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Going to look at this bike tomorrow. About a 3 hour drive (one-way). Low miles (12K), one prior owner, carb'd model (my preference), looks really close to stock (my preference as well) and clean. Firm on a price of $6K (which is a fair west coast price on this model).
Other than the usual, anything in particualr I need to look at? Owned one other EVO model (88 Heritage) and do maintenance on a couple of others for friends (90 FLHT and 92 FXR). Consider myself a decent garage mechanic (own and maintain four other older HD models).
Last edited by panz4ever; Jan 22, 2022 at 11:59 AM.
Going to look at this bike tomorrow. About a 3 hour drive (one-way). Low miles (12K), one prior owner, carb'd model (my preference), looks really close to stock (my preference as well) and clean. Firm on a price of $6K (which is a fair west coast price on this model).
Other than the usual, anything in particualr I need to look at? Owned one other EVO model (88 Heritage) and do maintenance on a couple of others for friends (90 FLHT and 92 FXR). Consider myself a decent garage mechanic (own and maintain four other older HD models).
I own a 1996 EVO a FB. The biggest issue is what anyone may have done to it. **** poor mods are the biggest down fall of the EVO's. The 1996 has been a solid engine and trans for a long time if left alone. As a flip I would pass on that price as a buy and ride Price is what it is and right now it should bring it on the right day.
Panz, the '96 Evo motor were pretty solid with the exception of the cam bearing. But for you changing out the cam bearing sould be childs play. The only mod that I might make on a bike like this is to change out the cam ( the EVO CA cam $&@#$). Looks like a nice scooter to have in your stable.
It's always hard to tell from pics.. But by what I can see it looks well maintained.. I know you have a good eye and are quite Knowledgeable as well.. Prices over the last couple of years have increased and 6k is not a lot anymore based on condition and maintenance.. All the later year Evo's are pretty solid.. Check for base gasket leaks.. I would say by the riveted cam cover it very possible it's all stock which is a bonus except for the inner cam bearing.. Another nice update was going to Duetch electrical connectors in 96.. Nice that it's carbed.. Can easily update the cam to a EVL-3010 or a EV13.. It' a great upgrade for a heavy Evo.. But it is 25 years old.. Check all the obvious.. Good luck Panz..
Been looking for awhile for a good used EVO. And as much as I like my Shovels and Panheads, I am a firm believer that the EVO platform is the best platform MoCo developed.
Be interesting to see and feel the vibration of a rubber-mounted motor. At speed it should be a really smooth ride; at a stopped position...not so sure.
Last edited by panz4ever; Jan 22, 2022 at 07:03 PM.
Been looking for awhile for a good used EVO. And as much as I like my Shovels and Panheads, I am a firm believer that the EVO platform is the best platform MoCo developed.
Be interesting to see and feel the vibration of a rubber-mounted motor. At speed it should be a really smooth ride; at a stopped position...not so sure.
I can not really explain it. Owned more bikes in 51 years than I can remember. But the 1996 EVO stays. Not fast by most standards. it vibrates. but dam it sounds so good. Always starts and just feels right when you ride it. I would have no problem riding it anywhere even today. 26 years old the carb has never been touched. The cable for the enricher is due for a change . For now the HD work around a close pin works. I have always warmed it up before beating on it , no base gasket leaks ever.
there is something about how the EVO feels when you ride that is like a drug.
Only small issue a 96 brings is the fuel tank and seat are 95-96 only from a frame change in 97, a 97 up seat will work with a little bit of front tang work. Swing arm cleve blocks can go south, you'll know in a corner with any speed at all, my 97 still has original engine mounts, cleve blocks and a smooth machine going down the road. The rear air shocks turn to slush causing a little stability with slight tail wag or won't hold air, not the end of the world but installation of some coil overs on the rear was a positive.
A base gasket leak always seems to lead to a compression bump re-bore, cam change, they are 8.5-1 with less than desirable cam or if the bearing hasn't been replaced at least put a EV13 in it like Hotrod mentioned.
Overall a Evo RK is a solid bike and my just be bias but a desirable Evo.
When you get it, get rid of the air shocks front and back and drop an EV13 or equivalent into it. Look around and upgrade the swingarm and front lower legs so you can run newer Brembo calipers for better braking. Sweet bike!
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96 Road King
