I've had a 1992 FXR for the past couple years. I want to keep it, but I would like to a add an Electra Glide with batwing fairing to my garage. I want to stick with a carb'ed Evo. What years should I look for?

 

Twin-cam replaced the Evo in 1999 on the Electra Glide.

 

'96 - '98

 

!!!!!
The early EVO had a Batwing, Fork mounted, no inner!!
In fact the Last Shovel, First FLHT had one...till???? '88 at least

 

I agree, the best years....period!!!
Try to find stuff for earlier, they laugh at you!
However, if you don't care, any of them. Carbs were available on all evos.
The seats fit the different frames (almost) which is close to changes.
80-88
89-96
97-07
08-? they did the seat before the new 09 frame.

 

You shouldn't be put off by a Glide similar in age to your FXR.

 

I have a 1988 and have no complaints. But, the 96 -98 is definitely the way to go. My next FLHTC will be in that year range. Although, if I found a heck of a deal on an older one I would get it, especially 1991 up. The minor aggravation with the 1988 is that parts are getting hard to find. For example, if I bust my transmission find a used one that will fit is gonna be tough. It's a specific transmission that only covered a short number of years, Hitachi style starter, swing arm mount, oil filter under the transmission, tapered main shaft, etc.. Forget finding a stereo that will work with the handlebar controls (not a big deal for me). The square-ish tank that I have actually come to like. Battery mounted under the right side cover, also that I have come to like. By 1991 they had worked through a lot of these issues (except the radio comparability with aftermarket parts). The 1996 - 1998 is still much easier to find parts for and frankly, easier to work on in my view.

With that said, I'll keep my 1988 for the forseeable future. It rides nice, handles fine (progressive for springs added) and since I have fixed the bugs always starts. Plus, I much prefer the Timkin tapered roller wheel bearings in the older big twins. I have the cast wheels which is a big plus. I personally, would never have a touring bike with spokes. A buddy of mine had an FLHTC with spoke wheels and the spokes started coming through the rim. The wheel failed. Plus, in a pinch you can plug a tubeless tire. Get mag wheels on your EG whatever year you choose if you plan to go long distances.

 

I have a 95 and it seems just fine to me. After the usual upgrades to suspension, brakes, seat and so on.

 

I had a 97 that was great until it got hit last year and totaled. At 70k I just had refreshed the motor with a Kendall Johnson 80/80 kit. Ran great!!

 

Was in same place late last year. Ended up with 1998 EG Ultra, with Mikuni carb. All 98's I looked at, seemed to come equiped with FI. Read mixed views on early FI, so was leaning toward a carbed EVO. Last year for the EVO gave some peace of mind (real or not) that all kinks had been worked out of this engine. Things are not so foreign, when compared to my 1990 FXRS.

Many newer parts (up thru 2007 I believe) will work on a 1998. The stock radio comes with a port to plug in iPod-like device, saving me expense to replace radio with something more current.

We are still getting used to each other. The ride is much different than my FXRS. On the highway, it's a dream with the batwing and extra lighting. Around town, it's not as nimble as the FXRS. Different bikes for different purposes.

Be patient when looking. I looked at a lot of crap in my area (northern CA).