Harley-Davidson stands out as a premier name in the motorcycle industry, renowned for its pioneering engineering. The focus remains on providing riders with the latest technology, fostering an exhilarating yet efficient riding experience. Thus, the launch of the Milwaukee-Eight engine in 2016 featured a groundbreaking addition: four spark plugs instead of the usual two.
This innovation relates to the combustion process of the engine’s air-fuel mixture. Each of the two cylinders is equipped with two spark plugs, promoting a more uniform ignition of the air-fuel mix. Given the engine’s extensive V-twin architecture, this dual-spark configuration is highly beneficial. By adopting this design, Harley-Davidson enhanced both the engine’s efficiency and emissions, while boosting its impressive power output.
In general, the Milwaukee-Eight engine represents a comprehensive modernization of Harley’s famed V-twin lineup. This engine not only sports a dual spark plug arrangement but is also engineered to deliver up to an 11% increase in torque over Harley’s earlier Twin Cam V-twin. The Twin Cam had its share of issues, including oil leaks and problems with timing chains. Moreover, the Milwaukee-Eight showcases quicker acceleration, superior heat management, and an upgraded exhaust system, all in comparison to its predecessors. Collectively, these enhancements, along with other internal improvements, indicate that the Milwaukee-Eight is a significant technological advance over the engines previously offered by Harley-Davidson.
Concerns Regarding the Milwaukee-Eight Engine
The Milwaukee-Eight engine is a standard feature on many of Harley-Davidson’s motorcycles, including the Touring line, where it has been featured since the 2017 model year. This engine also powers the Softail series starting from 2018 and comes in three variations: the 107, 114, and 117 cubic inches. If you are interested in experiencing the Milwaukee-Eight, we encourage you to reach out to your local Harley-Davidson dealer.
However, a number of owners have reported significant issues, particularly with the Milwaukee-Eight 114 variant. A technical service bulletin, issued by Harley-Davidson and distributed via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), highlighted an oil management problem affecting specific 2017-2019 models in 2019. This issue, referred to as “sumping,” arises when engine oil builds up in the crankcase rather than returning entirely to the oil reservoir. According to the bulletin, this condition could lead to a decrease in power and heightened engine braking under certain circumstances.
If you’re considering purchasing a new or used Harley-Davidson motorcycle, you may want to verify if it is affected by this issue. You can visit the NHTSA’s website and access their Recalls page, where you can input the motorcycle’s VIN or license plate to gather relevant information. Furthermore, this site also provides access to service bulletins, enabling you to make a well-informed decision moving forward.
