I don't know why the engine needed a rebuild...It was rebuilt at 51K, and had on it 58K when I bought it. I know they're rebuilt to factory specs, but the FXR is noticeably quicker than my previous, never-rebuilt '85 FXSB. The FXSB had significant valve clatter when climbing hills (lived in San Francisco) while the rebuilt FXRS does not, and is in fact, smoother.

Since my '85 mill was brought up to the latest specs in the rebuild, is that a good thing ultimately?

 

As with anything the later generations get all the bugs ironed out of them. So the answer to your question is yes it is a good thing.

 

i've got an 85 fxsb for sale - interested?

 

Hey guys I just got a real nice 1985 FXWG with a 4 speed. I love my bike and had to show hersHer some love. Anyways I do a lot of frwy ridding. And on past bikes 85/90 was what I was good with as far as speed go's. My question is on this 80evolution and the 4speed tranny what's a good cruising speed 65/70/75/80ect. Any feedback would be appreciated thank you..

 

I rode my 85 FXWG 230 miles to WV last month. Did about 80 most of the way.

 

Still riding my 85 FLT! Just had the original belt replaced last month (boy was it shot). We took it from Pac NW to Montana in Aug. I love this bike!!. Like the new Roadglides but always want to keep my old Evo!. I couldn't get rid of her. I do tire of trying to find obsolete parts now & then. However I don't want to pay 25000 30000 for a new bike, besides I dont like the twin cam, or all the electronics. I did have the base gaskets changed out quite a while back & they re-ringed it at the time (didn't need it though) Still looks new (vivid black & all the chrome & lights to make it a offical "Geezer Glide" as I have heard in the past (cracks my up) Anyway good luck!

 

my 85 is an flhtc, about 90 k on it. last weekend a bearing went out in the transmission. the biggest problems have been electrical.

 

I was in the Harley shop the other day to get some brake pads for my 99 Softail Custom, and the parts guy told me he still rides his 85 Softail. Said he bought it new, and still loves it. The Harley reman engines are basically built to 99 specs. And as said above, they are the best of the best except for the INA cam brg, which I changed to a Torrington on mine.

 

You got that right my friend. Keep the EVO. I messed up and sold my 84 and bought an 11 SG. My 97 has an Ultima in it now so its technically not an EVO but at least I can work on it without a computer. As far as the SG goes..Its nice to have the luggage space for long trips. thats about the only good thing I have to say about it. It runs OK but I will do zero mods to it because I don't like having the dealer work on my bike and apparantly anything past filling the gas tank requires buying a tuner or spending hundreds to get it tuned.

I like the old school. Change whatever you want and maybe have to change a carb jet and turn a few screws.

 

Why wouldn't it be an evolution motor?
If it has one cam, then it is an evolution style motor.