Is there a great deal of difference between the current Softail bikes and the Evolution models from the late 80's and early 90's? Or are they still essentially the same?

Can you bolt on the new model fenders, seats, etc or are they completely different for the model years?

(Just realised I haven't introduced myself and this is my first post. I've been lurking here for so long I could have sworn I must have posted before now. Apologies for my rudeness).

 

Well first Welcome from Alaska and a softail Fatboy owner. The 84-99 Softails are somewhat interchangable and then the 00-06's will swap some parts ant then the 07-up are NOT my area of experience so who knows. Now SOME stuff can be swapped between 84-06 but you have to be real careful as some changes have been made to exclude proper fitment. If your not afraid of some mild modding you can make quite a bit fit. It all depends on what you are looking to do. This site is a WEALTH of GREAT information and knowledge. Hope this helps BYW I rode an 85 1100 Shadow before my Fatboy si I know where you are at! You WON'T be dissapointed with the change.....

 

Thanks for the useful info. Interesting that you rode a Shadow before your Harley too. It seems quite a few people make the transition from one to the other.

Good to know that the early Softails are interchangeable.

 

Hey Billy, welcome, also many shovel parts were interchangable with early (84-88) Softails and then as said by Jeff most parts from 89-99 were interchangable with the most minor of mods.... example I put a '99 night train outer primary on my '96 springer because I wanted a black primary, dealership said it wouldn't fit, yet the gasket is the same.. the alignment stud in the top was slightly off, a rat tail file adjustment and its a direct bolt on LOL enjoy and good luck

 

Thanks guys. I think I'm after an Evo for sure. It's good to know they were supported for so long.

 

I was wondering about tanks.
Can you run a newer solid built heritage tank on an old split tank?
I have a 97 heritage.
Also seats.

-rudy

 

i've got a 2000 rear wheel, pulley, and belt on my 91 to accommodate a 150 tire

 

I'm thinking NOT, without a whole lot of modding, IF even possible. Seats are dicey at best, even ones that are listed to fit softails.

 

I kinda disagree on the seat statement, although I'm not a softail expert. BUT, I've managed to retro fit seats from HD to Metric, New seats on Old Bikes, Metric to HD etc etc.

My '95 is currently running a 2008 seat. As long as the general dimensions of the seat line up approriately you can pretty much change the bracketry on the front and back to suit your needs. A little grinding and bending can fix anything on a Harley.

 

Evo's have character that the newer models lack.