Undeniably, there’s an indomitable charm that Harley Davidson holds over its legion of dedicated fanatics. There’s an air of mystery that surrounds the brotherhood and the deep-set loyalty that accompanies it have much to do with the superiority of its engines. But the buzz is real, and it’s centered on two of their iconic powerhouses – the Harley 107 and the Harley 114.
Riders are tirelessly debating the highs, lows, merrits, and the apparent ‘Harley 107 problems‘ and ‘Harley 114 problems’. And not to mention, the hallowed ‘Milwaukee 8 problems.’ Well, if you find yourself caught in the crossfires of this debate, this article is precisely what the mechanic ordered.
We delve into a direct engine comparison, stripping each engine part, comparing its performance, and revealing the undressed truth. Hold onto your handlebars, as we throttle full speed into the world of Harley-Davidson engines!
So, What’s The Most Popular Engine and Why?
The Milwaukee-Eight engines have gained popularity owing to their powerful performance and appealing aesthetics. However, the Milwaukee-Eight 114 seems to edge out the 107 in popularity. The 114’s smooth power delivery, coupled with its slightly snappier performance, has made it a favored choice among many riders. Moreover, the 114 engine delivers more torque and horsepower compared to its 107 counterpart, justifying its slightly higher price point.
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How Have The Two Progressed Over Time?
The Harley Davidson engines have evolved significantly over time, starting from the Evolution engine in 1999 to the present-day Milwaukee-Eight engines. In terms of displacement, Harley engines have progressed from the original 88ci (1450cc) to the 95ci (1550cc), 96ci (1584cc), 103ci (1690), and the 110ci (1801cc). The current generation, the Milwaukee-Eight, boasts of a 107ci (1746cc) and a 114ci (1868cc) engine.
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Benefits and Merits to Each
Both the Milwaukee-Eight 107 and 114 engines have their unique advantages. The 107 engine, with its oil-cooled cylinder heads, provides steady performance and is a cost-effective choice for those seeking a reliable motor. On the other hand, the 114 engine, with twin-cooled cylinder heads and a higher displacement, offers improved power and a smoother ride. Moreover, both engines feature efficient cooling, a reduced idle speed, and lower vibration at idle, enhancing the overall riding experience.
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Direct Harley 107 vs 114 Specs Comparison
| Criterion | Milwaukee-Eight 107 | Milwaukee-Eight 114 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 92.53 | 100.57 |
| Capacity (cc) | 107 | 114 |
| Capacity (cc) | 1750 | 1870 |
| Torque (ft-lb) | 111.4 | 124 |
| Torque (rpm) | 3250 | 3250 |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel consumption (combined highway/city) | 45 mpg | 43 mpg |
| Engine size | Smaller than 114 | Bigger than 107 |
| Stroke type | A bit shorter | A bit longer |
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Advertised Features
Milwaukee-Eight engines come with multiple advertised features such as better cooling due to the relocated exhaust pipes, a lower idle speed, an assist and slip clutch, reduced vibration, and more efficient parts. They also boast of reduced air intake noise and improved energy-saving capabilities.
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Performance Comparison
Both the Milwaukee-Eight 107 and 114 engines have significantly increased displacement compared to previous models, leading to faster acceleration. However, the 114 engine, with its higher displacement, delivers smoother power and a slightly quicker acceleration, making it a preferred choice for many riders.
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What Makes These Two Motors A Big Deal?
The Milwaukee-Eight 107 and 114 engines have revolutionized the Harley Davidson lineup with their powerful performance and efficient cooling. They provide improved throttle response, a cleaner sound, and a longer lifespan, thus making every ride enjoyable. The introduction of these engines has brought Harley Davidson to the forefront of the motorcycling world.
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How Reliable Are They?
Both the 107 and 114 engines are known for their reliability. However, like any mechanical device, they are susceptible to certain issues. The most common problems reported with these engines are related to heat management. Despite the improved cooling system, some riders have reported overheating issues, especially during long rides.
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Here’s an example of a 107 that developed an oil leak, which leaked onto the exhaust and tinted it.
What Issues Does Each Motor Suffer?
Apart from the heat management issues, some riders have reported problems with the oil pump and transmission. However, these issues are relatively rare and are often addressed promptly by Harley Davidson’s customer service.
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Conclusion: 107 vs 114, What’s The Better Option?
Both the Milwaukee-Eight 107 and 114 engines have their merits. If you are looking for a cost-effective, reliable engine with steady performance, the 107 might be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a smoother ride with more power, the 114 could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences and riding style.
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How We Come To This Conclusion
This conclusion is drawn based on extensive research and analysis of user reviews and expert opinions. Factors such as engine specifications, performance, reliability, and user feedback were taken into account while making this assessment.
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What Does The Community Say?
The motorcycling community is divided in its opinion about these engines. Some riders prefer the steady performance and cost-effectiveness of the 107 engine, while others prefer the smoother power delivery and superior performance of the 114 engine. The general consensus, however, is that both engines are reliable and offer excellent performance.
Regardless of the engine you choose, it is important to ensure that you maintain your bike properly and address any potential issues promptly. This will not only extend the lifespan of your engine but also enhance your overall riding experience.
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FAQs and Related Questions
What is the main difference between the Milwaukee-Eight 107 and 114 engines?
The Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine offers a smoother power delivery, more torque, and horsepower compared to the 107. It also has twin-cooled cylinder heads and a higher displacement, making it more powerful and offering a smoother ride.
How has the displacement of Harley Davidson engines evolved over time?
Harley engines have progressed from the original 88ci (1450cc) Evolution engine in 1999 to the current generation Milwaukee-Eight engines with displacements of 107ci (1746cc) and 114ci (1868cc).
What are the advertised features of the Milwaukee-Eight engines?
They come with features such as better cooling due to relocated exhaust pipes, lower idle speed, an assist and slip clutch, reduced vibration, efficient parts, reduced air intake noise, and improved energy-saving capabilities.
Are there any known reliability issues with the Milwaukee-Eight 107 and 114 engines?
Both engines are known for their reliability. However, some riders have reported overheating issues, especially during long rides. There have also been sporadic reports about problems with the oil pump and transmission.
Based on performance and cost, which engine is recommended for riders?
If a rider is looking for cost-effectiveness and steady performance, the Milwaukee-Eight 107 is the choice. However, for those wanting smoother power delivery and superior performance, the 114 is recommended. The final decision should be based on personal preferences and riding style.
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