new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88

texasridr · #1 09-13-2007, 03:40 PM

I'm looking to buy my first HD, a Wide Glide. I see many bikes to choose from for about $10,000. It's a soft market and I will get a good deal. If all things were equal, like mileage, maintenance records, condition of the bike, and stock or almost stock, which engine would you choose? Why?

Thanks for the help!

nzbernie · #2 09-13-2007, 05:06 PM

Personally i would go for an evo based bike as the engine is totally rebuildable so you don't throw away the crank like the twinkiesor don't have any overheating issues that i know of . I have had my 1988 FXRS for about 5 years now and dont want to part it
The thing with getting an older bike you can detail it to your own tastes and it will most likely cost you less than a twinkie anyway

JBaker421 · #3 09-13-2007, 05:10 PM

First please be aware that one reason for the soft market is fear. There are millions of vehicles out there that have been flood/storm damaged. Not nearly all of them have branded titles. So, know your seller, try to get a one-owner or at least do your homework.

You posted to the evo forum so you'll hear a lot of evo fans, lol.

I have a 1996 evo Wide Glide that's a gem. It has 20,000 miles and nary a problem. (pic below.)

Be aware that the evos got better over the years - various improvements. I'd get at least a 1996.

I have 2 evos and a 2002 tc88 Deuce. All are wonderful. If I were to keep just one it would be the 1996 WG. If I were buying, it would be a 1996-1999 evo. Some models went tc88 in 1999 so for that it would be 1996-1998.

Off topic, I'd be looking for a bike loaded with accessories. They don't increase the used bike price much and they cost like heck to buy. You want a good stage 1 or 2 setup at the very least.

notlost_nc · #4 09-13-2007, 05:31 PM

A lot of good points made JBaker421. I still don't think the Evo evolved at all after '84

Find a well maintained model and go for it.

HD7585 · #5 09-13-2007, 06:04 PM

Hackd · #6 09-13-2007, 08:54 PM

Depends on a couple of things. If you're not into doing a lot of your own wrenching, or you don't have a local shop that knows WTF an EVO is...Get the Twinkie. Actually, go get the newest bike you can in the model you want. The MoCo and their dealers are really notsupporting the 'older' bikes. Yes, sadly, an EVO is an older bike. Parts are being obsoletely montly by Ma Harley.

Personally, I like my EVO. Mainly because it's a simple machine. One cam and a carb. Only thing 'electronic' on my bike is the iginition module. Oh, and the factory cruise control I installed.

Weakenesses of the EVO's are the crappy INA cam bearing, base gasket that will eventually leak, and the lean EPA tune that was factory stock. Pull the stock air cleaner/box, install a SE or aftermarket, add a decent set of pipes, replace the cam (and the bearing), upgrade the ignition to a Crane, Dyna, etc., and retune the stock CV carb. You'll be amazed how well it will run.

87lowrider · #7 09-13-2007, 09:01 PM

Personally if I had the cash,,,,,,,,,I'd be ridin this beaut right now.
http://www.hdforums.com/fb.asp?m=2092574

texasridr · #8 09-13-2007, 09:17 PM

Great input so far! Thanks!

I do plan to do my own wrenching as much as possible. As far as my initial engine preference goes, I've ridden a completely stock 89 Softail and it's enough power for my "family style" of riding. So a stock bike is just fine to me.

I've found a 98 for sale with 3K original mi, a "garage queen" ??? Story is that it's kept in a climate controlled garage with other toys and ridden about once a month. Very nice looking WG and the seller is firm at $10,000. He says the original tires are still holding up just fine.

Should I be looking for head gasket failure because of age? What else?

Thanks again.

Fritzwm · #9 09-13-2007, 09:30 PM

Check those tires closely! They are probably dry rotted and unsafe.

JBaker421 · #10 09-13-2007, 09:40 PM

I don't think the gaskets were as much of a problem by 98. BTW, it's the base gaskets at the bottom of the cylinders thatwere prone to failure, not the head gaskets so much. What you're looking for is oil leaking at the bottom of the cylinders.

I vote too for checking those tires closely. If it's been inside and covered and out of the light, they might be ok.

98 is new enough to have good electronic ignition, good carb and basically be a good bike.

I'd service the heck out of it - tune up, air filter, all new fluids etc. and enjoy. Tune up, if it's running well is basically new plugs because of the electronic ignition.

Get a manual and give it the once-over. Tighten and adjust things as if it were a 5,000 or 10,000 mile service. Won't cost you anything, you'll learn a lot about your bike and it'll be good to go.