Liquid-cooled engines. Touch-screen electronics. Linked braking systems. Harley-Davidson comes kicking and screaming into the 21st century with the revelations it unveiled today as part of its Project Rushmore and the introduction of its 2014 motorcycles. MotoUSA editor Bart Madson is in Denver right now sampling the 2014 Harley lineup, so look for a more detailed first ride account coming soon. Until then, here's a breakdown of some of the highlights of Harley's 2014 offerings.

Foremost among the announcements is the first liquid-cooled engine outfitted on a Harley touring bike called the Twin Cooled High Output Twin Cam 103 V-Twin. According to Harley PR, “Twin cooling cools the heads around the exhaust ports to deliver at or near peak performance under all operation conditions and temperatures.” This is achieved via a small 1.1 quart liquid-cooling system that routes through the downtubes to discreet radiators housed in the lower fairing louvers. Claiming the system will make less engine heat in stop-and-go traffic, it utilizes a higher flow airbox as well. Harley bumped up the compression ratio on the TC103 and installed a new cam aimed at improving low-end torque. The first two Harley motorcycles with the Twin Cooled High Output Twin Cam 103 engine are the 2014 Ultra Limited Motorcycle and the 2014 Tri Glide Ultra Motorcycle. There's also a 110 cubic inch version of the Twin Cooled engine available in the 2014 CVO Limited.

But there’s more to Harley’s Project Rushmore. The package also includes a Reflex linked braking system with ABS, synchronizing the front and back units. The system is activated at speeds over 20 mph, and at highway speeds it reportedly will “automatically calculate the amount of braking necessary under existing conditions.”

Harley’s new Rushmore treatment includes new electronics in the form of its Boom! Box infotainment system. It is an integrated audio system with voice activation for music, phone and GPS. The voice recognition system connects to a rider’s Bluetooth and includes text-to-speech technology. It also supports intercom and CB communications through a single module. The Rushmore addition features a big, 6.5-inch full color touchscreen, making most information available at the touch of a button. Five-way joy sticks on the left and right motorcycle hand controls give riders access to most of the system's functions. The infotainment system also has a Jukebox that pops open at the push of a button and allows riders to connect their iPhone, iTouch, or other USB devices.

Another component of Harley’s Project Rushmore is a redesigned Batwing fairing. The fairing looks wider to channel more air around a rider’s hands and the new cut is said to reduce head buffeting as well. This is achieved with the addition of a pressure-equalizing channel cut into the middle of the fairing that opens and closes with the touch of a button. The “slipstream venting” is said to reduce head buffeting by 20%. Passengers are beneficiaries of wider and deeper seats to go along with new back and arm rests. The Rushmore enhancements extend to lighting as well, with the eight new Harley motorcycles available with the treatment receiving Daymaker LED headlights and dual halogen lighting. The Tour Pak on the Ultra Classics is larger and comes with the convenience of One-Touch latches. The eight motorcycles receiving the Project Rushmore treatment are the 2014 Road King, 2014 Street Glide, 2014 Street Glide Special, 2014 Electra Glide Ultra Classic, 2014 Ultra Limited, 2014 Tri Glide Ultra, 2014 CVO Ultra Limited and 2014 CVO Road King.

Additional headlines from the 2014 Harley-Davidson lineup include the restyled Fat Bob model, the availability of anti-lock brakes on all five 2014 Sportster models and the continued integration of H-D1 Factory Customization.

The Dark Custom styling of the Fat Bob model gets a make-over from Harley-Davidson Styling and now projects a new assertive authority. Highlights include a new slash-cut rear fender with a recessed twin-ring LED tail lamp. Then black replaces chrome everywhere, including the powertrain, air cleaner cover, rear shock covers, triple clamps, headlamp The 2014 Harley Fat Bob features a new slash-cut rear fender with a recessed twin-ring LED taillight and black instead of chrome on the powertrain air cleaner cover rear shock covers triples clamps and more.
The 2014 Harley Fat Bob features a new slash-cut rear fender with a recessed twin-ring LED taillight and black instead of chrome on the powertrain, air cleaner cover, rear shock covers, triple clamps and more.
The Harley Daymaker headligh and dual halogen lights will brighten up even the darkest of nights.
The Harley Daymaker headligh and dual halogen lights will brighten up even the darkest of nights.
Harleys new Boom! Box infotainment system features a 6.5-inch full color touchscreen and a voice recognition system.
The view from inside the fairing of Harley's tourers and baggers will have a new look thanks to fewer gauges and a new Boom! Box infotainment system that features a 6.5-inch full color touchscreen and a voice recognition system. trim rings, console and battery box cover. The Aluminum Slotted Disc wheels are powdercoated black and finished with a laser-engraved Harley-Davidson logo and rim stripe.

The new Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special is a “fully loaded” version of the popular performance Touring model equipped with a High Output Twin Cam 103 powertrain, Boom! Box 6.5GT infotainment system, Batwing fairing with splitstream vent, Dual Halogen headlamp, Enforcer cast aluminum wheels and Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS.
All five 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster models are available with the confidence-inspiring control of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The Sportster line also features new hand controls and brake components, improved service access, and an optional keyless H-D Smart Security System with a proximity-based, hands-free security fob.

The 2014 CVO series of limited-production motorcycles features the new CVO Softail Deluxe model, a premium custom touring motorcycle equipped with a detachable windscreen with GPS navigation, Daymaker LED lighting, detachable saddlebags and of course the bold paint and big Screamin’ Eagle powertrain that’s always part of the CVO program. The CVO Road King and super-premium CVO Limited return with new features and Project RUSHMORE enhancements. The bold CVO Breakout Softail chopper returns with three dazzling new paint schemes.

H-D1 Factory Customization: The web-based program that allows customers to select factory-installed options that personalize fit, function and style to the Sportster 1200 Custom and Street Bob offers new color options for both bikes, including two new custom paint sets for the Sportster 1200 Custom: Charcoal Pearl Eagle Graphic and Mysterious Red Paisley Skull in addition to new Hard Candy Custom color options. By using the online Bike Builder customers may choose from different wheels, paint and engine finishes to dramatically alter the look of the motorcycle. In addition, to fit the motorcycle to each customer different combinations of foot-control locations, seat choices and handlebars can be selected. Customers can expect to be riding their new bike in as little as four weeks from the time an H-D1 order is placed with an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer.

The V-Rod family now has ABS as standard equipment and new paint colors and graphics are available on the Muscle and Night Rod Special.

The Twin Cam 103 powertrain is now standard equipment on the Street Bob and Super Glide Custom models, both part of the smooth-handling Dyna line.

Six Harley-Davidson Softail models offer traditional hard-tail lines with modern ride and handling thanks to suspension components hidden within the frame rails. Introduced mid-year 2013, the long and low-slung Breakout is an urban chopper with authentic swagger, distinctive finishes and specific components not available on other Harley-Davidson bikes.