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[willyB]

My nephew, a sport bike rider who absolutely hates Harley's, and I were having a discussion about "power". The discussion became about WHERE different riders like to feel their "power".

Now the word "power" is not to be confused the horsepower!

Since, as a general point, a longer stroke engine cannot develop the same feeling of "power" at high rpms than a shorter stroke engine we began discussion the reasons why riders like their feeling of "power" at differing rpm levels.

Because he hates Harley's so much I asked him why he likes his big Ford pickup so much. He kind of chuckled and said because it had lots of power. We both cracked up laughing.

We started this "big" conversation because I told him that I was going to add some "power" to my CVO and it got me thinking:

What RPM level do you fellow CVOers like your feeling of "power"? Not where you "ride" but more so where do you get that feeling in your gut?

Since I love BMW's M-Series "power" curves I thought I'd attached a dyno sheet. By the way, I own a Ford truck.

[Dietea]

In USA you will say that nothing can beat cubic inc. I can say that yes can be, modern diesel engine. Here in Europe diesel engines are popular. My favorite to all day drive is BMW 2.0 diesel+ 8 gear auto tyranny. This engine has max tq 280 lbf ft and max hp 180. Max tq is jut in area what I will normally use 1750-2750 rpm. If I really want performace then my choise is BMW 335 diesel(3,0 ltr) max tq 464 lbf ft and 313 hp and diesel consuption 43,5 MPG. 0-100km/h 4,8 s. This mean performace! By the way 335 gasoline TQ 295 lbf ft and 306 hp. 0-100 5,0s. Fuel consuption 30,9 MPG. Comparing this two BMW 335 engines you can easily see what torque will make performance.

In Harley engine I love low, mid range TQ. Because this is just perfect on the long stroke engine and same time heavy bike. Low, mid range is area what I will mostly use, where seldom over 4000rpm. Torque on that area make heavy bike to very easy and good to drive.

[OBB]

Ever see the Ford commercial that talks about Torque?  "Torque is what's needed to open a beer bottle" 

[willyB]

In USA you will say that nothing can beat cubic inc. I can say that yes can be, modern diesel engine. Here in Europe diesel engines are popular. My favorite to all day drive is BMW 2.0 diesel+ 8 gear auto tyranny. This engine has max tq 280 lbf ft and max hp 180. Max tq is jut in area what I will normally use 1750-2750 rpm. If I really want performace then my choise is BMW 335 diesel(3,0 ltr) max tq 464 lbf ft and 313 hp and diesel consuption 43,5 MPG. 0-100km/h 4,8 s. This mean performace! By the way 335 gasoline TQ 295 lbf ft and 306 hp. 0-100 5,0s. Fuel consuption 30,9 MPG. Comparing this two BMW 335 engines you can easily see what torque will make performance.

In Harley engine I love low, mid range TQ. Because this is just perfect on the long stroke engine and same time heavy bike. Low, mid range is area what I will mostly use, where seldom over 4000rpm. Torque on that area make heavy bike to very easy and good to drive.

One day the diesel autos will catch over hear.

[deldago]

In USA you will say that nothing can beat cubic inc. I can say that yes can be, modern diesel engine. Here in Europe diesel engines are popular. My favorite to all day drive is BMW 2.0 diesel+ 8 gear auto tyranny. This engine has max tq 280 lbf ft and max hp 180. Max tq is jut in area what I will normally use 1750-2750 rpm. If I really want performace then my choise is BMW 335 diesel(3,0 ltr) max tq 464 lbf ft and 313 hp and diesel consuption 43,5 MPG. 0-100km/h 4,8 s. This mean performace! By the way 335 gasoline TQ 295 lbf ft and 306 hp. 0-100 5,0s. Fuel consuption 30,9 MPG. Comparing this two BMW 335 engines you can easily see what torque will make performance.

In Harley engine I love low, mid range TQ. Because this is just perfect on the long stroke engine and same time heavy bike. Low, mid range is area what I will mostly use, where seldom over 4000rpm. Torque on that area make heavy bike to very easy and good to drive.

