What are your opinions on a 87 flhtc compared to other years of a evo.Are they as reliable, does 87s handle as well as bikes in the early 90s.thanksPaul

 

Alot depends on the previous owner and how they choose to maintain their bike. Some foks are too **** on maintenance and some skip it all together.

My honest opinion, not many differences on the 1987 compared to the early 1990's. However, in 1992....Harley switched to the breathers in the heads. Also, they reloacted the oil filter to the front where its previous location was under the engine.

As for handling....you won't know the difference.

 

Some differences between `87 and early `90`s..

`89 and later have the modern starter configuration (`87 has the shovelhead type starter setup).

`90 and later have the splined mainshaft/clutch hub, and CV carb.

They all handle like barges...

If the price was right, I would not hesitate to jump on an early evo.

 

I love my 86, I think the differences are what make it great. Its not a cookie cutter bike. Sure, some things are harder to find, but they can be. Mine rides as good as any other Ive been on, u just cant expect more than it is. Any upgrades on suspension shocks, springs etc can be done for better ride.
Course, as I say this my ignition switch is on way out and it is made of something called unobtainium! Works fine in mid position but if turn on lights all hell breaks out with the electrics popping etc. gonna go in for now and run the wire to a toggle for the lights cut the one off the switch itself. if i can that is

 

There's a few differences between the '87 and my '86. Most of it was just steps of improvements.

My '86 is my pride and joy! I've rode the new ones many times and I prefer a well taken care of good running classic. Seems there was a slow progression of changes to what we have today but somewhere along the way they all started looking the same and the number of design models expanded to where most on the road are hard to identify.

That '87 has a lot of life left in it. Many claim 150,000 to 220,000 and still running. With a small investment you can take time and up the engine performance in small ways to really improve the bike's get up and go.

I ride with a friend that has exactly the bike your looking at and has owned it since new. It's been his girl for many years.

 

I bought my 87 new. 87s have a two piece swing arm pivot shaft that flexes. I think they changed it in 88. An updated one piece is available. 28 amp charging system. I am trying to remember what else I have updated.

 

Harley didn't have a 28 amp charging system. They had a 22 amp system. In 1989 it was upgraded to the 32 amp system.
There is a retro kit that upgrades the 22 amp system on 1988/earlier models to 32 amps.

 

Bought my 1990 new - known it longer than my wife!

In addition to retrofitting the single piece swingarm axle there are solid bushing kits available to replace the 'cleve block' bushings. They will further improve stability at the rear. But that is adding icing to the cake, which is fine!

 

Dan I prefer couch rather than a barge.