what changed from 89 early evo to 90 plus?
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: melbourne australis
what changed from 89 early evo to 90 plus?
I own an 89 springer softail, see so much stuff available fr later evo models, but getting rare for early..what changes were made?? seems to be gear box , primary changes etc..but what were these changes?
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
The transmission main shaft got splined. The clutch hub changed to fit transmission shaft. Starter solenoid moved from inner-primary to starter. Inner and outer primary got a design change. The motor changed from a bottom breather to a top breather.
That is all I can think of right now.
That is all I can think of right now.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
89 was also a transition year and changes were made mid-year...so somethings may or may-not fit depending on the date it was made. The springer itself changed in 93?... went to the lower fender mount
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,251
Likes: 1
I believe 1993 was first year for the head breather ...
Trending Topics
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 9
From: SoCal & West TN
The 1989 bottom end motor is a "One Year Only" Motor. Before 1989, the crank was made of 5 pieces. The two pinion shafts, two fly wheels and wrist pin. In 1989 Harley attempted to make the manufacture less expensive and cast the pinions with the fly wheels. They were the same diameter. Problem was that the original pinions were Case Hardened. It was not cost effective to case harden the entire Fly wheel. So they just "Surface hardened" the pinions. This proved OK in the testing, but under regular use, they found that under long term and hard use, they would fail. So beginning with the 1990 model year, the shaft was enlarged and the cases were changed to accommodate the larger pinion. This was not classified as a Safety Issue and not subject to a total recall. For Harley to issue a complete recall for all 1989 BT model motors would have cost Harley a large amount. And as it only would effect those that subjected their Harley to heavy usage, they only issued a "Service Bulletin" to cover only the original owner and under warranty, or close to the end of warranty. It saved Harley a lot of money.
If you check the Harley Part Catalogs for 1987-1990 (I have it along with one issued in 1989) any motor part using the "-89" part is obsolete. It has been replaced with the "-90" part.
If you check the Harley Part Catalogs for 1987-1990 (I have it along with one issued in 1989) any motor part using the "-89" part is obsolete. It has been replaced with the "-90" part.
Last edited by Ultra89Rider; Apr 1, 2012 at 01:20 AM.