new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 29,598
Likes: 19
From: Oregon
RE: new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
ORIGINAL: ruger44
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 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
The late EVO's had the bugs worked out but the first couple of years of TC88's were buggy. Please just do your homework and be sure all service bulletins are done on it.
IMHO, that's why the late EVO's were bringing more money than the early TC88's. Don't underestimate the EVO. I believe that as time goes on they will continue to be in more demand than the early TC88's.
Also, imho, more and more folks are beginning to see the evo as strong and durable and infinitely rebuildable when needed, but the TC88 as a throw-away motor when it breaks.
Personally, I wouldn't buy a TC88 earlier than 2002 or later than 2005, but that's just my $.02.
Good luck.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
RE: new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
I wouldn't own another Twin Cam ever. I bought and rode a 1999 Dyna Convertible for several years....even bought it new. The timing chain tensionsers were shot at 20,000 miles and the cam bearings failed at 10,000 miles. It also had a few other issues that my 1998 Dyna Low Rider never had.
I prefer later model Shovelheads 1978-1984. They were the 80 cubic inch models. Definately reliable....but I still hated that damn breadbox air cleaner cover.
As for EVO......Any EVO including 1984 to 2000 would work for me. They built this engine right the first time with very little updates. The early models are just as reliable as the last of the EVO's. This engine will be around for along time.....it is simple and it works. Besides, you cannot kill an EVO.
I prefer later model Shovelheads 1978-1984. They were the 80 cubic inch models. Definately reliable....but I still hated that damn breadbox air cleaner cover.
As for EVO......Any EVO including 1984 to 2000 would work for me. They built this engine right the first time with very little updates. The early models are just as reliable as the last of the EVO's. This engine will be around for along time.....it is simple and it works. Besides, you cannot kill an EVO.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 394
Likes: 1
From: Kamloops, British Columbia
RE: new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
Aside from avoiding really early Twinkies (99, 2000) I'd say either would be good -- its much more important to look at how the particular bike you're looking at has been taken care of. For example, really low mileage may sound good, but could be warning sign too -- bike could have sat for long periods, seals dry out, gas fouls carb, etc -- could also be repo, (I saw a 2005 Sporty with 1500km -- repo -- on closer inspection it had been BEAT to death). Also could have had major mechanical trouble and been sold off.
Late EVO's are good bikes. So are 2001-2005 (or 6) Twinkies. I'd look for condition (not dropped, runs good, rides straight, no weird sounds), service history, no leaks, strong brakes, good clutch and tranny, mileage reasonable for the age (not too high or too low), accessories that you want (windsheild, chrome, bags, etc). If buying from a dealer, make sure you get a LONG test drive before you pay. Factor in any changes you might want to make (different pipes, bars, seat, etc). For 10k you should be able to find a really nice condition used bike with the extra mods that you want, well serviced and darn near perfect paint and chrome. Lots out there.
Late EVO's are good bikes. So are 2001-2005 (or 6) Twinkies. I'd look for condition (not dropped, runs good, rides straight, no weird sounds), service history, no leaks, strong brakes, good clutch and tranny, mileage reasonable for the age (not too high or too low), accessories that you want (windsheild, chrome, bags, etc). If buying from a dealer, make sure you get a LONG test drive before you pay. Factor in any changes you might want to make (different pipes, bars, seat, etc). For 10k you should be able to find a really nice condition used bike with the extra mods that you want, well serviced and darn near perfect paint and chrome. Lots out there.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 3,438
From: SW WA.
RE: new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
If the early TC88 has had the cam bearing upgrade they are fine motors,better yet with the geardive cam upgrade.
They have the Timken bearing forged crank so in my mind they are better than the '03 and later engines without the Timken bearing and much better than the '07 & '08 with a cast iron crank.
My early 2000 has been great,it has 130,000 miles on it now.
They have the Timken bearing forged crank so in my mind they are better than the '03 and later engines without the Timken bearing and much better than the '07 & '08 with a cast iron crank.
My early 2000 has been great,it has 130,000 miles on it now.
