EVO All Evo Model Discussion

Is this the right bike?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 17, 2019 | 06:39 AM
  #1  
SJT's Avatar
SJT
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 169
Likes: 59
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Default Is this the right bike?

Greetings,

So I have been missing a motorcycle since I sold my 2001 Sportster 1200 4-5 years ago. It wasn't until recently that I was in a position to get another. I found the '86 FXWD (Not a Dyna) in the images below at the local Harley shop for $6495 and was apprehensive as to the reliability of aforementioned bike. I am looking for something to ride regular and not looking to have problems. The bike appears to be well kept and starts easy with the kick-start.

The shop agreed to repair the following:

Rocker gasket showing
Base leaks
Primary flash transfer leak
Fuel crossover routed incorrectly
Dipstick coming apart
Front Brake light inoperable
High beam indicator inoperable
Both tires Michelin

All the above was completed with the exception of the base gasket. They told me it would be an additional $900 to have that work performed but it wasn't pertinent because the seepage was minimal. My question is should I continue with the deal being that the dealership is going back on their word? Also would this be the bike for me if I want to ride 100-500 miles every weekend? What issues should I expect with the bike if I do consummate the deal and for a mechanically inclined above novice wrencher would these problems keep me off the road for any extended period (excluding time waiting for the correct parts)?

Thanks,

John




 
Reply
Old May 17, 2019 | 06:50 AM
  #2  
Racepres's Avatar
Racepres
Seasoned HDF Member
Community Builder
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,608
Likes: 3,375
From: Cental, MI
Default

Odd...and Desireable Motorcycle right there..Last Year 4-speed, second year EVO... Flatside Tanks...
That one looks fairly stock, tho I do Not recall Black FXWG Forks, nor Cast Front Wheel... Geeze... may be last Kick starter also... Softail had it, but, I do Not believe after '86
Is it a Commuter????
Sure if you wish to make a 6-7 K bike into a 2K bike...Is it a "gotta have " Putter" ???? Absolutely..
Early EVO Dyna's are Commuters... so are Sportsters if yer in a Bigger Hurry...
Getting to the Point that early Twinkies are the "Cheapest Date" so... Consider your Options, vs your Needs.
 
Reply
Old May 17, 2019 | 06:56 AM
  #3  
SJT's Avatar
SJT
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 169
Likes: 59
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Default

Originally Posted by Racepres
Sure if you wish to make a 6-7 K bike into a 2K bike...Is it a "gotta have " Putter" ???? Absolutely...
Not sure I am understanding your advice.

the bike already has 28k miles. I work construction and drive a truck to work on job sites through the week. I am also a college student for 1 more year before graduating with my double Bachelors in civil engineering soil sciences and structural. So I would more than likely commute to class on the bike as motorcycles have privileged parking characteristics and locations.

I am looking to put some 200-400 mile weekends on the bike and potentially ride to the beach (600 miles each way) or to see my mom in Texas (1400 miles each way). Is it a daily driver? No, but I would like to get on and ride when I am free to do so.

Originally Posted by Racepres
.
Getting to the Point that early Twinkies are the "Cheapest Date"
I'm truly sorry, but your metaphors are completely over my head.
 

Last edited by SJT; May 17, 2019 at 07:02 AM.
Reply
Old May 17, 2019 | 07:20 AM
  #4  
Yankee Dog's Avatar
Yankee Dog
Grand HDF Member
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,727
Likes: 3,072
From: Brighton, MI
Default

I personally would pass. If your set on an evo, there are newer models with more factory improvements/refinements (1995 and later) for the same money. Keep shopping and the right on will come along. Yd
 
Reply
Old May 17, 2019 | 07:32 AM
  #5  
SJT's Avatar
SJT
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 169
Likes: 59
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Default

Originally Posted by Yankee Dog
I personally would pass. If your set on an evo, there are newer models with more factory improvements/refinements (1995 and later) for the same money. Keep shopping and the right on will come along. Yd
Not particularly set on an EVO, but I am open to any well maintained reliable engine. I am however set on a non-sportster. I am a 220lbs 6' man and I have a couple lady friends that like to hangout. I foresee doubling frequently on the weekends. I was originally on the hunt for a RoadKing, but the hunt led me here. In reality I like the Soft-tails and Road Kings the best.

I believe I will continue to shop.
 
Reply
Old May 17, 2019 | 07:36 AM
  #6  
Racepres's Avatar
Racepres
Seasoned HDF Member
Community Builder
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,608
Likes: 3,375
From: Cental, MI
Default

Right back to a Early model Twinky!!! Most Motorcycle [like you desire] for the $$$
I like Early EVO's ... but, I like Shovelheads also... If I want to Travel...especially 2-Up... I have been leaning more heavily toward Newer Equipment...
 
Reply
Old May 17, 2019 | 07:42 AM
  #7  
98hotrodfatboy's Avatar
98hotrodfatboy
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,116
Likes: 7,640
From: Poolville
Default

It' not a FXWD it's a FXWG-Wide glide.. As Recepres said last year kicker 4 spd.. Looks to be a good specimen. RPM's will be a little hi cruisin 70 but with the EVO motor it won't be an issue.. I believe the gears/sprocket/pulley's are 24/37-32/70 which = 3.37:@1:1... Looks like the PO did a lot of work on it.. I would ask for compression results.. Definite motor work there.. Price is a little hi but not out of the ball park.. I would do it... Good luck...
 
Reply
Old May 17, 2019 | 07:52 AM
  #8  
SJT's Avatar
SJT
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 169
Likes: 59
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Default

Originally Posted by Racepres
Right back to a Early model Twinky!!! Most Motorcycle [like you desire] for the $$$
I like Early EVO's ... but, I like Shovelheads also... If I want to Travel...especially 2-Up... I have been leaning more heavily toward Newer Equipment...
What are you referencing as a twinky? My apologies as the lingo is foreign.

also if a lady is 300+ lbs would that be considered 3-up? Asking for a friend.
 

Last edited by SJT; May 17, 2019 at 07:56 AM.
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 17, 2019 | 07:55 AM
  #9  
Racepres's Avatar
Racepres
Seasoned HDF Member
Community Builder
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,608
Likes: 3,375
From: Cental, MI
Default

Originally Posted by SJT
What are you referencing as a twinky? My apologies as the lingo is foreign.
Oh ****...apologies... Harley Twin Cam..

One last thing.... When we were still in the Business... the Twin Cam Dyna was the hot Setup for quite some time after their introduction...and are still in demand, while getting less expensive...

Darn it.... just read where you ain't no Light weight... can you say Road King???
 

Last edited by Racepres; May 17, 2019 at 07:59 AM.
Reply
Old May 17, 2019 | 08:04 AM
  #10  
grbrown's Avatar
grbrown
Club Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Wink

Originally Posted by SJT
What are you referencing as a twinky? My apologies as the lingo is foreign.

also if a lady is 300+ lbs would that be considered 3-up? Asking for a friend.
A 'twinky' is the later 'twincam' engine, introduced in 1998, with two camshafts. All earlier big twins, plus the latest M8 bikes, introduced in 2017, use only a single cam, including that Evo we are talking about here.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:51 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE