Why Evo?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 36
From: Houston, TX
I love my evo but there is something to be said about the fact that my Kawasaki is again, the only bike in my garage still running that has never needed anything other than oil changes. I don't even really have to check nuts and bolts. Again, I love my evo but it be's what it be's.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 240
From: the 'ville' kentucky
I like the Evo because my wife and I put on about 20,000 long-distance touring miles every year, and it is a simple design, few things to go wrong, and easy and economical to fix on the road if something breaks. I trust a high-mileage Evo when we're 3,000 miles from home, that it won't break down and ruin our annual touring vacation (which has happened with other bikes we have owned in the past). I don't trust the later bikes because they have gotten too much electronics that can have glitches, and are expensive to fix when they leave you stranded.
The last touring bikes we owned, Honda Goldwings, thoroughly ruined our vacation twice. The GL1500 had the rear end go out in South Dakota, which cost us $2,700 and 10 days waiting for parts for it. The GL1800 had the frame break completely off next to the swingarm in Canada (it was under warranty), and Honda refused to do anything about it until two years later when they finally recalled them for broken frames. Ride 'em hard enough, and put on enough miles, and they all break - don't care what brand they are. We went to Evo Electra Glides, which can be fixed on the road with with baling wire and duct tape if need be, and have never looked back. The Twin Cam models are too much like the Goldwings - too much **** that can go wrong.
The last touring bikes we owned, Honda Goldwings, thoroughly ruined our vacation twice. The GL1500 had the rear end go out in South Dakota, which cost us $2,700 and 10 days waiting for parts for it. The GL1800 had the frame break completely off next to the swingarm in Canada (it was under warranty), and Honda refused to do anything about it until two years later when they finally recalled them for broken frames. Ride 'em hard enough, and put on enough miles, and they all break - don't care what brand they are. We went to Evo Electra Glides, which can be fixed on the road with with baling wire and duct tape if need be, and have never looked back. The Twin Cam models are too much like the Goldwings - too much **** that can go wrong.
my thoughts exactly
Banned
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 760
Likes: 3
From: NYC
It seems to break down into three parts, FXRT front, Victory middle and Vulcan Nomad rear end. Truth be known, I was always a little jealous of Vulcan Nomad saddlebags. Or 'carry them into the hotel' style Krausers for that matter.
Of course, the problem with the Japanese is that they keep fiddling with their models and producing new ones every month so they are never supported by the aftermarket to the same extend as Harley's are. But I think the 1500cc Vulcans have pretty much settled into a similar space at Evo Big Twins have; perfectly adequate rides at great bargain prices. I've never owned one but would not be adverse to doing so.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 160
Likes: 20
Have had many Harleys including a shovel and 3 TCs; my 98 WG is the only one I've kept. To my mind it encapsulates all that's Harley. It looks like a Harley, sounds like a Harley, it's exceedingly reliable and I can work on it. The motor is bone stock except V&H pipes and a re-jet. Gets 50-53 mpg. To my mind the Evo is the quintessential Harley because it embodies much of the original Harley mystic and simplicity while possessing enough new technology to make it more reliable. The TC with all its electronic crap and fat ***, just doesn't meet my definition of what a Harley is. If I want more than one cam, a stereo, cruise control, fuel injection, and need to drive 150 mph, I'll drive my sports car. Real Harleys have 16-21 inch wheels and just one cam! :-)
Last edited by Dr.Lou; Nov 9, 2015 at 07:49 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 160
Likes: 20
I love my evo but there is something to be said about the fact that my Kawasaki is again, the only bike in my garage still running that has never needed anything other than oil changes. I don't even really have to check nuts and bolts. Again, I love my evo but it be's what it be's.
Last edited by Dr.Lou; Nov 9, 2015 at 08:12 AM.
I outfitted my DL1000 with Givi's. Those things were sweet: Popped right off, and even had a built in handle that made for easy carrying. And held a ton.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 36
From: Houston, TX
What's that, a Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero? I'd never seen one before. 100ft/lbs at 2,750 rpm, and a touch of the FXRT in the fairing.
It seems to break down into three parts, FXRT front, Victory middle and Vulcan Nomad rear end. Truth be known, I was always a little jealous of Vulcan Nomad saddlebags. Or 'carry them into the hotel' style Krausers for that matter.
Of course, the problem with the Japanese is that they keep fiddling with their models and producing new ones every month so they are never supported by the aftermarket to the same extend as Harley's are. But I think the 1500cc Vulcans have pretty much settled into a similar space at Evo Big Twins have; perfectly adequate rides at great bargain prices. I've never owned one but would not be adverse to doing so.
It seems to break down into three parts, FXRT front, Victory middle and Vulcan Nomad rear end. Truth be known, I was always a little jealous of Vulcan Nomad saddlebags. Or 'carry them into the hotel' style Krausers for that matter.
Of course, the problem with the Japanese is that they keep fiddling with their models and producing new ones every month so they are never supported by the aftermarket to the same extend as Harley's are. But I think the 1500cc Vulcans have pretty much settled into a similar space at Evo Big Twins have; perfectly adequate rides at great bargain prices. I've never owned one but would not be adverse to doing so.
No bargain price here... I can buy 3 Evo's at around $5500 bucks to buy one Vulcan Vaquero.
No where.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 36
From: Houston, TX
