Considering a 1996 Dyna

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Jul 1, 2010 | 06:37 PM

#11

dsw777

Thread Starter

Stage IV

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 4

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Thanks guys

Won't be able to go see it til Saturday and then right after the 4th I leave for Nebraska - so if things look good I'll have to put a deposit down and then re-connect with the seller a week from Saturday.

If any of you guys can think of anything else to look for let me know.

Sure do appreciate all your responses. Even though I'm a native Californian I love 3 things from Wisconsin - My Wife, the Packers and Harleys!

Cheers,

Dave

Jul 1, 2010 | 09:15 PM

#12

NorthGeorgiaHawg

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 3,193

Likes: 7

From: North Atlanta Area, GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96roadking

EVO issues that have come up from time to time are; 1. Harley went to an INA bearing for the inner cam bearing in 1992 or so. It's a cheper bearing than the Torrington that preceded it, those that have had issues with cam bearings suggest that it's around 30,000 miles. 2. Lifters that Harley used have been issues for some, at around 50,000 miles. 3. The seal between the primary and the engine case can leak, but I believe most that have experienced this own earlier EVO's (80's and low 90's). 4. Some have experienced excessive oil through the breathers from wet sumping. There is a lot of documentation here concerning this and I don't think it's EVO specific. 5. Wheel bearings are the old style, packable with grease. This is not a drawback, in my opinion. The sealed bearings used now days seem to be suspect.

Any other "troubles" can be attributed to normal wear and tear on any bike. From my limited experience, EVOs are great engines as long as fluids are changed regularly, as well as, other maintenance items called for in the service manual. They can really be "woken up" with the addition of a mild cam upgrade, which is quite easily done by most anyone who knows the box end from the open end of a wrench. If the price is satisfactory, I'd say go for it. 10,000 miles is practically brand new!

For problem #1, just replace the INA cam bearing with a Torrington - easy and cheap ($10 for the bearing, $120 or so for the cam removal and installation tools - but you can loan a puller from auto parts stores for free. For problem #2, just replace the lifters - easy and not so cheap, but still only about $150. A '96 Dyna would not have problem #3 because it would have the redesigned engine case that doesn't have the problem. It also would not have problem #4, because the oil tank was moved under the tranny in 1991 (or maybe 1992) on Dynas, and in 1993 on all of the FLs as well - thus eliminating wet sumping issues. I agree with you on item #5 - repackable wheel bearings are better, and replacing them when they are finally worn out is easy and cheap. They will last a LONG time if you keep them packed every 10K miles or so.

And I agree that putting in a better performance cam (Andrews EV-27 or EV-42, V-Thunder EVL-3010 or EVL-3020, or others) is a great way to wake up that engine and make the ride a lot more fun!

10K miles on a '96 Evo is just getting broken in. It's all about the price if the bike is solid, and Evo prices are very low compared to twinkies.

Last edited by NorthGeorgiaHawg; Jul 1, 2010 at 09:20 PM.

Jul 2, 2010 | 03:14 AM

#13

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,897

From: Bedford UK

Dave,

We're getting excited! Take a buddy along as a spare pair of eyes. You may only see what you want to, while he may see things you miss. Then confer before making your mind up.

Jul 2, 2010 | 04:04 AM

#14

96roadking

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 2,877

Likes: 2

From: Hallsville, Tx.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsw777

THE PACKERS!!!? EWWWW! I understand your other 2 picks but you forgot the cheese!

Jul 6, 2010 | 07:14 PM

#15

96 FXD

Intermediate

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 42

Likes: 0

From: AZ

Great bike (I might be a little biased, though), and the convertible is getting rare (the saddlebags are removable).

The cam bearing can be an issue closer to 50K, I would do a stage 1 (if it doesn't have it already done), and then a mild cam and cam bearing when the motor ends up needing a top end, which again, will probably be closer to 50K. A cammed evo with a properly tuned CV carb will deliver up to 60 MPG highway and run just as well as any 88 Twinkie.

My bike has over 50K on it, and I've beat it like a red headed stepchild, but have always kept up on maintenance, and my bike has never left me stranded.

I would take an Evo Dyna over a Twin Cam Dyna any day of the week. Ok, you got me on the FXDXT. I've always wanted one of those. The T-sport is pretty rare, I would love to find one, or just the bags for my EVO, but the saddlebags are becoming impossible to find ($$$$).

Find a good INDY shop (Most dealers don't know much or care about Evo's) and have them check it out, after purchase do a 10K mile service (which will cover everything on the bike) and tires if needed, brakes should have little wear. Then you'll have a bike you can enjoy for years.

Last edited by 96 FXD; Jul 6, 2010 at 07:26 PM. Reason: added some stuff

Jul 6, 2010 | 09:06 PM

#16

Brett68

Advanced

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 55

Likes: 0

From: Idaho

new-old bikes are great.

Jul 7, 2010 | 04:17 AM

#17

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,897

From: Bedford UK

Dave,

Brett recently set the standard by buying his Fatboy. We're rooting for you to get yourself as good a Dyna!

Jul 8, 2010 | 10:34 AM

#18

98fat

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 276

Likes: 1

Do the cam bearing sooner rather than later. I did and also did cam and lifters. I also added a Mikuni carb and two into one exhaust. Runs like a scalded cat. They will last forever and are easy to work on and sound better than a twinkie. As far a wheel bearing stay away from the power washer around the wheels. I had one go on the front wheel at about 70 mph. Repack em every tire and replace them (cheap) every other tire.