should I buy the 77 or the 92 ?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 12,208
Likes: 7,767
From: Along the shoreline in SW FL
What model is the '77? That should be a factor too. Do you want an FX or an FL?
What work has been done on them? What if the 77 was overhauled and upgraded over time, and the 92 hasn't been?
Stock...if both are equal...sure the Evo's are pretty much the best engine H-D made...reliable, and the last engine to sound like a classic Harley.
Yes the vintage of the Shovel puts it back to the AMF days...but most Shovels still running these days have had rebuilts and parts replaced so the bum original parts of those old AMF days are likely long gone. And...hell...it's a Shovel. Just listen to that sound....great sounding at idle...and an awesome hammering sound on the highway....that twinkies can only dream about.
So I'd consider which chassis you want...and look at them both, dig up info onf what's been replaced/upgraded on both...and make a decision from there.
What work has been done on them? What if the 77 was overhauled and upgraded over time, and the 92 hasn't been?
Stock...if both are equal...sure the Evo's are pretty much the best engine H-D made...reliable, and the last engine to sound like a classic Harley.
Yes the vintage of the Shovel puts it back to the AMF days...but most Shovels still running these days have had rebuilts and parts replaced so the bum original parts of those old AMF days are likely long gone. And...hell...it's a Shovel. Just listen to that sound....great sounding at idle...and an awesome hammering sound on the highway....that twinkies can only dream about.
So I'd consider which chassis you want...and look at them both, dig up info onf what's been replaced/upgraded on both...and make a decision from there.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
I will quote TwiZted Biker, That is it in a nut shell. The older the bike the more regular maintenance there is to perform. Without getting into all the opinions on AMF, Twinkie, Evo this and that, You need to first ask yourself if your up to the maintenance Task that comes with old bikes, then what bike speaks to you and lastly will that bike fit your riding style. As for me, I love my 56 , If I lived and worked in the city, I would ride my Pan everyday, but I Aint taking it on no road trips.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,139
Likes: 36
From: Western North Carolina
I have had both, still got the Shovel, I maintain it well. Love it!
Had an EVO, loved it. Less maintainence, and she could take all the miles I could give her. She was my road bike, took her across country 3 times as well as a lot of 500 mile trips, 150K+, when she left me. Still miss her. But I do have an EVO motor that will someday be my next road bike.
If you are going for reliability and the road go for the EVO. If you can wrench and are just cruising locally, go for the Shovel.
Had an EVO, loved it. Less maintainence, and she could take all the miles I could give her. She was my road bike, took her across country 3 times as well as a lot of 500 mile trips, 150K+, when she left me. Still miss her. But I do have an EVO motor that will someday be my next road bike.
If you are going for reliability and the road go for the EVO. If you can wrench and are just cruising locally, go for the Shovel.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 273
From: Minnesota
The OP hasn't been back since his first post,,, 
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,326
Likes: 3,869
From: Upstate New York
Hard to say. Remember, ever your "newer" choice is now 22 year old. Do you know how old that is in human years? Keeping any old motorcycle on the road takes time, money and know-how (you will need at least 2 out of these three).
I'd say it depends on the condition of the bikes in question and how you feel about fixing old motorcycles. On the surface, both bikes are old, both can expect to need some work to make/keep them right. Then too, the '92 is rubber mounted, the '77 will be "rigid" (as far as engine mounting), and will vibrate more. Some people mind this, some don't.
Really, too little information here to judge.
I'd say it depends on the condition of the bikes in question and how you feel about fixing old motorcycles. On the surface, both bikes are old, both can expect to need some work to make/keep them right. Then too, the '92 is rubber mounted, the '77 will be "rigid" (as far as engine mounting), and will vibrate more. Some people mind this, some don't.
Really, too little information here to judge.
Last edited by Uncle G.; Dec 12, 2014 at 07:58 AM.
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