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From:
RE: new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
If you're going Low Rider/Superglide, get the FXR frame instead of the Dyna, better handling and ride from what I hear. I can only speak to the FXR, and its handling is as good as my old XJ600, and the ride is as good as my buddy's Ultra. Avoid the 92-93 Evos, the cam bearings are weak and subject to failure pretty early.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
From: Heppner, Oregon
RE: new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
It seems I remember this same conversation years ago when evo's first came out. Everyone said the same thing I'm reading here that the shovel was the engine to have and wouldn'thave anevo. Anyone today knows the evo is a better designed motor for power and usually get more miles between rebuilds. Better combustion burns, don't need dual plugs to burn efficiently. But the shovel is still a beauty of an engine.I've rode the shovels, had an 89 evo (built motor), and now have a 99TC. Having experienced all these motors, if I were to buy another bike today I would buy a TC.IMHO the motors are much different on the inside than a evo,a completely redesigned oiling system that mists to bearing journals, and you will never see a base gasket leak due to it's redesign. Bearings much beefier than evos. Kinda the same difference as a 4 bolt chevyversus a 2 bolt when building. Thicker wall piston sleeves(you can bore from stock to 95 cu in in stock sleeves). And with twin cams, pushrods can now be positioned at correct angles, instead of comming off one cam. The list goes on. The evo is a very fine engine and I wouldn't hesitate to own another one, never had problems with my last one. I put $4500 into my evo build done by a very reputableengine builder. For half that money I can get more power from my TC(of course 88cu in vrs 80cu in). I have 23000 on the TC and never a problem. As far as electronics, whether evo or TC the added electronic comes in mostly with fuel injection, not carbed models. The hotter burning TC comes from meeting epa standards not the design of the motor, thats an easy change. All motors are a good choice. I'v never seen aHarley new model fare worse than the older models. The Knuckle was better than the flatheat, pan better than the knuckle, shovel better than the pan, evo better than the shovel, and TC better than the evo. Again just my opinion.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
RE: new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
The Twin Cam is not a bad engine at all......but I believe the factory could have done better though. It is definatelya totally different engine from all the other HD air cooled engines.
The EVO is highly dependable and very durable even by todays standards. At 80 Cubic Inches.....that number is rather small compared to much of the competition. Reguardless of size....it still has plenty of power and they have the look. It evolved into one of the Best engines Harley ever designed. I personally believe Harley should have stuck with it.....people were still buying them up. Likewise, they should have continued producing the FXR series.....an EVO powered FXR is probably the best there ever was.
The limited edition 2000 FXR was equipped with the EVO. Today, the EVO still lives on with the Sportster.....over 20 years. The EVO simpy works.....
Without AMF's help in designing the EVO in the late 1970's.....Harley probably wouldn't be here today.
The EVO is highly dependable and very durable even by todays standards. At 80 Cubic Inches.....that number is rather small compared to much of the competition. Reguardless of size....it still has plenty of power and they have the look. It evolved into one of the Best engines Harley ever designed. I personally believe Harley should have stuck with it.....people were still buying them up. Likewise, they should have continued producing the FXR series.....an EVO powered FXR is probably the best there ever was.
The limited edition 2000 FXR was equipped with the EVO. Today, the EVO still lives on with the Sportster.....over 20 years. The EVO simpy works.....
Without AMF's help in designing the EVO in the late 1970's.....Harley probably wouldn't be here today.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Katy, TX
RE: new to HD & buying used: Evo vs TC88
Thanks for all the responses. I've found a 97 WG (silver & red) with 37K and two owners. Apparently nothing mechanical has been replaced on it yet. It has a fatboy wheel and superglide fender with the license plate relocated on the left side. Drap pipes with carb retuned, shield, bags, nice pegs, bobtail fender, original seats and pipes, rear spoke wheel, and a re-paint job to original factory color that's only 5 yrs old.
I'll post a pic if I buy it later this week as planned! It's a 4hr drive to go see it. I won't be sleeping well until then. Oh, and I told the seller that he doesn't get paid until its safely loaded into the back of my truck!
Thanks again for all the replies!!!
I'll post a pic if I buy it later this week as planned! It's a 4hr drive to go see it. I won't be sleeping well until then. Oh, and I told the seller that he doesn't get paid until its safely loaded into the back of my truck!
Thanks again for all the replies!!!