What is the "better" bet? - Harley Forum

humpbackbob · #1 11-13-2007, 12:27 PM

I recently posted a question with regard to an 05 or 07 RK purchase. Thanks for the replies.
However, after reading many threads on the recent quality issues and the way y'all perceive the MoCo's trend towards built in obsolecence. i.e. too complex to work on. I am at a crossroad in my decision for my future motorcycling experience.
Are the Evo's a studier, longer lived powerpant than the TC's?
What was the last year of manufacture of the Evo?
Parts are abundant for Evo's in the aftermarket and there are plenty of people around that can work on them?
I am considering dropping upper teens $ on a used bike that according to many have these "built in" issues for the future. This next purchase is likely to be my last, and I want to buy something that I can enjoy for many years. I can get something 10 years old for around 10-11 thou. Should I save the extra $7K needed to buy a newer model and use the money keeping an older,more user friendly machine in tip top order? I have always been pretty good at making firm decisions without fear, but the info that I get from this Forum is making me "dither". I hate that, but thanks anyway

94flhtcu · #2 11-13-2007, 02:46 PM

I think you'd be okay with a tc that was in the range of '02-'05, but you may want to ask around. There may be problems I am not aware of. My wrenching on HD's is strictly a hobby, and while I have learned a lot, I don't know it all.

You've asked a tough question, which is better... they both have good and bad points. The tc is the most stable and precise engine block, due to the machining process... much better than an evo. BUT, the crankshaft is no where near the quality of an evo, plus, it has two camshafts driven by a chain witha poor tensioner... The evo's 80 cubes are less than the 88 cubes from a tc, and there's no replacement for displacement. If it were me, I'd be looking at an '03 ultra classic electraglide. Plenty of torque upgrades, like cams and such, but that may not be important to you. I can do my own engine work, where others may not, so it opens more possibilities.

Evos started in the mid 80s (84, I think). There are many mechanics who work on evos, and plenty of parts for them. If you do go with an evo, do some home work as to fuel injected or carbed. I love my evo ultra, and any other bike I buy will be in addition to, not instead of. There's only thing that concerns me, if yer out on the road, and it breaks down, some hd dealers won't wrench on 'em anymore. Too old. Hard to believe.

Good luck, I have most likely added to yer confusion.

humpbackbob · #3 11-13-2007, 03:47 PM

Thanks for the reply. No you have not added to the confusion, the info ia helpful. This next bike will be an addition. I have an 07 Softail and am not about to start tearing into that for no good reason. I thought maybe an Evo motor might be an "easier" unit for me to play with. I have wrenched on plenty of old cars quite happily, but forget the new computer driven ones. I guess that I would be happy to have something more mechanical than electronical (is that a word?) to mess with.

texan321 · #4 11-13-2007, 03:59 PM

You know I had a FLHR 1997 - loved the bike - had no mechanical problems - had not done any major work to the bike - no "engine upgrades" - burned about 1/2 qt oil every 2,000 miles.Rode it 60,000 miles - I loved that bike. I saw the 2007 Ultra - Black Pearl - same as the color of my truck - bought it and a extended warranty. I can't begin to tell you the differnces in the ride - feel and power of the 07 compared to 97 - would I do it again yes. It is great on the road when I want to pass - zip and I am done.
I will probably trade this bike for a water-cooled cruiser when they come out but until then - I will enjoy the ride!

myt evo · #5 11-13-2007, 07:00 PM

The evo began life in mid 1984 [along with shovels which were still being made in 1984]. The last evo on the dynas and baggers were 1998.In 1999 they went to the twin cam. In 1999 the softails still had the evo and went to the twin cam in 2000.As with anything else if properly maintained longevity is a non issue when it comes to the evo or the twin cam. Because of all the restrictions[ thank you EPA], the twin cam will never get to see it's full potential at least on the street. If you choose to go with an evo try to stay with 1994 and up, 1993 is a toss-up because there were some issues with the castings in the late 80's to early 90's. Now if you could find an early evo they had some seriously strong cases thanks to the shovel. You do not and i repeat you do not want to go with a fuel-injected evo! On the other hand if you decide to go with the twin cam i would stay with the 2002- 2006 models. The 2002 fuel-injected models were greatly improved and there were still carb models for those years. I agree with 94 on many of his points but i've shamed many a twin cam with my evo! Dollar for dollar you get more bang for your buck with the evo. I've mentioned in other threads that i have been looking at some leftover 06's that a dealer still has[brand new] but i'm even having some second thoughts as to wether or not i want to deal with having to spend another 2k just to get it to run the way it should and i'm not talking about performance upgrades! But no matter what i choose to do i will never get rid of my MYT EVO!!!!!!!!

humpbackbob · #6 11-13-2007, 07:18 PM

Thanks MyT, I knew that I would get a definitive opinion from you Sir. Food for thought. Mmmmmm.

94flhtcu · #7 11-13-2007, 07:46 PM

All good points, I too favor the evo, but in all fairness, I can't say "this is it for you!" and have the person be unhappy...

Didn't realise this would be a second bike... by all means, get an evo and have fun. There's lots we can do ourselves.

MYT EVO is right about the FI evos, I too would stay away. They were LESS horsepower, and got poor mileage.

Anyhow, good luck, let us know what ya do...