Now that the FL frame is fixed...

[Snowbird]

A full size poster included in the latest issue of RoadRunner showing an FL chassis reveals the one remaining fly in Harley's design options: the length of the engine. I don't see how they can stack the transmission to reduce the engine's length thereby shortening the wheelbase to compete with other designs.

Have you seen the poster? What do you think? Is this significant?

[chornbe]

Harley's tourer frame bikes still have among the shortest wheel base and rake in their class, while maintaining a long and stabilizing trail. They're doing fine building the bike to its purpose.

And yes, the new frame is supposed to be the cat's ass. I can't wait to test ride the new Road King. My dealer sold the three they had the first day. I can ride one of their Street Glides if I want, but I want to ride the Road King because if anything's going to replace my 'Glide, it's going to be the RK, straight up, sans windshield.

[1KPerDay]

If they really wanted to, they could shorten the transmission a la Confederate cycles. But they don't want to. The touring models are pretty cramped front to back as is... at least for 'normal' sized people.

[Geoff]

Shorten the engine?  

[Snowbird]

If they really wanted to, they could shorten the transmission a la Confederate cycles. But they don't want to. The touring models are pretty cramped front to back as is... at least for 'normal' sized people.

How'd Confederate do it?

Why doesn't H-D make better use of the available real estate, for looks...?

[Snowbird]

Harley's tourer frame bikes still have among the shortest wheel base and rake in their class, while maintaining a long and stabilizing trail. They're doing fine building the bike to its purpose.

And yes, the new frame is supposed to be the cat's ass. I can't wait to test ride the new Road King. My dealer sold the three they had the first day. I can ride one of their Street Glides if I want, but I want to ride the Road King because if anything's going to replace my 'Glide, it's going to be the RK, straight up, sans windshield.

Yes, shortest among it's class per a comparo in a magazine last month. I guess I shouldn't expect them to match a sport-tourer class bike.

You're happy without a windshield?

[chornbe]

Yeah, I don't mind the wind. The buffeting is what kills me. Clean steam of air is OK by me.

[1KPerDay]

How'd Confederate do it?

IIRC they stacked some of the gears and shortened the primary. The primary looks sort of like the sportster but thicker top to bottom. Pricey as hell, but doable. The chain's also on the opposite side.

http://www.bikez.com/pictures/confederate/2008/27430_0_1_2_wraith%20b120_Image%20credits%20-%20Confederate.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_7qXUfYMJ0sU/R99PnpPh9XI/AAAAAAAAAWw/KXYlD3apC0U/Confederate%2520B91%2520Wraith.jpg

http://images.motorcyclecruiser.com/newsandupdates/Xl+Confederate_F113_Hellcat+Left_Side_View.jpg

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Confederate%20F113%20Hellcat%20%202.jpg
As far as looks go.. everything rearward of the back end of the primary that you saw in the poster is covered with bodywork/saddlebags on the touring models... so the only thing you see is the cylinders and the large chrome primary. Which is classic and everyone (but you, ostensibly) loves the way the engine looks.  I can't personally see how a shorter wheelbase would be necessary or desirable on a dedicated touring model. You need room for 2 people comfortably and all their gear. Have you looked at the wheelbase of the Honda GL1800 lately?

If there's one thing they should fix on them it's the swingarm mounts and cornering clearance. Everything else works beautifully for its intended purpose.

[atadaskew]

Yeah, I don't mind the wind. The buffeting is what kills me. Clean steam of air is OK by me.

You ain't kidding.  The Dyna Low Rider that I rode and posted about on this site really sucked for buffetting UNTIL I removed the windshield.  Then it was heaven (but I only went about 60-ish mph).