Hi All, I'm looking to add a FXST Custom or Springer to my garage and I'm wondering if there are any years I shouldn't consider in my search. All my Harleys have been twincams, so the EVO will be a new experience.

A salesman at the dealership told me to only consider EVOs 1995 and newer, but he didn't know why. He has a 1999 FXST Springer but lets the dealership do all his maintenance.

This will be my bike for local riding; I will use the SG for long rides. I'm wanting the EVO because I hear they are easy to work on and get parts.

Thanks for ahead for any help.

Beary

 

all of them

 

There is lots of info out there on the EVOs along with the changes/improvements over the years. I don't think there is a bad year in my opinion, but an EVO is the only bike I'd own.

 

I have heard that the later years 95-99 cases are stronger than earlier models and usually the end running years of a car, bike or whatever is usually the best of the rest. Not sure if i would get FI though, it was only the beginning in FI for HD in those years....

 

'95 and later had all the upgrades.
Starter, head breather, oil filter in the front, case thickness, splined shaft transmission, and clutch basket, are all I can think of right now.


That said I have a friend with an '85 that I have been trying to talk him out of for years.
Another friend of mine has an '86 that I wouldn't turn down either.


In other words any EVO is a good EVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

When I began looking into buying a Harley, after I'd decided that the Evo motor was the best choice for me, everybody said 95 and up were the best years.

 

My '93 FXR is a head breather, has the oil filter out front, has a splined shaft on the tranny.

 

I was trying to think of all the upgrades since '84.
Not what years they came in.
Granted I forgot to mention the new style head bolts which were changed late in '85.


Nor was I trying to say that any EVO before '95 was worth owning.
Did you see the part where I have been trying to get my hands on my friends '85?

 

Sorry Tex, from the way your post was written, I thought you were saying that those upgrades were on '95 and up Evos only.

 

There is a similar trail of 'upgrades' of twincams just as there is for Evos and shovels. Some changes address actual problems, while others are simply improvements or developments to progress the design. A sweeping generalisation is that later versions will be better, but just reflect on the TC96 'upgrade' of the TC88 and the problems with its new 'improved' compensator! If you find a nice bike in good condition bother about the year later!