Americans are very hard to convince that diesel engines are great in cars. Trucks have always sold with diesels to those that tow. There are some great cars with diesel engines and the torque is addicting! I recently drove a Chevy Cruze with a diesel and you could feel the "power", way more entertaining than the turbo gas model!

[timo482]

there are three things hurting diesels here.

one, the fuel tax & thus the price is much higher on diesel, at least 50 cents a gallon,  because most is used in trucks and the various agencies refuse to tax based on use for fear of cheating.

two, oil changes cost more - lots more really

three, starting troubles.. here in minnesota if its diesel it simply must be plugged in or its not going to start, no way no how. i have a special outlet on my house for the diesel trucks. in the last twenty years i have had a diesel about half the time. they use less fuel, have more power. but they cost enough more that in the winter time the gas truck is actually cheaper to drive, in the summer the diesels are a bit cheaper to drive.

in the late 80's and early 90's the diesels were at least half cheaper and sometimes more than half cheaper to drive so it was really worth it.

today the only trucks that are half cheaper to drive are the natural gas trucks - 1.79 per gallon at the station a few miles from my house.

[charles05663]

One day the diesel autos will catch over hear.

I would really like it if Subaru brought their diesel here.  I was told by the dealer, if the know anything, and was told it is an emissions issue.

 

[CowboyBagger]

I've got several diesels, but my favorite to drive is the 379 Peterbilt with a C 15 Cat and 18 SPD.  Talk about torque!   When your loaded and punch it, you can feel the whole truck twisting with the driveshaft.  It's definitely impressive power.  

I wonder if anyone has tried a diesel Harley.   I'll bet someone has.  Might be a little heavy!

Cowboy

[JohnCA58]

A few Harley engineer built a diesel Harley a couple years ago, there is a U tube on it,  I am a diesel man myself.....  was a (retired)trainer for Cummins Diesel, so I do drive the Dodge w/ 5.9 ,  sold my TDI VW Bug 06 great car.

http://thekneeslider.com/gray-eagles-build-a-turbo-diesel-harley-davidson/
 

[VaEagle]

I wonder if anyone has tried a diesel Harley.   I'll bet someone has.  Might be a little heavy!

Cowboy

Orange County Choppers built a diesel bike in about 2012 and they had a show on it....video in this link:

[charles05663]

Orange County Choppers built a diesel bike in about 2010 and they had a show on it....video in this link:

I wish they had more information on the engine they used in that clip.

 

[VaEagle]

from web search I found this info...


The motorcycle is powered by a three-cylinder, liquid-cooled, Briggs and Stratton 590000 turbo diesel. It weighs in at 675 pounds and is 96 inches long.

[HILLSIDECYCLE.COM]

Harleys are torque-oriented engines by design.
Present day Harleys can also manufacture substancial horsepower as well with the advancements in cylinder head design, camshaft profiles, and intake and exhaust systems inovations.
Very contrary to the HD's of yester-year.
Scott

[charles05663]

Harleys are torque-oriented engines by design.
Present day Harleys can also manufacture substancial horsepower as well with the advancements in cylinder head design, camshaft profiles, and intake and exhaust systems inovations.
Very contrary to the HD's of yester-year.
Scott

Now if they would only focus on readability.

 

[Akicita]

A few Harley engineer built a diesel Harley a couple years ago, there is a U tube on it,  I am a diesel man myself.....  was a (retired)trainer for Cummins Diesel, so I do drive the Dodge w/ 5.9 ,  sold my TDI VW Bug 06 great car.

http://thekneeslider.com/gray-eagles-build-a-turbo-diesel-harley-davidson/
 

Have to agree with you on the Cummins.  I've got a 2004 RAM2500 that puts out as much torque and horsepower as I need, and on top of that usually turns in 5 or more mpg than the newer models.  Had my ECM reprogrammed by Dodge and haven't looked back.