The Evolution Engine-Why Did they Scrap It?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Indianapolis
Curious, why couldn't Harley patent the Evo motor?
Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Ottawa, CANADA
S&S, and other manufacturers, have been making Twin Cam engines for years. I don't think that has anything to do with it. Most likely, it was emissions regs that was the major push.
Cheers!
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Joined: Jun 2021
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From: Washington
Is it true that Harley has a patent on the single pin crank? The reason I can hear a Honda V-Twin trying to sound like a Harley and doesn't...opposed to a Harley from a mile away?
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From: Arkansas
Originally Posted by Pinelimbs;[url=tel:20091986
20091986[/url]]Is it true that Harley has a patent on the single pin crank? The reason I can hear a Honda V-Twin trying to sound like a Harley and doesn't...opposed to a Harley from a mile away?
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From: Indianapolis
Don't think so, the Honda VLX I had before the Sportster had a single pin crank.
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From: Upstate New York
Im not sure whether they couldnt or didnt, it was a long time ago. Perhaps it wasnt considered to be enough of a departure from the Shovelhead, or AMF (under whose management the Evo was developed) didnt care enough to do so.
Maybe they knew they were going to be selling the company soon, anyway. Or maybe it didnt occur to them that the Evo would be a runaway success and that Harley-Davidsons best days were still ahead of them.
Maybe they knew they were going to be selling the company soon, anyway. Or maybe it didnt occur to them that the Evo would be a runaway success and that Harley-Davidsons best days were still ahead of them.
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From: Upstate New York
I do remember Harley-Davidson attempting to trademark the sound of a 45 degree, single crank pin V-twin. There was so much negative feedback from the public that they ended up abandoning the idea IIRC.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: australia
the trouble with a patent is you have to have the $$$$$$$ to defend it. Wilbur and Orville Wright come to mind
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If anyone thinks you are going to go out buy an EVO and have this amazing trouble free bike. that will last for ever forget it.
Most have been molested by now. Many with poorly done mods. yes you can find parts, but it is getting harder all the time and prices going up. My 1996 EVO is stock it runs good but real world it is a dog. Side by side many other bikes made at the same time would leave it behind,
But for what ever reasons none were as much fun to ride. Even if it was not fast it sounded and felt fast. Oh and dose it sound good.
To this day mine has never had a base gasket leak. As told back then I let it warn up before riding it hard. HD no longer sells any parts for it. They may sell you brake shoes tire ect but not much else. The aftermarket still carries some things. After 24 year the rear section of the exhaust head cracked. I could not find a replacement. I could find other headers and pipes but not like what came on it. Ended up having it welded. Factory seam beams were hard to come by so HD had a halogen update that was a bolt in. They no longer offer it.
The EVO is easier for most to work on . Carb is easy enough to figure out. The stock carb on mine has never been apart.
Gear in trans came apart in year 24. Fixed with after market gear set.
Right head work and good cam the EVO would really wake up
Most have been molested by now. Many with poorly done mods. yes you can find parts, but it is getting harder all the time and prices going up. My 1996 EVO is stock it runs good but real world it is a dog. Side by side many other bikes made at the same time would leave it behind,
But for what ever reasons none were as much fun to ride. Even if it was not fast it sounded and felt fast. Oh and dose it sound good.
To this day mine has never had a base gasket leak. As told back then I let it warn up before riding it hard. HD no longer sells any parts for it. They may sell you brake shoes tire ect but not much else. The aftermarket still carries some things. After 24 year the rear section of the exhaust head cracked. I could not find a replacement. I could find other headers and pipes but not like what came on it. Ended up having it welded. Factory seam beams were hard to come by so HD had a halogen update that was a bolt in. They no longer offer it.
The EVO is easier for most to work on . Carb is easy enough to figure out. The stock carb on mine has never been apart.
Gear in trans came apart in year 24. Fixed with after market gear set.
Right head work and good cam the EVO would really wake up
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 32,851
Likes: 17,888
From: Newcastle, OK
This year is my 50th year of riding. Interesting to see things change over the years. Started out on two strokes - when is the last time you heard a Japanese motorcycle called a 'rice grinder'? I've had two Evo-powered Harleys. A 1990 FXRT bought new and a 1991 FLHS bought when it was about 15 years old. I enjoyed the Evo engine - a mellow ride with a five speed transmission. When I got the 1990 FXRT the old Harley guys still didn't consider it a 'real' Harley - no kickstart, no chain, no Shovelhead, no leaks. PLUS, the FXRT didn't look like an Electra Glide! Find one for sale now in good shape, be prepared to pay up. I paid $10,500 for mine new off the showroom floor in September 1990. Nobody wanted them then.
