What happens when a group of retired Harley Davidson engineers and executives plus a few other retired gearheads get together? Well, you might see some guys playing golf, or then again, you might get a diesel Harley Davidson. These guys went the diesel route.
The Gray Eagles are a group of guys, one of which worked on the Nova project, one was Harley's director of advanced engineering, one was chief engineer at the former Outboard Marine Corp., the maker of Johnson and Evinrude outboard engines, plus several other similar fellows, you know the type, the sort of gearhead that always wants to tinker. They took a 1988 FXRS and standard V-Twin engine and turned it into a diesel. A lot of others have simply put diesel engines into Harleys but these guys kept the engine and converted it. Interesting idea and it runs fine, whether it will go anywhere beyond the interesting project stage remains to be seen but I think it's a pretty neat build.
Link: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Autoblog
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{ 9 comments… add yours below ... }
Cool project but that dude in the background looks like he’s wearing one of those president masks.
If they can still build motorcycles, why are they retired?
Hopefully it doesn’t retain the stock bottom end and cylinder studs. Those motors have a difficult time staying together and sealing with the mild compression ratios in stock form. Don’t tell me they’re using the standard split rods too…
Good for them though, not just sitting around and getting old. Retired guys with grease under their nails are some of the best people I know.
-todd
“If they can still build motorcycles, why are they retired?”
I don’t understand that question.
They should try a hardley engined airplane next.
You mean like this?
WOULD THERE BE A ADDRESS OF SOME TYPE FOR THEM? I WAS WONDERING IF THEY ARE GOING TO SELL BLUEPRINTS OF THEIR RE-ENGINEERING EFFORT, ETC.
WONDER IF HARLEY IS INVOLVED IN ANY LIASON WITH WITH THEM ON THE PROGRAM?
Harley engine airplanes are all ready being made,they use a tein cam with a balance shaft and are said to work very well and have a cruise speed of 120 MPH
I think this is a great idea. I was interested in the idea of a diesel motorcycle for the characteristics of good fuel economy, preformance ect. These guys took a great bike and made it better. I guess a lot of the diesel bikes out there are getting around 75 to 100 mpg and that would be great for anyone and put that on a harley frame and make it sound good (especially with the low rumble of a diesel) and you got a match made in heaven.
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