. Make the rod in one piece then break the big end off. When you mate the pieces back together around they fit perfectly together and are stronger than machined ends.

Do you have more information on this? It sounds interesting.

oldE · 03-29-2006, 09:55 AM

A number of manufacturers use this. Instead of making the big end in two pieces, you forge the connecting rod in one piece, machine the areas for the con-rod bolts then fracture the big end at designed locations. The 'grain' in the metal at the fracture helps the rod end fit back together with greater precision than just machined parts.
I think my Ford truck has these too. It's no longer unusual.
Les