Dying Breed?
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 842
Likes: 47
From: New Hartford CT
Dying Breed?
I attended a huge charity ride here in CT yesterday -- somewhere around four to five thousand bikes were in the field at one time, an impressive sight (foolishly left the camera at home). I don't know how many miles the column stretched once the ride got rolling, but it was long for sure -- lotta bikes.
But what I noticed while casually strolling around and scoping out the other bikes was that:
a)Out of the thousands of bikes there, probably 98% were Harleys.
b)Out of that number, easily more than 95% of the Big Twins were twin cams, with, predictably, Softails and Road Kings predominating.
c)I only saw one (1) shovel. I'm sure there must have been more (obviously I didn't see all 5,000 bikes), but I personally saw only the one. I didn't see a single Pan, Knuckle or Flathead. OK, those are all considered antiques now.
But what happened to all the Evos?
But what I noticed while casually strolling around and scoping out the other bikes was that:
a)Out of the thousands of bikes there, probably 98% were Harleys.
b)Out of that number, easily more than 95% of the Big Twins were twin cams, with, predictably, Softails and Road Kings predominating.
c)I only saw one (1) shovel. I'm sure there must have been more (obviously I didn't see all 5,000 bikes), but I personally saw only the one. I didn't see a single Pan, Knuckle or Flathead. OK, those are all considered antiques now.
But what happened to all the Evos?
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 4
From: Columbus, OH
Yep, that's because we live on EVO Island in the Sea of Twin Cam. HD stepped up production for the twin cams, remember when you had to be on a waiting list to buy a bike, now you can walk in and just buy one right off the floor and they have 10 more just like it in the warehouse.
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 52
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From: Europe
Evo is ugly, it dosn`t have wide tire (skinny 130 in the rear), it is only 80 CID, under 70 HP, it`s needs more maitenance 
I don`t know how it is in the USA (easier to get parts than here) but Evos are old (Last Evo was produced in 2000 - 8 years agoo). Most of people who rides don`t want to work on bikes but they want ride. TC is almost trouble free. On my Super Glide (had 2001 FXD) I was just replacing oils. On my curent ride 1993 FXR I still need to do something. Nothing serious - intake manifold gasket, stator was burned , now it started to leaking oil from primary (need new gasket). The starter also need inspections. And both bikes FXD and FXR has about the same mileage 38k miles.
I don`t know how it is in the USA (easier to get parts than here) but Evos are old (Last Evo was produced in 2000 - 8 years agoo). Most of people who rides don`t want to work on bikes but they want ride. TC is almost trouble free. On my Super Glide (had 2001 FXD) I was just replacing oils. On my curent ride 1993 FXR I still need to do something. Nothing serious - intake manifold gasket, stator was burned , now it started to leaking oil from primary (need new gasket). The starter also need inspections. And both bikes FXD and FXR has about the same mileage 38k miles.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 842
Likes: 47
From: New Hartford CT
Had your eyes checked lately? Sounds like you might have a vision issue... 
I think this is beautiful:
Personally, I take (possibly perverse) pleasure and pride in the fact that my ride is not just another new twinkie, and that I'm not just another noob with a big wallet. Sort of like the attitude I had when I rode my old 60's Triumphs into the 90's -- a breed apart and all that.
I think this is beautiful:Personally, I take (possibly perverse) pleasure and pride in the fact that my ride is not just another new twinkie, and that I'm not just another noob with a big wallet. Sort of like the attitude I had when I rode my old 60's Triumphs into the 90's -- a breed apart and all that.
Last edited by rivercityslim; Aug 25, 2008 at 02:11 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,196
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
ZOMG!!! MY HARLEY IS LEAKING OIL!!!! And, wait for it... IT'S ONLY 15 YEARS OLD!!!
Slim, I've noticed that the majority of bikes out there are Twinkies too, these days. I have no desire to get one. The bikes we have do everything we want.
Slim, I've noticed that the majority of bikes out there are Twinkies too, these days. I have no desire to get one. The bikes we have do everything we want.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 842
Likes: 47
From: New Hartford CT
If they've all been junked, where the hell are they? I may need some parts...
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 52
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From: Europe
But probably you have something with vision
. Did you noticed those small " "? I think it will explain something 
I`m also a Evo owner and this bike is my daily ride.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,137
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From:
It's surprising to me, too, especially considering all the problems Twin Cams have (the excessively high running temps in particular). And no one throws away a Harley, so those Evos are still out there somewhere.
You can't buy a new Evo, though, and a lot of guys have to have new stuff, no matter how inferior. And, let's face it, a lot of used bikes have been beat to $#!+. I'm glad I got an Evo back in '92, because I wouldn't consider buying a Twin Cam. I am a fan of a lot of the new styling, the Dark Customs in particular, but I can't see buying the disposable engine the Twin Cam has become, with its inferior main engine bearing and goofy cam design. The six speed tranny is a nightmare as well.
A lot of these newbies just don't know any better, like the guy that mentions the too-skinny tires on older bikes. He doesn't even have a clue that the fat tire's weight takes away horsepower and ride quality and that the width hurts handling. It's all about looks for most people. Although why anyone thinks a tire that's wider than the gas tank looks good........
"Does this tire make my *** look big?"
"I dunno honey, but it does make your brain look small."
You can't buy a new Evo, though, and a lot of guys have to have new stuff, no matter how inferior. And, let's face it, a lot of used bikes have been beat to $#!+. I'm glad I got an Evo back in '92, because I wouldn't consider buying a Twin Cam. I am a fan of a lot of the new styling, the Dark Customs in particular, but I can't see buying the disposable engine the Twin Cam has become, with its inferior main engine bearing and goofy cam design. The six speed tranny is a nightmare as well.
A lot of these newbies just don't know any better, like the guy that mentions the too-skinny tires on older bikes. He doesn't even have a clue that the fat tire's weight takes away horsepower and ride quality and that the width hurts handling. It's all about looks for most people. Although why anyone thinks a tire that's wider than the gas tank looks good........
"Does this tire make my *** look big?"
"I dunno honey, but it does make your brain look small."
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 550
Likes: 8
From: Twin Cities,Mn.
I currently own a 05 Electraglide as well as recently purchasing a 1996 Wide Glide. I absolutely LOVE MY EVO!!!! It has more soul than a Twin Cam. It seems more simple....uncomplicated. I hope to treasure it for a long time.
As far as See no EVO hear no EVO.....I used to work at a dealership. I am used to comments like that-people have the tendency to be self rightous.......better them than me
As far as See no EVO hear no EVO.....I used to work at a dealership. I am used to comments like that-people have the tendency to be self rightous.......better them than me