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It would be tough to accurately comment because we have no idea what's been done to the bike, mileage, and care. There is nothing inherently wrong with a 91 Evolution bike. Get the history on the bike, check for any apparent leaks, take a compression test, and start the bike up to see and hear it run. Those are the big things to check, and then close the deal if the price is right.
The bike looks very original and what is known of its history seems unremarkable. It seems sound enough, hearing it run but I was seeking any particular issues known to affect the model or year.
It appears to have done about 40 000 miles between 1991 and 2006 then been off the road for about 8 years. It was then back in occasional use (British registration records list the annual MoT test and mileage). It was originally sold in UK - not a later import - so the ownership history is known.
Unremarkable is good. At 40k miles, I think it has proven itself dependable and with no particular issue. Inspect the rear cylinder, left side to note any base gasket leak. If so, that would be common on Evolution engines. With that milieage, it is recommended that lifters be replaced for peace of mind. These are two "maintainance" items that you can leverage to negotiate a price. If you are willing and able to learn and maintain an older Evo, it will give you many years of great riding.
What a 1991 has that might be desirable to some? CV carb (stock), splined tranny shaft, Hitachi style starter, bottom breather engine just to name a few.
Daven’s got it right. I might add about the front pulley coming loose issue, there’s an update for that.Regular maintenance will give you a pretty reliable bike.I love my ‘86.
Its a great bike. My 91 has been great but the main issue I've had is it puking oil after it sits for a while. Easy fix, just pull the check ball from the pump and clean it, pop it back in and go. I just replaced the spring for a feel good measure. Make sure the swing arm bushings have been updated or there is no wear (death wobble). Consider a battery location change (to under seat) to run newer saddlebags if desired, but if youre going to run a pogo seat that may not work anyway. Lol. Best of luck
Its a great bike. My 91 has been great but the main issue I've had is it puking oil after it sits for a while. Easy fix, just pull the check ball from the pump and clean it, pop it back in and go. I just replaced the spring for a feel good measure. Make sure the swing arm bushings have been updated or there is no wear (death wobble). Consider a battery location change (to under seat) to run newer saddlebags if desired, but if youre going to run a pogo seat that may not work anyway. Lol. Best of luck
Is this the same check ball issue that shovelheads have? Do they have the issues with sealing the primary chaincases?
Useful to know about swing arm bearings. I have asked for the bike to be MoT (Road Traffic Act annual mechanical inspection) but it has been tested several times with very little mileage between so I don't expect problems from that source, but we will see.
I'd like to run a pogo type seat if I can find an adapter kit
I would not worry about a sumping problem. Many Evos and Shovels do that when they sit for a long time. If the sumping persists, there are solutions for that, but I wouldn't waste time worrying about it. The primary chaincase is sealed. Can it leak? Yes. The Evo primary does not share oil with the engine like Shovelheads if you are referring to that. Good luck to you.
Like Road Master said, they're not troublesome issues unless you actually have them at the moment. You shouldn't have any trouble with your bike from the way it sounds. This is my 91, Trashy. Salvage title, 31k miles but it's still a great ride
Last edited by Peter Byrne; Dec 13, 2021 at 09:48 AM.
Only real issue experienced during my ownership back in the days was my own fault.
Rode the bike for like 600 km in high speeds (always above 140 km/h).
Noticed at the end that the right side of the bike was soiled with oil.
The aircleaner filter was full.
Had to ad oil and clean the filter as much as possible to get home.
The local Harley wrench guru told me the oem oilpump was better at filling the engine than emtying it, and running it at high revs during prolonged time could cause this issue.
Also he asked me if I knew that '91 could have issues with transfering motor oil to the trans.
A bad fit of the left main bearing was suggsted to be the cause.
Finally the '91 could crack at the lifter houses.
Someone with more experience of these bikes compared to me can possibly tell You if I was misinformed.
This was my bike, but photo is from many years after I sold it.
Notice the Electra Glide script on the front mudguard and extra crome protection bars along the rear bags.
Also different handlebars compared to original.
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91 Electra Glide Sport - any issues?
