What makes the EVO so reliable?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,077
Likes: 2,148
From: Ohio
Mkguitar put together alot of good info, had a lower crank pin flake off at 32,000 in stock form so I can't really jump on the bullit proof bus, installed a S&S 4 5/8's rotating setup with mods to complement and after 7 years of 2 up distance and rev limiter solo riding, I'm starting to get the bullitproof feeling. I ride with several new bikes and rode some of them while tuning them in after mods, the Twinkee doesn't have the soul of the Evo and the carb idle seperates my bike in a parking lot of TC's. Both engines have issues and both engines have represenatives of the 100,000 mile club but simplicity is the Evo's strength.
I believe HD lost the patent on the Evo and built the Twinkee to have patent rights on another engine, the TC is flooded with performance parts and the ability of a big engine bolt on's is a parts book away, the 80" Evo is a slug in stock form but responds well to some basic changes and makes it a good bang for the buck, bullit proof? only in the eyes of the owner but I know my fellow TC riders won't push their engine on a consistant basis like I do.
I believe HD lost the patent on the Evo and built the Twinkee to have patent rights on another engine, the TC is flooded with performance parts and the ability of a big engine bolt on's is a parts book away, the 80" Evo is a slug in stock form but responds well to some basic changes and makes it a good bang for the buck, bullit proof? only in the eyes of the owner but I know my fellow TC riders won't push their engine on a consistant basis like I do.
Last edited by 1997bagger; Sep 11, 2012 at 07:16 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Quite a bit of misleading stuff here chaps! Patents expire, they don't get lost, as they only last a set number of years. Any patents on TCs (or any other invention for that matter) will go the same way.
Along with every other vehicle manufacturer on the planet, environmental regulations demand quieter and less polluting new vehicles. Harley has to meet those and the Evo carried the weight of the early regulations. So it got silenced more heavily, on both inlet and exhaust, and as a design from earlier times it suffered. Harley is not the only vehicle maker who has introduced newer designs, just to meet those regulations.
Added to that, as Mike indicated, bike riding enjoyed a huge boom during the late 80s. In 1990 Harley made just 50k bikes, but demand kept rising and their total output was increased to a peak of over 300k just a few years ago. So Harley had to make far more bikes that were quieter and had 'cleaner' exhaust emissions. The poor ole Evo was not suitable for either.
Was/is the Evo more reliable than a modern TC? Difficult! TCs have had their teething problems as well. In my experience, going back to the 70s, Harleys have never been very dependable, but they have kept my interest longer than any other brand.
As for electronics, we have little choice but to accept them. Best do that with good grace! They enable Harley to make us new bikes, as well as providing things we can't have any other way, such as ABS. Won't be long before Harleys have 'cambus', if they don't already. They will be exciting times!
Along with every other vehicle manufacturer on the planet, environmental regulations demand quieter and less polluting new vehicles. Harley has to meet those and the Evo carried the weight of the early regulations. So it got silenced more heavily, on both inlet and exhaust, and as a design from earlier times it suffered. Harley is not the only vehicle maker who has introduced newer designs, just to meet those regulations.
Added to that, as Mike indicated, bike riding enjoyed a huge boom during the late 80s. In 1990 Harley made just 50k bikes, but demand kept rising and their total output was increased to a peak of over 300k just a few years ago. So Harley had to make far more bikes that were quieter and had 'cleaner' exhaust emissions. The poor ole Evo was not suitable for either.
Was/is the Evo more reliable than a modern TC? Difficult! TCs have had their teething problems as well. In my experience, going back to the 70s, Harleys have never been very dependable, but they have kept my interest longer than any other brand.
As for electronics, we have little choice but to accept them. Best do that with good grace! They enable Harley to make us new bikes, as well as providing things we can't have any other way, such as ABS. Won't be long before Harleys have 'cambus', if they don't already. They will be exciting times!
Last edited by grbrown; Sep 11, 2012 at 01:35 PM. Reason: Grammar!
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 473
Likes: 203
From: Pineville, LA
If I am not mistaken they already do. I am pretty sure it debuted on the softails a few years back.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
I only have 35,000 on my 99 EVO, but with very few problems. One regulator, one stator, and replaced the cam bearing just because. All done in my garage with my own tools. It has never seen the inside of a dealership since I have owned it. I love the way it runs and sounds. The motor is much quieter than my friends TC. Something I do not understand as I thought one of the reasons for the TC was for a quieter motor. Mine makes a little of the sewing machine noise, but the TC almost clatters. Long live the EVO.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,719
Likes: 91
From: Florida
Some good answers, thanks. When time comes to get a Street Glide, I'm not gonna wanna sell my Evo Dyna. Since I don't have any money, it's not a problem I anticipate having for a while.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,077
Likes: 2,148
From: Ohio
Quite a bit of misleading stuff here chaps! Patents expire, they don't get lost, as they only last a set number of years. Any patents on TCs (or any other invention for that matter) will go the same way.
Lost - no longer in possesion, this means you are $hit out of luck in the US
Expire - come to an end or terminate, this means you are $hit out of luck in the US
Comparison across the pond
Tire - round overpriced object in the US, this means bend over greaseless
Tyre - Britsh variant of round overpriced object, this means bend over but confusing the customer with spelling and sensous whispering of the Cobra is going to be better than the proven Venom.
Crap, the next patent will be a Harley EGR valved motor possibly water cooled, automotive EGR has been in effect, diesel EGR have destroyed them since 2005 and just a matter of time before HD can't get by paying the green fees for not passing emissions and gives in.
Screamin Eagle EGR block off kits - for race use onlyOh ya, Evo is simplicity
Last edited by 1997bagger; Sep 11, 2012 at 09:45 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,077
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From: Ohio
Going to go down kicking but it will happen to all of us at some point
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
What makes an evo reliable is when previous owners don't mess with them :-) Nothing wrong with twin cams but prejudice. They basically have similar issues to each other plus individual quirks. The twin cam exists because it has to, it is Harley's saviour in the same way the evo was and suffers the same bad press from the old quard.
What is different is the forums.....even though i now own a tc i will stay on the evo forum because i don't want to lose the good vibes found here :-)
What is different is the forums.....even though i now own a tc i will stay on the evo forum because i don't want to lose the good vibes found here :-)
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Novice
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 17
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From: Tennessee
I have an EVO and have had 88,96 and 103 all good.
The EVO is simple a single cam engine that stock has a lot of room to grow.
I would never say the EVO is better than my TC96 or 103 .
It is different all are fine engines.
Even with less power I still enjoy the feel of my EVO
The EVO is simple a single cam engine that stock has a lot of room to grow.
I would never say the EVO is better than my TC96 or 103 .
It is different all are fine engines.
Even with less power I still enjoy the feel of my EVO
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