Hey guys, Im buying a 84 fxr frame with motor. The seller says its an evo motor but I just want to make sure when I go look at the bike. Whats the easiest way to visually tell that its an evo? The primary cover is missing off of the motor as well.

 

Have you checked the VIN for the frame engine? Do they match?

The EVO replaced the Shovelhead in 1984 and was replaced by the Twin Cam in 1999. The EVO had very rectangular rocker box covers and was sometimes referred to as the "block head"; that's one way to tell. I am sure there are others but not being an EVO guy, I don't know what they are.

 

no I havent checked the vin, I havent went to look at it yet, I just was wanting to know so that when I do Ill be able to tell.

 

You will know a Shovelhead by the distinct rocker box covers. The Evo and Twin cam look similar compared to a Shovel. If you know what a TC head and rocker cover looks like, you will know if it's a Shovel or not...

Google is also your friend. http://www.factoryfat.com/hdmotorhistory.html

 

the evo motor is a single cam engine..the pushrod tubes are closer together above the nose cone as compared to the twin cam wich has two cams....on a twin cam the pushrod tubes are wider at the nose cone..the nose cone or cam cover is flatter on a tc engine..the evo's came cover is longer,sticks out a bit more,the cooling fins on a evo are a lil smaller than the tc ...

 

If not mentioned above....look at the transmission to engine junction. The EVO/Shovel transmission is NOT bolted to the rear face of the engine like the TC. If you see daylight between the tranny and the engine...it's an EVO/Shovel. Unless....somebody has a conversion plate to adapt it to the TC, but you can still tell. There are many, many ways to tell and I think we have mentioned a few here that will solve the case for you as to what you have...EVO, Shovel or TC.

 

Take a magnet a shovels cylinders are cast iron evo has aluminum cylinders