I didn't own my first Harley until 2012, which was the European version of the Fatboy Lo. Basically denim paint etc like the Lo but not low suspension.

I loved that bike and rode it every day until things started to go wrong with it, and then because it was an ex demo, HD cut my warranty in half, and I got angry and bought a Kawasaki. The design and build quality was worse than the Harley, so I started looking around for a slightly older Road King as a few people that work for or with Harleys had said the older ones have a better build quality. Thats where the 2005 RK came in. For the most part I think it is better than the Fatboy. I prefer the 5 speed box, it shifts smoother, neutral is easier to get, and I'm not changing gear all the time, and the ratios seem better suited to the way I ride.

After being offered a killer deal to trade the Kawasaki I ended up with the Deluxe. It was the dealers end of month deadline to make their bonus and I'd been trying to sell the Kawasaki for a while, and they offered me such a good price I jumped at it.

Now don't get me wrong, I know I am extremely fortunate to own two fantastic motorcycles, but I keep looking at the Evos for sale in the classifieds. For no other reason than the Deluxe is a great bike but I think it is wasted on me. I never go fast enough to use 6th. In fact I've only ever used it to make sure it works. I don't like all the canbus and other electrical stuff on it and have had to go back to the dealer to have some codes sorted and re-set.

So my question is if I preferred the TC88 Road King to the 103 Fatboy and Deluxe, will going to an Evo bring the same smile to my face as when I first went to the RK? I have seen a nice 1994 Fatboy in Purple. I've always wanted a purple carb'd Harley, but I have been put off by my indy mechanic who said if I'm nuts enough to buy an Evo in the first place then get a rubber mounted one not a softy.

I can't help but think my modern Deluxe is too civilised, and I'm missing something.

sorry for the long post and thanks to anyone that actually managed to read through all this waffle this far.

All advice on this appreciated.

FBS

 

I'm probably going to give you a very biased viewpoint, seeing that I've owned a '94 Heritage Softail Special (see avatar) since it was new in '93. Over the past 22 years, I've literally ridden the wheels off that bike (just installed a second set of wheels to replace the rusted originals-built them myself).

Over all the years and 197,000 miles that bike has always taken me there and brought me home again. It still brings a smile to my face when I ride it, or when I see it sitting in the garage.

The solid mounted engine is a non-issue with me, and, lest you think I'm some young kid, I'm 63. Bought the bike when I was 41.

I like that the bike is simple enough that I can do much of my own troubleshooting and repair work, as well as all my own maintenance. Parts availability is getting a bit worse, but, if the dealer can't get it from H-D, there's an aftermarket alternative, or the internet can help you find New Old Stock. A lot of the newer accessories can be made to work with some ingenuity and imagination.

As always, YMMV.

 

Welcome to the nut house.
As for going from an 88 to an 80 there are several people who have and felt they did the right thing.
It is really a personal choice and what makes you feel good.


Personally I think your indy is completely wrong in his opinion.


Granted the parts availability isn't as good with an EVO (some stuff has been discontinued at the dealership) you can still get anything you need from the aftermarket catalogs.


I wouldn't trade my softail for any rubber mounted bike out there. JMO

 

Neither would I, but then I'm a crotchety old curmudgeon.

 

If you DO decide on the Evo, there's lots of help and advice to be had right here.

Some of it's even useful.

 

oh well I should be right at home then......

 

You'll fit right in.

 

I think it's just a case of when.
Going to see the FB tomorrow.

Will keep the RK, sell the Deluxe.

 

I guess I'm chasing the feeling of when I was 17 and just passed my test. Bought an old 250 Kawasaki. The RK takes me there to a certain degree but I think an Evo will really hit the spot. I just don't like modern stuff.

 

That's pretty much why I went Evo.

To me, it's the ideal sweet spot in MoCo history. New enough that the reliability is there, but still a direct, linear descendant of the classic engines of the past.