It’s an exciting time for v-twin cruiser riders. From Harley-Davidson revamping its Softail lineup a few years back to Indian unveiling its PowerPlus engine found in the all-new Challenger, major manufacturers are answering the customers’ calls for more performance-oriented models. The Motor Company’s latest entry in the displacement wars takes the form of a 131 cubic-inch (2,147cc) crate motor and is the largest engine Harley has ever offered.
Big Power:
The Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee Eight 131 Crate Engine is a bolt-in replacement for 2017 and later Harley-Davidson Touring models running an oil-cooled or twin-cooled Milwaukee 8. Yes, the name is quite a mouthful, but the 131 Crate Engine might also prove to be a handful with a compression ratio of 10:7:1 and high-flow fuel injectors that feed the beast at a rate of 5.5-grams per second.
While the new motor retains the 4.5-inch stroke found in the 114ci configuration, the 4.31-inch bore cylinders, 64mm throttle body, and high-lift camshaft improve the overall power output. Paired with Screamin’ Eagle Street Cannon mufflers, the engine produces 131 ft-lb of torque and 121 horsepower. While that’s a certifiably absurd amount of torque, the brand also emphasizes the reliability of a factory-built motor.
“Our adrenaline-seeking riders asked for thrilling power and torque with reliability,” said Harley-Davidson Product Manager James Crean. “The Screamin’ Eagle 131 Crate Engine delivers exactly that.”
Of course, there are aftermarket alternatives to the OEM’s upgrade, but none come with the 12-month or 24-month factory limited warranty that Harley offers. At $6,195 for the oil-cooled version and $6,395 for the twin-cooled motor, the assurance of a factory warranty will certainly provide some peace of mind for the costly investment.
Offered in two finishes of black/chrome or black/gloss black, the motor will speak to the inner-bad boy in every cruiser rider. Additional 131 Stage IV badging on the cylinder heads and timer cover also bestows customers with an unparalleled level of street cred. We should call out the fine print that an ECM calibration and Screamin’ Eagle Pro Street Tuner are required for proper installation—so start saving now.
Unfortunately, the Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee Eight 131 Crate Engine doesn’t meet California noise and emissions standards, so us granola eaters in the Golden State won’t be wrangling Harley’s new monster anytime soon. On the other hand, if your butt dyno no longer registers the pull of your 114ci Milwaukee Eight, the Motor Company has 17 more cubic inches in its back pocket for you!
Harley-Davidson offers power-hungry street riders a new performance option with the introduction of the Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight® 131 Crate Engine for Touring model motorcycles. The new 131 cubic inch (2147cc) V-Twin delivers the biggest, most powerful street-compliant engine Harley-Davidson has ever created*. The Screamin’ Eagle 131 is a bolt-in replacement for 2017-later model Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles originally equipped with a Milwaukee-Eight Oil-Cooled or Twin-Cooled™ engine, designed to run at high RPM and provide a significant boost of torque from cruising speed. Riders of many late-model Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles will experience commanding performance from the moment the throttle is cracked open on the Screamin’ Eagle 131 engine, performance backed by the assurance of a factory limited warranty.
“Our adrenaline-seeking riders asked for thrilling power and torque with reliability,” said Harley-Davidson Product Manager James Crean. “The Screamin’ Eagle 131 Crate Engine delivers exactly that. Developed by the Screamin’ Eagle performance team and factory-assembled at Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations to ensure the highest quality standards, this high-performance engine is genuine Harley-Davidson.”
This street-ready performance engine features H-D’s finest Screamin’ Eagle components. The Screamin’ Eagle 131 engine combines the 4.5-inch stroke of the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine with new 4.31-inch bore cylinders with a patented design. Milwaukee-Eight Extreme Ported four-valve cylinder heads are CNC-ported and fitted with 1mm larger-diameter valves to optimize air/fuel flow and velocity and feature fully machined combustion chambers shaped to optimize combustion efficiency. The engine is completed with a high-lift SE8-517 camshaft and high-performance cam bearing, high-compression (10.7:1) forged pistons, a 64mm throttle body and intake manifold, and high-flow (5.5-grams per second) fuel injectors. It’s a combination that produces 131 ft-lb of torque and 121 horsepower at the rear wheel when paired with Screamin' Eagle® Street Cannon mufflers.
Each Screamin’ Eagle 131 engine is detailed with 131 Stage IV badging on the cylinder heads and timer cover. The engine is available in a choice of two finish treatments to match original motorcycle styling or a custom direction – Black and Chrome or Black and Gloss Black. There are also versions of the engine to fit motorcycles originally equipped with an oil-cooled Milwaukee-Eight engine and those equipped with the Twin-Cooled™ Milwaukee-Eight engine. The Screamin’ Eagle 131 engine is eligible for Custom Coverage under the motorcycle’s factory 24-month vehicle limited warranty when dealer-installed by an authorized H-D Dealer within 60 days of vehicle purchase, and is otherwise backed by a 12-month limited warranty.
The Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131 Crate Engine ($6,195.00 oil cooled, $6,395 Twin-Cooled) fits 2017-later model Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles originally equipped with either a Milwaukee-Eight Oil-Cooled or Twin-Cooled engine. It does not fit Trike models. Installation may require the separate purchase of additional components, depending on motorcycle model. All models require additional purchase of ECM recalibration with Screamin' Eagle Pro Street Tuner for proper installation.
Complete fitment information can be found on H-D.com.
**The Screamin’ Eagle 131 Performance Crate Engine complies with noise and emissions standards in all U.S. states other than California on 2017-later Touring Models. Replacement engines must be re-fitted with emission control devices and systems appropriate for the vehicle model and model year in order to ensure emissions compliance. Legal for use on public roads only when installed in the specified models. Street-compliant statements may not apply to markets outside the United States. Not eligible for limited warranty when installed in models other than the ones specified. Please see the Parts and Accessories warranty statement and your H-D dealer for more information. The prices provided are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices. Actual retail prices may vary.
About Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has fulfilled dreams of personal freedom by leading the innovation of two-wheeled mobility. The company offers an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles and brings the brand to life through Harley-Davidson riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel. Learn more about how Harley-Davidson is Building the Next Generation of Riders at www.harley-davidson.com.