new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
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From: Billings, MT
RE: new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
Fritzwm is right on the tires. A tire that has been sitting around for that long can't be safe, regardless of how good it looks, especially if it's been on the ground. I wouldn't chance it even if the bike was jacked up when not in use at that age. Not a pretty sight to have a front tire disintegrate at 60+ mph - they don't go flat slowly and your wheel gets toasted to boot.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
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RE: new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
At 3000 miles it will be a while before the cam bearing or base gaskets gives you any problems. I replaced the bearing at 50K, but had no problem from it. My base gaskets went at 65K. Lifters are a weak point of Evos; I had one go bad at 50K and one at 100K. But the problems of the Evo aren't as numerous as those of the Twin Cam and they are cheaper and easier to fix. The Motor Company actually fixed some of the problems by the time your bike was built. They seem to be making the Twin Cam less and less reliable every year.
I plan on keeping my '92 FXRS and just replacing/repairing as I go. I don't care if Harley doesn't make parts for it; the aftermarket parts are almost always better anyway.
But, if I were you I'd post this question on the General Harley Chat forum. Give the twinkie guys equal time. Few of them stoop to visit the Evo threads. They aren't ignorant; most have never ridden an Evo and have no knowledge of its superiority.
I plan on keeping my '92 FXRS and just replacing/repairing as I go. I don't care if Harley doesn't make parts for it; the aftermarket parts are almost always better anyway.
But, if I were you I'd post this question on the General Harley Chat forum. Give the twinkie guys equal time. Few of them stoop to visit the Evo threads. They aren't ignorant; most have never ridden an Evo and have no knowledge of its superiority.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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RE: new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
a 1998 with 3000 miles and garaged at 10k $...sounds like a deal..buy the repair book for knowledge and enjoy...plenty of parts available aftermarket..should be able to ride for a long time..
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,192
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From: Columbus, OH
RE: new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
I wouldn't own a twin cam if you gave it to me, it's not what a Harley is supposed to be in my opinion. To me it's like the EVO is more like an old muscle car like a GTO, the twin cam is like the new GTO. Both have good points and bad, but the muscle carwins hands down when it comes to what I want to own.
I want a simple machine that you can work on without messing with a computer, I want a carborator, I want relieability. If it breaks, I want to fix it in my garage, not reley on some kid out of tech school to fix it.
I want a simple machine that you can work on without messing with a computer, I want a carborator, I want relieability. If it breaks, I want to fix it in my garage, not reley on some kid out of tech school to fix it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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RE: new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
The evo will hold it's value better, not as many made. My buddy has a 2004 FXST and I have a 1998 FXSTC and the difference in book value is $275.
Lots, I mean lots of yuppie bikes out there with only 5-15k miles on em. I know I recently got a 1998 FXSTC blinged out with over 4 grand in bolt ons for $10,500 and I bought it from a HD dealer. I don't like the heat from the twin cams. An evo will last longer if you don't mess with it.
Plus evos have more torque.
Check out the classified here, I looked yesterday and somebody was selling his dads bike - 1997 Heritage for $9500 only 12K miles.
Here's the link.
https://www.hdforums.com/m_1930864/tm.htm
Lots, I mean lots of yuppie bikes out there with only 5-15k miles on em. I know I recently got a 1998 FXSTC blinged out with over 4 grand in bolt ons for $10,500 and I bought it from a HD dealer. I don't like the heat from the twin cams. An evo will last longer if you don't mess with it.
Plus evos have more torque.
Check out the classified here, I looked yesterday and somebody was selling his dads bike - 1997 Heritage for $9500 only 12K miles.
Here's the link.
https://www.hdforums.com/m_1930864/tm.htm
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 184
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RE: new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
This is hittin real close to home, been struggling with this my own self. I've got an 89 softail EVO, but wanting to get new one, so which to get, EVO or TC? Don't know much about the TCs, but that's what this forum is good for. I had always been in favor of technology, but not for it's own sake, like the metrics appear to do. e.g. I've always been able to remove, replace, work on that carb, could I do that with a fuel injected? Don't know. But fuel injected gets slightly better gas mileage. (etc.)
But I will say, I'll never get rid of the EVO I've got because I can rebuild it forever, as was pointed out, it is a very rebuildable engine, and also cheaply replaced, MoCo sells them new for $3K, and probably discounts out there. Even if MoCo quits supporting it, the aftermarket will last nearly forever. And I've had very good reliability with it. Tranny went out at about 75K, and engine blew (tappets) at about 100K. I had done several top ends, oh, about every 30K, but it was rode hard. Jug base gaskets were a problem, but was more of an ooze than a bad leak, and didn't show up for quite a few miles. Let us know your decision.
But I will say, I'll never get rid of the EVO I've got because I can rebuild it forever, as was pointed out, it is a very rebuildable engine, and also cheaply replaced, MoCo sells them new for $3K, and probably discounts out there. Even if MoCo quits supporting it, the aftermarket will last nearly forever. And I've had very good reliability with it. Tranny went out at about 75K, and engine blew (tappets) at about 100K. I had done several top ends, oh, about every 30K, but it was rode hard. Jug base gaskets were a problem, but was more of an ooze than a bad leak, and didn't show up for quite a few miles. Let us know your decision.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 130
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From: Whitley Bay, North-East England
RE: new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
But the problems of the Evo aren't as numerous as those of the Twin Cam and they are cheaper and easier to fix.
A very late Evo like the one you are looking at has zero weak points.
Much easier to work on, no electronic gizmos that require downloads/fault codes.....and the best thing is, EVERYONE has the know how to help you at the roadside.
Nothing wrong with a Twin Cam.......provided the 'issues' are ironed out on the one you buy......but you will get better bang for the buck and save THOUSANDS with a bike like the one you have found.
And if you do indeed ride just like me, a bit like your granny LOL, not *****-out rubber-burning.......it does the job so fine.
Enjoy.
And hey, campingout....
engine blew (tappets) at about 100K
Novice
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 15
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RE: new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
I wanted to buy a 98Road King (EVO)but found that the prices were generaly higher for 98models with an EVO compared to 99-02 TC models.
I went for a newer model (2000 RK)it isa TC but carbed. I am happy with it. I own a 93 FXRS-SP that is a EVO and love it, but the 2000 RK with the TC is sweet also.
I feel that the 2000-2002 CARBED TC's are good engines and still sound like a Harley, the new 96's sound like a lawnmower IMHO
I went for a newer model (2000 RK)it isa TC but carbed. I am happy with it. I own a 93 FXRS-SP that is a EVO and love it, but the 2000 RK with the TC is sweet also.
I feel that the 2000-2002 CARBED TC's are good engines and still sound like a Harley, the new 96's sound like a lawnmower IMHO