I ran across a 1995 Heritage Softail, nice looking and running bike. When I looked close, it had a RevTech cover on the cone of the cam cover. The jug and heads were not stamped RevTech. I asked the current owner, he contacted the guy he bought it from 1.5 years ago. He said the guy that did the engine put it on there. He had Harley run the numbers and the motor is off a 1989 Springer Softail. He has owned it for 1.5 years with no issues he said. It sounded good, looked good, rode good ( like an Evo). Just curious if this would be a bad idea to buy? I know some early Evo's are hard to get parts for according to a lot of techs. Just wanted to see what you all thought. I'm new here.

 

We don't have any issues getting parts. I think "a lot of techs" don't know their *** from a hole in the ground. Anyway, besides the numbers not matching, I see nothing wrong with it.

 

Is 1989 a bad year for Evo? And thanks for the reply. I agree about the Techs. I was nervous that it may have been a RevTech engine at first. Heard alot bad about those but then again, heard alot good too.

 

Well, if I recall, 1989 was the era when the cases were not as strong as before 1988 and after 1989, I think. I'm not 100% sure on the years affected, as I don't have that problem, but I think 88's were affected and possibly 89's. You might try searching the forum here, as it comes up occasionally. For the affected years, there is a tendency to crack in a few places, including the back of the block, head bolt studs and a lip around near where the stator goes. These problems usually show up as an oil leak. Especially the back one. On that particular era, "it's just a base gasket leak" should be a "run away" sign, in my opinion. Now, if it has lasted this long and has no leaks, it's probably just fine.

 

Yeah Doc, you got it. Some 89's had issues with the cases cracking and the studs pulling..

 

Dr. Hess you are the best!

 

As long as you have a title with VIN #s that match the frame number, you should be good.

1989 in particular can develop a loose case insert. This will show itself as oil leaking from the engine into the primary. Hard to diagnose as most folks will believe it's a bad crank seal, which it may be.

If the price is right, may be a good purchase. Good luck.

 

He has it tagged and titled. He rides it. It sure looks good. Rode good and sounded good. I’m still on the fence with the 1995 bike with 1989 engine. According to the guy he got to from the motor was built. But that’s all he knows. He’s rode it for almost 2 years with no issues.

 

The fact that the motor is not original and is a different year than the bike lowers the value IMO, so I would want the sale price to reflect it. How much is he asking? What is the average going price of bikes in your area? How many miles on motor, and how many total miles on the tranny/frame? Do you have an good Indy in your area you trust that could check it out for you? It may be a perfectly good bike and last you many years, but I'd be extra cautious based on what you have told us.

 

The bike has 46k on it. Not sure about the motor. He’s at $4500. Most are going for more than that here. There are a couple of local shops here, think I will run it by the man that’s been working on them for 55 years and get his 2 cents on it.