V Rod Powerplant Built on Capitol Drive

[lead wrist]

Milwaukee? Having an argument with someone at work who claims the motor is built in Japan. Bike is assembled in KC I believe also.

[badluck1]

The whole bike, motor included, is built in Kansas City.

[lead wrist]

Thank you.

[SuperKaz]

Originally Posted by badluck1

The whole bike, motor included, is built in Kansas City.

he's Right it's All America BUILT but it does use Metrix Bolts!

[84FXRP]

Originally Posted by badluck1

The whole bike, motor included, is built in Kansas City.

Agree. The KC plant tour is worth taking if you're in the area.

[Karl Scott]

The wheels are made down here though guys!

[andy b]

the v-rod is the only model, where the entire bike, including the engine, is assembled in 1 plant.
in japan?! the cylinder head & valvetrain were co-designed by porsche.

[mjw930]

Originally Posted by andy b

the v-rod is the only model, where the entire bike, including the engine, is assembled in 1 plant.
in japan?! the cylinder head & valvetrain were co-designed by porsche.

You're right about the entire assembly being done in KC but the consultancy work done with Porsche extended way beyond just the top end. In fact, I've heard that the engine portion of the KC plant is a joint venture between Porsche and Harley with Harley owning the majority stake.

Many of the ancillary parts like the wheels, engine castings, head castings, etc. come from all over the world for final finish and assembly in KC.

[BikerTrash1130]

The heads were cast in France, but now the casting is from somewhere USA and machined at Capitol Drive. Nothing but the best, there are 2 reputations at stake!

[notso4x4]

Originally Posted by andy b

the v-rod is the only model, where the entire bike, including the engine, is assembled in 1 plant.
in japan?! the cylinder head & valvetrain were co-designed by porsche.

Look back in Harley Davidson's history. This is the fourth time Harley has had Porsche help them. Porsche and Harley go way back. The last time was for the V-rod. The other times were for other models.

[andy b]

can you give any examples? i've read several books on the history of H-D, & have never seen that. why did they now make such a big deal of this merger, when it's been done in the past?

[notso4x4]

Originally Posted by andy b

can you give any examples? i've read several books on the history of H-D, & have never seen that. why did they now make such a big deal of this merger, when it's been done in the past?

This is from a published article.
They don't get specific in this article, but I got the other info from the plant tours.

MILWAUKEE, June 18 -- Harley-Davidson Motor Company of Milwaukee, Wis. and Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany have formed a joint venture to source and assemble powertrain components for use in potential new motorcycle products. For the world's largest manufacturer of sports cars and the premier motorcycle manufacturer, this joint undertaking represents the continuation of a relationship that extends back to the 1970s.
The joint venture plans to operate out of one of Harley-Davidson's U.S. manufacturing facilities. Total investment by each party over the life of the joint venture is forecast to be less than $10 million. The joint venture is scheduled to end approximately five years after the start of production, with the first production of the potential new products being years in the future.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company President and COO Jeff Bleustein said, "While we are excited to be working with Porsche on this new venture, it is important to keep it in perspective. Harley-Davidson will invest less than $10 million in the venture over several years, but will invest approximately $200 million in capital expenditures in 1997 alone."
"Porsche's considerable skills in engine emission compliance make them a great partner for Harley-Davidson," Bleustein added.

[Thunderhog]

Originally Posted by lead wrist

Milwaukee? Having an argument with someone at work who claims the motor is built in Japan. Bike is assembled in KC I believe also.

More than 900 Kansas City employees produce the Sportster®, Dyna Glide and
VRSC™ families of motorcycles from fabrication and finishing through final assembly. The plant also has the unique distinction of being the only Harley-Davidson facility to produce an entire motorcycle, the groundbreaking VRSCA V-Rod®. From assembly of the liquid-cooled Revolution™ powertrain and hydroformed frame to painting and final testing, people and process converge in Kansas City to transform raw materials into custom American muscle.The tour center features a series of displays that guide you through the various manufacturing and assembly processes and illustrate the individual and collaborative skills necessary to produce each motorcycle. You'll also have the chance to sit on current production motorcycles and visit the gift shop, which features tour-related souvenirs.

[notso4x4]

Two of my class mates and good friends work there. The frame is hydroformed somewhere else though, but it is cut, welded, and assembled there.

[Z16Monte]

Originally Posted by andy b

can you give any examples? i've read several books on the history of H-D, & have never seen that. why did they now make such a big deal of this merger, when it's been done in the past?

I think this is where it started.
http://www.riderreport.com/output.cfm?id=144217
First I'd ever heard of it