Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/738714
30 nNovember 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS The primary chain tensioner has been tweaked a bit too—mostly its "shoe" is longer to support more of the chain. But the addition of what Harley calls a "mass damper" is new. Looks a lot a like a plastic plug stuck inside the primary cover, and its task is to (you guessed it) reduce sound transmission through the cover. Another "sound" improve- ment is in the compensator mechanism. As of 2017, it consists of new ramps and a special, large-diameter thrust washer, made of a unique material delivering consistent friction and superlative tor- sional behavior in the system. All this to harmonize with the new transmission scissor gear (fi rst gear) for quiet, jerk-less power from crank to trans to tires. And, in case you were wondering, this is the new scissored fi rst gear. It lives on the countershaft, in constant mesh, and works to prevent backlash… known to most of us as neutral "rattle." The bearing support plate (a.k.a. trap door) that holds the transmission gears also sports a new main shaft bearing. Hmmm? To end where it all begins, there's a new starter in town. Bigger armature, smaller solenoid, 1.6kw powerful… and exclusive to the Milwaukee-Eight. Physically compact, it cranks the new 11:1 CR Big Twin with ease and alacrity. The only downside is it is not rebuildable— though not likely to need it either. And at only $210 to replace, it can't be too big a deal. The increase in alternator capacity is welcomed and more than a little useful! Not least for adding all those electronic doo-dads and stereo equipment we seem to crave these days. This setup, complete with "bladed-fan" rotor design to keep things cool, will handle it all nicely. The best part is the increase in charge rate at low engine speeds, since that's where we spend most of our riding time, particularly in town, playing stop and go. That said, it's important to recall that the bike's own systems (EFI, ECM, ABS, BCM, starter, ignition… on and on) suck up a large chunk of power, and in truth all that direct current comes from the battery. So, the new alternator's main function is to keep said battery on the job. Milwaukee-Eight Continued from page 29 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 5000 2000 1000 6000 4000 3000 18 AMPS 28 AMPS DC Current (Amperes) Speed (RPM) 18 AMP INCREASE AT 1000 RPM MILWAUKEE EIGHT CURRENT PRODUCTION FL