The Milwaukee-Eight vs Twin Cam debate is real. Here's the straight answer on which engine is better for used Harleys – and which one you should buy.
The Short Answer
Milwaukee-Eight is better if you want more power, smoother operation, and modern tech. Twin Cam is better if you want that classic Harley sound, proven reliability, and lower prices. Both are excellent engines. The Milwaukee-Eight is objectively better, but Twin Cam bikes are cheaper and still great.
Milwaukee-Eight: The Modern Choice
Harley introduced the Milwaukee-Eight in 2017, and it's been a game-changer. Here's what you get:
- More power – 107 cubic inches makes 111 ft-lb torque, 114 makes 122 ft-lb
- Smoother operation – Four-valve heads reduce vibration
- Better fuel economy – More efficient design
- Modern reliability – Fewer known issues than Twin Cam
- Less heat – Better cooling, especially in traffic
Milwaukee-Eight bikes are newer (2017+), so they cost more. But you get more power, smoother ride, and better reliability. For most riders, it's worth the extra money.
Twin Cam: The Classic Choice
The Twin Cam ran from 1999 to 2017, and it's a proven engine. Here's what you get:
- Classic Harley sound – That distinctive rumble
- Proven reliability – Millions of miles of real-world use
- Lower prices – Older bikes cost less
- Easy to work on – Well-documented, lots of parts
- Strong aftermarket – Tons of upgrade options
Twin Cam bikes are cheaper because they're older. A 2015 Twin Cam bike costs $3,000-$5,000 less than a 2017 Milwaukee-Eight. But you get less power and more vibration.
Power Comparison
Here's the real difference:
- Twin Cam 96 – 92 ft-lb torque
- Twin Cam 103 – 100 ft-lb torque
- Milwaukee-Eight 107 – 111 ft-lb torque
- Milwaukee-Eight 114 – 122 ft-lb torque
The Milwaukee-Eight 107 makes more torque than the Twin Cam 103. The 114 makes significantly more. That means better acceleration, better passing power, better performance overall.
Reliability: Which Is Better?
Both engines are reliable, but Milwaukee-Eight has fewer known issues:
- Twin Cam issues – Cam chain tensioners (fixed in later years), oil pump issues on some models
- Milwaukee-Eight issues – Very few. Some early models had minor issues, but nothing major
For reliability, Milwaukee-Eight wins. It's newer, better designed, and has fewer problems. But Twin Cam bikes are still reliable if they've been maintained properly.
Ride Quality
Milwaukee-Eight is smoother:
- Less vibration – Four-valve heads reduce engine shake
- Better at idle – Smoother in traffic
- Less heat – Better cooling system
Twin Cam has more vibration, especially at idle. It's part of the character, but it can be tiring on long rides. Milwaukee-Eight is objectively more comfortable.
Maintenance Costs
Both engines have similar maintenance costs:
- Oil changes – Same cost, same intervals
- Valve adjustments – Milwaukee-Eight needs them less often
- Parts availability – Both are easy to find parts for
Milwaukee-Eight might have slightly lower maintenance costs because it needs valve adjustments less often. But the difference isn't huge.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Milwaukee-Eight if:
- You want more power
- You want smoother operation
- You want the latest tech
- You don't mind paying more
Buy Twin Cam if:
- You want that classic Harley sound
- You want to save money
- You're okay with less power
- You like the character of older bikes
The Bottom Line
Milwaukee-Eight is objectively better – more power, smoother, more reliable. But Twin Cam bikes are cheaper and still great. For most riders, Milwaukee-Eight is worth the extra money. But if you're on a budget, a well-maintained Twin Cam bike is still a solid choice.
Looking for a used Harley? Browse my inventory or text me at 414-439-6211 to see what I've got. I'll help you find the right engine for your needs and get that bike shipped to your door for $499.
