I am thinking about buying a 1989 Evo with 4000miles. I was told that there is two types of EVO's early and late and was told to get the later model EVO. Is there any truth in this.
Thanks

 

It is true that Evos evolved during their production lifetime and that is an early one. But then there are plenty of them around, including my 1990 bike, owned from new. It is also true that people get advised to buy later ones. There are plenty of us in here with early Evos, we are still riding and enjoying them and I see no reason why you shouldn't join us!

Buying an older bike with that low mileage is likely to involve expense on things like new tyres, so budget for doing that and giving it a thorough service, otherwise if you like what you see, welcome to the Club! Post pics - we think better in technicolour....

 

My wife's bike is an '89 Softail. Never had a minutes trouble out of the engine or tranny. During those 23 years I think I've replaced two voltage regulators, one electronic ignition box, and just this week, the starter. That's it except for tires and batteries.

 

1986 Evo here - running like a champ! Not ridden daily though, but well taken care of over the years. Never had any troubles with the motor (knock on wood)

 

91 evo 36,000 on lower end and she runs great.

 

>80K on my bike, which I bought new. AND, I have NEVER had a problem with umbrella valves. Google that one up when someone tells you to buy a later Evo.

 

'89 was a very good year...

 

the older evos are bottom breathers, the later ones were top breathers. the 89 motor came stock with a torrington B138 cam bearing vs the later motors with the ina bearing that will wear out faster.

with the 89 motor , the achillees heel is how the race for the crank is pressed into the left side engine case. it "can" wind up getting loose and seeping. many times it will pull the primary fluid from the primary into the engine from vacume.

I;m not saying it will happen to that specific motor, but it has happened to other motors from that vintage...

 

Moco service bulletin suggested to "inspect and/or replace" the lifters on those @ 25,000, and also, like most, the rear cylinder base gasket, on the primary side will leak after a period of time.
Cometic base gaskets cure that.
As already mentioned, the INA cam bearing has been known to fail.
With this knowledge in regards to the above items, those are a very rugged engine indeed, that'll give great service well past the 100,000 mile mark, and then some.
Scott

 

89 with 73,000.......no issues, would not hesitate to ride it cross-country!