evo or another twincam?
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 691
Likes: 4
From: H-TOWN TEXAS
Good advice , but 90 up would be better . 89 was the last year for the keyed main shaft/clutch hub . 90 was also a one year main shaft that can be used with an 89 and earlier high (5th) gear . 91 up had a larger bearing I.D. then the earlier years .
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Belgium
I can't give you any technical advice, but I would stay with an EVO.
Had a 1991 Dyna for some years, went to a new twin cam Softail Custom in 2007 and now I went back to an EVO again.. It's just that i have more fun riding these engines: more vibration, 5-speed, carb,.. and I also like the fact that bike and engine have not too much chrome eighter..
Anyhow,Good luck with your new buy!
Had a 1991 Dyna for some years, went to a new twin cam Softail Custom in 2007 and now I went back to an EVO again.. It's just that i have more fun riding these engines: more vibration, 5-speed, carb,.. and I also like the fact that bike and engine have not too much chrome eighter..
Anyhow,Good luck with your new buy!
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: north Idaho
Man thanks for all the replies and info, you're all great! I'll definitely post a pic when I ride er home! Btw I did read the sweet years 'twice'. A ton of cool stuff to read on this site! (hard finding the time) haha
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 112
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
I'm more old school, I do all my own maintenance, that's why I have carbureted Harleys. The new one are nice but if you do any changes to the motor you have to plug it into a computer bullshit. I have 3 Harleys now and all run good and have carbs. I like to stick with what I know and keep it simple. The Evolution motor is what brought Harley back. From 1984 to 1999 was the evolution years, everybody wanted a Harley. why? because the were some what reliable.
Novice
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Montana
My 05 Low Rider is my 4th HD, my first Twinkie. I admit I love certain aspects of the bike. I agree the TC seems overly complicated, but there are solid engineering reasons behind it's peculiarities. I'm not saying Harley came up with the best solutions in all instances, but there is a reason for 2 cams, chain driven cams, etc.
Truth is it's a great engine. Like you, I'm not real keen on tuners, computer modules, etc., but I'm learning to live in harmony with mine. The only Evo I've ever owned was an XL, and it was a solid engine. I'm confident the Evo engine will go down in history as one of the best powerplants HD ever produced. You can make an Evo run with the best of anything, and to my knowledge they had very few major mechanical problems. I don't think you can go wrong with an Evo, and I think my next Harley might be a BT Evo, just cuz I've never owned one.
That being said, the TC has some distinct advantages. When upgraded properly, I think they might be the most reliable engine ever cranked out by the MoCo. It's BS that you need to do any upgrades, but you just have to get over it and commit to the machine. They make ground-pounding power like nothing else, and sound and look good doing it. And dealing with the fancy electronics is actually much simpler than turning wrenches, especially for someone with limited mechanical expertise. And I don't know for a fact, but I'm pretty sure the TC has more room to grow on stock cases than an Evo. Modern engine manufacturing techniques add to the TCs appeal to me too. A local mechanic told me he's had 70K mile cammers open and there is still cross-hatching on the cylinder walls! And in your case the TC is a known quantity....you've owned one already. Just my 2 cents.
Truth is it's a great engine. Like you, I'm not real keen on tuners, computer modules, etc., but I'm learning to live in harmony with mine. The only Evo I've ever owned was an XL, and it was a solid engine. I'm confident the Evo engine will go down in history as one of the best powerplants HD ever produced. You can make an Evo run with the best of anything, and to my knowledge they had very few major mechanical problems. I don't think you can go wrong with an Evo, and I think my next Harley might be a BT Evo, just cuz I've never owned one.
That being said, the TC has some distinct advantages. When upgraded properly, I think they might be the most reliable engine ever cranked out by the MoCo. It's BS that you need to do any upgrades, but you just have to get over it and commit to the machine. They make ground-pounding power like nothing else, and sound and look good doing it. And dealing with the fancy electronics is actually much simpler than turning wrenches, especially for someone with limited mechanical expertise. And I don't know for a fact, but I'm pretty sure the TC has more room to grow on stock cases than an Evo. Modern engine manufacturing techniques add to the TCs appeal to me too. A local mechanic told me he's had 70K mile cammers open and there is still cross-hatching on the cylinder walls! And in your case the TC is a known quantity....you've owned one already. Just my 2 cents.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
I have a 1988 FLHTC. I like it. It's entirely repairable by me unless I get lazy, which totally happens. My next bagger will be anything from 1991 - 1998. By 1991 they had the splined main shaft that would be used for a few more years, the reduction gear starter that would be used for more years and no more bad metal issues that I'm aware of. The later model the EVO the better in my book. On the 1997 - 1998 models you can still buy new seats, radios, etc.. that fit easy with no fuss. You would be well served by finding a 1997 - 1998 carbureted tourer. Even if you found a FI EVO tourer I understand that switching out to a carb isn't difficult. Apparently the early FI sucked. I know that my brother has a 2008 model XL 1200 and the FI is great. I do find that on the earlier EVOs some parts are getting scarce, such as transmissions for a 1987 - 1988 FLH. Softails, no problem, FLs big problem. I'm also not one who will throw a ton of money at a bike that hasn't much blue book value. When repairs cost more than the value of the bike it's a goner. Point is, if you get a late model EVO I think you will have a great bike for a long time.
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